Joab had defected to Adonijah, though he had not defected to Absalom —1 Kings 2:28
Joab withstood the greatest test of his life, remaining absolutely loyal to David by not turning to follow after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom. Yet toward the end of his life he turned to follow after the weak and cowardly Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one person has turned back is exactly where anyone may be tempted to turn back (see 1 Corinthians 10:11-13). You may have just victoriously gone through a great crisis, but now be alert about the things that may appear to be the least likely to tempt you. Beware of thinking that the areas of your life where you have experienced victory in the past are now the least likely to cause you to stumble and fall.
We are apt to say, “It is not at all likely that having been through the greatest crisis of my life I would now turn back to the things of the world.” Do not try to predict where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the real danger. It is in the aftermath of a great spiritual event that the least likely things begin to have an effect. They may not be forceful and dominant, but they are there. And if you are not careful to be forewarned, they will trip you. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials— now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be abnormally examining your inner self, looking forward with dread, but stay alert; keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength. The Bible characters stumbled over their strong points, never their weak ones.
“. . . kept by the power of God . . .”— that is the only safety. (1 Peter 1:5).
DJR Journal 4 19 11
Good Morning, Lord Is the reminder to stay alert and rehearse our reliance and connection to you related to your command, “do this in remembrance of me?”
It is one of the reasons it was put in the book.
This is the first time I have really seen the value of the rest of that admonition, “as often as you gather.” Almost none of the Protestant church see the need to obey that “as often” part. Perhaps if we more often reminded ourselves of what you did, what it provided and what you conquered, and that without you, we could (will) fall, but in the power that is ours provided by your sacrifice … that we can stand … perhaps we wouldn’t have so many stumbles. My current church is the first place I’ve been that does communion every week. I like it. It’s an opportunity to review and rehearse all that you provided and also remind myself that without diligence I can relax and easily get tripped up. It’s a way of tightening up my connection with you. Thank you.
____________________________________________________
April 19, 2011
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
We are to be vigilant. I understand that we can be tempted from anywhere and even in our supposed strengths fall….or perhaps it is within our supposed strengths that we do fall.
And God says…” When you feel strongest, you are the most vulnerable. When you are capable of meeting your needs, you are the least filled with Me. When you are strong you “soldier on” and “man up”. These traits take you inside of yourself, trusting your own strength. I do not allow trials and difficulties in your life so that you can “soldier on” and “man up’, I allow them so that you can see your need for Me. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own strength, and I will make your paths straight.”
Click Image for John White's Original Vision For CO2's
