Lord, I Need You

Lord I need You, when the sea of life is calm

O Lord I need you when the wind is blowing strong

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees

Lord I need You, Lord I need You

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,

I turn my gaze away from you, and soon forget to pray

But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear

My anxious voice cries upward with words You long to hear

Lord I need You, when the sea of life is calm

O Lord I need you when the wind is blowing strong

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees

Lord I need You, Lord I need You

Lord help me to remember, I’m weak but You are strong

I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord You are my song

Although I’m prone to wander and boast in all I do

Lord keep my eyes turned upward, so I depend on You
(Ron Hamilton)

Singing this song many times over in the past 6 months has spoke to me. I realized my constant need for the Lord in my daily life. Not one days goes by that I do not need Him. Recognizing my weakness without Him has drawn to my knees to ask Him to come by side, because I need Him!

Blessings! 

The Apple Tree

Just yesterday as I listened to some CDs that had been stored away for some time. And I was filled with joy and peace as I heard an old gospel song that has meant so much to me over the years. A song of invitation and reconciliation. A song of surrender to the Lord. A song that the Lord used to speak to me to prompt me to "come home"  and into His arms of love.

Coming home means so much to an individual. Maybe having spent time away on a trip, studying away from home. Coming home has a feeling of comfort and a sense of being. A place where one can be just who they are meant to be. 

In a spiritual sense, coming home is a feeling of joy and peace. A feeling of being completely surrendered to Jesus and His will for my life. No matter what I may have done, He is standing there with open arms, waiting for me. Waiting for you. 

Day after day I would listen to this song and I sensed a feeling of conviction. The Spirit continued to nudge my soul until one Sunday morning, the Lord called and I answered. I came home! Oh, the feeling of peace and joy that flooded my soul that morning, as I recognized the love of God for a soul such as mine. 

Four years later as I dealt with issues and struggles in my personal life, inwardly I slipped away from serving God and being completely surrendered to Him. At a meeting, the Lord used the song leader to lead this invitational song at the close of revivals, calling me back to Him.

And just as He saved my soul that first day, He was waiting for me with open arms, willing me back to Him. And He is waiting with arms outstretched for you! He loves you with an immeasurable love! 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Just like Ma and Pa were waiting for their son with open arms, Jesus is waiting for you. His arms are wide open, calling you home to Him, fully surrendered to Him, filled with peace and joy that only He can give.

Daily seek Him! Daily surrender your life to Him! Lord, I'm coming home to the peace and joy that only you can give!

Come home my child, come home! Find rest in the arms of Jesus. He is waiting for you!

Finding rest. Part of a series of "Finding Spiritual Whitespace Blog Tour." Find more out here.

I Love to Steal Awhile Away

As I have shared this Spiritual Whitespace journey with many individuals, one of my favorite songs of calling me to rest is the following song:

Just to steal awhile away, amidst the hustle and bustle of life to seek rest and spend time with the Master of rest - we all need such moments. Take time today, how little or how big to just steal away and rest!

Join us on this journey!

A Trip to Malpaisillo

The long-awaited day arrived on May 28th. The day had come for my sister and I to travel back to Nicaragua - it had been 2.5 years since I had seen many of these dear people. At 5:30am began the long day of travel for us, but we were excited and looking forward to the final destination. We flew out of Harrisburg at 10:38am, flying to Washington-Dulles, then to Houston, with the final destination being Managua, Nicaragua at approximately 9:30pm (CST). 

It was so great to see these familiar faces after a long day of travel. We headed to Malpaisillo, located about 1 hr 45 minutes. We arrived shortly after 12am, tired from a long day, but excited to finally be there. The next day started off with a bang. 

A Mother's Day party was planned for the mothers of the students who attended Colegio Cristiano Ezperanza Viva. A neighbor lady made a big pot of Arroz Relleno and the VS girls prepared a cake for everyone. Games were planned for the start of the party and  the fun was topped of with a piñata. 

The mothers and their students.

At the current time, there are four Nicaraguan students, as well 3 American students(children of the pastor serving in Nicaragua). The mothers all had a great time seeing the environment that surrounds their children 5 days a week, as well as relating to the other mothers there. For me, it was great to be there and meet the new people that are involved with the mission and church there.

Friday evening the local youth-age young people came to the church for an evening of soccer. They played several games as it thundered in the distance. The lightning was so bright and was flashing all around. After the games were over, we all gathered around for a time of singing, before passing out sandwiches, snack, and a drink. After eating, they played for a little longer before heading to their respective homes.  

