““But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard — things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.” “
Galatians 5:22-24 (TMB)
Making a decision to open up our life and our heart to Jesus, creates an atmosphere for a powerful exchange to take place. It is a pivotal time in which we purposefully choose to SURRENDER and “hand over the reigns” to Him. We invite Jesus to be the One to lead and guide us. It’s a RELEASE of what’s in our hands, so we can be ready to receive and embrace what He has in His hands for us.
The words “SURRENDER” and “RELEASE” are often times associated with a negative or less than favorable connotation. Some may associate those words with being weak, defeated or losing. But in the Kingdom of God, it is very much the opposite. To the world, those who see things naturally, it does not make sense. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “…the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him.”
When we SURRENDER our lives to Jesus, we are actually RELEASING the limitations of ourselves. It’s the RELEASE of our own knowledge, wisdom, experience and physical ability. It is the opening of the door to the limitless, supernatural, above and beyond-ability that He possesses.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Choosing to live God’s way doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all in our heart’s perspective. It’s not a forced lifestyle, but instead it is one that flows with grace. Choosing to live God’s way, puts us in a position to be ahead and not behind. Choosing to live God’s way strengthens and empowers us. It does not cause us to be burned out or weary. Choosing to live Gods way, brings joy and a “want to,” not a heaviness and obligation. Choosing to live God’s way is honoring Him and putting Him at the forefront. And as we continually do so, it will not only positively affect our life, but the lives of all those around us as well. (Charli Abihai)
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I choose to live God’s way, a way that is blessed, fruitful, full of compassion, steadfast in commitment, and holy conviction.”
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: Ezra 8; Proverbs 6
- New Testament: Luke 14:25-35; 1 Timothy 4
