What does it mean to surrender your life to Jesus? This is what many people have asked me when they want to know about my faith. When I tell them that when I became aware of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross -taking my place- for the forgiveness of my sins, this brought conviction of my sins; that my heart was broken and convicted, and how I actually felt a veil was removed from my eyes…there was nothing I ever wanted more, then to give my entire self to Him! I knew I was not able to continue living the same way anymore:

“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20 AMP)

For me to know I was loved in such a way, gave me a hunger and thirst for God and His Word. I knew I could not waste more time of my life, living the same way I had been living:  to others and to please myself!  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

As we read in today’s passage, we see how God’s people were under Roman domination -just like I was dominated by the world, away from God- and they had to render to Cesar whose image was stamped on the coin. For those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we have become free from the dominion of sin (Galatians 5:1), so we should intentionally and out of love, give ourselves to God because now His image is stamped on us! Isn’t that awesome?

“ In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. “ (Ephesians 1:13 AMP)

As we continue in our Christian life, we encounter many difficulties and struggles and some of these are within ourselves. There are areas of our lives that need to be surrendered to God, and that only through His help, His strength and wisdom we will be able to come through in victory! (Heb. 4:15-16)

“We soon find it all but impossible to live the Christian life, with our own strength and goodness. It is through God’s strength that we know courage, and through his power that we know goodness. When we realize this, surrender becomes our priority. In seeking to unite our will with God’s more fully, we don’t want a fixed blissful union with him, one that is filled with passivity. Surrendering to him means growth and progress. It is the freedom of moving forward with and through him, so that each of our relationships and all of our work, worship, suffering, and play reflect what he wants of us” (Judith C. Lechman) 

This is my prayer for all of us here at Women in the Word.

Mari

The Christian life is a life of surrender. Simply put, God asks us to come to Him willingly and then allow Him to use our surrendered lives for a higher purpose. Each life is important, a building block that He uniquely places for overall value and purpose. The foundational cornerstone that our lives rest on and take strength from is Jesus. “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (v4-5).

We are not a single, inconsequential, mere human but part of a bigger whole with great purpose.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (v9)

What an honor to be part of a holy kingdom, but we have to remember that this kingdom is not of this world and that means that a surrendered life is not always easy. We are called “sojourners” and “exiles” (v11). The world will often reject us, not understand us, and perhaps even persecute us. But, God asks us to represent Him.

I remember at my place of employment being trained regarding customer service and being asked to be mindful that when on duty, I represented that employer. The expectation was that no matter how I felt that day, or what might be going on in my personal life, that ultimately I would focus on providing excellent customer service, with a smile and an attitude of professionalism. I am certainly mindful of that but even more importantly, I am mindful that I represent Christ. Many of my patients are grateful, kind, and a joy to serve. But, many of my patients are also challenging to care for because they are not appreciative, and can be agitated, combative or just spiteful and rude. 

It can be hard not to take the difficult or unfair behaviors of others personally.  But, that is how we represent Christ.  “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (v20-21).  

How did Christ respond to the unjust treatment of others? “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (v23). Christ surrendered his all in obedience to God, trusting that God was ultimately in control, and trusting that God would judge in His way and in His time. He kept his focus on a heavenly kingdom and he represented the love of God to a sinful world.  

Do you believe that your life choices matter, including your responses to what seems just and unjust? Do you trust that God is in control and the One who judges justly? Do you want to represent Christ well to a world desperately in need of Him? 

“All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him

In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender

Humbly at His feet I bow

Worldly pleasures all forsaken

Take me Jesus take me now”

 God then gives some amazing demonstrations of His power over nature: a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire. Wind, fire, and earthquakes were all recognized as signs of divine revelation, so it makes sense that God chose to reveal Himself in connection with those things. 

But God shows here that he is not in the wind, or the fire, or the earthquake itself. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper.  And Elijah covers his face, knowing he is in the presence of Almighty God.

What was God's message to Elijah through this powerful demonstration? 

It honestly didn't take me very long to figure it out, for I've experienced those same disappointments at times. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not in the same league as Elijah, but I think all of us who serve God hope that our efforts will produce certain results and when those results don't happen...

