The love of Christ compels us . . . —2 Corinthians 5:14

When we are born again by the Spirit of God, our testimony is based solely on what God has done for us, and rightly so. But that will change and be removed forever once you “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . .” (Acts 1:8). Only then will you begin to realize what Jesus meant when He went on to say, “. . . you shall be witnesses to Me . . . .” Not witnesses to what Jesus can do— that is basic and understood— but “witnesses to Me . . . .” We will accept everything that happens as if it were happening to Him, whether we receive praise or blame, persecution or reward. No one is able to take this stand for Jesus Christ who is not totally compelled by the majesty of His power. It is the only thing that matters, and yet it is strange that it’s the last thing we as Christian workers realize. Paul said that he was gripped by the love of God and that is why he acted as he did. People could perceive him as mad or sane-he did not care. There was only one thing he lived for— to persuade people of the coming judgment of God and to tell them of “the love of Christ.” This total surrender to “the love of Christ” is the only thing that will bear fruit in your life. And it will always leave the mark of God’s holiness and His power, never drawing attention to your personal holiness.

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February 4, 2013

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord this devotional reminded me that Your love changes everything. I was struck by the notion that everything else, ever other issue or detail I believe important should not even matter or count…and yet I still find myself caught up in the mundane, the temporal. Please help me experience your love so deeply that it takes my eyes off the mundane and fixes them on You.

And God says…” That is the result of connection. When you keep your eyes on Jesus, on His love, grace and sacrifice, you are transformed and realize He is the only thing that matters. As you stay connected to Him, you are transformed. You realize that the details of this earthly life count little, and you suddenly know that you are mine; confident of your position with Me through Jesus. You then also become confident that nothing can harm you; no weapon can be raise against you that will stand. You begin to understand that I have plans and a future for you.”

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