The Cross in Prayer 8-06-2010

August 6th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Cross in Prayer

August 06, 2010
 
In that day you will ask in My name . . . —John 16:26
 
 

 

We too often think of the Cross of Christ as something we have to get through, yet we get through for the purpose of getting into it. The Cross represents only one thing for us— complete, entire, absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ— and there is nothing in which this identification is more real to us than in prayer.

“Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” ( Matthew 6:8  ). Then why should we ask? The point of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him. If we pray only because we want answers, we will become irritated and angry with God. We receive an answer every time we pray, but it does not always come in the way we expect, and our spiritual irritation shows our refusal to identify ourselves truly with our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove that God answers prayer, but to be living trophies of God’s grace.

“. . . I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you . . .” ( John 16:26-27  ). Have you reached such a level of intimacy with God that the only thing that can account for your prayer life is that it has become one with the prayer life of Jesus Christ? Has our Lord exchanged your life with His vital life? If so, then “in that day” you will be so closely identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to place the blame on someone else. That is always a trap of Satan. When you seem to have no answer, there is always a reason— God uses these times to give you deep personal instruction, and it is not for anyone else but you.

___________________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

August 6, 2010

I wonder about unanswered prayer and the implications. Intellectually I know that God cannot answer every request I bring to Him, and I know that there are circumstances and trials that I must simply go through if I am going to be transformed. And yet I yearn for the peace that passes understanding and the knowledge that all my trials are over.

And God says….” That yearning is for an everlasting unbroken relationship with me. When you join Me in heaven, all your trials will be over. Your spirit yearns for the place where there are no more trials or difficulties. I have prepared a place for you and you should rest in the knowledge that your place is secured in Christ Jesus.

It is natural for you to yearn for the perfect peace that is your eternal home. However, in this life you will have troubles and difficulties. In your everlasting life there are no trials or difficulties. Live your life knowing that nothing can touch you that has not first touched My hands and understand that the sacrifice of My Son is testimony of the magnitude of my love for you.

Experience the trials and difficulties of this life knowing I allow them; for it is inside them that you truly yearn for Me.

DJR journal
Good Morning Lord,
Today we talked about prayer and You seemed to emphasize a phrase, “Open Palm” as in hold our prayers and our dreams in an Open Palm. One insinuation is to do that so that you can take things away from us. But the other thing that I see when I’m not so wrapped up in the stress of battle is that only if we have an open palm can we allow you to take something and replace it with something better. We would all agree that we want “something better” It is good to remind ourselves that gripping tightly what we have will prevent or delay the “better”
And seeming “unanswered prayer” is not really unanswered. It just didn’t fit into our tightly gripped understanding of what the answer is supposed to look like.
So help me Lord, keep all this stuff in an Open Palm, the move, packing, sorting, the business, finding a church, and if I could stay a gentleman in all of that, it would be good too…..
You are on the right track. I have yoked you with some good reminding partners, JD, Oswald, & Steve. Because you need it.
True fact. Thank you. I love you.

The Bewildering Call of God 8-5-2010

August 5th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Bewildering Call of God

August 5, 2010
 
’. . . and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.’ . . . But they understood none of these things . . . —Luke 18:31, 34
 

 
 

God called Jesus Christ to what seemed absolute disaster. And Jesus Christ called His disciples to see Him put to death, leading every one of them to the place where their hearts were broken. His life was an absolute failure from every standpoint except God’s. But what seemed to be failure from man’s standpoint was a triumph from God’s standpoint, because God’s purpose is never the same as man’s purpose.

This bewildering call of God comes into our lives as well. The call of God can never be understood absolutely or explained externally; it is a call that can only be perceived and understood internally by our true inner-nature. The call of God is like the call of the sea— no one hears it except the person who has the nature of the sea in him. What God calls us to cannot be definitely stated, because His call is simply to be His friend to accomplish His own purposes. Our real test is in truly believing that God knows what He desires. The things that happen do not happen by chance— they happen entirely by the decree of God. God is sovereignly working out His own purposes.