It seems that God wanted to teach Elijah, and all of us who serve, pray, and minister in God’s name an important lesson.  Sometimes God Whispers…

In this tender way God demonstrated that He reigns! The God who speaks gently with a whisper is the same God who can tear mountains apart and break down evil. So when He asks Elijah again, “What are you doing here?” He is conveying His plans to continue to bring His kingdom into this world, and use Elijah and others to do it! 

Our God reigns over the wind, fire, earthquakes and in the gentle whispers! His plans will prevail, and yes, He calls us to work with Him. His desire is for us to be willing, surrendered and ready to leave the results to Him. 

Blessings,

sue

Scripture reading for Tuesday, October 29, 2019  Psalm 37

Back in July I began writing this post.  You see, I want to walk the walk I talk about.  Surrender is something that is constantly on my heart and mind.

Our first example of someone who surrenders all is Jesus.  He left His heavenly kingdom for 33 years to come here to teach us how to live a surrendered and obedient life.

 

I do not understand what I do

for what I want to do I do not do,

but what I hate to do.  Romans 7:15

This scripture verse seems to be exactly what of my lack of surrender looks like.  We all strive to read scripture and we become what we know.  But it’s a posture we have to maintain, and I hate to admit it, I seem to fall out of that posture especially in my relationships with others lately.

  

I have to learn to surrender these relationships to the Lord.  I can’t help but attempt to surrender them, but find myself trying again to make them work the way I think they should.  And I end up having hurt feelings.

I have spent a few months exploring surrender and obedience, because I believe they go hand-in-hand.  If I surrender something to God, I have to leave it in His hands.  There’s no take backs!

My bible has more dates and issues written in it next to this Psalm.  It’s been a go-to Psalm when I am struggling with letting go.  But it gives me so much reassurance when I come here because just look at what we receive when we surrender:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (6)

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. (11)

The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. (18)

…those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those He curses will be destroyed. (22)

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.  (23-24)

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.  They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. (25-26)

Turn from evil and do good, then you will dwell in the land forever.  For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones.  (27-28)

The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. (29)

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.  The law of their God is in their hearts, their feet do not slip.  (30-31)

Hope in the LORD and keep His way.  He will exalt you to inherit the land when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.  (34)

Consider the blameless, observe the upright, a future awaits those who seek peace.  (37)

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.  The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.  (39-40)

This last verse has become my focus on the surrender of these relationships that have been difficult to let go of – God is my refuge.  He is the umbrella that protects me from my own feelings of being hurt.  He is the umbrella that protects me from my own pride when I think they should go my way.  And He will not let me fall!

Friday October 25^th

FAITH-  trust or belief in something very strongly

Read Mark 5:25-34

I love how this story starts out.  A woman who had had a hemorrhage for 12 years.  Did you notice that she had had, and we will see that she does not have anymore.  Can you imagine having an abnormal bleeding issue for 12 years? 

She suffered much from the hands of many physicians and she had even spent all that she had.  Was she helped?  No, as a matter of fact she got worse. 

I know that I would be discouraged and want to give up, but wait!  She heard about Jesus!   What did she hear about Jesus?

.

Matt. 4:23- And Jesus was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every king of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.

Mark 3:10-  for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed about Him in order to touch Him.

I am thinking she was thinking this has to be the real deal because all else had failed.  She probably had even seen some of the people that Jesus had healed.

When she touched Him she felt it!  She was immediately healed!  I wonder if she thought He would notice. 

He noticed!  He felt the power that had gone forth to heal her.  WHO TOUCHED MY GARMENTS!

With all the people around him I am sure many were touching His garments but not like she did. 

He saw her!  I believe that He looked upon her with such love and compassion!  She needed to be healed and He saved her. 

BUT, she was afraid and trembling.  She fell down before Him and told Him the truth.  She was honest with Him.  She did not hold anything back. 

Mark 5:34-Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.

She had an encounter with Jesus!  She was not disappointed!  She was finally healed.

