Monday, June 15, 2020

HAVE YOU SURRENDERED YOUR LIFE TO THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT?


SURRENDERING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT 
 “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

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“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
“…Ye shall know [those JOINED to God, the Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit you] can do nothing (BEAR NOTHING).” (John 15:5 KJV).
The WORD tells YOU when YOU repent; you will RECEIVE the Holy Spirit. “…Peter said to them, "REPENT …and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).
… He (she) that is JOINED (in a covenant relationship with) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (sealed)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).
The Holy Spirit is ALSO referred to as a SEAL, which signifies that YOU belong to him. WEDDING RINGS signify that the husband and wife NOW belong to one another in a covenant relationship.
The WEDDINGS RINGS and God’s SEAL also signify a PLEDGE has been made.
The PLEDGE made by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is the SEAL of PROMISE which assures those who are JOINED to HIM (through the Holy Spirit) of ETERNAL SALVATION. “… [you]… are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV). “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
The WORD of God has the POWER to JOIN the SOUL and SPIRIT and the WORD of GOD has the POWER to SEPARATE the SOUL and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus, the Word) is ONE Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…The word of God  (Jesus) is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).
God SAID: “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…She … ate it [and] her husband …ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…At that moment their eyes were opened” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They were IMMEDIATELY] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “… the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).
“…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the [life from the holy] spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).
The Holy Spirit separated from man. “…BY THE WORD of the Lord …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…The word …dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). [Their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). [the union between god, the holy spirit and man’s soul [was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, “…ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD” (Ecclesiastes 9:18
Being JOINED to the God, the HOLY SPIRIT, through Jesus Christ means you are in a COVENANT relationship with him and he is NOW the HEAD of your LIFE. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, “IS” the HEAD of your LIFE and “WILL” provide EVERYTHING YOU need (Genesis 22:7-8). “… [God]… will supply every need” (Philippians 4:19 KJV).
 You willfully CHOOSE to surrender your trust and dependency upon God and to his “loving” CARE. “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
You willfully CHOOSE to relinquish control or authority to the INDWELLING SPIRIT, which is God the Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in YOU” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).
“…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “… have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but taking the form of a bond-servant emptied Himself, , and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient (following God’s Holy instructions) to the point of death (to the flesh), even death on a cross …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).
Jesus was and is the example of true surrender. He willingly chose to surrender his personal power, rights, CARE, and divine privileges to God’s will and plan.  I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  
Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). Jesus’ surrender ultimately turned into a sacrifice he willingly CHOSE to make in order to follow God’s will and God’s plan; no matter what it cost.  Jesus said, Father not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Most believers have their OWN agendas WITHIN the covenant relationship with God through Christ.
They have important plans for their OWN individual lives and most times they are “NOT” God’s plans. “…You hypocritesThis people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV). 
Many of God’s people have their OWN personal plan for their careers, their travels, their desired spouse, their pursuit of happiness, getting financially set, obtaining self-peace, establishing comfort, sustaining health, and maintaining autonomy “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV).… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Many of God’s people CLAIM to be in a covenant relationship with God, but don’t LISTEN to the plans and instructions he has for their lives. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
Most of God’s people IGNORE God’s plans OVER their OWN plans, especially if they don’t FIT into WHAT THEY WANT for the lives. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).
Many of God’s people pick and choose the part of God’s plans meet their APPROVAL and prefer to follow their own traditions. “…You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).
It is easier to submit to the part of God’s plans that are convenient. Many of God’s people, therefore, surrender to God’s plan for peace, prosperity, or other spiritual benefits; but not HIS agenda to forgive, submit, extend mercy, answer his call to ministry, or sacrifice their heart or life completely to his will.… We will continue to live as we want to” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Jesus was sold out to God’s plan for his life and he was unequivocally surrendered to his will; no matter the cost. “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).
They were a covenant, relational team. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV). 
Because of Jesus’ radical surrender to God; he said: Father not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
