When surrender was Victory

Picture what it must have been like for Jesus’s disciples.

Standing in the Garden of Gethsemane, watching Judas Iscariot lead an entire detachment of soldiers towards them.

The noise of many feet, the sound of the armor, and the cold dread which must have clung to the hearts of these men, who loved Jesus so much.

Then, all eyes focused on Jesus, as he walked towards this dangerous crowd.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
John 18:4 NKJV

Adrenaline had to be coursing through the veins of every man, for all present, save one, seemed to anticipate a fight.

They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
John 18:5‭-‬6 NKJV

Can you hear the sound of these men falling to the ground and then quickly, awkwardly standing again?

Can you imagine the wonder at what the disciples just witnessed, they had seen a great many miracles, but never had such a circumstance occurred before.

Every nerve must have been tingling, what could possibly be coming next.

Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
John 18:7‭-‬9 NKJV

Was the handle of Peter’s sword already within his grip as he, with astonishment, listened to the words of Jesus?

Obviously, surrender wasn’t what Peter had expected, nor was he willing to quietly move aside and let this mob take his Lord.

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
John 18:10 NKJV

To completely clarify that He was doing the will of His Father, Jesus spoke.

But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
Matthew 26:52‭-‬54 NKJV

God loves us so much that He didn’t want any to perish, and this was the way of salvation.

Jesus surrendered to torture and death that He might have victory over sin and eternal death.

“A sinless Man in an appointed garden was about to do battle with Satan’s representative (Luke 22:3). The first time this happened, the sinless man failed. The Second Adam would not fail.” David Guzik

Jesus also knew that this time the cunning lies of the enemy would lead to His death, but it would turn the tables on Satan, making it possible to free mankind from the sin Satan tricked us into at the beginning.

Although, the disciples couldn’t grasp these truths at the moment in the garden, they understood completely when Jesus rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit was given.

Acts 2:14 KJV — But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:22-24 KJV Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: :23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 2:36 KJV — Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:37 KJV — Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 2:38 KJV — Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The truth of Jesus’s surrender and sacrifice is as life changing today as it was more than two thousand years ago.

It is the single most important choice anyone can ever make.

For those who chose to surrender themselves to Jesus, it is a continual decision, made daily to live in surrender to our Lord, for He Himself said we are to take up our cross and follow Him.

Luke 9:23 KJV — And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your love and encouragement. Thank You for teaching us through Your sacrifice how to live in surrender to You. Lord, I love that it wasn’t a circumstance of You having no choice, You could have easily defeated ten times the number of people who came against You. Instead, it was Your gift to us. Your blood cleanses us from sin and Your sacrifice closed the gap between us and eternal life with You in Heaven. Thank You! I simply can’t put into words the depth of my gratitude for Your amazing sacrifice. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You. Amen.

We have moved

Praise the Lord!

We are so thankful to God for His blessings while we have walked through this transition.

I’d have to stop and count how many times we have moved in our 24 years of marriage, but each one has held different challenges and blessings.

This one stretched me in ways I didn’t think possible.

The Lord has taken our family through many changes and this one is as full of His lessons as the others have been.

God has been in our move the whole time and provided in ways we didn’t expect.

Yes, we had wonderful help!

Anne came for Thursday and Friday.

Our oldest daughter’s hubby spent all of Wednesday and Saturday.

It has been an incredible testimony to God’s goodness as well as a chance to learn through new experiences

Throughout this transition of buying, remolding, and moving I’ve been seeking the Lord’s face.

Because I’ve learned that on my own I haven’t the slightest idea of what is best, only through the Lord’s leading can I have discernment and wisdom.

I’ve also wanted this transition to be filled with peace and joy, not striving or disagreement.

It has been through the Lord’s Word that I’ve found the key to be able to stay in unison with my husband throughout this whole process.

Romans 12:10 KJV — Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Neither of us has held tightly to anything, but instead we’ve prayed, discussed, and adjusted.

If we had opposing opinions on something we talked about our different ideas with kindness and gave each other the opportunity to see the individual concerns or priorities.

Continually, I prayed about details along with the general things.

