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.

The rewards!

Today's Reading
1st Cor 3:6 to 9

Yesterday we spoke of our works and who it is that deserves the Glory and Honor. Whatever it is that Jesus has called us to do, a few things are certain. There are no "Small Jobs". All parts of the body are equal. We can not function without the other parts. We are equally called to Glorify Christ. That is with words and deeds. Eph. 2:10 reminds us we are his workmanship. No different than a fine jewelers works. We are made to serve. To do as the Master bids us to do. One great and Glorious day we will give an accounting of our service. What makes one work of greater value than another is NOT the size of the work, but rather the selfless attitude behind it. With a humble heart of a "The Kingdom comes first, others second, then myself” belief much reward is waiting in heaven.

For those whose motives are self-promoted or down right selfish, there is loss of reward. I'm sure there are those who think themselves great in the kingdom, that are in for a surprise; likewise there are those who are humble and are just doing their Christian labors in anonymity, that are going to be amazed. Gods’ economy is far different from this world. For certain God will reward the humble and lay waist to the proud. Let us Pray:

Lord God, We labor only to bring Glory to your name. We love to be the instruments of your choice. The honor goes always to you. We thank you for the reward that for the humble waiting to be with you. We are glad that we can store this kind of treasure there, but Lord giving you glory is our hearts desire. Help us to serve you. Better, fuller and yes unselfishly; for God and God alone, more of you and less of "ME". In Jesus’ Holy name we pray, Amen.