 

This story is so dear to my heart.  21 years ago I suffered from severe panic attacks and chronic anxiety disorder. I had a pain in my chest that felt like a knife was in it, I could not eat and I lost a lot of weight…I became afraid of everything.  I went to many doctors and had just about every test know to them and they all said we cannot find anything wrong with you.  One doctor decided that I needed my gall bladder out but after I had the surgery the surgeon said to me that was not the problem.  She said it was something deeper than that and did not know what it was.  At that time I was seeing a massage therapist and she told me that it was something deep inside of me.  I did not know where to turn to next.  I was very ill, lost more weight than I needed to and was crippled, I had a family I needed to take care of.  Our pastor and his wife came to our home each week and prayed over me.  Then one day they said,  seek Jesus and that He would heal me.  So I made a commitment to the Lord that I would put Him first each morning in His word, seeking Him, even if I did not know what I was reading or did not feel like it.  I did it out of obedience and wanted to be healed and as I dug into the scriptures, the Lord often brought me here to this story.  I was very much like the woman in this story. As I read His word every day I got to know Him and learned to trust, believe and obey Him.   I found myself running to the scriptures for healing and it brought healing from panic attacks and anxiety disorder. 

FAITH IS A LIVING, BOLD TRUST IN GOD’S GRACE

FAITH is God’s work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God. 

Scripture for Today - Genesis 29:31-35

 

Today in America especially, we have been facing a crisis of staggering numbers.  Between the sexual abuse scandals to just the sheer numbers of people abandoning religion all together.

I am a catholic convert of 30 years.  My upbringing was one of attending Sunday school, church services, vacation bible school and a youth ministry.  As a young adult, just out of college, I joined a non-denominational church so that I could play my flute in their orchestra.  Then I met my first husband and became catholic.

I battled a question I often heard throughout my lifetime – “When did you become a Christian?”  You see, I didn’t have a date like my birthdate or my wedding date.  And I spent a great deal of time wondering why I didn’t have a date.  Oh, I’ve raised hand and offered my life to God a few times.  I’ve prayed a prayer to trust Jesus, but I’ve never had a date to coincide with my becoming a Christian.

I read a wonderful explanation that said something to the effect that my date is more of a process, and if you’ve ever read John Bunyon’s “Pilgrim’s Progress”, you’ll agree, Christianity is a posture that progresses through your lifetime.  You are constantly learning and growing and changing.

I joined a small group at our church which is a renewal group.  There are several of these small groups going on at the same time and they began because of the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.  You don’t join these groups knowing who will be participating.  They are created based on your schedule, not who will be there.

The first thing I noticed about my group is the foundation of why we haven’t left the church.  What we believe in is faith.  We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God – the creator of the universe.  We believe in what the scriptures say.  The foundation of our faith cannot be shaken and we have HOPE.  As believers, our faith is built on something we cannot see.  It’s a mystery.  We are created with a hole in our hearts that can only be filled with the love of God.

All you have to do is read the bible and you will see scandal.  Our readings today are scandalous.  I personally have struggled to read these verses and accept that Jacob had two wives and two concubines!  WOW!  But the mysterious part of all of this is that God had a plan and He took the unloved woman and gave her a son who became part of the lineage of the life of Jesus.

 

The reason I don’t leave my church or my faith in God, is because I have hope and faith in the One who knows the plan; in the One who has done the impossible.  In the One who has shown us if we believe in Him and trust in Him and obey Him, we will make it through this process called life and enter into a union with Him in His heavenly kingdom.  We will make it through scandals and hardships, just like we make it through the blessings and good times.

While we are here, we are building and we are surrounded by sexual abuse, torture, murder, lies, and cheaters – bad things happen.  God has a plan.  But just as Leah realizes after her 4^th son is born, we are to praise God even in the midst of something bad.  That doesn’t mean that we are saying, “Oh thank you that I am unloved”, or “thank you that I lost my job, or thank you my husband left me.”  It means that we praise God for His plan.  That although this section of my life is unpleasant, God sees me and loves me, and He will show me how to get through this part.

Back to my struggle with not having a date of when I became a Christian – it lies in my Faith, which for as long as I can remember, I’ve had.  I was born with the hole in my heart that only God could fill and on that I’ve been seeking Him ever since.

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Here’s a link to what the names mean of Leah’s son’s.