The Path to Peace, Power, and Purpose
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering which direction to take. We may feel lost, frustrated, or even resistant to the path ahead. But what if the key to unlocking a life of true fulfillment lies in something as simple, yet profound, as submission?
The idea of submission often carries negative connotations in our modern world. We associate it with weakness, loss of control, or giving up our identity. However, when we look at submission through a spiritual lens, we discover that it's not about losing ourselves, but rather about yielding to God's perfect plan for our lives.
Submission, in its purest form, is a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, and assuming responsibility. It's about aligning our will with God's will, recognizing that His perspective far exceeds our own limited view. Just as a military general has a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, God sees the full picture of our lives and knows the best path for us to take.
The Bible offers us numerous examples and teachings on the power of submission. In James 4:7-10, we're instructed to "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." This passage highlights a crucial truth: submission to God is the first step in resisting evil and drawing closer to our Creator.
But how do we practically submit to God in our daily lives? The answer lies in cultivating humility. Proverbs 3:34, echoed in both James and 1 Peter, tells us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humility is the key that unlocks the gateway to God's Grace in our lives.
Consider the example of Jesus Christ, who, despite His divine nature, "humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of submission, showing us that true greatness comes through humility and obedience to God's will. Jesus said: "Nevertheless - not my will but Yours be done"-(Luke 22:42)
As we strive to follow Christ's example, we're called to be disciples - learners (students) who model their behavior after their teacher. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). This following requires us to tune our ears to God's voice, which becomes clearer as we submit ourselves to His guidance.
Some Practical Steps Towards Submission:
1. Trusting in God's perspective: Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. Renewing our minds: Romans 12:2 instructs us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly - we undergo a complete metamorphosis of our thoughts, actions and worldview.
3. Speaking truth in love: Even when it's difficult, we're called to communicate honestly and lovingly, reflecting God's character in our interactions.
4. Seeking accountability: For areas where we struggle, having a trusted partner to keep us on track can be invaluable.
5. Guarding our hearts and minds: Being mindful of what we expose ourselves to and the company we keep can help us stay aligned with God's will.
6. Staying in God's Word: The Bible is our guidebook for life, offering wisdom and direction for every situation we face.
It's important to recognize that submission is not a one-time event, but a daily choice. We may stumble, we may have moments of resistance, but God's Grace is sufficient. As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Our journey of submission is ongoing, marked by continual growth and renewal.
The beautiful promise is that as we submit to God, resist the enemy, and draw near to our Creator, He draws near to us. We find ourselves clothed in His strength, walking in His purpose, and experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Imagine your life as a stadium. You're saved, you're in the arena, but where are you positioned? Are you by the snack bar, in the bleachers, on the bench, or right in the middle of the action on the field? The choice is yours, and God has a purpose for you wherever you are. The key is to be willing to yield everything to Him - when God says - do "ABC" - - - but we want to do - "LMNOP" - can we submit and humbly say in our hearts - "nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” - I'll do it your way Lord God, I will do - "ABC".
(Father - really does know best).
As we learn to submit, we open ourselves to God's work through our lives. We become vessels through which He can impact the world around us. A life yielded to God is a life filled with peace, power, and purpose - gifts that come not from our own striving, but from aligning ourselves with the One who holds all things in His hands.
So today, let's ask ourselves: What areas of our lives are we still holding back from God? Where do we need to humble ourselves and submit to His will? As we prayerfully consider these questions, may we find the courage to yield more fully to God's voice and direction, trusting that His plan for us is far greater than anything we could imagine on our own.
In this journey of submission, we're not losing ourselves - we're finding our true selves in Christ. And in that discovery, we unlock a life of profound meaning, unshakeable peace, joy, and divine purpose. Are you ready to take the next step in submission today? A whole new world awaits you! Start today - your life will never be the same! (in a good way)
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering which direction to take. We may feel lost, frustrated, or even resistant to the path ahead. But what if the key to unlocking a life of true fulfillment lies in something as simple, yet profound, as submission?
The idea of submission often carries negative connotations in our modern world. We associate it with weakness, loss of control, or giving up our identity. However, when we look at submission through a spiritual lens, we discover that it's not about losing ourselves, but rather about yielding to God's perfect plan for our lives.
Submission, in its purest form, is a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, and assuming responsibility. It's about aligning our will with God's will, recognizing that His perspective far exceeds our own limited view. Just as a military general has a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, God sees the full picture of our lives and knows the best path for us to take.
The Bible offers us numerous examples and teachings on the power of submission. In James 4:7-10, we're instructed to "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." This passage highlights a crucial truth: submission to God is the first step in resisting evil and drawing closer to our Creator.
But how do we practically submit to God in our daily lives? The answer lies in cultivating humility. Proverbs 3:34, echoed in both James and 1 Peter, tells us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humility is the key that unlocks the gateway to God's Grace in our lives.
Consider the example of Jesus Christ, who, despite His divine nature, "humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of submission, showing us that true greatness comes through humility and obedience to God's will. Jesus said: "Nevertheless - not my will but Yours be done"-(Luke 22:42)
As we strive to follow Christ's example, we're called to be disciples - learners (students) who model their behavior after their teacher. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). This following requires us to tune our ears to God's voice, which becomes clearer as we submit ourselves to His guidance.
Some Practical Steps Towards Submission:
1. Trusting in God's perspective: Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. Renewing our minds: Romans 12:2 instructs us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly - we undergo a complete metamorphosis of our thoughts, actions and worldview.
3. Speaking truth in love: Even when it's difficult, we're called to communicate honestly and lovingly, reflecting God's character in our interactions.
4. Seeking accountability: For areas where we struggle, having a trusted partner to keep us on track can be invaluable.
5. Guarding our hearts and minds: Being mindful of what we expose ourselves to and the company we keep can help us stay aligned with God's will.
6. Staying in God's Word: The Bible is our guidebook for life, offering wisdom and direction for every situation we face.
It's important to recognize that submission is not a one-time event, but a daily choice. We may stumble, we may have moments of resistance, but God's Grace is sufficient. As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Our journey of submission is ongoing, marked by continual growth and renewal.
The beautiful promise is that as we submit to God, resist the enemy, and draw near to our Creator, He draws near to us. We find ourselves clothed in His strength, walking in His purpose, and experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Imagine your life as a stadium. You're saved, you're in the arena, but where are you positioned? Are you by the snack bar, in the bleachers, on the bench, or right in the middle of the action on the field? The choice is yours, and God has a purpose for you wherever you are. The key is to be willing to yield everything to Him - when God says - do "ABC" - - - but we want to do - "LMNOP" - can we submit and humbly say in our hearts - "nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” - I'll do it your way Lord God, I will do - "ABC".
(Father - really does know best).
As we learn to submit, we open ourselves to God's work through our lives. We become vessels through which He can impact the world around us. A life yielded to God is a life filled with peace, power, and purpose - gifts that come not from our own striving, but from aligning ourselves with the One who holds all things in His hands.
So today, let's ask ourselves: What areas of our lives are we still holding back from God? Where do we need to humble ourselves and submit to His will? As we prayerfully consider these questions, may we find the courage to yield more fully to God's voice and direction, trusting that His plan for us is far greater than anything we could imagine on our own.
In this journey of submission, we're not losing ourselves - we're finding our true selves in Christ. And in that discovery, we unlock a life of profound meaning, unshakeable peace, joy, and divine purpose. Are you ready to take the next step in submission today? A whole new world awaits you! Start today - your life will never be the same! (in a good way)
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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