I use the word radical to paint a picture of Jesus’ absolute SUBMISSION to God’s will and plan for his life. “… [Jesus came] … to serve, and to give His life ...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
 For Jesus, it really wasn’t radical at all; it was a lifestyle CHOICE “…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV).
Jesus’ SUBMISSION is meant to be a standard for the believer’s own submission to God’s will and plan. Jesus said: “…that the world may know … as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV). “…I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV).
Many of God’s people don’t submit to God’s will and plan; even on the most basic level. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (or their own plans)” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).
God’s people, who are truly in a covenant relationship with HIM, willingly present themselves to God, just like Jesus did, as a “…living sacrifice…” which is “… [they KNOW is their] … reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
Reasonable service” is one that is equitable, just, and fair or the “least” you can do; considering what God has done for YOU. “…The LORD has done great things for us …” (Psalms 126:3 NIV). “…Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things…” (Joel 2:21 NASB).Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT).
Nonetheless, many of God’s people are not willing to give even their “…reasonable service…” to God, the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1 KJV).
For instance, FORGIVING others, as God’s Holy WORD asked you to do, is a “reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
Whatever you GIVE UP to surrender to God’s will, God’s plan, or as a “reasonable service”; God promises to reward you for it abundantly (Romans 12:1 KJV)! “… [You]…will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
However, please note, God does NOT reward you because you EARNED it, or DESERVE it, or because “you” think you are WORTHY of it. “…It is [because of] … God’s kindness ….not by [your] good works..,[Or else]… God’s GRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).
God will REWARD you because of his kindness, GRACE, and because of your TRUST IN HIM (dependency upon him). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “… How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust (his dependency)…” (Psalms 40:4 NASB). “…How blessed is the man who trusts in You (DEPENDS UPON YOU)!” (Psalms 84:12 NASB).
It is NOT simply your “reasonable SERVICE” or surrender to God’s will and God’s plan, but it is your TRUST in (or dependency upon) his will and plan.  “… Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord (depends upon the Lord) And whose trust (dependency) is the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:7 NASB).
Your TRUSTING SURRENDER to God’s will and plan is simply your “… reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
Job’s attitude of surrender to God’s will and plan, for his life, was his “…reasonable service…”  Job said, Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).
Job was hand-picked by God for purpose. Jesus was hand-picked for purpose too and thus God “spared not his own Son, but delivered (surrendered) him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).
God will not spare you either. Job lost EVERY personal PLAN he had, regarding family and wealth, tragically and yet he said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).
Job knew inwardly that surrender to God’s will and plan was his “…reasonable service…” and he CHOSE to continue to submit to God’s plan.
When God’s will and plan drives the direction of your LIFE, whatever is lost, altered, or totally transformed becomes worthless when compared to the ever growing and developing, covenant relationship with God. everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
God’s people CHOOSE to willfully and voluntarily submit themselves into the safe sovereign care of God, the Holy Spirit. “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
 “...he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
Surrendering to God’s will and God’s plan, is surrendering to HOLY LOVE. God’s CARE becomes a place of SAFETY and REST. “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower (REFUGE); The righteous runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB). “…God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…” (Psalms 46:1 NASB). “…you will find rest for your souls…” (Matthew 11:29 NASB)
The believer CHOOSES to trustingly surrender control to God, the LOVING, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “…He alone is my refuge, my place of safetyFor he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.  He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,  no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. …The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in (depend upon) my name (my word)…” (Psalms 91 NLT).
God;s people voluntarily give up their OWN personal PLANS for God’s PLANS.not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV).
SURRENDERING to God’s PLAN is what TRANSFORMS YOUR life. GOD’s main PLAN is to CONFORM you to the IMAGE of JESUS CHRIST (the WORD of GOD). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). …God …predestined [you] to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “… The Son (jesus, the word of god) is the … exact representation of his being (god, the holy spirit)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).
“…In this world we are [to become] LIKE JESUS (the word of god)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). …the … exact representation of his being (god, the holy spirit)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Therefore, I CHOOSE to lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
The INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT does the WORK of TRANSFORMING!…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV) “by the GRACE of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

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