And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Romans 12:1 NLT
Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:7a GWT
I'm just going to be gut-level honest. The idea of surrender is foreign to me. I don't like the sound of it. I don't like the idea of it. There is nothing in me that wants to lose... and that's how I have viewed surrender all my life. Until today.
I am still in the process of accepting that I really can't control life. I have the head knowledge of it, but let's just say it hasn't completely transformed my life, as yet... and it all comes down to surrendering. God is so infinitely patient - I don't know how He puts up with me most days. For quite a while now, I have been confronted with the idea of surrender. Just hearing that word in relation to anything in my life makes me want to fight.
However, this morning, I read two passages of Scripture that I've read so many times before and even journaled on them before, but I saw them in a whole new light today. The first in Luke 5:5, when Peter worked all night fishing and caught nothing. He'd been washing out his nets when Jesus got in and asked him to row out a little so He could speak to the multitudes. Even though Peter was not yet a disciple, he did so. Then when Jesus was done speaking, He told Peter to launch out into the deep and let down his nets. Peter (who we learn later usually speaks and acts without thinking first) states that he'd already fished all night without catching anything, but surrenders and says, "Nevertheless at Your word..." And you know how that story ends.
The second passage which was the most eye-opening for me was Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I never saw that story as an actual act or choice to surrender. I always saw it as total adherence to following God's will and purpose, but never connected it as a surrender. I don't know why, maybe because I always think of Christ as perfectly aligned with the Father. And yet, there it is, bigger than life, the greatest act of surrender ever recorded!
Present your bodies a living sacrifice... I don't remember who it was that said, "The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar, so you may have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day." That's a real eye-opener.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your Truth. Open our minds to understand it and open our hearts to embrace it. We want to be holy and acceptable to You, fully surrendered to Your will and Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Showing posts with label choices. Word.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label choices. Word.. Show all posts
Friday, September 13, 2019
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Overlooking God's Best
His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.
1st Samuel 9:2:
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”
So, how do we come into the presence of God? How do we get close enough to hear Him so we know which way is right? The Word says we come into the Holy of Holies by the Blood of the Lamb, into His presence with singing and worship. All actions that David did in his daily life while working his day job which is why God chose David. All actions that WE need to do in our daily life so that we don’t make assumptions and overlook God’s best for us to choose what looks good to us.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see as You see. Open our ears to hear Your voice. Open our minds to receive Your Word with gladness. Open our hearts to hasten to perform Your Word. Let us not overlook what You have chosen for us, for Your way is best. Help us, Lord, to walk in Your way. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen
1st Samuel 9:2:
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”
1st Samuel 16:6:
And of course, we know Eliab was NOT the Lord’s anointed.
When the people demanded a king - God gave them what they wanted. When the king was chosen for the people, it seems God chose according to man’s standards – most handsome – head and shoulders taller than anyone else. God knew it wouldn't matter what else Saul was or wasn't because he looked good to them. And humans can be flaky when it comes to loyalty - whatever looks good to them. Several chapters later, the people made up songs - "Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten-thousands".
Going back on the timeline, when God chose a king for His people – David was the least likely from Jesse’s house, so much so that his own father didn’t deem him significant enough to call in from the field – until Samuel asked if there were any more. God chose from the tribe of Judah – the praisers, the rulers - because God looks on the heart.
When Samuel went to Jesse’s to find God's choice for king, he took one look at Eliab. Did a once-over and thought that was him… till God said no. However, Samuel did continue looking at all the other brothers using the same criteria - their appearance. Thankfully, Samuel knew the voice of God and spent time in His presence, so he didn’t voice his own opinion. He waited for the Lord to confirm or deny.
And of course, we know Eliab was NOT the Lord’s anointed.
When the people demanded a king - God gave them what they wanted. When the king was chosen for the people, it seems God chose according to man’s standards – most handsome – head and shoulders taller than anyone else. God knew it wouldn't matter what else Saul was or wasn't because he looked good to them. And humans can be flaky when it comes to loyalty - whatever looks good to them. Several chapters later, the people made up songs - "Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten-thousands".
