Dec. 1, 1973 Rom. 5-8

Rom. 5:18 – “Even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.” Sin is paid for. All sin is taken care of. But we must individually receive the prize.

The attitude of the Christian: “Obedient from the heart” – (Rom. 6:17).

Rom. 7:15-25 – Boy—this couldn’t be a more exact description of what is going on in my life. I’m fighting and losing the battle of lust in my life and it is frustrating, and I know it is wrong.

Here’s what I get out of this morning: I must learn to “set my mind on the things of the Spirit,” to conquer the lust. I must learn to “walk” and be “led” by the Spirit.

Rom. 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

December 2, 1973 Rom. 9-12

Rom. 10:4 – “For Christ is the end of the law of righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Man—Rom. 9-11 are deep chapters. I sense partial truths and some of what Paul is saying, but I don’t come near to grasping things in totality.

Rom. 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Hanging onto God’s promises by reading them over again, thinking about them.

Rom. 12:12 – “Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.”

Lord, I feel indifferent. But I know you’re here and You’ll be faithful. Will You please give me a boost of FAITH and PEACE about what I’m doing. I’m still trusting You.

Dec. 3, 1973 Rom. 13-16

Rom. 13:13 – “Let us behave properly as in the day. Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality.” I’m guilty of this. What an extreme desire of the flesh it is to possess another person.

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provisions for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (v. 14).

We ARE different as Christians. Paul says so right here. We shouldn’t judge or classify our brothers and sisters. They stand before the Lord only.

*We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10-12).

How we are to get through the hard times? 1. Perseverance, 2. Encouragement from the Bible. This I must practice (Rom. 15:4). 

Another week…a busy week and the time is passing so quickly. May the joy of the Lord be my strength this week. Lord—help me to live above my feelings and anxieties to to really taste and see that the Lord is good. Really. Amen.

Dec. 4, 1973 Eph. 1-4

It just freaks me out to fathom the thought that God picked me before the world was made to be His son…

Eph. 3:20 – “Now to Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ast or think, according to the power that works within us.”

+ The different gifts of Christ. God gives different people different measures of grace (insight/ motivation) to build up His people (Eph. 47-12).

God wants us to become mature men in all aspects (4:13,15). According to Eph. 4:22-24, we have a Trinity of growth: Lay aside our old self. Be renewed int eh spirit of our minds. Put on the new self.

Lord, I’m still trusting You. Bring the miracle that You promised. Amen.

Dec. 5, 1973 Eph. 5-6, Ps. 119:1-80

“Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love” (Eph. 5:1). “Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph. 5:10). We are learners. 

“Making the most of your time” (Eph. 5:16). God is speaking to me in phrases today and here is my life motto, I pray: “Pray at all times in the Spirit” (6:18). I must pray for people more and speak in tongues more often. It’s so easy to be lazy.

*Wow—the truth of these verses in Psalm 119 is awesome! I should write down every one of them! God’s Word and my trust in it and faithfulness to it are vital. Jesus is God’s “Word” also, so you can take it that way too. This one verse stuck out to me: “It is good for me that I was afflicted that I may learn your statutes” (Ps. 119:71).

Dec. 6, 1973 Phil 1-4

*This is a beautiful letter–Paul’s very personal letter to the church in Philippi, but as I read it, my mind was on other things. I would just like to share them with You, Lord, on this page.

I’m confused (and I suppose doubting) about the life of faith. How do we know what is Your will or when you have spoken to us so that we can put our faith in that and see it become reality? I know that You want me to trust You for thins, to prove Yourself to me and the people around me in miraculous ways. But I’m afraid that the opposite is going to happen. Not that You will fail, but that I have put my faith in things that are not Your will—and hence, will not come to pass.

You know what I’m talking about. I’m talking about C. and I going to Germany. I believe it is your will that we go together, but by sight, I don’t see the possibility or You even working behind the scenes.

I’m not going to panic, though. Will You bring it to pass? Please, Lord? I’m asking for a miracle…for C’s good. I’m going to keep on trying to believe.

