surrender Archives

March 18, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Growing Up in Christ

Opening Verse

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

Introduction

Growing in faith means letting go of the things that once held us back. Just like children outgrow toys and games, we are called to outgrow spiritual immaturity. God wants us to move forward, trusting Him more, obeying Him more, and living out His purpose for our lives.

A Father’s Love

A father lifts his young son into the air, spinning him around with ease. The child laughs, completely at peace in his father’s arms. He isn’t worried about being dropped. He doesn’t question if his father is strong enough. He simply trusts.

When the father lays him down to rest, the child is still. He knows he is safe. His father is near, and that is enough.

This is the kind of trust God wants us to have. He carries us through life, never struggling under the weight of our burdens. He leads us with love, like a shepherd carrying a lamb. But as we grow, He also calls us to step up—to let go of fear, pride, and excuses, and walk in faith.

Time to Grow Up

Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowing more Bible verses or going to church every Sunday. It’s about trusting God more, making better choices, and not letting the same old struggles control us.

Some people stay stuck in old habits—worrying, complaining, holding onto grudges, or chasing things that don’t matter. But at some point, we have to decide: Do we want to stay where we are, or do we want to grow into who God made us to be?

Maturity in Christ means putting away excuses and stepping into obedience. It means trusting God like a child trusts his father, but also taking responsibility for our faith. It’s time to move forward.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you’re still holding onto things God wants you to outgrow?
Do you fully trust God to carry you, or do you try to control everything yourself?
What’s one step you can take today to grow in faith?

Prayer

Lord, help me to grow up in my faith. Show me where I need to let go of childish ways and trust You more. Give me the strength to follow You, even when it’s hard. Thank You for always carrying me and leading me with love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
— Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)

February 17, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Reward of Humility and Fear of the Lord

Opening Verse

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”
— Proverbs 22:4 (KJV)

Introduction

The world tells us that success comes from ambition, self-promotion, and power. But God’s Word teaches the opposite. True blessings—riches, honor, and life—come not from pride, but from humility and a deep reverence for the Lord. Many seek after wealth but neglect the very things that bring lasting joy and fulfillment. Are you living with humility before God, or are you chasing after temporary rewards?

Devotional Story

A wealthy businessman stood at the peak of his career. He had everything—money, status, power. Yet, in the quiet of his soul, he felt empty. Despite all his success, peace eluded him.

One evening, he met an old friend who had once struggled in life but now radiated joy and contentment. “What changed?” the businessman asked.

The friend smiled and said, “I stopped chasing the world and started fearing the Lord. I humbled myself and gave my life to Him. That’s when I truly found riches, honor, and life.”

The businessman scoffed at first but couldn’t shake the words. He had spent his life seeking earthly riches but had no peace. That night, he knelt in prayer, humbling himself before God. For the first time, he felt a peace that money could never buy.

What This Means

God’s blessings don’t come through pride, self-reliance, or worldly ambition. They come through a heart surrendered to Him in humility and reverence. When we acknowledge that all we have comes from Him and live to please Him rather than the world, He grants us true riches—peace, contentment, and eternal rewards.

Think About This

Are you chasing after the world’s definition of success or God’s?
Do you fear the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways?
Are you willing to humble yourself before Him and trust in His provision?

Prayer

Lord, I humble myself before You today. Teach me to fear You and walk in Your ways. Let me not chase after temporary riches but seek the true blessings that come from knowing You. Grant me a heart that honors You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
— James 4:10 (KJV)

January 31, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Believing Without Obeying

Opening Verse

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
James 1:22 (KJV)

Introduction

It is easy to say, “I believe in God.” Many people claim faith in Jesus, but their lives do not reflect His teachings. Believing is not enough—obedience must follow. Faith without action is dead, just as hearing without doing is self-deception.

Devotional Story

There was a man who loved the idea of being healthy. He read books on nutrition, watched workout videos, and even told others about the importance of exercise. But he never changed his eating habits, never moved his body, and never put into practice what he learned. Over time, his health declined, and he was confused—how could this happen when he knew so much about fitness?

Faith works the same way. Many people know Scripture, believe in God, and claim to follow Jesus. But when it comes to obedience, they do nothing. They hear God’s Word but refuse to apply it. They pray but won’t surrender. They listen but won’t change.

Jesus warns about this false security:

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Luke 6:46 (KJV)

Belief without obedience is empty.

What This Means

True faith is proven by action. If we truly believe, we will obey.

If we believe in the power of prayer, we will pray.
If we believe in the Word of God, we will live by it.
If we believe in Jesus, we will follow Him, no matter the cost.