If we are in fellowship and oneness with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, then we will no longer strive to find out what His purposes are. As we grow in the Christian life, it becomes simpler to us, because we are less inclined to say, “I wonder why God allowed this or that?” And we begin to see that the compelling purpose of God lies behind everything in life, and that God is divinely shaping us into oneness with that purpose. A Christian is someone who trusts in the knowledge and the wisdom of God, not in his own abilities. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the calm, relaxed pace which should be characteristic of the children of God.

___________________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

August 5. 2010

It occurs to me that regardless of how simple it sounds the answer to all my questions reside in Jesus.

Whatever the circumstance, instead of trying to sort it all out and find the rhyme or reason I could save myself a lot of time and frustration by simply trusting God. God knows what He is doing and is not necessarily inclined to include me in His planning or organization for the world or my life.

 And God says…”Again I remind you that your ways are not My ways. My ways and means are beyond your comprehension. What looks like failure turns into victory. What looks like success becomes failure.

Trust Me and know that through the magnitude of My sacrifice, I love you more than you can ever imagine. I will allow nothing to hurt you or overwhelm you….remember…All things work for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according tom His purpose.

If I would not spare My own Son, how can I withhold any good thing from you?

Trust Me, stay connected to Me, and live in the peace that passes understanding. Come to Me just as you are, every day, in every way and regardless of your circumstances you will know MY peace and joy.

DJR Journal.
Thank you for the reminders, Lord. It seems so easy to forget and get impressed with my own agenda. This CO2 and the context Oswald comes from is good for me. As JD mentioned today, we need to keep on doing this, one way or another, probably for the rest of our days. I agree.
I’m thinking I blew it last nite when my friend was pouring out his issues at the campfire. Maybe gave too much “advice.” How to recover? or just do better next time? I’m thinking about an email and an invite to one of these devo’s…. please lead me in that, whether that’s even a good idea and which one. This one today doesn’t seem quit perfect…

I’m glad you are concerned and you are right. Connection was not center stage in your thinking. I was in it but would have liked more spotlight on the connection factor. Make it your context for next time. And remember, your friend is my son and I have him in my hand and care about him more than you ever can. He is hardy and you cannot break him by missing perfection… That concern for perfection will hurt your efforts more than help you. Better is to do something and be in a process of continuous improvement, always getting the improvement from connection with me.
Good word. I will go and strive for that without striving… with your help. I love you.

The Brave Friendship of God 8-4-2010

August 4th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Brave Friendship of God

August 04 2010
He took the twelve aside . . . —Luke 18:31

Oh, the bravery of God in trusting us! Do you say, “But He has been unwise to choose me, because there is nothing good in me and I have no value”? That is exactly why He chose you. As long as you think that you are of value to Him He cannot choose you, because you have purposes of your own to serve. But if you will allow Him to take you to the end of your own self-sufficiency, then He can choose you to go with Him “to Jerusalem” ( Luke 18:31 ). And that will mean the fulfillment of purposes which He does not discuss with you.

We tend to say that because a person has natural ability, he will make a good Christian. It is not a matter of our equipment, but a matter of our poverty; not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us; not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, or of experience— all of that is of no avail in this concern. The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ). God’s friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all— we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same. We do not know what God’s compelling purpose is, but whatever happens, we must maintain our relationship with Him. We must never allow anything to damage our relationship with God, but if something does damage it, we must take the time to make it right again. The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.

________________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

August 4, 2010

So the day after I wallow around in self doubt and guilt about not measuring up to and for God, Oswald Chambers writes about how our natural poverty is essential for God to use us. What looks like triumph for the enemy turns into victory in Jesus. The cross was such a victory.

And God says…”My ways are not your ways. I do not ask for blind trust, but I cannot show you my ways because you cannot comprehend. I can show you and give you MY love, and grace and power and all the fruits of the Spirit that are not naturally yours. I can show you the natural wonder of the earth and universe. And I can change you from the inside out. But I cannot show you the reasons why or the next steps or even the works I will do through you. You will not comprehend.

I can leverage your failures and your successes, which are even more difficult to navigate. Trust and obey, stay connected and look back over the days, months and years and you will see the change.

Stay connected to Me through Jesus Christ and know that nothing can separate you from the love of God…….not even you.

