There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way. If you refuse, you will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and a stumbling block.

The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn’t we experience heartbreak? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God’s purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, as if to say, “Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine.” If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking yours?

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November 1, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, sometimes I forget that I am yours, that I belong to You. Sometimes I think I belong to my job,  my family, my country and oh so often I think I belong to myself. Thank You for reminding me that I belong to You.

And God says…”I bought you with a price more precious that gold or silver. I gave you My Son. You are mine; nothing can separate you from Me, nothing.  I knew you before the beginning of the world, and loved you then.  I love you now. The price I paid for you is evidence of My unconditional love for you.  Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on yourself, let Jesus be your life. Seek first My kingdom, which is Jesus, exchange your life for His, and find peace, joy and life more abundantly.”