We had some set backs, but rather than allow stress to rob me of my joy, I prayed and trusted the Lord.

Our plans have been changed and adjusted, our schedule has been continually shifting, but through it we have learned that we can be flexible and loving no matter what.

God has used each circumstance to give us an opportunity to trust Him more, to surrender our desires, and to prefer each other rather than demanding our own way.

It’s been a beautiful process and I’m so thankful.

Through this move we can glorify God for His faithfulness and love, His provision and direction, His blessings.

Especially, the joy of new opportunities in a new home and a new community.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your help in all of this. Thank You that we have learned so much throughout this long transition. Lord Jesus, we want to be a blessing in this place to those around us. Lord, please help us to honor You with all we have and in all we do. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Transplanting

This pot was an anniversary gift from Handsome.

We had talked previously about my desire to repot some of my plants, especially the roses, which came with me from our other house.

I had mentioned to him the need for larger pots due to the fact they had outgrown the ones I brought them in.

2 years in one pot is a lot for a plant especially a rose.

My red rose had to be planted this summer due to it’s inability to continue to thrive in the pot I brought it in.

My white rose was planted right after our move, because the container it came in was unsuitable.

Yesterday, with Anne’s help, we transplanted my cabbage rose to a larger pot (pictured).

We dug up my red rose and repotted in anticipation of our move.

My white rose will be remaining here.

Because it’s just now recovering from the trauma of it’s past.

When I first got sick my plants all suffered neglect, but my white rose was attacked and eaten multiple times by a deer which the dogs failed to keep out of the garden.

As we dug it up to move it was an act of faith, because it looked very dead.

But it wasn’t dead.

Both this summer and last it put out a few beautiful flowers.

It’s foliage and growth this past summer is the best I’ve ever seen it have.

And as I prayed about what plants to take and which to leave, I knew it would be best for this one to remain.

Because often times, I’ve found what is best is to let go, rather than “hold on” to things.

The only clinging which should be occurring in my life is my relationship with Christ.

John 15:4 KJV — Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

This is simply another opportunity to listen to the still gentle voice of the Lord and to walk in His ways.

I’m so thankful for the circumstances which remind me of what is important.

It’s not where I live, what I have or do not have, or even my emotions which are most important.

It’s Jesus Christ and as long as I have Him, I have all I need.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for guiding and directing us as we prepare for this transition. Lord, thank You for reminding me of what is important. Please continue to show me myself clearly, help me be aware of the snares of sin and the deception of the flesh which is constantly at war with what is right and holy. Lord, please help me to live daily unto You in all I say, do, and am. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

December 31

Today’s prayer:

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalms 143:8 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for these words. They speak for me today. Lord, as I lay myself, my plans, my desires before You I humbly request that You guide, direct, and provide. I know You will. You always have. Lord, thank You so much for loving me. Thank You for speaking to my heart and teaching me how to find joy in praising You no matter the circumstance. Lord, thank You for the example of Paul and Silas. They were hurt and in prison and they chose to praise You! Please let me and my family always choose to praise You. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy. Lord, this last day of 2020, belongs to You just as every other day does. Please help us to look to You, to trust in You, and to stand in prayer. We love You Jesus. Please continue to save the lost, protect the innocent, provide for the widow and orphan, and return the prodigal. Thank You, Jesus. I praise Your holy name! Amen.

“Be anxious for…”

“nothing…”

No matter your treasures.

No matter your need.

No matter what is prepared for you today, these words from Philippians are worth remembering.

Philippians 4:6 NKJV — Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

The Lord knows all and He wants us to trust Him, to find our treasure in Him.

Because a bank account or status doesn’t bring security or peace.

Neither do relationships, property, or the nation where one resides.

The only way to be anxious for nothing is to look at Jesus, the Savior.

It’s easy to get tied up in the every day or the list of “to do”, but with practice and persistence it can become a way of life.

Which is where we want to be.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV — and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Definitely a wonderful way to live, in the peace of God.