The Compelling Purpose of God 8-03-2010

August 3rd, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Compelling Purpose of God

August 03 2010
He . . . said to them, ’Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem . . —Luke 18:31

Jerusalem, in the life of our Lord, represents the place where He reached the culmination of His Father’s will. Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” ( John 5:30 ). Seeking to do “the will of the Father” was the one dominating concern throughout our Lord’s life. And whatever He encountered along the way, whether joy or sorrow, success or failure, He was never deterred from that purpose. “. . . He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem . . .” ( Luke 9:51 ).

The greatest thing for us to remember is that we go up to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s purpose, not our own. In the natural life our ambitions are our own, but in the Christian life we have no goals of our own. We talk so much today about our decisions for Christ, our determination to be Christians, and our decisions for this and that, but in the New Testament the only aspect that is brought out is the compelling purpose of God. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you . . .” ( John 15:16 ).

We are not taken into a conscious agreement with God’s purpose— we are taken into God’s purpose with no awareness of it at all. We have no idea what God’s goal may be; as we continue, His purpose becomes even more and more vague. God’s aim appears to have missed the mark, because we are too nearsighted to see the target at which He is aiming.At the beginning of the Christian life, we have our own ideas as to what God’s purpose is. We say, “God means for me to go over there,” and, “God has called me to do this special work.” We do what we think is right, and yet the compelling purpose of God remains upon us. The work we do is of no account when compared with the compelling purpose of God. It is simply the scaffolding surrounding His work and His plan. “He took the twelve aside . . .” ( Luke 18:31 ). God takes us aside all the time. We have not yet understood all there is to know of the compelling purpose of God.

_______________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

August 3, 2010

And I wake up with the awareness that God may have chosen me, but I am not worthy of being chosen.  I do not “measure up”.

And God says…”Of course you do not “measure up.” Only Jesus measures up. Your failures are reminders that you are to allow Him to live through you. When you do this I can lead, guide and direct you. Allow Jesus to live through you and I can use you for My purposes.

Your role is not to understand MY purposes, and certainly NOT to try and anticipate them. Simply stay connected and I can…..and will use you.

The Teaching of Adversity 8-2-2010

August 1st, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Teaching of Adversity

August 2, 2010
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world —John 16:33

The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . .” ( Psalm 91:1,10 )— the place where you are at one with God.

If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.

God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment— “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7 ). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can “be of good cheer” even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.


Journal Entry for today-JDV

August 2, 2010

When I look at my circumstances I am often overwhelmed and concerned. I fight through the anxiety and fear and realize I simply  need to trust God and allow Jesus to live through me. But try as I might, I still hold onto the fear and concern, all the while praying for God to take those fears and concerns from me. ..But then he shows me that He does not take them from me, He simply provides the courage to live through them.

In fact I now see that He does not provide me the courage, He is the courage and peace. I simply need to allow Him to live through me, all the while providing the courage and peace needed.

My pain and confusion are not gone….but the faith and trust Jesus provides overcomes the fear, confusion, and pain. Once I take His yoke, mine is gone.

And God says…” You will face trials and troubles in this world. Accept this. And accept the fact that I will always meet you at the very point of your need. Wherever you are, in trials and difficult times, look for me. For that is where we meet most often….at the point of your trials.

I will never leave or forsake you. I am your God. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight.

DJR Journal

Thank you Lord for all the good things and the times that I remember them and to be thankful.   I am amazed at your grace, and thankful for it.    My brother and I have different pains.   We see that our growth needs are different.    I am grateful for your blessings and grace.    Many things are just “no problem” for me.    But of course that leaves the ones that are.   Specifically the chronic ones that dont seem to change after 40 years of struggle.  What’s the best thing for me to do?

You could read about the heroes of the faith.   That’s the reason I put them in the book.   None of them had perfect lives, as you would define perfect.   Many had life long trials and seemingly untimely ends or certainly what the health, wealth and prosperity bunch would expect.     But I loved them and worked with them and they with me and now they are with me perfectly.    See how perfectly you can walk with me on your side of eternity.   It will bring your problems into context.   And they are more likely solved when you hold them that way than when you fret over them.

