The Pastor’s Blog
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the word surrender and what it means in our relationship with Jesus. To surrender is defined as declaring yourself defeated; giving up possession of something; or voluntarily giving something to another. As we think about surrendering our lives to Jesus we see that all three of these definitions come into play. We recognize that we are defeated by sin and cannot overcome it on our own. We give possession of our lives, hopes, dreams and ambitions to Jesus. And in response to His love, we voluntarily give all that we know about ourselves to all of Jesus that we understand.
As good and rational as all of that sounds the problem is that to surrender to anyone or anything, even to Jesus, isn’t an easy thing to do; it goes totally against our human nature. It goes against our exaggerated sense of individuality and the mistaken belief that we can manage and control our own lives.
However, once we come to recognize how much Jesus loves us, once we recognize how just and fair He is, and once we recognize that Jesus has a plan and purpose for our lives, all of our objections to surrendering our lives to Him are broken. Instead of viewing the surrender of our lives to Jesus as something that is onerous and should be avoided at all cost, as we view most other times of surrender, we see that surrendering to Jesus is the best choice we could ever make.
Surrendering to Jesus is where our relationship with Him truly begins and living in an attitude of surrender to Him helps us to get out of the way so that Jesus is free to work in our lives. With surrender we can receive all that Jesus has planned for us, but without surrender we can never abide in Him.
Total surrender to Jesus is giving to Him all that we know about ourselves to all of Him that we know. Take some time this week to:
1. Invite Jesus to reveal to you any area of your life that you need to surrender to Him.
2. Invite Jesus to reveal more of Himself to you as you spend time with Him in Bible study and prayer.
Then watch and listen with expectation to see what Jesus wants to do in you.
In Him,
Mark
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Home Study for June 24 to 30, 2012
Based on the Northwest Yearly Meeting 50-Day Prayer Journal.
Monday – Read Ephesians 6:18-20
When should we pray?
What does it mean for you to “be alert?”
In this context what should you be looking for?
This week, as someone shares a prayer need with you, either in person or on the phone, take time to pray with them right then.
Tuesday – Exodus 34:8-15
What did Moses do in verse 8 before bringing his requests to God?
Why is this important?
What example does this set for us?
As you take time to pray begin with a time of worship.
Wednesday – Read Ezekiel 22:23-31
How is this description similar to the society we line in today?
What was God looking for in Ezekiel’s day?
Is He still looking for the same thing today?
Pray that you, our church, and all believers can be that kind of people.
Thursday – Read I Timothy 2:1-8
For whom does Paul say we are to pray?
What does that lead to? How? Why?
Take time to pray for our president and all elected officials, that they may make decisions based on God’s will for us.
Friday – Read Mark 14:32-42
What did Jesus ask His disciples to do here?
Why did they fail?
Do you think they really understood why Jesus needed their prayers?
Think of someone you know who needs your prayers and be faithful to pray for them.
Saturday – Read Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 3:13-17
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Song Of The Week
This Weeks song is Stand Up by Fireflight. This song is about not worrying about the troubles of today because it isn't the end of the world. Of corse, one day judgment day will come and we really need to be aware of that at all times, but at some points when we are having a bad day, we need to hear that it isn't judgment day and that tomorow is a new day to start all over and not to worry. So here is Stand Up——http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFZfvq1zmAE
Stand Up- Fireflight-Unbreakable
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Home Study for June 18 through 23, 2012
Adapted from the NWYM 50-Day Prayer Journal
Monday – Read Psalm 46:1-11
What promises do you find in this passage?
What distractions keep you from hearing God’s voice?
What can you do today to be more intentional about hearing God’s voice in your life?
Spend a few moments in prayer and invite God to speak to you.
Tuesday – Read Romans 8:26-27
What stands out to you in these verses?
Do you think it’s true “we don’t know what to pray for?” Why?
What help does God give us to pray more effectively?
Why is this important?
Take time to sit in the presence of the Spirit and pray as He works in your heart and mind.
Wednesday – Read Habakkuk 2:1-3
How do you feel about being told to wait?
When you wait, do you find it had to be silent?
When you wait on God, is your attitude the same as Habakkuk’s, “I will look to see what He will say to me?” Or, is your prayer a one sided conversation?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Exodus 14:13-14
Think about a situation that causes you anxiety. What can you do about it? What can God do about it? Give it to Him.
Do you believe “the Lord will fight for you?” How should that change how you live?
Spend some time with God, giving Him your worries and listening to Him.
Friday – Read Psalm 37:7-11
What are we called to refrain from doing here? Why?
What are we called to do? Why?
“Meekness” is strength under control. Are you stronger or weaker when God asks you to be still? Why?
Invite God to help you to live as we read in this passage.
Saturday – Read Luke 3:21-38
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