December 7, 1973 Col. 1-4

Here contained in Col. 1:9 is the prayer I uttered yesterday about guidance: “to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spirit of wisdom and understanding.” I hope people are praying this prayer for me.

The Christian life: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27).

*To REALLY be wealthy is to know Jesus: “Attaining to all wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that’s Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:2-3).

Two important things in our lives (2:5) – 1) Good discipline, and 2) Stability of faith.

“Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (3:12).

Col. 3 is a beautiful chapter. This is the one I’ve got to memorize. Thank you, Lord, for these insights. The day is yours. Amen.

Dec. 8, 1973 1 Tim. 1-4

*Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your first real confirmation in my heart about C. and I going to Germany together. Today I found out that C. has been accepted. Now the only thing standing in our way is her heart. Another miracle is on the way.

Already in this book (up to 1 Tim. 3:9), Paul has mentioned the subject of conscience three times—the importance of having a clear, clean, pure conscience.

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7). So important. I’m learning.

These verse intrigue me a lot about godliness—1 Tim. 4:7,8. 1 Timothy 4:16 – “Pay close attention to your yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things. For as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

I’m very tired. I love you, Lord.

Dec. 9, 1973 1 Tim. 5-6, Titus 1-3

1 Tim.5:22 – “Keep yourself free form sin.”

My Christian background and upbringing have sure been liberal and lax concerning the attitude toward sin that I see in Scripture. I’m part of this “hang loose with Jesus” generation and I’m beginning to see how the carnal attitude toward sin is a very dangerous one. God wants us to be holy.

I need to pursue these things (1 Tim. 6:11) – 1. Righteousness. 2. Godliness. 3. Faith. 4. Love. 5. Perseverance. *6. Gentleness.

Gentleness is an interesting one to me. It’s also one I need.

I hear the word “deeds” mentioned a lot in Paul’s letter to Titus.

Man—has my view of salvation and eternal security changed since the beginning. I’ve come around 180 degrees. I came from a background that was so “grace” oriented that deeds or works were not even mentioned. There must be a balance, beginning with faith and producing “good works.”

Dec. 10, 1973 2 Tim. 1-4

God has given us a “spirit” of power, love and discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).

+ I am learning a lot about the importance of discipline in my life. Here in 2 Tim. 2., Paul talks about the seriousness of our Christian walk, comparing it to a soldier, an athlete and a farmer.

2 Tim. 3:12 – “And all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

I really like 1 & 2 Timothy a lot. They have seemed so personal and alive to me this time through. Lord, help me to have the ability to retain more of your scriptures by memory and thought. Teach me to really discipline my mind too. I want Your Word to become a living part of all that I do.

Dec. 11, 1973 Philemon, Heb.1-4

Here is a revelation: Before Christ, God spoke to people by means of raising up prophets, but we have no need for the prophetic revelation now because God has spoken to us in His Son ((Heb. 1:1,2).

+ Heb. 1:14 – Here is that verse that implies that the angels help us here on earth (there’s another one, though).

*There’s something for C. here. I believe God wants her to “enter His rest” by going to Germany. I pray that she is obedient, not like the Hebrews mentioned here in Heb. 3 & 4. I’m going to share this about entering the “rest” of God with C. 

+ Lord, may I honor You in all that I do today.

Dec. 12, 1973 Heb. 5-8

“Practice” is valuable in all areas of life. Here the writer says that Christian maturity is connected to the “practicing” of distinguishing between right and wrong.

+ Six foundations of the faith (Heb 6:1-2): 1) Repentance, 2) Faith, 3) Baptism, 4) Receiving the Holy Spirit, 5) Eternal Life, and 6) Judgement,

Some real great teaching here on faith (Heb 6:9-20). Faith is a continuing quality, NOT a momentary experience.

Heb. 7 – This discussion about Melchizedek baffles me. I understand how Jesus has become our High Priest and has atoned for sin once and for all, but I really don’t understand how Melchizedek fits in.

