Unconditional Surrender

TODAY'S READING:

2nd Cor 2:17

The American civil war was anything but civil. It was a horrible time in our history. Though we have re-enactments and seem to look at it with a "Good ole Days' mentality, it was horrific. It was a time in history called the industrial age. Our capacity to heal the injured was quickly passed by our capacity to create machines of death. It was 4years I pray we will never see again. When it ended at Appomattox Courthouse, on April 9, 1865, the President wanted an unconditional surrender by the Southern troops led by Gen. Robert E. Lee, but Gen. U.S. Grant had a time of honor in mind; one where respect was shown a great man and not a vanquished foe. An unconditional surrender is the giving up of all self rights, Grant had too much respect for his once comrade.

Christian growth or sanctification usually follows a path, phases if you will. There is the romance phase. This is where we are just head over heals for the one who saved our souls; the time shortly after salvation. We just can’t get enough of our new love. We live for every word that comes from the bible. We grow in our knowledge of Grace. Next is the mission phase; the what can I do for the one who saved me phase. This is a dangerous time but rewarding. Like a toddler who falls a lot, this can be frustrating. We operate in self ability. It is rewarding because it leads us to phase 3, God dependency; a time where we learn that apart from God, we can do nothing! A time of unconditional surrender of our self will, rights to self government. All our personal desires are laid at the foot of the cross. It is at that point where we learn we have given NOTHING and gained.....ALL! We learn we are becoming the reflection of Christ. Let us pray:

My Savior and my God, Thank you for teaching us for seeing your Children mature. Mature to the point where we know we must be dependent on you as your servants. We need you more and more everyday. Help us to grow, no mater where we fall in our walk, we want to lean on you more and more. We want you and to be more like you. We reach out to you today and everyday. In Jesus’ name, Amen.