Saturday morning the VS girls and all of the visiting girls headed to Leon. After dropping Virginia off at Richard's, the rest of us headed to Poneloya for a morning on the beach. It was great to walk along the shore and spend some time in the water. We headed back just before lunch, stopping at San Juan Market to buy fruit for smoothies. 

Saturday evening we had another youth event, this time with the church youth and the single staff. Christine made a large pot of rice and sweet-n-sour chicken & vegetables. Wendy and I agreed to take care of the dessert/snack. We decided to attempt to make kettle corn, which actually went pretty good once we got the propane heat adjusted properly and the youth seemed to enjoy it.

The church sign

Sunday there was two church services. In the morning service, Wendy & I taught the children's Sunday School class, which I enjoyed thoroughly. In  the evening, we had a song service. It was so wonderful to be singing in Spanish again, united with other church people.

When we arrived in Nicaragua, it was very dry. Dark clouds would form from time to time, but often times it would not rain. However, there was a few heavy thunderstorms before our trip ended. The one storm we managed to capture the beauty of a rainbow as we watched the approaching storm - a reminder of how God promised to not destroy the earth with a flood again. 

Not only do the humans appreciate the appearance of rain, but also the animals gladly receive the rain. This little pig was running back and forth on the road, enjoying the pouring rain that was refreshing the earth and making a mud puddle for him. 

Tuesday afternoon was yet another afternoon of classes. This time it was children's classes. There were little ones and big ones all around. I agreed to teach the little children's class, which was great fun to be with the little ones who had tons of energy.

Wednesday morning, Wendy & I helped Christine make a batch of doughnuts before walking to Terminal to do some final shopping. Christine walks around Malpaisillo selling her donuts one morning a week and meeting new people each time. She walks around calling "las donuts, lleva las donuts." She found it to be a great opportunity to spend with other ladies.

Thursday morning at 3am, we headed to Managua to board a plane to bring us back to United States. Our time in Nicaragua had flown by, but I was challenged and blessed as I saw the work of God continuing there in Nicaragua. Seeing the potential of the many individuals that they relate to from day to day has challenged me again to let me light shine bright as I serve here in PA

The sun setting over Chicago

Blessings to you as you serve where God has called you. I will leave you with a parting reminder. A favorite song in Spanish. The translation is below:

The Apple of My Eye by Daniel Calveti

You saw me when nobody saw me

You loved me, I love

You saw me when nobody saw me

You loved me when nobody loved me

And you gave me a name

I am your child

Apple of your eye

Because you loved me

And gave me a name

I am your child

The apple of your eye

Because you loved me

You loved me

I love you more than my life

And you gave me a name

I am your child

The apple of your eye because you love me

And you gave me a name

I am your child

The Apple of your eye

Because you loved me

You loved me

Here Am I, Send Me

Today on Jewels of Jesus, the emphasis is placed on the call that we have as Christians. I am sharing some of my personal story and the call that I recieved to serve in Nicaragua.

Read more...

But the Greatest of These is Love!

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned , and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

4 Charity suffereth long , and is kind ; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself , is not puffed up , 

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly , seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil; 

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

8 Charity never faileth : but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail ; whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away . 

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

10 But when that which is perfect is come , then that which is in part shall be done away . 

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known . 

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 KJV



Blessings to you as you love as Jesus does!

Would We Truly Long for Heaven?

Would We Truly Long for Heaven?

(click for a sound clip)

Would we truly long for heaven 

If this life was perfect here,
If we had no pain or heartache,
If we never shed a tear? 

If we had no disappointments,
And our dreams would all come true,
Could we keep that heav'nly vision
And that deep eternal view?

Would we truly long for Heaven
If we never gave a sigh,
If the old were always taken,
And the young would never die?

If we had no cherished loved ones
Waiting at the eastern gate,
Would we truly long for Heaven
And reunion that awaits?

Would we truly long for Heaven
At the ending of the road,
If our backs were never bleeding
From the burden of the load?

If the sun was always shining,
If we never felt a gale,
Would we long for Heaven’s Harbour
To be safe within the veil?

Would we truly long for Heaven
And the bliss of yonder shore,
If we had no loved ones tugging
On the line at Heaven’s door?

If our precious family circle
Never was broken here below,
Would we truly long for Heaven
Where our loved ones we shall know?

