Surrender

The dictionary defines surrender as "giving up, laying down or relinquishing power or control to another; to give up completely to something." Surrender is waving the white flag and giving up a fight or position you hold about something. Everyone surrenders at some point in life. As a child you may have surrendered to sleep by giving up trying to stay awake to actually see Santa bring your gifts on Christmas Eve. You may have given in to a friend, spouse or child to have their way over yours in exchange for peace. 

When you are tired, weary or up against a major obstacle that wears you down, you can be in a position to surrender more easily. Being bombarded by the world and its culture can lead you to surrender your morals, values and beliefs. You may over time be nudged to accept certain norms and ways of life as you slowly give up the fight against what you believe is right or appropriate.

Surrender isn't necessarily a bad thing and it can lead to positive change when you give up a bad habit, lifestyle or relationship. What are you surrendering to? You may not even be aware of that which you have given up control of for something that is less than authentic, righteous or aligned with what God would want for your life. 

The ultimate act of surrender is that of giving your life to Jesus Christ. It's when you relinquish and lay down control, fear and worry to Him and trust His will to be done in your life. Sounds easier than it really is. To surrender to Jesus is a daily decision to follow Him and give up the world and all its glamour, distractions and lies. You will have to be different, think differently and change what you fill your mind, time and life with. 

Think you have surrendered your life to Christ? Check yourself. Here are just a few things to consider. 

You:

• spend time in the Word daily
• put God first in your day not last or an after thought
• pray rather than worry       
• seek God's direction in decisions you are making
• fill your life with positive relationships of believers
• choose to listen to, read and watch programming that aligns with godly ways
• trust God above all

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." Galatians 5:24

God Work

 

It happens all the time and likely you have experienced it. It is the constant interruption and disruption of the time you spend with God or the work you do to honor Him. There are multiple reasons for this. The most common is competing priorities. Let's face it, there is housework, schoolwork, and perhaps work you are being paid to do just to name a few. Of course there is the added work of the evil one. You know, the spam phone call, barking dog, crying child, or alarm ringing the moment you set out to spend time with God or do anything for His glory. 

Not to worry! God Work is always in progress. Whether you know it or not God is always working to provide and create good in your life. He sees your effort to devote the time and love you have for Him. Be persistent in continuing your journey with Him, reading His Word and doing the work you set out to do to glorify Him. 

Yes, you may need to erect a sign, set up a work zone or even call in others to get the time and do the work you desire for God. Even so, do whatever it takes. There is no greater work you can do. 

When priorities and road blocks come against you, stand firm and work to:

• share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a kind act or work
• donate resources to charities and causes to care for others and expand God's Kingdom
• be an encouragement and pray for and with someone suffering from illness, addiction or loss
• set up a prayer, worship or bible study small group to support one another and maximize the impact you can make 

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9

The Grass Is Always Greener

My husband has a green thumb when is comes to our front lawn. He knows exactly how much water it needs, how to fertilize it and just when to cut out the patches of weeds that often spring up. He takes the time to plant new seed when needed and is very particular about the way he manages it through the seasons. 

Often neighbors, and even total strangers, stop to ask his secret for maintaining a lawn that is so green and plush. He shares tips and techniques for lawn nurturing but it is difficult for others to replicate his success. Many want the beautiful results but few want to invest the time, money, or patience necessary to grow their lawn to be the best it can be. 

Jesus shared a similar story in the parable of the sower. Most Christians desire a life that is rich and meaningful and where they can bear much fruit for the Lord. Still, not everyone is willing to invest the time and the commitment required to be fruitful. What about you? Which of these describes your walk of faith with Jesus? 

• Sitting It Out – you hear the Word but allow the enemy to cultivate doubt and weed out any chance of walking with Jesus and producing fruit. 
• Intermittent Walker– you hear the Word and receive it with joy for a short time then without any depth or real commitment to Christ you fall away. 
• Fruitless Walker – you hear and study the Word and are devoted to the Lord but you let the worries of this life, distractions and the desires for other things come in and uproot your devotion. 
• Flourishing Walker- you hear the Word and produce much fruit as evidenced by your life and daily walk with Jesus Christ.

If you are anything but a flourishing walker, take this opportunity to turn things around. Ask God to search your heart. Ask that He provide you the tools and strength necessary to rid your life of the people and situations that interfere with your walk; and that He refresh and revitalize your relationship with Him. 

Plant seeds of commitment and obedience. Cultivate love, kindness, and peace. Have God’s Word be your daily bread and the relationship with Him be your water. Seek His grace and enjoy the opportunities and lifestyle necessary to bear much and various fruit for the Lord. 

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15

God Is

Life's journey with God is the most incredible experience you could ever be blessed to have. I have shared my experience writing The Daily Journey since 2001. The archive of posts since 2009 are on the blog. 

Here are some of the things God has proven to me during this time. You must have more of your own God truths to add to this list. Comment below and share your heart.

God is:

the source of all life

always present and available 

always faithful

in total control

righteous in all situations

the God of wonders and miracles

He:

• defies logic
• displays love which exceeds all understanding
• works through people and places them exactly where He needs them
• hears and answers prayer
• never makes mistakes
• has perfect timing
• is limitless in resources
• creates vastness and abundance from what seems like nothing

"I will make my people strong with power from me! They will go wherever they wish and wherever they go, they will be under my personal care." 

Zechariah 10:12

Joyful, Joyful

 Of late, it would seem difficult to find any joy in the world. Every day seems to bring more bad news, worry and darkness. Still, as a Christian you have a mighty hope and much joy in Jesus Christ. He is your peace and rest. In Him there is so much to celebrate especially this time of the year as you anticipate the arrival of Christmas! 

What an extraordinary gift God gave you and the world in his Son Jesus. Nothing past, present or future compares. There in a manger, Jesus, God in the flesh, entered the world as the Savior and newborn King. Praise and hallelujah was raised by shepherds, men and animals too. The first Christmas was a blessing for eternity. 

No matter what you are facing in life, know that this Christmas and Jesus Christ deserve  acknowledgement and honor. Sure you could just skip it and be gloomy, depressed and hopeless. The enemy would like if you decided to do that and not celebrate the birth of your Savior. 

Do not let that happen. It's Christmas! It's a celebration of the day God sent the most precious gift to you. Sing praises, string up some lights, lift your eyes to the heavens and raise up a happy birthday and gratitude wish to Jesus. While you are at it, why not brighten the world for one or two others as well? 

See, Jesus is your joy. It is because of Him that you can boldly claim and proclaim Joy to the World! Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed beyond measure this Christmas and into the New Year.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   – Isaiah 9:6