When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means? We take the word sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? And after He has done His work, are we then prepared to separate ourselves to God just as Jesus did? “For their sakes I sanctify Myself . . .” (John 17:19). The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God’s perspective. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.

Are we prepared to be caught up into the full meaning of Paul’s prayer in this verse? Are we prepared to say, “Lord, make me, a sinner saved by grace, as holy as You can”? Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit’s work in us?

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February 8, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, one after another, that is how the trials and crisis have come my way lately- at least that is how it seems to me; issues in business, the family, finances, church, and never ending friends with never ending issues. And the overwhelming and consuming issue is my brother’s terminal illness and the emotional riptides surrounding his family and caretakers.  I feel like I need a breather Lord, a deep breath and a little time off from the elements.

And God says…”If you try to understand the world and your circumstances you will be frustrated. If you try to help others and even yourself through the ongoing circumstances and difficulties of life using your own power and gifts, you will be depleted, drained and disappointed. You will experience difficult trials on earth-over and over and over. Expect them- especially when you seek sanctification. Let Jesus be the response to all the issues, all the time……seek the kingdom of God…..that quiet place in your heart and soul where you are connected to Me. Let Me be your living water and the response to all your trials regardless of their status.”

Matthew 11:28 (The Message)

 ^28-30“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”