Yes, dear Savior, we are longing
To be safe on Heaven’s shore,
And these trials only make us
Long for Heaven more and more.

And we see that Thou art using
Every trial of each day
As a tug from Heaven’s anchor
Just to pull us Heaven’s way. 
--Elizabeth Drudge

This song really struck a chord this weekend as I listen to the Buffalo Valley Men's Octet at Wilkes-Barre Mennonite Church Sunday morning. If my life was perfect, what would I have to look forward too? If no one ever died, who would I miss? 

Then I thought, do I truly long for heaven with each passing day? Does each day find me longing for the day when I will see my Savior's face? Scriptures reveal the day is fast approaching - 

"18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye 

have heard that antichrist shall come, even 

now are there many antichrists; whereby we 

know that it is the last time.(1 John 2:18)

Many false teachers are in our presence, attempting to teach "new" doctrine and doing away with "old" doctrine. But God's Word is unchanging! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

My challenge to you is to truly long for heaven. Stay strong in the True faith of God as we are in the last days. Heaven awaits for those who have remained faithful to the calling of God on their lives. some final Scripture for you -

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary

 the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 

seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)

5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelations 21:5-7)

The joy that awaits us truly outweighs the pleasure and luxury of this world!

Truly longing for heaven!

We All Have a Purpose....

Today I wrote a post at Jewels of Jesus. I have recently joined the group of young ladies striving to be an encouragement to others. Today we are looking at having a purpose. Join us there!

Tears streamed down the little girl's face. She just didn't

understand why mommy and daddy weren't coming home....read more

Blessings!

The Brink of a New Year!

 A new year is upon us!

And I wonder where 2013 has gone....

2013 brought many changes, trials, blessings, times of crying and of laughter.

Looking back I have seen the hand of God in more than one situation and I am blessed....

But still in my humanness, standing on the brink of 2014; I will admit that I am somewhat scared...maybe confused or afraid of the possible changes that may come.

Change is hard, I will be the first to admit. But change can often make us stronger. Maybe it painfully breaks us first, and then molds us into a new being...or just provides stability to what we already are.

But however we feel does not change the obvious of an unknown future...

With that I am glad of the promise that I can cling to:

I don't know about tomorrow...

BUT I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW 

&

I KNOW WHO HOLDS MY HAND!

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt 10:29-31 KJV)

"So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." (Matt 6:34 AMP)

And though I struggle with worrying about the unknown, I remind myself of the God that I serve. He knows tomorrow and He is there to walk me through! And for that, I am truly thankful. I can't imagine how life would be without a loving God by my side.

With that I leave a final verse:

"Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)

This World Is Not My Home! (Video Post)

This world is not my home! 

Reminded this morning of the need to "be holy, for I am holy" (Lev 11:44-45). We are in this world, but not of this world. We are citizens of a heavenly place and we anticipate that which awaits. I can't wait to go home...

but until then...

and what a day that will be!

May the Lord bless you with a wonderful day!

Andrea

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea, 

But that Thy blood was shed for me, 

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not 

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

 To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about 

With many a conflict, many a doubt, 

Fightings and fears within, without, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown 

Hath broken every barrier down;

Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love 

The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, 

Here for a season, then above, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

~Written by Charlotte Elliott

One Light Still Shines by Marie Monville - Book Review

WITHIN A SOLITARY MOMENT, MARIE MONVILLE REALIZED THAT LIFE AS SHE KNEW IT WAS OVER. 

On October 2, 2006, Marie Monville's husband entered an Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and shot ten young girls, killing five of them, before turning the gun on himself. The event shocked the nation and left many staggering under the weight of such tragedy and evil. Marie was overwhelmed. What she never anticipated was a tangible encounter with God reaching into her circumstances, rewriting all she believed about herself, her faith, and God's ability to forge beauty out of life's ashes.

One Light Still Shines reveals three love stories: the innocent love of a devoted wife for a husband in pain; the incomprehensible love of God in the aftermath of massacre and destruction; and the redemptive love of Christ, waiting to unfold in the life of every person who reads this book.

Marie's journey since that darkest of days has been invaded with light that shines through these pages into the darkest questions we all face - questions about our past, our value, our identity, and our powerlessness in this fallen world. Come face-to-face with the power behind every answer - a love that begs to be received.

What I Love About the Book: The first thing that caught my attention when I first heard of the book was the title "One Light Still Shines." As I read the book, the context of book's title was woven through her entire writing. Amidst her pain and questions, she recognized the Light that was still shining for her & all the individuals involved.