“Faith without works is dead.”
James 2:26 (KJV)

To believe in Jesus and not obey Him is to deceive ourselves. Real love for Christ is shown through obedience.

Think About This

Are you a hearer of the Word, or a doer?
Is there an area of your life where you believe but refuse to obey?
How can you take a step of obedience today?

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be a person who only believes but does not obey. Open my eyes to where I have been deceiving myself. Give me the strength to walk in obedience, even when it is hard. Let my faith be more than words—let it be action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15 (KJV)

January 26, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Pleasing God Through the Spirit

Opening Verse

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” — Romans 8:8 (KJV)

Introduction

Pleasing God is not about what we do outwardly but how we live inwardly. Romans 8:8 warns us that living according to the flesh—being consumed by our own desires—makes it impossible to please God. The call to walk in the Spirit challenges us to live a life aligned with God’s will.

Devotional Story

Mike was a talented musician with dreams of making it big. Every day, he poured his energy into his craft, hoping for fame and success. His evenings were spent at local gigs and parties, where he indulged in the attention he received. But despite his growing popularity, Mike felt empty.

One day, an old friend named Ben invited Mike to a church service. Reluctantly, Mike attended, thinking it would be dull. The pastor preached on Romans 8, emphasizing verse 8: “They that are in the flesh cannot please God.” The words cut through Mike’s heart. He realized that his life revolved around his own ambitions, with no room for God.

Mike began seeking God in prayer, asking Him to fill the emptiness in his soul. Over time, Mike surrendered his dreams and asked the Holy Spirit to guide his life. His music took on a new purpose, glorifying God rather than himself. Though he didn’t achieve the fame he once craved, Mike discovered peace and joy in walking with the Spirit.

What This Means

To live in the flesh is to be driven by selfish motives and worldly desires. These pursuits might promise satisfaction but always leave us empty. Romans 8:8 reminds us that only by walking in the Spirit can we live a life that pleases God.

Pleasing God requires us to surrender our will, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our desires, priorities, and actions. It’s not about perfection but about daily dependence on Him.

Think About This

What worldly desires or ambitions are holding you back from fully surrendering to God?
How can you let the Holy Spirit guide your decisions and purpose?

Prayer

Father, I acknowledge the times I’ve pursued my own desires instead of Your will. Help me to let go of anything that keeps me from living a life that pleases You. Fill me with Your Spirit, and lead me in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (KJV)

January 9, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Heaviness of Sin Lifted

Opening Verse

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Introduction

Sin weighs heavily on the human soul, creating guilt, shame, and separation from God. But the good news is that this burden can be lifted. Jesus Christ offers us freedom, peace, and rest when we choose to follow Him. He doesn’t just remove the weight of sin; He transforms us, giving us new life.

Devotional Story

Linda felt the weight of her decisions pressing down on her like a heavy boulder. She had chased after worldly pleasures, only to find herself exhausted and empty. One Sunday morning, she decided to attend a church service, hoping for a spark of hope.

As the pastor spoke, Linda heard the words of Isaiah 1:18:

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

It was as if God Himself was speaking directly to her. With trembling hands and tears in her eyes, Linda prayed, confessing her sins and asking Jesus to take the burden from her. In that moment, she felt an unexplainable lightness, as if the crushing weight on her soul had been lifted.

Linda walked out of that church with a new purpose, determined to follow Jesus. The burden of her sin was replaced with the joy of His forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

What This Means

Sin brings heaviness, but Jesus brings rest. When we try to carry the burden of our sin on our own, we find only weariness and despair. However, when we come to Jesus, confessing our sins and choosing to follow Him, He lifts the weight and gives us peace. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light because He bears it with us.

Following Jesus means surrendering our old ways and embracing His path. It’s not just a one-time decision but a daily choice to walk in His grace and truth. The heaviness of sin is no match for the power of His forgiveness and the freedom found in Him.

Think About This

Are you carrying a burden that Jesus has already offered to take from you?
What is holding you back from fully surrendering your life to Christ?
How can you help others who are weighed down by sin to find the rest Jesus offers?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to You with the burdens I can no longer bear. I confess my sins and ask You to lift this heaviness from my soul. Help me to follow You daily, walking in the freedom and rest that only You can provide. Thank You for Your forgiveness and love. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

January 1, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

A New Year of God’s Peace

Introduction

As a new year dawns, it’s a time of hope, reflection, and anticipation. Many of us set goals, reflect on the past, and dream of what the future might hold. Yet, amid the resolutions and plans, we must anchor ourselves in the lasting peace that only God can provide. This peace surpasses all understanding and is a gift for every believer who places their trust in Him.

