We are made “partakers of the divine nature,” receiving and sharing God’s own nature through His promises. Then we have to work that divine nature into our human nature by developing godly habits. The first habit to develop is the habit of recognizing God’s provision for us. We say, however, “Oh, I can’t afford it.” One of the worst lies is wrapped up in that statement. We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, “Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle.” And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn’t they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God’s riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own self-interests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges— always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied. And there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.

Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said, “All my springs are in You” (Psalm 87:7). If the majesty, grace, and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you . . . may have an abundance . . .” (2 Corinthians 9:8)— then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God’s nature, and His blessing will flow through you all the time.

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May 16, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, it is a lesson I would like to learn all at once….and for all. But once again right in the middle of my circumstance…whatever it is….You show me that you have provided for my every need. And just as I set boundaries for where and how I believe You will show up…just as I begin to put you in my box of expectations…You deliver me from myself and all my notions of what you will and will not do for me.

And God says…”  I am able to do more than you can ever think or imagine, as long as you allow Me to work in your life. And you make a way for Me as you turn loose of your control; letting go of your boundaries for Me and allowing Me to be God in your life. My work in your life is beyond all you can think or imagine, as you follow Me and let go of your notions about how and when and where I will work in your life. Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.”