Going back on the timeline, when God chose a king for His people – David was the least likely from Jesse’s house, so much so that his own father didn’t deem him significant enough to call in from the field – until Samuel asked if there were any more. God chose from the tribe of Judah – the praisers, the rulers - because God looks on the heart.
When Samuel went to Jesse’s to find God's choice for king, he took one look at Eliab. Did a once-over and thought that was him… till God said no. However, Samuel did continue looking at all the other brothers using the same criteria - their appearance. Thankfully, Samuel knew the voice of God and spent time in His presence, so he didn’t voice his own opinion. He waited for the Lord to confirm or deny.
So, how do we come into the presence of God? How do we get close enough to hear Him so we know which way is right? The Word says we come into the Holy of Holies by the Blood of the Lamb, into His presence with singing and worship. All actions that David did in his daily life while working his day job which is why God chose David. All actions that WE need to do in our daily life so that we don’t make assumptions and overlook God’s best for us to choose what looks good to us.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see as You see. Open our ears to hear Your voice. Open our minds to receive Your Word with gladness. Open our hearts to hasten to perform Your Word. Let us not overlook what You have chosen for us, for Your way is best. Help us, Lord, to walk in Your way. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Which Is It?
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
"I've left it in the Lord's hands." How many times have we heard that? How many times have we said it ourselves?
In the course of conversation, I found myself questioning - Are we believing God or blaming Him? Is it a declaration or a denial? Faith or failure? When we say we've left it in His hands - are we declaring our confidence in God to see it through to fruition, or is it a cop-out because we don't want the responsibility?
Actions speak louder than words. When it comes down to a choice between God's will or our own way, do we continue to do God's will - to trust Him in spite of what we feel, what people say - or do we quit? Which is it?
Prayer:
Father:
According to Your Word, we choose to walk by faith and not by sight. We have not yet achieved it, but we focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, we press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which You, through Christ Jesus, are calling us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
"I've left it in the Lord's hands." How many times have we heard that? How many times have we said it ourselves?
In the course of conversation, I found myself questioning - Are we believing God or blaming Him? Is it a declaration or a denial? Faith or failure? When we say we've left it in His hands - are we declaring our confidence in God to see it through to fruition, or is it a cop-out because we don't want the responsibility?
Actions speak louder than words. When it comes down to a choice between God's will or our own way, do we continue to do God's will - to trust Him in spite of what we feel, what people say - or do we quit? Which is it?
Prayer:
Father:
According to Your Word, we choose to walk by faith and not by sight. We have not yet achieved it, but we focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, we press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which You, through Christ Jesus, are calling us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Eternity: Smoking or Non-smoking?
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.
Psalm 139:1-3 NLT
There are times in all our lives - at every stage of our lives - when we face decisions about whether we should or should not do something. It doesn't matter how young or old we are.
When my kids were younger, I used to give them this rule of thumb. "If Jesus was standing right next to you and could see what you're doing, would you do it?" You know the Truth is that Jesus IS with us all the time. Numerous Scriptures tell us so. He DOES see what we're facing, and the course of action we choose.
That thing when no one's looking? Where you let your mind wander and stay when no one's around? When you're in the big city and no one knows who you are or what you normally do? And there's no one to tell... He knows it all... Think carefully.
Sometimes we make decisions without thinking at all. Sometimes, we're distracted and don't fully engage to use the sense God gave us. Choose wisely. It could very well be the deciding factor between where you will spend eternity - smoking or non-smoking - or for someone else's eternity who is looking to you as their example to follow Christ. Yes, we are our brother's keeper. What will be your deciding factor?
Prayer:
Father,
Guide us by Your righteousness, O Lord our God. We want our deciding factor to be You. Let all of our choices be to follow Your will with clean hands and pure hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 139:1-3 NLT
There are times in all our lives - at every stage of our lives - when we face decisions about whether we should or should not do something. It doesn't matter how young or old we are.