Good advice,   thanks.

The Teaching of Disillusionment 7-30-2010

July 30th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Teaching of Disillusionment

July 30 2010
Jesus did not commit Himself to them . . . , for He knew what was in man —John 2:24-25

Disillusionment means having no more misconceptions, false impressions, and false judgments in life; it means being free from these deceptions. However, though no longer deceived, our experience of disillusionment may actually leave us cynical and overly critical in our judgment of others. But the disillusionment that comes from God brings us to the point where we see people as they really are, yet without any cynicism or any stinging and bitter criticism. Many of the things in life that inflict the greatest injury, grief, or pain, stem from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts, seeing each other as we really are; we are only true to our misconceived ideas of one another. According to our thinking, everything is either delightful and good, or it is evil, malicious, and cowardly.

Refusing to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering of human life. And this is how that suffering happens— if we love someone, but do not love God, we demand total perfection and righteousness from that person, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; yet we are demanding of a human being something which he or she cannot possibly give. There is only one Being who can completely satisfy to the absolute depth of the hurting human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord is so obviously uncompromising with regard to every human relationship because He knows that every relationship that is not based on faithfulness to Himself will end in disaster. Our Lord trusted no one, and never placed His faith in people, yet He was never suspicious or bitter. Our Lord’s confidence in God, and in what God’s grace could do for anyone, was so perfect that He never despaired, never giving up hope for any person. If our trust is placed in human beings, we will end up despairing of everyone.

__________________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

July 30, 2010

I am often disillusioned with others when they fail to meet my expectations. But then I am often disillusioned with myself as well. I suspect that if I fail over and over, and God has the love and grace to forgive me, then it is only right and proper that I understand others are going through the same kinds of trials. It also occurs to me that I can still love someone and be disappointed by their failure to meet my expectations. When people fail me I should not be surprised. I often fail them and I often fail God.

And God says….”I cannot look at your failure. I cannot look at unrighteousness. That is why Jesus came so we could be reconciled. Not in a single event, as when you first believed, but every day, every hour and every minute. When you let Jesus live through you, by letting go of your own sense of well being, and self righteousness, Jesus can live through you, and we can have an intimate day to day relationship.”

“When you hold onto your own ideas of what is right and wrong, who and what should be judged, Jesus cannot live through you, and we cannot have an intimate relationship. When you judge your brother, or even yourself, you are in effect saying that the sacrifice of Jesus cannot and does not cover everyone.”

“Let Jesus cover you and access the grace of Jesus to extend to others. When others disappoint you, remember the grace given you, and allow it to flow on through. Your capacity to love will be multiplied and will surround you.”

DJR Journal

Thanks Lord, I needed that.  I am so good at gaining this understanding and then losing it and taking things back… which included feeling disillusioned and like I am not getting my “rights”     Will I ever get to the place where I dont backslide into entitlement and feeling disillusioned.

You will get better but perfection is on this side.   Keep seeking me and set built in reminders in your schedule… to remind yourself to be grateful.  That is what the alters and monuments were for in the old days.

OK,  that’s what this is with JD right?

Right, this is good AND you need more.

What Kind? When? How?

As you know, cookie cutter recipes go only so far.    The main thing is stay in the context of gratefulness and expectation and I will lead you

Do You See Jesus in Your Clouds? 7-29-2010

July 29th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

Do You See Jesus in Your Clouds?

July 29 2010
 
Behold, He is coming with clouds . . . —Revelation 1:7
 
 
(Control/Click on link for music and video)
 
 
In the Bible clouds are always associated with God. Clouds are the sorrows, sufferings, or providential circumstances, within or without our personal lives, which actually seem to contradict the sovereignty of God. Yet it is through these very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were never any clouds in our lives, we would have no faith. “The clouds are the dust of His feet” ( Nahum 1:3  ). They are a sign that God is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow, bereavement, and suffering are actually the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near us without clouds— He does not come in clear-shining brightness.

It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials. Through every cloud He brings our way, He wants us to unlearn something. His purpose in using the cloud is to simplify our beliefs until our relationship with Him is exactly like that of a child— a relationship simply between God and our own souls, and where other people are but shadows. Until other people become shadows to us, clouds and darkness will be ours every once in a while. Is our relationship with God becoming more simple than it has ever been?

