What a penetrating question! Our Lord’s words often hit home for us when He speaks in the simplest way. In spite of the fact that we know who Jesus is, He asks, “Do you also want to go away?” We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk.“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). They turned back from walking with Jesus; not into sin, but away from Him. Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.Peter saw in Jesus only someone who could minister salvation to him and to the world. But our Lord wants us to be fellow laborers with Him.In John 6:70Jesus lovingly reminded Peter that he was chosen to go with Him. And each of us must answer this question for ourselves and no one else: “Do you also want to go away?”_______________________________________________March 9, 2012

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I do not want to go away, but had I known it would be this hard sometimes….well, I just don’t know. Like the song says, it is not an easy road. And I grasp the notion that this is the road that brings me closer to You and keeps me striving for our “constant connection”. However, sometimes I wish the road was a bit easier and You would “take this cup from me”, and from those I love.

And Jesus says…”Nothing can separate you or those you love, that love Him, from His Love. In Me you will find all the hope, love, grace, mercy and power you need to live an abundant life, even when you are walking very difficult roads. Isn’t it amazing to discover that difficult roads simply make our bond stronger? You now know that the Father will allow nothing to touch you that has not first been touched by His hands, and that nothing can separate you from His love.

Romans 8:35 &37-39 (NIV)

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

James 1:1-8 (MSG)

 Hello! Faith Under Pressure

^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its
work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

^5-8If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll
get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly,
believingly, without a second thought.