Below is some outstanding journaling concerning the role of the law and grace, sin and Christ's cleansing blood, and how all this affects our relationship with the Lord. Does God withdraw Himself when we have sin? Do I need to confess my sin since it was all dealt with by Christ's blood on Calvary? Get some wonderful answers from the heart of the Lord. The excellent journaling below is from Emeka D. A. Ojoko.
Have you ever heard, to thy own self be true and you cannot be false to anyone? This is usually used as a superficial justification for people going their own way and the Biblical versions of this are there is a way that seem right to a man but the end thereof is death, and everyone did what was right in their own sight. Yet there is a reality to this concept if viewed from first principles. To be true to yourself is to recognize that you are created in the image of God. This is true of atheists even though they are alienated from their source and origin. To really be true to yourself it to be true to me.
Do you come to me to improve your life? Do you want an improved version of your current life, or a really new and different life? I told my followers that the gentiles sought after things to eat and drink and wear. That list is greatly expanded today but the underlying principle is the same. Would you be content with higher quality versions of provision and health? But the life I offer you is not a better version of what you have. It is new in every way. It is a life in my Kingdom that is not of this world. Don’t be content with better stuff. Seek first my Kingdom which is transcendent and divine, and you will have it.
In polite conversation people will allow everyone to speak and even to take turns in choosing topics. It is considered rude to dominate a conversation, especially if someone with more knowledge, wisdom, and insight is shut out. Do you apply this rule to your conversations with me? How much of your prayer time is spent in listening as opposed to speaking? I have so much to say, but I will not drown you out, although you can do this to me. Which of us by virtue of wisdom and knowledge should do more of the speaking? I will if you give me the chance. Are you willing to take the next step and let me pick the topics?
Do you believe in playing it safe? Does that mean that the best alternative is inaction when you are faced with risk and uncertainty? Sometimes you should move forward even when the view ahead is not entirely clear. Consider the parable of the talents. The servants who used their own initiative to multiply their talents were commended. Note that the master gave them no direction in how to proceed. Note also that the story did not end well for the wicked and slothful servant who hid his talent in the earth. I will give you direction in how to multiply your talents for me. Inaction is not the right answer.
The wonderful testimony and journaling below comes from one of our students, Linda Burton. Enjoy this word from the Lord!
Some doors are open, some are closed, and some are locked. Some have automatic openers. These provide the greatest convenience in that you don’t even have to push on them or turn a doorknob. Do you believe that I can provide guidance to you by opening and closing doors? I will make your way clear by opening the right pathway and closing the wrong one. Yet as in the case of doors with automatic openers, they don’t open until you approach them. If you would receive guidance from me you need to be active and keep moving. I may wait until you walk toward the right door to open it for you.
Here is Pastor Art's journal entry after a very powerful service at United Methodist Church where he did not preach because of the extended prayer, praise, worship and prophecies. This is a church where a core of the people hear the voice of God and know how to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Pray for a fuller manifestation of His glorious presence!
My word identifies evangelists and teachers as specific offices. Yet my commission to every believer is to preach the good news of the gospel to every creature and to make disciples of all men. Do you need an office or a title to do this? If that were the case I would not have directed this to every believer. It is not necessary for you to be able to answer every question of theology for you to do this job effectively. You understand the value of increasing your knowledge and experience, but in the moment you use what you have. I have not left you to do this on your own. The Holy Spirit goes before you to make your words effective in declaring my name.
There was great wickedness in the days on Noah and I destroyed the world in a flood. Afterward I put a rainbow in the sky as a covenant that I would not do so again. That does not mean that there will not be great wickedness in the world again. For I said that in the time of my return the conditions in the world would be as in the days of Noah. Do you see this trend developing around you? what should your response be? Be steadfast as you see the day approaching. Be diligent and faithful in serving me, for you have a better promise than a rainbow in the sky, for I will return. Look up for your redemption draws nigh.