She has borne her heart through her book and shared her struggles as she began to pick up the pieces and move on after the tragedy. She reflected on God's love surrounding her and the support of her family & friends as each day passed.

As she spoke of her husband, she recognized the tragedy that had befallen the individuals at the hands of her husband, but she also recognized him for the husband & father he was to their family, realizing the turmoil that he had kept hidden within for many years.

She chose forgiveness and love amidst all that had happened and reflects the joy that follows the sorrow.

Why I Recommend the Book: I recommend the book for the message that it portrays. Amidst the tragedy of the situation & circumstances that may come, she has shown that there is a Light and hope for the persons involved. She has revealed the need of a growing relationship with God, no matter what circumstances surround you, as well the love God shows to his children each and every day.

About the Author: Marie Monville, a lifetime resident of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area, often sat alongside her father in his milk truck as he served his Amish and non-Amish neighbors. She married her high school sweetheart, then gave birth to three children. The first 28 years of her life were quiet, predictable, and full of regular day-to-day country living. That all changed on October 2, 2006, the day her husband barricaded the Amish schoolhouse at Nickel Mines. Today, Marie to Dan Monville, and she speaks nationwide as she and Dan raise their five children in the Lancaster, PA, area.

Hearing from the Psalms...

It has been quite sometime since I wrote regarding the journey through Psalms. I decided to combine my thoughts of the last couple weeks. Psalms 66 focuses on "remembering what God had done and being thankful."

We are called to praise Him for what he has done. It gives a look into the future when all shall bend knee and worship God: 

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee;              they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalms 66.4

Reference is made to many great things God has done, including the parting of the waters for the Israelites as they left Egypt. Although that was a "big" thing that God had done, we are reminded to be praise Him for the small things that He does in our lives as well. He is in our life at every moment and shapes our life.

Verses 13-20 reflect our response to what He has done for us. I will offer sacrifices, I cried unto Him with my mouth. What is my true response, when I feel the effect of God working in my life? I am afraid too often I brush it by without a second thought, when my immediate response should be that of immediate and constantly thanking Him for the wonder He has wrought  in my life. 

In reading this passage, I realize how lax I have come in thanking God for what He has done and continues to do in my life. But as the verse 20 reminds us, He has not turned away from our prayers. If we come to him in prayer, He has never turned away from us, even when we forget Him-a remainder to me that He loves me and cares about me. Why then should I not praise Him every opportunity that I have.

Blessings on your week, Andrea

♥Life is not measured by the breaths you take, 

but by the moments that take away your breath♥

I Will Never Leave You...

• Sitting in the pizza shop, waiting for my order and thinking over the evening that passed...
• Time spent with dear friends, discussing memories and pastimes...
• Partaking of a Nicaraguan supper-memories of the little stand in Malpaisillo...
• Laughing and playing with my dear little ones-children who hold special places in my heart...
• Thinking over the many changes that have taken place in my life over the past several years...
• Realizing that had it not been for the grace of God and His strength, I wouldn't be where I am today...

So often I tend to go through days, never stopping to realize why I am here or why I was there...and I may never know the reason, but I know the Person behind each moment. The One that has promised to never leave you, never leave me. He has brought me to this place. He will be by my side through it all!

"For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb 13.5b

What a promise!

Christian blessings! Andrea

Thursday Thoughts - Tired...

TIRED...

According to Merriam-Webster, "tired" is drained of strength and energy : fatigued often to the point of exhaustion. 

Now for this college student, she thought she was tired, but when she looked at the definition of "tired", she began to reconsider. Was I fatigued? Exhausted? As many college students know is that end of semesters bring sleepless nights in preparation for finals and last-minute homework or essays. Often the week before finals, "survival mode" kicks in and with it, the thought of just making it to the end of the week, then I can breathe. 

But am I, are you really tired? What can be done to remedy the tiredness?

For physical tiredness, a proper diet and sufficient sleep will go a long way in relieving the tired feeling that surrounds you or me.

And to revive oneself spiritually, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (KJV)

What a promise for us! We find a proven way to become spiritually "rested" and science tell us the key to physical energy. With that, we have the key to overcome " being tired."

Blessings, Andrea

Consider Him...

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)

Consider Him...

He who was betrayed by one of the twelve

He who was denied by his disciple

He whom they spat upon

He whom was scourged and smote

He whom they mocked

He whose clothes they parted by lots

He who endured public shame

HE WHO WAS CRUCIFIED FOR MY SINS!