May it be your residence.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord, You know what is best. You have all these things in Your hands. Please help us to surrender daily to Your will. Please let us not be stubborn or stiff-necked, but instead walk with love and trust. Lord, please help our hearts to be completely Yours. Lord, use our lives to reach others. Let our light shine brightly into the darkness, that people might see You. Lord, please heal the sick and hurting. Please restore the lost and the prodigal. Lord, please guide and direct our leaders and let the hearts of the nations return to You. Thank You, Jesus. You are incredible. I praise Your holy name! love is unfathomable! Amen.

September 6

Today’s verse and prayer:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Philippians 4:6 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You. Thank You for being You, although my understanding of Who You are barely scratches the surface. Lord, You’re good, You give peace, You are patience, You’re faithful, and the list goes on. It is all incredible and I am so blessed by You. Lord, truly, there is nothing to fear when my soul is safe in You. But Lord, I am weak and frail and often I forget how safe I am. Like a little child, I don’t realize the truth: nothing can harm me when I’m in Your hands. Therefore, I choose to place all the things I’ve been concerned about in Your hands this morning. Lord, I surrender my agenda, my desires, my plans unto You and Your perfect will. Lord, thank You for taking every burden, every care. Thank You for continuing to polish me on the inside. Lord, if anyone has wronged me, I forgive them. If I have wronged anyone, please bring it to my attention that I might repent. Lord, I humbly request that You protect the innocent, save the lost, heal the sick and broken, and restore the prodigal. Let men and women call upon the name of the Lord. Thank You. Amen.

August 30

“I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of  Yours can be withheld from You. You  asked,  ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You  said,  ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
Job 42:2‭-‬6 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for these words from Job. I too can say the same: “…Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand…” Lord Jesus, please forgive me for allowing my heart to doubt You in anyway. It is easy to let fear and hurt distort my perspective and not even realize I am doing it. Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me how to let go. I know that when I hold things lightly and trust You I am able to walk more closely with You. It’s when I try to cling to anything more than You that I stumble and struggle. Lord, thank You for not allowing me to doubt for long. Thank You for revealing the truth so quickly. Lord, thank You for bringing me to Your Word in the midst of my fear, that I might find truth and healing. Lord, I’m ashamed that I can get so upset by something so small and unimportant. I know it’s because You wanted to show me the past and heal me from those things and therefore You used this to teach me what was hidden. Lord, I confess the truth: You are sovereign and nothing, no one is more important than You. Lord, what You allow is what is best. What the enemy meant for harm You used for good. No matter what suffering I must walk through here on Earth, I know You are with me. No matter what pain must be endured, I want to do it with joy and comfort of knowing You will never leave me nor forsake me. Lord, I often do not understand the circumstances, but I know my Redeemer lives and He shall stand at last on the Earth. Until then, Lord hone my heart, make me new, and be glorified through this broken clay pot. To You be all glory, majesty, and honor. Amen.

What am I willing to give?

I was praying.

It was just the Lord and myself.

My heart was pouring out my emotion.

Grieving the loss of my daughter.

Yes, marriage is a gift from God.

Yes, I’m happy God is doing this.

No, this time I hadn’t walked the path of letting go yet.

What are you willing to give?

I knew.

God’s question centered me at the heart.

My pain was due to my refusal to accept reality.

She doesn’t belong to me.

She never has.

I love our children so deeply, sometimes I cling to them when I shouldn’t.

A memory surfaced.

At a little over a year old I had to grapple with the fear that she might be severely unwell.

In that season I had to learn to let go and give her to who she belongs to: God.

My thoughts turned to Job.

None knows grief like he.

And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord  gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord .” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
Job 1:21‭-‬22 NKJV

“Lord, forgive me. I surrender all to You. Our children, my husband, our lives, everything.“

And the pain subsided.

“Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of all praise.”

“Thank You for all Your gifts and blessings.”

I don’t know what today holds.

I don’t know what tomorrow brings.

But I do know Who is holding me.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for forgiving me of my selfishness. For my error in claiming something as mine which is actually Yours. Lord, I repent my mistake and my emotions from yesterday. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for helping me see correctly. You alone are the One who owns it all. I trust You with each step and each day. Thank You for again guiding my heart back to resting in You. Thank You for Your love. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

The task at hand

These past few days I’ve been reminded of a lesson I learned years ago.

