A Christian worker’s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him.Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord’s surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle-we must be spiritually real.If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today’s world, and instead are “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.

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March 29, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I admit that sometimes in the living I take my eyes off of the life giver. Sometimes I get focused on the comings and goings; all the natural day to day issues of life and I forget the most important thing of all, staying connected to You. My list of “to dos” grows, people call for appointments, my “important” list of what I must do grows larger as the day grows shorter, and suddenly I realize that I was off in my own little world chasing issues and answers that really do not matter in the long run. And then I discover that I can take care of all my “to dos” when I hold them up to you, and make communion and connection with You my very first and most important item of the day.

And God says…”Seek first the kingdom of God (which is Jesus), and all these things shall be given you. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will make your paths straight. Ask anything in keeping with My will (and you know my will by being in relationship with Me) and it will be granted; I will supply all your needs according to My riches.”

“When you let go of your fear of not accomplishing, having or getting, of even not living, and embrace Me as your savior, provider and Lord, I can give you a peace that passes all understanding and lead you into a daily abundant life. Go ahead and make your lists, and review your “to dos” but this time put our relationship at the very top of that list, hold your list up to Me, and engage your day knowing that you can accomplish “all things” in Christ Jesus”.