There is a connection between the strange providential circumstances allowed by God and what we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of our knowledge of God. Until we can come face to face with the deepest, darkest fact of life without damaging our view of God’s character, we do not yet know Him.

“. . . they were fearful as they entered the cloud” (Luke 9:34). Is there anyone except Jesus in your cloud? If so, it will only get darker until you get to the place where there is “no one anymore, but only Jesus . . .” (Mark 9:8 ; also see Mark 2-7  ).

____________________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

July 29, 2010

I woke up this morning counting my blessings in an effort to fortify my faith. I was remembering all the times in my life that God showed up right when I needed Him. I recalled time after time when He met me right at the point and time of my need. I was worrying and concerned about the timing of promises when I recalled that the children of Israel were too concerned as they wandered in the desert. God had blessed them with the miracles of the plagues, He had parted the Red Sea and destroyed the Egyptian Army in pursuit, and He had provided daily manna, and water as well as a guiding light. God protected, provided and directed them and still they worried one day to the next.

I felt a little bit like one of those desert wanderers this morning as I recalled all that God has provided me. I asked God to help and forgive my unbelief. Like the father that responded to Jesus I said “I believe, help me in my unbelief.” Let Me see you in my clouds.

And God says…..”You will be plagued with clouds, doubts and unbelief; that is what a normal natural human will do. You can replace the doubt and worry when you let go of the responsibility and allow Jesus to live through you. Do not try to give Him the worry or anxiety, simply give up yourself. Give up your rights and expectations and trust Me. Once you take Jesus into your life, you have Jesus in all things. He came to give you life and life more abundantly and He accomplishes this by living through you. Your circumstances may change, they may not, but when you give up yourself, you are profoundly changed. You then view your cloudy circumstances as simply one more set of blessings from which to see Jesus  work in your life.

Seek first My kingdom, acknowledge Me in all your ways and lean not on your own ways of worry and I will make your paths straight. Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

Wait on Me, trust Jesus, and you will rise up with the wings of eagles. I am your God; I cannot abandon or forsake you. I will hold you up in my strong right hand. You are My child.

God’s Purpose or Mine? 7-28-2010

July 28th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

God’s Purpose or Mine?

July 28, 2010
 
He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side . . . —Mark 6:45
 
 
 

We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” ( Mark 6:49  ). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.

God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.

God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.

______________________________________________________________

July 28, 2010

I often think of the outcome instead of the process. In the past I might determine God in an effort or project by the outcome. If someone was converted, or if the mission or project or problem had a good outcome then God was in it. I am starting to understand that the outcome does not determine God’s involvement. Success or failure, it makes no difference; He simply wants me to trust and obey.

And God says…”Take the yolk and pressure of outcomes off of your shoulders. I am in control and it is My will that you simply trust Me. Let Jesus live through you, and trust Me to provide the outcome that is best for you and yours. Sometimes you will not understand the outcomes. Sometimes you will. It is not for you to understand always, it is simply for you to trust and obey. To know that if I would give My Son I will not withhold any good thing.

Wait on Me, trust in Me and believe. And when it seems difficult to believe, trust Me for the strength to believe. Be at peace and know I love you.”

The Way to Knowledge 7-27-2010

July 27th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Way to Knowledge

July 27 2010
If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine . . . —John 7:17

The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.

No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” ( Matthew 5:23-24 ). He is saying, in essence, “Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.” The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.

When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, “First . . . go . . ..” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.

__________________________________________________________________

July 27, 2010

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

I once heard then wrote; “You can have as much of Jesus as you want”. I want more.

And God says…”I stand at the door; all you need do is open your heart. Open your heart to Me, not just in spiritual things, but for all things. If you need knowledge, wisdom, or your daily bread…..seek Me. When you are searching for your next thought, idea, sentence or job, seek Me. Seek Me in all things and you will find Me.