More than ten years ago our family were missionaries.

It took us two years just to get there.

One morning, after a few weeks of settling in, I went to the Lord with a heavy heart.

I prayed about how I was being overwhelmed with the daily tasks of life.

I just felt like laundry, dishes, and mopping the floor was eating up my time and I couldn’t get to the reason I was there.

“Lord, I just want to minister! How can I get to that with nonstop housework?”

He answered.

He took me to Ruth.

So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
Ruth 2:2 NKJV

She just needed to survive.

But instead of feeling sorry for herself, she did the task at hand.

That was the key.

Housework is just as important as leading a Bible study if my heart is serving Jesus.

God is interested in my heart.

“Am I serving Him in this task I’m engaged in?”

It’s something I’ve been trying to ask myself frequently this week.

Not as a religious stipulation, but instead as a guard rail.

Guarding my heart from useless pursuits or pride.

I also find it helpful as a way to combat an old lie.

As a young believer I thought I had to : “Do big things for God”.

However, the Lord has shown me over and over again that He wants me to surrender my own agenda and simply live daily to Him.

When I’m sick, my “do” shrinks.

In those times, I have found it vital to remember: God isn’t disappointed because I’m not “doing” more.

He knows my limitations.

He even has things for me in those seasons, like prayer, Bible study, or sometimes just resting in His hands and trusting Him while struggling.

The task at hand may not seem valuable.

Ruth couldn’t have known that daily gleaning the fields would endear her to the man who would become her husband.

She couldn’t have seen that this back breaking task, which went on throughout the whole harvest, would end in her having a place in the lineage of Jesus.

Her faithfulness in the task at hand was used by God.

She was His servant.

And God used this humble lady to be the grandmother of kings.

The lesson is clear for me.

I need to do what God has set before me with joy and faithfulness.

I need to surrender my own ambitions, dreams, and desires before Him.

I need to trust Him in everything.

Including my “To Do” list.

Matthew 22:36 NKJV — “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

Matthew 22:37 NKJV — Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this lesson. Thank You for continually bringing me back to this place of surrender. Please Lord, help me to be Your servant, humble, faithful, and filled with joy of serving You, no matter what that entails. Lord, thank You that my life is so much more valuable than self fulfillment. Instead, You call me to pick up my cross and follow You. Lord, thank You for reminding me of these truths. Please continue to wash my soul of sin and renew my heart through Your Word. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Highschool

Many years ago, I learned it’s best if our family doesn’t take long breaks from school.

So, when Jase finished his American History book last week, I knew.

Highschool level World History was next.

I’ll be honest.

My heart had concerns and I took them to the Lord.

I asked the Lord a long list of questions and He answered each one.

So we began on Monday.

Jase did catch that this was not only more difficult, it requires a lot more work.

I was impressed, though.

He didn’t complain.

Easy, it’s not.

Yet, he has jumped in and I’m so thankful.

Change doesn’t come easy for him.

The older I get the more I realize, it’s not easy for me either.

Yet, it’s a blessing.

To grow, stretch, learn, and surrender is so valuable.

Allowing Jesus lordship over every single bit of my life.

Which means I go where He guides.

I live as He directs.

I honor His changes in myself and my life with praise and thanksgiving.

I trust.

His ways are best.

Including a new challenge.

Jase in highschool.

Yup, our youngest is entering the 9th grade.

When he finishes his science curriculum we are currently doing, he will begin Physical Science.

He’s working away on Prealgebra and of course will go into Algebra 1 when he’s finished.

It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Just like following Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for change. It’s not what I look forward to, but I know You use it for good in our lives. Lord, please continue to change my heart and mind to be more like Yours. Please continue to use outside circumstances to hone my character. Lord, I humbly request that You help me to be an encouragement and support to others around me who are also experiencing change. Please let me words, prayers, and attitudes be a blessing to those around me. Thank You for loving me enough to encourage me to grow. Thank You for change. Amen.