Lord, I will follow You, but . . . —Luke 9:61
Suppose God tells you to do something that is an enormous test of your common sense, totally going against it. What will you do? Will you hold back? If you get into the habit of doing something physically, you will do it every time you are tested until you break the habit through sheer determination. And the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will come right up to what Jesus wants, but every time you will turn back at the true point of testing, until you are determined to abandon yourself to God in total surrender. Yet we tend to say, “Yes, but— suppose I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?” Or we say, “Yes, I will obey God if what He asks of me doesn’t go against my common sense, but don’t ask me to take a step in the dark.”
Jesus Christ demands the same unrestrained, adventurous spirit in those who have placed their trust in Him that the natural man exhibits. If a person is ever going to do anything worthwhile, there will be times when he must risk everything by his leap in the dark. In the spiritual realm, Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold on to or believe through common sense, and leap by faith into what He says. Once you obey, you will immediately find that what He says is as solidly consistent as common sense.
By the test of common sense, Jesus Christ’s statements may seem mad, but when you test them by the trial of faith, your findings will fill your spirit with the awesome fact that they are the very words of God. Trust completely in God, and when He brings you to a new opportunity of adventure, offering it to you, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis— only one out of an entire crowd is daring enough to invest his faith in the character of God.
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May 30, 2011
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord, over the past few days You have been speaking to me through lessons, sermons, songs and that still small voice. You also sent a lesson about hearing your voice clearly so I would not miss this leading. You have been reminding me that Your sheep hear Your voice. I am beginning to learn how “to know” it is You leading.
Knowing You intimately and knowing Your voice is a critical element if I am to walk in Your will as I face the day to day issues and decisions.
And I know it takes practice, listening for You in all I do… over and over until my immediate response is always obedience….because I just know it is Your voice and Your leading. I have used my natural filters in the past to determine if it is really your voice…my common sense, analytic skills and natural mind. Not so much (or as much) anymore…..thank you for that gift. Thank You for leading me to a place where I know it is You leading. I know it is You because You also provide that awareness as well. I know now that You are always communicating with Me, I just need to listen with my spiritual ears.
And God says…”As you pray and ask for discernment…listen, and you will hear My voice. I speak to you in many, many ways….My word, sermons, songs, other believers, and that still small voice, just to name a few ways. The test for My voice and discerning My will for your life is not found in common sense, or your resources or abilities. The test is found in My word and in our intimate relationship built on prayer and day by day, hour by hour communications. You come to know my voice and learn to trust and obey immediately. Seek Me first through Christ Jesus, and everything else will follow. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Acknowledge the Lord in all you do and do not rely on your own devices (or resources) and He will make your paths straight.
Journal DJR
May 30, 2011
Good Morning, Lord
As I was beginning to read today’s devotional, I realized that my mind is “SWAYABLE” (spell check says that’s a new word) … Able to be swayed by the stressors, chaos, & pressure of the current context. Probably we all are capable of being swayed by the influences around us. This could be in a good way … emulating a selfless hero, but usually in a not so good way … Germany in the 1930’s etc. So I’m thinking about this “swayability” I probably cant totally eliminate it … this side of heaven. But minimizing it seems to be a good project. The reason, of course is to not be swayed away from You and your best plan for me.
Yes, this is a good project to think about and work on. Remember I said a few things about it. Let your yes be yes, etc and remember how even my disciples tried to sway me away from my mission, but my face was “set like a flint” toward Jerusalem and my destiny. Some of my men & women have had that type of determination. Most dont. But you can. It is an exciting way to live.
I see people having great determination and focus in athletics and business and politics … and I’ve had some of that at times. It has some value but pales in significance compared to focusing that intensity on following You.
Remember that to follow me to the max, you must know me and see me and hear me. Of course you can basically follow me by just following the commandments. But the more exciting ride comes when you know me and hear me and see me. Then we can walk together in the details that go beyond just following the instruction book. Then you will get customized visions that are for you and you alone. Sometimes they will seem foolish to those around you. Remember:
Dont Doubt In The Dark, What I’ve Shown You In The Light!
I’m seeing that certain times are more likely to have swaying influences and it helps to precondition my mind toward unswayability … like when preparing to attend a time share sales pitch. Or when going in to any marketing situation. Of course we are surrounded by marketing, everything is marketing and Satan is the Master Marketer of all time. … So I will push my mind toward You and the dreams and mission that you give me … especially at times of vulnerability.
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