Devotional Story

At the stroke of midnight, Sarah found herself alone in her quiet apartment, watching fireworks burst across the sky through her window. She felt the weight of the previous year’s struggles—a challenging job, strained relationships, and uncertain health. She whispered a desperate prayer: “Lord, please let this year be different.”

As she prayed, a verse from Philippians surfaced in her mind, one she had read earlier that day:

“The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

It was a gentle reminder that God’s peace was not tied to perfect circumstances but to His unchanging presence.

Determined to live in this truth, Sarah decided to start the new year differently. She reached for her Bible, flipping to Psalm 23, and read aloud:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”

As she meditated on the words, a calm unlike anything she had felt in months washed over her. She realized that while she couldn’t control the events of the coming year, she could walk in God’s peace daily, trusting Him to guide her through every valley and every peak.

What This Means

God’s peace doesn’t come from everything going right or our lives being free from challenges. It is rooted in His presence, His promises, and His provision. As we enter a new year, we are invited to surrender our fears, worries, and uncertainties to Him. Trusting in His guidance allows us to experience peace in every circumstance.

Think About This

Have you invited God’s peace into your heart as you step into this new year?
What areas of your life do you need to surrender to the Lord for His perfect peace to reign?
How can you daily remind yourself of God’s promises in 2025?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of a new year and the opportunity to grow closer to You. Help me to rest in Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Teach me to trust You with my plans, my fears, and my hopes. Guide me with Your loving hand and help me walk in Your ways each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)

December 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Deliverance Through the Name of Jesus

Opening Verse

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.” – Joel 2:32 (KJV)

Introduction

Deliverance is not just freedom from physical bondage—it is a spiritual rescue, a lifting out of darkness into the light of Christ. This devotional illustrates the power of calling on the name of Jesus for deliverance in times of despair.

Devotional Story

Mei had never felt so weighed down. The pressures of her job, her family’s constant demands, and a growing sense of failure consumed her. She woke up each morning with dread and went to bed with a heaviness that wouldn’t lift. The enemy whispered lies into her soul: “You’re not good enough. You’ll never escape this.”

One evening, exhausted and broken, Mei stumbled into her room and fell to her knees. For the first time, she called out loud, “Jesus, help me!” Tears streamed down her face as she poured out her fears and failures, naming each one to the Lord.

Suddenly, she felt a peace she couldn’t explain—a warmth in her heart as if God Himself was embracing her. In that moment, she realized she had been carrying burdens that Jesus was ready to take from her all along. Mei remembered the verse from Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The next morning, she woke with a renewed strength. The problems hadn’t disappeared, but she felt lighter. Every time the doubts or fears returned, she whispered the name of Jesus, and the peace would flood back in. Day by day, Mei experienced the deliverance that comes when we surrender fully to the Lord.

What This Means

True deliverance begins when we call on Jesus in our desperation, trusting Him to lift us out of the darkness. The name of Jesus is powerful and brings light, peace, and hope. Whether we are trapped by fear, sin, or life’s challenges, calling on Him ushers in His deliverance.

Think About This

Are you carrying burdens that you haven’t surrendered to God?
How can you trust Jesus to deliver you from the struggles you face today?
Remember that calling on the name of the Lord brings immediate access to His strength and peace.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I call upon Your name today for deliverance. You are my refuge, my strength, and my Savior. Help me to lay down my burdens at Your feet and trust You to carry me through every storm. Thank You for the freedom and peace that come in Your presence. In Your powerful name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17 (KJV)

December 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Counting All Loss for Christ

Opening Verse

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” – Philippians 3:7 (KJV)

Introduction

In our journey through life, we often measure success by what we gain—wealth, achievements, or recognition. Yet, the Apostle Paul teaches us that true gain comes only when we surrender everything for Christ. This verse challenges us to reassess what truly matters and calls us to live for a greater purpose.

Devotional Story

A man named Marcus once pursued the life he had always dreamed of. He worked tirelessly to achieve financial stability, acquiring a prestigious career, a large home, and admiration from his peers. Yet, despite all he gained, his heart was restless. The joy he expected from his success was fleeting, leaving him feeling empty and unfulfilled.

One day, Marcus attended a Bible study where the group discussed Philippians 3:7. He was struck by Paul’s words—how a man of such high stature in society willingly abandoned all his earthly achievements for the sake of knowing Christ. Marcus began to reflect deeply on his own life, realizing that his “gains” had become barriers between him and God.

