If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them —John 13:17
When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. Examine where you have become sluggish, where you began losing interest spiritually, and you will find that it goes back to a point where you did not do something you knew you should do. You did not do it because there seemed to be no immediate call to do it. But now you have no insight or discernment, and at a time of crisis you are spiritually distracted instead of spiritually self-controlled. It is a dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing more.
The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken for discernment. It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans 12:1-2. It is much better to fulfill the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than it is to perform great acts of self-sacrifice. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . .” (1 Samuel 15:22). Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . .” (John 7:17).
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June 8, 2012
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord, I have learned, and am still learning all I can about trusting You to deal with the uncertainty in my life. I am learning to let go of the idea that IF I can control, see or touch my own solutions and answers only then will be at peace. But it is hard Lord. Just when I have the idea that you have it all under Your control for my good; I am reminded by the enemy that I am not worthy of Your blessings. I remind myself of how I have failed You and then conclude that You certainly would not bless someone like me.
And God says…”You must remember that there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. And recall that nothing can separate you from my love, not even your shortcomings or failures. I will not allow you to be hurt or damaged, although I will allow you to endure pain and circumstances that will make you stronger. You can never be worthy of My blessings, but you are covered by the sacrifice of Jesus, and He will always be sufficient to cover you and make you acceptable and pleasing to Me. I will bless and keep you because you are more than acceptable to Me, in Christ Jesus. My grace is sufficient, My mercy unending and My love for you everlasting.”