Heb. 8 – The new covenant. The life in the Holy Spirit and God’s total forgiveness of our sins. What a wonderful thing this is.

Dec. 13, 1973 Heb. 9-11

Hebrews 9 is a great chapter on explaining the blood sacrifice of Christ.

FAITH. What a wonderful word—what a concept, the life of living by our belief and trust in the Living God. Oh, how I desire to learn what it means to have even the “faith of a mustard seed.”

*Lord, Teach me Faith! I want to trust You for more and more as I live out my life.

Dec. 14, 1973 Heb. 12-13, Jude

“Put on love.” These are my words for the day. As I was sitting here praying, these came to me as my supreme need.

God disciplines us for our good so that we can share His goodness and purity. Discipline is training.

Heb. 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all men and after the sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord.” Boy, do I have weird thoughts about this verse.

Here is a picture of hell: Jude 13 – “black darkness.” I bet it is such a lonely place.

*Jude 21 – “keep yourselves in the love of God waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” 

Father, the adversary is pressuring me much this week and trying to distract and defeat me. Empower me to not let him. This weekend is critical. C. decides to go. Satan—you have no power. Jesus is triumphant!! Hallelujah!!!

Dec. 15, 1973 James 1-5

Lord, if I have ever needed guidance and encouragement and a miracle, it’s today. I’ve got my back to the wall. Thank you very much for wonderfully healing C. last night. Now, Lord, heal her heart.

Jas. 1:3 – Boy, my faith is really going through a testing right now.

“Quick to hear,” “slow to speak,” “slow to anger.”

Jas. 3 – “For we al stumble in many ways.” That’s for sure! I’ve been stumbling all week.

Jas. 4:1-10 – I wish so badly I could give these verse t C., but I feel I would be stepping out of love to do so. I would be her conscience, and I don’t want to do that.

*Jas. 5:11 – “behold we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” I’ll wait and believe. Thank you.

Dec. 16, 1973 1 Peter 1-5

*Thank you, Jesus, for opening another door. C. has decided to give it a go as far as the YWAM school is concerned, and now it’s up to You. We need two answers: 1) Consent of her family, and 2) Financial arrangement.

+ I’ll put them right here:   Parent’s Blessing & Money Provision.  God’ s Miracles___.

1 Peter 1:3-5 – These are beautiful verses on the RIGHT foundation of eternal security “protected by the power of God through faith.”

*This is fresh! 1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In this you greatly rejoice even though for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials. That the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 5:10 – “And after you have suffered for a little, the God of all grace who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Dec. 17, 1973 2 Peter 1-3, John 1

This is a real pattern of growth in the Christian walk that Peter outlines here in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Beautiful Cycle: Moral excellence—Knowledge—Self- control—perseverance—godliness—brotherly kindness—Christian love = PERMANENCE & ETERNAL GLORY.

2 Peter 3 – I was just talking yesterday to Pastor Dugan [Elim Lutheran] about Jesus’ return and I wish I could have known about some of these passages here. This stands out: We are commanded to “be looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (v. 12).

Interesting. Andrew was a disciple of John before he began to follow Jesus.

Dec. 18, 1973 John 2-4

John 3:18 – We are not here to preach an impending judgment or just condemn people. The world stands condemned, judged—already rendered. Our language is purely one of release…the good news of salvation.

*The judgement of the world is due to wrong and selfish choices (Jn. 3:19).

Jn. 4 – What a neat conversation about Jesus and the Samaritan woman is told here. I can just imagine it. Jn. N4:41 – “And many more believed because of his word.” 

*Jn. 4:50 – “Go your way…The man believed the word Jesus spoke to him and be started off.” That’s what I’m going to do. Thank you, Lord, for this encouragement.

Dec. 19-20, 1973 Jn. 5-8

I’m sorry, Lord, that I had to rush through this. What neat chapters, though. The claims that Jesu made were simply staggering. He knew Who He was and didn’t hesitate on making that known.

*I love you, Lord Jesus. Thank you for loving me.

