Turning Back or Walking with Jesus?

March 9th, 2011 by JDVaughn Leave a reply »
March 09, 2011
 
Do you also want to go away? —John 6:67
 

What a penetrating question! Our Lord’s words often hit home for us when He speaks in the simplest way. In spite of the fact that we know who Jesus is, He asks, “Do you also want to go away?” We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). They turned back from walking with Jesus; not into sin, but away from Him. Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.

Peter saw in Jesus only someone who could minister salvation to him and to the world. But our Lord wants us to be fellow laborers with Him.

In John 6:70 Jesus lovingly reminded Peter that he was chosen to go with Him. And each of us must answer this question for ourselves and no one else: “Do you also want to go away?”

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March 9, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Yesterday two major business opportunities stalled. After beginning with such promise, they just stopped.  As I got myself refocused I realized just how tired I was of picking myself up and starting over again with enthusiasm and hope. Then I counted the other opportunities and previous enthusiasm and hope that turned hollow as well.  Lord is there a lesson here? What are you trying to tell me or teach me? I don’t know if I can keep on reaching out every day with renewed hope and enthusiasm, getting my hopes up and then watching my opportunities collapse.

And God says…”Once again you are looking at the opportunities and circumstances. I am the way, the truth and the light; I am your hope and courage…..your opportunities. I alone am your hope. Trust in Me, have faith in Me, do not look at your opportunities for your confidence. Seek the kingdom of heaven, seek Jesus. And everything else will fall into place.

If your hope is tied to opportunities in this world, then your hope is temporal. If your encouragement is a result of your worldly circumstances then your encouragement will be as temporary as your circumstances, and you will grow weary searching for new opportunities and trying to breathe life into the old ones.  But when you trust Me and Me alone, you will find that all your needs are met……all the time. It is my promise to you and everyone else that looks to Me to meet all their needs.”

Luke 12:29-32 (The Message)

 29-32“What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.”

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