"...by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities...because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors  and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:11b, 12b (KJV)

Commemorating the sacrifice that Christ has paid for you, for me. 

Recognizing that far too often, I take for granted the price that has been paid.

Thank you Jesus...Hallelujah, thank you Lord for what you done for me!

Blessings to all,

Andrea

Friends...5-Minute Friday

FRIEND: what is a friend? 

There are so many types of friends, and the ones that are dearest, are the ones who stop to listen when the day is rough, when tomorrow seems to never come, or when the water rushing over you seems to drown you. Friends take the time out of their day to just let you know they care, maybe a text, an email, a visit with a cup of coffee from the local coffee shop. Best friends are those who take time to listen to the rough moments, rejoice in the blessings of life, but most of all when you need them the most, they are right there waiting for you.

Among all the best friends that a person could ever have there is only one Friend that will never leave, never gossip about, never laugh when you are crying. 

Jesus, the Friend of all friends, stands by your side, listening waiting and loving you.

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Joseph M. Scriven

Friend of friends, He is waiting for you and loves you as only the "Bestest" best friend can.

A Cross Still Stands

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, changes take place each day. Children grow up, teenagers become adults, young adults seek a career and/or life partner. Change is a part of our daily life, but there is one thing that does not change and that is the love that hung on the Cross. 2000+ years since the crucifixion and that Cross still stand high for each and every sinner. The love of Jesus is still extended to many a soul that tonight is calling out for help.

John 3:16 says "for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He sent His Son for you and me and because of the sacrifice that Jesus paid on Calvary, the Cross still stands as a symbol of the price that has been paid.

I am thankful that the Cross still stands tonight!

Blessings!

Andrea

He Is Risen!

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not." Mark 16: 1-11

He is not here, but has risen! My Lord did not stay in the tomb, but He conquered death.

We see the young man commanding the women to go and tell what they had seen. Some of them were frightened and told no one, but Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples. Her Lord had risen and she couldn't contain herself! How am I? Does the glory of the empty tomb and the reality of my risen Lord prompt me to tell others about Him?

Or do I hide in the corner, scared to share? Or am I like the disciples, full of unbelief?

My Jesus has risen! There is an empty tomb, with graveclothes inside to prove His power of conquering death. He is alive! Someday I will see Him face to face! What a promise for the Christian!

Do you know the Jesus who not only paid my price, but also conquered death and the grave?

Serving My Risen Saviour!

Andrea

Complete Commitment - Psalms 31:5

"Into thine hand I commit my spirit:

thou hast redeemed me, 

O Lord God of truth."

Psalms 31:5

Here we find the Psalmist committing Himself to the Lord and what He has planned for His life. This is not the only time we find this particular commitment in the Bible. We also find it in the lives of at least two others in the Bible.

We encounter it as Jesus hung on the cross: 

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud

voice, he said, Father, into thy hands

I commend my spirit: and having

said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

Luke 23:46

And also Stephen uttered these last words as he was stoned to death:

“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon

God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive

my spirit.” Acts 7:59

In all three occasions, we find complete surrender. In two of the three occasions we find surrender, even in the face of death: my Lord and Stephen. Such a commitment is a complete surrender, no matter the costs. David was committed because his spirit had been redeemed. To him, his redemption was of great value. A value that was so great, it required a full, complete surrender.

So what about me, what about you? Jesus has paid the ultimate price for redemption – his life of the cross. What does that mean to you and me? We have been redeemed when in reality, we were doomed to die and we deserved every bit of our punishment. But amidst the punishment we deserved, God looked down on His people, His heart filled with compassion for the dear ones that He had intricately created. Each individual soul meant so much to Him and it hurt Him to know that without a Redeemer, each one would die…but the story doesn’t end there. Praise God!

He sent a Redeemer. His beloved & Only Son!

I tremble when I recognize what I deserved, but by the grace of God, I have been saved. Seeing this, I realize that my daily life needs to be in complete surrender to the One who redeemed me. Such surrender is a daily moment by moment surrender to the perfect Will of God. My cry should equal that of the Psalmist:

“Into thine hand I commit my spirit:

thou hast redeemed me, 

O Lord God of truth."

Psalms 31:5

Am I committed to God’s story? Or am I determined to have my own story?

My heart's cry - I surrender all!

Blessings as you surrender! Pray for me! I am praying for you!

Andrea