That evening, Marcus prayed a simple yet profound prayer: “Lord, show me what really matters.” Slowly, God began to open his eyes. Marcus found fulfillment not in what he could achieve, but in what he could surrender. He began to give generously, invest time in serving others, and share the Gospel. The joy that had eluded him for years now overflowed in his heart, rooted in the eternal treasure of knowing Jesus.

What This Means

Philippians 3:7 reminds us that the things of this world, though they may seem valuable, pale in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Earthly gains, while not inherently bad, cannot provide the eternal fulfillment that only God can. To count them as loss means to place Christ above all else, trusting that He alone is our ultimate reward.

When we let go of our attachment to worldly pursuits, we free ourselves to fully experience God’s love, purpose, and peace. This surrender is not a loss—it is the greatest gain.

Think About This

What in your life might be preventing you from fully embracing Christ?
How can you shift your perspective to prioritize eternal treasures over temporary ones?
Reflect on a time when surrendering to God brought you unexpected joy or peace.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that nothing compares to the joy of knowing Christ. Help us to see the temporary nature of earthly treasures and to value the eternal gift of salvation above all else. Teach us to count all things as loss for the sake of gaining Christ. May our lives reflect the surrender and joy that comes from following You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” – Philippians 3:8 (KJV)

December 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Soul’s Awakening

Opening Verse

“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” – Ephesians 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Spiritual awakening is a profound moment of realization. It is when the soul, once shrouded in the darkness of sin and despair, arises to the light of Christ. This awakening is not merely emotional but transformative, propelling us toward a life centered on God’s eternal purposes.

Devotional Story

There was a woman who tirelessly cared for others but felt empty inside. She worked, loved, and gave, but she felt as though her soul was asleep, unable to connect with God. One evening, she had a vivid dream. In it, she saw her reflection in a mirror—but instead of seeing herself, she saw a faint, flickering light within her chest.

As she gazed deeper, the light grew brighter, and she heard a voice say, “Arise, your soul longs for Me.” She awoke with a renewed understanding. It wasn’t about doing more but about surrendering her heart fully to Christ. That day, her prayers shifted from requests to a deep yearning to truly know Him. She found peace as her soul awakened to the presence of the living God.

What This Means

God calls each of us to awaken from spiritual slumber. Often, the busyness of life or the weight of our burdens can leave our spirits dormant. But Christ stands ready to ignite the light of life within us, if we choose to turn toward Him. This awakening is not the end but the beginning of a journey into deeper intimacy with God.

Think About This

Is your soul fully awake to God’s presence, or are there areas of your life still in slumber?
What steps can you take today to seek a deeper connection with Christ?

Prayer

Lord, awaken my soul to Your truth and love. Let the light of Christ shine brightly within me, dispelling all darkness. Draw me closer to You, that I may walk in Your will and reflect Your glory. Amen.

Closing Verse

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” – Romans 13:12 (KJV)

November 23, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Into the Deepest Part of My Heart

Opening Verse

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

Introduction

True transformation begins in the heart. When we surrender our innermost thoughts and desires to God, He purifies and aligns us with His perfect will. But we must be willing to let Him reach the deepest parts of our being—those hidden corners where bitterness, fear, or sin may dwell.

Devotional Story

Mary was known for her outward faith. She sang in the church choir, led Bible studies, and was the first to volunteer for any church activity. Yet, Mary often felt unsettled. Her private prayers were filled with frustration, and she couldn’t explain why.

One evening, as she read Psalm 139:23-24—”Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”—Mary broke down in tears. She realized she had been holding on to pride, self-reliance, and an unspoken grudge against a family member.

Mary knelt and asked God to remove anything in her heart that wasn’t of Him. Over time, as she prayed and surrendered, she felt those burdens lift. The peace she had long sought finally filled her heart, and her relationship with God deepened.

What This Means

God desires to cleanse our hearts completely, but we must be willing to give Him full access. When we allow Him to remove what doesn’t belong—pride, fear, anger, or hidden sin—He replaces it with His love, joy, and peace. True transformation happens when we surrender even the parts we’re afraid to reveal.

Think About This

Are you holding on to something that God is asking you to let go of?
How can you invite God to search and cleanse the hidden places of your heart today?

Prayer

Lord, I open my heart to You. Search the deepest parts of me and remove anything that does not align with Your will. Cleanse me, renew me, and fill me with Your Spirit. I desire to be wholly Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” – Jeremiah 17:9-10 (KJV)