Take up your cross

Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Full surrender is built on the foundation of humility.

It begins with fully surrendered worship, which is difficult to comprehend, but if you try…

When you get a glimpse of understanding that God, who created everything, the King of Heaven loves you, provides for you, sees you, hears you and even speaks to you personally.

In this realization which may feel like brokenness, there is something about worshipping Him, with your hands raised in this fully surrendered state…

It’s as if Heaven touches you and you are changed!

I have seen healings and Baptisms in the Holy Spirit during this time!

Full surrender is the act of yielding one’s entire life, will, desires and control to God as an expression of love and gratitude.

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NLT) In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Moses surrendered on the mountain while Joshua and some of his men were at a disadvantage in battle. As a result, the battle was won! It is important to note that this passage shows that collaboration may be necessary as Moses was assisted by Aaron and Hur in this act of surrender.

Exodus 17:8-13 (NLT) While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.

Daniel surrendered praying, even when it may have cost his life.

Daniel 6:7-23 (NLT) We are all in agreement--we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors--that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human--except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions. And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” So King Darius signed the law. But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. “Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human--except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions?” “Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den.  When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

Jesus surrendered in choosing our Father’s will in going to the cross to die for us.

Mark 14:35-36 (NLT) He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Now we should put God first, our daily walk with Jesus may look like this:

Worship & Prayer – praise God in awe and thankfulness!

Trust God – we trust God Who is all knowing, Who created Heaven and earth

Yield to God – be obedient and know the battle belongs to God

Worship & Prayer – praise God Who gets all the Glory!

Please pray with me:

Our Father in Heaven, You are God Most High, Creator of Heaven and earth, King of all kings, Lord of all lords! Thank you for creating us wonderfully and uniquely. Thank you for everything You do for us every day, You are our everything! Please give us the strength to seek You first daily and walk fully surrendered to You! Please give us ears to hear You and eyes to see You. Please give us the courage to walk with Your Holy Spirit in obedience, all for Your Glory!

In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray, AMEN!

Luke 12:31 (NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Jesus loves you!

God bless you and your families!

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Please email specific prayer requests to pray@TheAnswer.website.

Kathy