“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters. . .” (Isaiah 55:1). Are you thirsty, or complacent and indifferent— so satisfied with your own experience that you want nothing more of God? Experience is a doorway, not a final goal. Beware of building your faith on experience, or your life will not ring true and will only sound the note of a critical spirit. Remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it.
“. . . knock, and it will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). “Draw near to God . . .” (James 4:8). Knock— the door is closed, and your heartbeat races as you knock. “Cleanse your hands . . .” (James 4:8). Knock a bit louder— you begin to find that you are dirty. “. . . purify your hearts . . .” (James 4:8). It is becoming even more personal— you are desperate and serious now— you will do anything. “Lament . . . ” (James 4:9). Have you ever lamented, expressing your sorrow before God for the condition of your inner life? There is no thread of self-pity left, only the heart-rending difficulty and amazement which comes from seeing what kind of person you really are. “Humble yourselves . . . ” (James 4:10). It is a humbling experience to knock at God’s door— you have to knock with the crucified thief. “. . . to him who knocks it will be opened” (Luke 11:10).
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June 10, 2010
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord thank You for providing all that I need in You. Sometimes I take my eyes off of You and look at my circumstances or I look at what I think will be solutions to my life’s issues and opportunities. Still other times, when I think about it, I feel unworthy. And then your Spirit and word speak to me softly reminding me that because of what You have done, I can come boldly to you with my life and my needs. You remind me that I am yours. Because of who You are.
And God says…”When you let go of all that you think you must hang onto for support, you will find that I will never, ever let you fall. But you must first let go. Whom or what shall you fear, when you clearly realize that you are Mine? If I am for you, and My sacrifice is testimony to that fact, then who can stand against you? You are mine and I will withhold no good thing from you. Trust in Me and let go of what you think is your safety net…and I will make your paths straight.”