I am not the God of some things. I am the God of all. You can stay connected to My power, understanding, loving kindness, knowledge and wisdom by allowing Me to live through you. Give Me your first thought about any issue or opportunity or problem or dilemma. Ask and you shall receive.  My peace and grace will be with you in all things_

Journal DJR       Good morning Lord.   I bolded so much in today’s devo, I felt like bolding the whole thing.   It just rings right to me that obedience is the way to intimacy and further connection with you.    I wonder where to start… I thought of one relationship to repair, but then I read the scripture about going to the brother and it seemed to be the reverse case … the brother doesn’t have anything against me.  He already took it.   Won his case and I paid him some money.   I think he’s self satisfied.    It’s my heart that is still a little bruised.   I think there are other verses that address that issue.    I will be needing them more and more.    Please direct me.

As I am moving to Virginia, I am sensing that there is more to this than just “following the Grandbabies”   which I have stated as the reason … and it’s good and true, but I’m sensing that there is more that I’m not sure about.   Thru my friends, Steve and Marta, I am being introduced to ministry leaders, political leaders, etc…    I’m looking for wisdom…

There is no cookie cutter or checklist that will be fully accurate.  Stay by me and you will know and walk the straight path.   There are many options that will look good but aren’t my best for you.    Only as you stay in peace will you hear my voice,  yes or no, right or left.   keep your peace meter high.

The Way to Purity 7-26-2010

July 26th, 2010 by JDVaughn No comments »

The Way to Purity

July 26 2010
 
Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart . . . . For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man . . . —Matthew 15:18-20
 
 (click on link for music and video)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2biS7-Tuxw&feature=related
 
 
 

Initially we trust in our ignorance, calling it innocence, and next we trust our innocence, calling it purity. Then when we hear these strong statements from our Lord, we shrink back, saying, “But I never felt any of those awful things in my heart.” We resent what He reveals. Either Jesus Christ is the supreme authority on the human heart, or He is not worth paying any attention to. Am I prepared to trust the penetration of His Word into my heart, or would I prefer to trust my own “innocent ignorance”? If I will take an honest look at myself, becoming fully aware of my so-called innocence and putting it to the test, I am very likely to have a rude awakening that what Jesus Christ said is true, and I will be appalled at the possibilities of the evil and the wrong within me. But as long as I remain under the false security of my own “innocence,” I am living in a fool’s paradise. If I have never been an openly rude and abusive person, the only reason is my own cowardice coupled with the sense of protection I receive from living a civilized life. But when I am open and completely exposed before God, I find that Jesus Christ is right in His diagnosis of me.

The only thing that truly provides protection is the redemption of Jesus Christ. If I will simply hand myself over to Him, I will never have to experience the terrible possibilities that lie within my heart. Purity is something far too deep for me to arrive at naturally. But when the Holy Spirit comes into me, He brings into the center of my personal life the very Spirit that was exhibited in the life of Jesus Christ, namely, the Holy Spirit, which is absolute unblemished purity.

___________________________________________________________________

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

July 26, 2010

I don’t know why, but I am still surprised by the carnal things I can say and do when I am not connected to the Spirit of God. Perhaps it is innocence, but I suspect it is ignorance, or even arrogance.  

And God says…”When your spirit is connected to My Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ is living through you, you are protected and directed. When you choose to be “on your own” you are either ignorant or arrogant. There is no innocence left in your nature.

You fight against powers and principalities you cannot see, and without connection you have and will fail…continuously. You have struggled over and over and are often frustrated that you cannot demonstrate more growth and maturity. However, you are beginning to learn that the only REAL maturity is the knowledge that apart from Me you can do nothing. Apart from Me you are vulnerable and subject to carnal thoughts and deeds. Just when you know you should demonstrate your Christian maturity, you do not. Just when Jesus is needed to act through you, you find you have chosen to be disconnected from Him. Allowing Jesus to live through you is a decision. You must let go of your life.

Just as Paul said, even when you want to do right, you do not. Who is to save you from the carnal man you can become? It is already done. Jesus took all your carnal thoughts and deeds; past present and future, and nailed them to the cross. When you asked Jesus into your life, He came into your life with the goal of living through you. All you must do is stay connected. You accomplish this by allowing Jesus to live through you. Simply ask, and then receive.