Dec. 21, 1973

Lord Jesus, the events of today have completely torn and baffled me. C. and I talked to her parents about going away, and after a negative reaction, she has decided to tube the whole thing. Lord, I’m confused. It seems to be all over. What I believed was your will is fading away, sinking. What am I to believe?

I don’t even know how to write this. I was crying all morning to You, Lord. I’d give anything for the miracles of the transformed life that this YWAM trip would give to C. Lord, anything. What can I do to claim what I thought was Your promise? In my mind there is one alternative left. You must change C. heart to allow me to talk to her folks—and then, Lord, work a MIRACLE through that encounter.

Now, is this just me setting up my own stipulations? Or did You not say to me that it was your revealed will to me that C. and I go together? That’s what I have believed from the start. Yes, I would like her company, but much more than that, I feel that the blessings of this trip in her life is my supreme motivation. 

Lord Jesus Christ—will You answer me??

John 9-11 – Lord, I believe, Lord I believe, Lord, I believe (John 9:38). This is all I see. Is it for me, Lord?

John 11 – LAZARUS. Can I claim this story, Lord Jesus?

• Lazarus was dead – at this point the possibility of her going is dead.
• Jesus wept – I cried today like I’ve never cried before.
• Lazarus had been dead four days – It has been 4-5 days of the hassle.
• Jesus said: “Did I not say to you if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

+ I may be mistaken but I claim this story for Your glory in my life. I will go and “raise the dead.”

Dec. 22, 1973 Jn. 12-14

The “word” of God. What a deep probing study the use of this little word would make. In Jn. 12:48 Jesus said that the “word” He spoke will judge the world.

John 12:47 – “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. Jesus saves. We must convey this.

John 13:15 – “For I gave you an EXAMPLE that you should do as I did to you.” I feel the depth of Jesus, but there just isn’t anything real specific.

*Today is Christmas for us.

Dec. 23, 1973 John 15-18

John 15 – The concept of abiding in Jesus. The way of Christ is a way of life, a perpetual state. What a beautiful term – ABIDE.

+ Lord, I want to abide with You.

Not much spectacular today either. My mind is doing so much thinking and praying that these quit times have almost been anti-climactic. It’ll come…

Dec. 24, 1973 John 19-21

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). The Father sent Jesus to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, to release the captives, to raise the dead (Luke 4:18,19). “I also send you.”

*Lord God–You only know what a big week this is for me, this is it, the week of the celebration of Your birth and the week of reckoning as far as the trip to Germany is concerned. Your will be done. I wait expectantly for your reply and goodness. Hallelujah!

Dec. 25, 1973 1 Jn. 1-5

My prayer for today and for this year is a deepening walk with God in godliness and purity. “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light” (1 Jn. 1:7).

This book, and especially chapter one, is for me. I know that I have a problem of lust in my life and I am going to do something about it. C. and I talked about it last night and were going to clean it up. Thank you, Lord, for convicting and cleansing us. We were sinning. We knew it. We’re going to walk with You.

1 Jn. 2:6 – “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”

This is more confirmation of our moral decision: 1 Jn. 2:28 – “And now, little children, abide in Him so that if He should appear we may have confidence and not shrink back form Him in shame at His coming.”

How to purify yourself? Hope to become like Jesus, fixing our eyes on Him (1 Jn. 3:2,3).

Father, your words seem so alive today and I am so excited about drawing myself closer and closer to Your side. I know that it will be a battle, but “greater is He in me than he who is in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:4).

**Miracles times are approaching. Your will be done. I’m going to arm myself with every weapon at my disposal and go on by faith.

Dec. 26, 1973 Ps.117, 119:81-176, 2 Jn, 3 Jn.

*Ps. 119:81 – “My soul languishes for Your salvation. I wait for your word (v. 114). “Thou art my hiding place and my shield. I wait for your word” (v. 116). “And do not let me be ashamed by my hope” (v. 147). “I rise before dawn and cry for help. I wait for your words” (v. 169).

+ Give me understanding according to Your word.”

