Through the miracle of redemption, Saul of Tarsus was instantly changed from a strong-willed and forceful Pharisee into a humble and devoted bondservant of the Lord Jesus.

There is nothing miraculous or mysterious about the things we can explain. We control what we are able to explain, consequently it is only natural to seek an explanation for everything. It is not natural to obey, yet it is not necessarily sinful to disobey. There can be no real disobedience, nor any moral virtue in obedience, unless a person recognizes the higher authority of the one giving the orders. If this recognition does not exist, even the one giving the orders may view the other person’s disobedience as freedom. If one rules another by saying, “You must do this,” and, “You will do that,” he breaks the human spirit, making it unfit for God. A person is simply a slave for obeying, unless behind his obedience is the recognition of a holy God.

Many people begin coming to God once they stop being religious, because there is only one master of the human heart— Jesus Christ, not religion. But “Woe is me” if after seeing Him I still will not obey (Isaiah 6:5 , also see Isaiah 6:1). Jesus will never insist that I obey, but if I don’t,I have already begun to sign the death certificate of the Son of God in my soul. When I stand face to face with Jesus Christ and say, “I will not obey,” He will never insist. But when I do this, I am backing away from the recreating power of His redemption. It makes no difference to God’s grace what an abomination I am, if I will only come to the light. But “Woe is me” if I refuse the light (seeJohn 3:19-21).

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July 18, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord the song struck me like the lesson about Saul of Tarsus….. being struck by your love and grace. I have often been concerned about …”what must I do”. How must I live, react, study, obey, trust…I am often concerned about my role in our relationship; what are my responsibilities. This song and lesson seem to attack that notion.

And God says…”All the work for and in the believer is for Me to accomplish. Yours is but to surrender. And there are times when you are unable to surrender, and your salvation must be “worked out”. Inside the stages of your life trust in Me with all your heart, and when you cannot and there will be times when you cannot,  simply stay connected. I have begun a good work in you and I will complete it.”