When my kids were younger, I used to give them this rule of thumb. "If Jesus was standing right next to you and could see what you're doing, would you do it?" You know the Truth is that Jesus IS with us all the time. Numerous Scriptures tell us so. He DOES see what we're facing, and the course of action we choose.
That thing when no one's looking? Where you let your mind wander and stay when no one's around? When you're in the big city and no one knows who you are or what you normally do? And there's no one to tell... He knows it all... Think carefully.
Sometimes we make decisions without thinking at all. Sometimes, we're distracted and don't fully engage to use the sense God gave us. Choose wisely. It could very well be the deciding factor between where you will spend eternity - smoking or non-smoking - or for someone else's eternity who is looking to you as their example to follow Christ. Yes, we are our brother's keeper. What will be your deciding factor?
Prayer:
Father,
Guide us by Your righteousness, O Lord our God. We want our deciding factor to be You. Let all of our choices be to follow Your will with clean hands and pure hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 16, 2015
A Living Sacrifice +
Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is honest in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 Modern English Version (MEV)
For years, we have heard 'present your bodies a living sacrifice' - have we ever stopped to ponder that phrase? In reality, more than half the time we don't want to sacrifice our place in the line of traffic to let a truck pull in front of us on the road! So, how many of us would present ourselves to be sacrificed?
"You want me to what?!? Feed him when he's hungry? Give him a drink when he's thirsty? I'd rather You give me the shovel so I can bury him in those coals of fire!"
A living sacrifice knows what it's facing and chooses to follow Christ's example in spite of the circumstances or the danger that awaits. Yes, Christ's example. As the writer of Hebrews declares, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame...
So, how many of us would present ourselves to be sacrificed?
Jesus did. He became our Living Sacrifice. We are to be like Him and lay our lives down [willingly] as a living sacrifice.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes and hearts to see and know the Truth of Your Word this night. Accept our bodies as a living sacrifice to You and to Your will. May they be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 1, 2015
* Getting Into Shape
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.
Romans 8:29 The Message Bible
Can you believe it's February already? January is over and so are most of the commitments to the resolutions we might have made at the beginning of the year. You know - eating healthfully, getting into shape. I tell people I am in shape. It's true - round is a shape...
In all honesty, I am making better choices when it comes to what I put in my body, but more important to me (and to God) is what I put in my heart. What do I need to do to shape my life along the same lines as the life of Christ? Just as in physical exercise, when we become disciplined in it, we will see results. How genuinely and consistently do I exercise the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Am I seeing results? Are those around me benefiting from the results?
Is God being glorified by the results?
If we're not getting the results we want or need, we have to go back to the plan - God's plan. He has given us His Son as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the original and intended shape of our lives. We need to daily commit to getting into shape.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to reach past the desires of our flesh to the prize that is set before us in You. We want to attain the shape You have fashioned for us in Christ. Give us the courage to correct our choices by the conviction of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 8:29 The Message Bible
Can you believe it's February already? January is over and so are most of the commitments to the resolutions we might have made at the beginning of the year. You know - eating healthfully, getting into shape. I tell people I am in shape. It's true - round is a shape...
In all honesty, I am making better choices when it comes to what I put in my body, but more important to me (and to God) is what I put in my heart. What do I need to do to shape my life along the same lines as the life of Christ? Just as in physical exercise, when we become disciplined in it, we will see results. How genuinely and consistently do I exercise the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Am I seeing results? Are those around me benefiting from the results?
Is God being glorified by the results?
If we're not getting the results we want or need, we have to go back to the plan - God's plan. He has given us His Son as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the original and intended shape of our lives. We need to daily commit to getting into shape.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to reach past the desires of our flesh to the prize that is set before us in You. We want to attain the shape You have fashioned for us in Christ. Give us the courage to correct our choices by the conviction of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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