These words are not an exaggeration. The only reason they may not be true of us who call ourselves ministers of the gospel is not that Paul forgot or misunderstood the exact truth of them, but that we are too cautious and concerned about our own desires to allow ourselves to become the refuse or “filth of the world.” “Fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . .” (Colossians 1:24) is not the result of the holiness of sanctification, but the evidence of consecration-being “separated to the gospel of God . . .” (Romans 1:1).

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you . . .” (1 Peter 4:12). If we do think the things we encounter are strange, it is because we are fearful and cowardly. We pay such close attention to our own interests and desires that we stay out of the mire and say, “I won’t submit; I won’t bow or bend.” And you don’t have to— you can be saved by the “skin of your teeth” if you like. You can refuse to let God count you as one who is “separated to the gospel . . . .” Or you can say, “I don’t care if I am treated like ’the filth of the world’ as long as the gospel is proclaimed.” A true servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to experience martyrdom for the reality of the gospel of God. When a moral person is confronted with contempt, immorality, disloyalty, or dishonesty, he is so repulsed by the offense that he turns away and in despair closes his heart to the offender. But the miracle of the redemptive reality of God is that the worst and the vilest offender can never exhaust the depths of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but “to reveal His Son in me. . .” (Galatians 1:16).

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February 3, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Five days ago the doctor told my brother and me that he has stage four cancer. Yesterday they took him home to make him more comfortable for the few weeks he has left.  During diagnostic testing and waiting for the lab results I wondered about the capacity and value of my love and support.

And God says…”Your brother belongs to Me. I love him more than you can ever imagine and he is mine. He is my responsibility not yours, but I am speaking with you about how and when I want you to be a comfort from Me.  You will notice that I am rebuilding relationships and providing the love and reassurance needed in this circumstance right now. Your role is to stay connected to Me, and listen for My voice. When you hear that clear and still small voice inside your heart, respond quickly and allow Me to make many of your family and friends aware that this is one of those “all things” that work for the good of those that are called according to My purpose.“