| Original Message |
Thursday-Word (no login)
Posted Mar 16, 2011 8:06 PM
![[linked image]](http://alumbramicaminarhoy.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/surrender.jpg) ![[linked image]](http://alumbramicaminarhoy.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/alabando.jpg)
Often we struggle to yield fully to the will of God. Most of us don't think about praising God when His work upon us involves heartache or struggle. In fact, we would rather resist or try to get around the hurt. And yet, surrendering to His hands is far better than living outside His will. No matter what we face, God has promised to be with us in all His power and wisdom, and He is faithful to every single promise He has made.
(Isaiah 41:9-11):
9- You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called you from the chief men thereof, and said unto you, you art My servant; I have chosen you, and not cast you away.
10- Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.
11- Behold, all they that were incensed against you shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with you shall perish.
![[linked image]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4_kKkmUdP0s/TCXbIMDoZBI/AAAAAAAAADQ/-XjcnM-PIKI/s320/WomanPrayingCrop.jpg)
Surrendering to the Lord's work in our life will transform us. Circumstances might not change, but our attitude will begin to reflect peace, contentment, and trust in Jesus Christ. Confidence in God shields us from anxiety, because we're focused on Him and His promises of protection and provision.
None of us want to face hardship, but God sometimes requires that we suffer. Through our trials, we learn trust, patience, compassion, and other attributes needed for living a godly life. We become wiser and more mature followers.
Surrendering our will to God's better plan clears off the throne of our life, enabling the Holy Spirit to take His rightful place there. Then, as He discards the junk from our life, we are transformed from the inside out. Our spirit undergoes three important changes. First, we begin to recognize when Gods hand is at work. Second, we experience freedom from selfish pursuits or earthly attachments. Third, we understand and appreciate what it means to operate under His power and authority. In serving the Lord, we gain a confidence that we never had while serving self. What's more, others will see the effects of God's work in us and will turn to God.
When we submit ourselves to the will of God, the Holy Spirit works through us. His power is magnified through our obedience so we become an instrument in the hands of God.
A Spirit-filled believer knows how to love and be loved, maintain peace and joy even in hard times, and give others a second chance. He also wisely knows when to submit. Surrender is not an easy step. It requires courage and patience, as learning submission is a life-long process.
![[linked image]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4_kKkmUdP0s/TCQKPaiAd8I/AAAAAAAAAC4/FIdf4gNWNMo/s320/Surrender+1.jpg)
(Galatians 5:16-25):
16- This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17- For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18- But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19- Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20- Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21- Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23- Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24- And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25- If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The beauty, love, and faithfulness of God is that He truly, truly loves us. He loves me, He loves you and He knows our human hearts better than we ever could. I believe that once we enter into that special place -- that place of complete surrender, God is waiting to take those small dreams and desires we've been clenching onto and magnify them only to bless you with more than you could ever have imagined and in doing so, we give Him the glory.
The only thing He ever wants us to "clench" onto is the salvation of His son Jesus Christ, and His Word. All else is secondary. ALL ELSE IS SECONDARY. He says that we are to, "Seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto us. Not seeking on Sunday, or only at the time we really feel we need Him, but always. Always praying, always expanding His Kingdom, seeking His face, doing things to bring Him honor and glory. When we do this, I believe we become submitted, we surrender and in doing so, allow the light and love of Jesus Christ to shine through our hearts, our actions, and our voices to be a constant and continuous witness for Him and the love He's given us - -the only love that will save the souls of mankind. Thus, we cannot say, "I love God but..." or I surrender, but.." There are no buts with God. No middle ground, no shades of gray... He deals in absolutes; we must learn to when it comes to Him.
![[linked image]](http://0.tqn.com/d/christianity/1/G/r/7/Surrender180x152.jpg)
"Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be, filled with you.
Cause everything is a lesser thing,
compared to you, compared to you.
Cause everything is a lesser thing,
compared to you. So I surrender all..."
All to Jesus I surrender all
To Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live
I surrender all
To You Jesus, I surrender all
And all to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all
Dear Heavenly Father,
Search our hearts, oh Lord. Reveal strongholds and anything that we may unknowingly esteem higher than You. Help us to surrender ALL unto You, and to recognize that every desire, every need, that "everything is a lesser thing, compared to You." Thank You for your love that is as vast as the sky and limitless beyond measure. May the body of Christ find it's peace and strength in You; in Christ's name we pray.
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