Co-Resurrection.The proof that I have experienced crucifixion with Jesus is that I have a definite likeness to Him. The Spirit of Jesus entering me rearranges my personal life before God. The resurrection of Jesus has given Him the authority to give the life of God to me, and the experiences of my life must now be built on the foundation of His life. I can have the resurrection life of Jesus here and now, and it will exhibit itself through holiness.The idea all through the apostle Paul’s writings is that after the decision to be identified with Jesus in His death has been made, the resurrection life of Jesus penetrates every bit of my human nature. It takes the omnipotence of God— His complete and effective divinity— to live the life of the Son of God in human flesh. The Holy Spirit cannot be accepted as a guest in merely one room of the house— He invades all of it. And once I decide that my “old man” (that is, my heredity of sin) should be identified with the death of Jesus, the Holy Spirit invades me. He takes charge of everything. My part is to walk in the light and to obey all that He reveals to me. Once I have made that important decision about sin, it is easy to “reckon” that I am actually “dead indeed to sin,” because I find the life of Jesus in me all the time (Romans 6:11). Just as there is only one kind of humanity, there is only one kind of holiness— the holiness of Jesus. And it is His holiness that has been given to me. God puts the holiness of His Son into me, and I belong to a new spiritual order.

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April 11, 2012

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, when I can remove myself from the hurry and hassle of day to day, hour by hour living, I reflect on just exactly what I can do to have a more intimate relationship with You. And it turns out that what I need is not more Bible study or prayer or obedience. I simply need more Jesus. And that is my prayer for today, that I can have more Jesus. I know that inside our intimate connection, which You provide upon my surrender,  is everything else I need.

And God says…”For centuries men and women have worked and struggled…and failed to get close to me using their own devices: From a tower of Babel, to a list of rules and on to building a house that could not contain me. Good works, diligent study nor sacrifice or discipline can achieve what can be accomplished through your simple surrender. Acknowledge Me in all your ways, do not rely on your own good works or understanding and I will make your paths straight. And when none of it makes sense to you and you struggle and search for My peace, joy and hope; surrender yourself to Me and I will give you peace that passes all understanding and a more abundant life.