Seattle, Washington

Today will be a neat day. Wally, Dave, Steve and I are getting together in Seattle. Ought to be a neat time of sharing and comfort. I pray, Lord, you will really direct me through these guys and strengthen each other through your presence.

“I wait for Your words.” *This week is one of the critical ones of my life. I really need You.

Port Orchard, Washington

Dec. 27, 1973 Rev., 1-4

Rev. 2:10 – “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. The devil is about to cast some of you into prison that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”

For some reason I felt impelled to write this down and apply it to my situation, but I’m not sure how.

Rev. 2:25 – “Nevertheless, what you have, hold fast until I come.”

Rev. 3:2 – “Wake up and strengthen the things that remain which were about to die. For I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of God, (v.3). “Remember therefore what you have received and heard and KEEP it and repent.”

Rev. 3:8 – “Behold I have put before you an open door which no man can shut, because you have a little power and have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

Rev. 3:11 – “I am coming quickly. Hold fast to what you have in order that no one may take your crown.”

Lord, talk about encouragement today! Wow, every other line in the first three chapters of the Revelation denotes an urgency to hang tough. To wait. To claim by faith what is mine.

Lord, there I stand in your power and wisdom alone. Thank you.

Dec. 28, 1973 Rev. 5-9

What do I say. My beliefs have come crashing down around me. Not only has C. chosen not to go to Europe with me, but she has admitted never really loved me. Last night she said she could never marry me…hadn’t even considered the possibility.

Lord, now where do I go? Two big things I have been living in faith for are no more. You’ve let me down…on my face…and I’m scared. Where do I go from here????????????

Rev. 7:17 – “For the Lamb in the center of the Throne shall be their shepherd and shall guide them to the springs of the water of life. And God shall wipe every tear from their eyes.”

*I don’t know what I’m expecting to hear for find. I’ve never felt so depressed and afraid in my whole life. And I don’t know what to do about it. Lord, if there was ever a time that I needed you, it’s now.

Dec. 29, 1973 Rev. 10-14

Boy, it would be neat to really understand all of this—especially, to see things from God’s point of view.

I really wish I could fathom this apocalypse. So deep.

*Lord, I have two days left here. May I really use them for You and leave with strength and courage. May the issue of C. in my life be resolved once and for all. I must learn to follow the lead of Your Spirit all over again. “Make me to know Your ways, O Lord. Teach me Your paths.”

Dec. 30-31, 1973 Rev. 15-22

Wow—this is a strange feeling. I’m all alone, above the clouds flying on my way to Europe.

*Lord Jesus, You’re the only One with me. This is the biggest step of faith of my life. Please protect and guide me. I’ve never felt so scared and weak and confused about my future as I do now. I’m afraid, and I should be excited. I just don’t know what’s the matter with me.

I’m yours to be used. I feel dirty. Make me clean…

+ God’s judgement of the people of the earth is going to be terrifying. These descriptions given of the different plagues and things are extremely awful. It’s funny how sin warps our minds to think that we don’t deserve it. God says, “They deserve it” (Rev. 16:6).

I’m reading about “the Great Harlot” here in Rev. 17&18 which many people believe with be the Apostate Church. Referring to this group, God gives clear guidance to keep away from her. He doesn’t even say to try and share His love wit her. This is what He says: “Come out from her my people that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of the plagues” (Rev. 18:3).

*I guess that there are times when God would have to give up a people and get out of certain groups because of no hope.

TRUTH. The 1000 yr. period that many called the Millennium will be only Believers reigning with Christ (Rev. 20:4,5). We are raised at the first resurrection.

Reading the description of Eternal Paradise just gives me goose bumps. What an incomprehensible wonder. What a hope. What a Savior!

+ Lord Jesus—to the best of my feeble ability, I give you this year. With all my fears and hang-ups, I still want to serve Your kingdom and grow to love you more and more.

It’ll be a year of:

• Discipleship training in new lands,
• Guidance for my future work–if school, where,
• Growing up emotionally,
• And growing up spiritually.

AMEN 1973.