I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me —Philippians 3:12
Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you “turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has “laid hold of” us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, “Well, I’m really not suited for this.” What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not simply to convey your testimony but also to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify to the truth of God, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God’s hand on you— your life is in the grip of God for that very purpose. How many of us are held like that?
Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are— you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do. . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
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June 28, 2011
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord, just last night I was talking to a brother about “pressing on”. He shared his story about pressing on and on and on through what seems like a never-ending repetition of trials and difficulties. We spoke about the children of Israel and the daily manna you fed them fresh every morning and how we both seek you and your fresh manna of hope every day. And this morning you offer us both the lesson and music about “pressing on” in your name.
And God says…”Remember this is an everlasting race of endurance. It is a step by step development of your life and character. You can only be shaped through trials and pressures. Silver is made pure with fire, and when the impurities are skimmed off the silver is pure enough to see My reflection. Once you believe in Me and are committed to Me, your life and character begin to take on the image of Jesus over time. And remember, Jesus could do nothing apart from the Father. When He walked on water, turned water into wine, healed the sick and raised the dead….He did all these things as a man dependent on God the father. Often trials and difficulties become part of the daily life of a believer as you learn that you can nothing apart from the Father as well. Other times the trials and difficulties are part of your life as you discover that this is where your faith and hope are strengthened. “
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Journal DJR June 28th 2011
Good morning Lord,
I’ve been traveling a lot for a month. I dont like routine … but I can see that it is good for me. As I wasn’t able to take this routine with me ….. Maybe I just need to press on and try harder, to make sure I get this kind of time … even traveling?
Working on doing the routines will have some value. But not the value that you think. The real prize is changing the hardwire to where our relationship is the first thing you think of even (and especially) in times of stress.
Yes, Traveling is stressful and I tend to revert to my own senses to make the next decisions. It doesn’t seem that doing devotions in the morning works, or that when I force it to happen, that it helps in the stress of the day?
That will always be the case if you are pushing it. If you are drawn to it, the results will be different.
How do I get this motivational change to happen?
That’s where doing these routines helps. They are not the answer but they can lead to the answer. So keep on, and keep on reminding yourself that it is our relationship that is the goal … not just an “answer” here or a “blessing” there.
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