The Christian servant must never forget that salvation is God’s idea, not man’s; therefore, it has an unfathomable depth. Salvation is the great thought of God, not an experience. Experience is simply the door through which salvation comes into the conscious level of our life so that we are aware of what has taken place on a much deeper level. Never preach the experience— preach the great thought of God behind the experience. When we preach, we are not simply proclaiming how people can be saved from hell and be made moral and pure; we are conveying good news about God.

In the teachings of Jesus Christ the element of judgment is always brought out— it is the sign of the love of God. Never sympathize with someone who finds it difficult to get to God; God is not to blame. It is not for us to figure out the reason for the difficulty, but only to present the truth of God so that the Spirit of God will reveal what is wrong. The greatest test of the quality of our preaching is whether or not it brings everyone to judgment. When the truth is preached, the Spirit of God brings each person face to face with God Himself.

If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account. Every element of our own self-reliance must be put to death by the power of God. The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power.

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May 5, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Right now, this morning, this minute, it is easy to remember that salvation and strength comes from God. Right now, this morning, this minute I am embarrassed my weakness….my fear and worry. Lord, I woke up wondering how to take the next steps in a day once again filled with uncertainty. And then you reminded me of Your prayer and the phrase…”Give me this day my daily bread.”

And God says…”Remember that your daily devotional is called, “Manna Today?”  I want you to have all you need very day. Your needs are met by Me on a daily basis because it is in the living of a single day that you can realize and experience relationship with Me. It is in the living of the “right now” experience that you can experience joy and peace that passes all understanding. Living in the present is where all the fruits of the Spirit can be found and you can actually live out and experience My promises. Your past is may be full of regret, the future full of uncertainty. Consequently I meet you right at the point of your need; the present. You will always find Me in the present… waiting for you.”