Devotion
The Condition for God’s Freedom
David Jacobs
A parent loves a child unconditionally. Yet this does not mean that the parent does not have expectations for the child. For this reason, there may be a sort of system of exchange between the parent and child - but it is not like an exchange between strangers trading money for coffee. The parent provides the child with rewards for being their best self. The child not only benefits from the rewards, but more so from their own achievements and having done better.
Our Father also wants to give us the abundance of His blessings, but like the parent, He asks something of us - that every aspect of our being is to be a living sacrifice, in body, soul and spirit. Unlike sacrifices we make when purchasing a new car, this sacrifice itself gives us freedom. It is the true freedom that we only find when yielding fully to Christ.
Complete surrender to God is not easy. It means that we die to our own desires and selfishness. Remember though, that the Lord is willing and able to do more than we could ever even imagine.
Prayer
What does it really mean to live a surrendered life? Most importantly, it means complete commitment to Christ that is unchanged by the influence of the world, yielding to Him fearlessly and unwaveringly. Our desires and our old ways are no longer driving our life. God's Spirit guides us instead, and His will becomes our goal.
Night Prayer
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when faced with the almighty power He possesses. Death is final to us, yet it has no command over the Maker of the heavens and earth. God has authority over all His creation; we feel small, yet mighty and honored, to be loved by Him. We are grateful that the One who holds the world in the palm of His hand also carries our spirits close to His heart and feels we are worthy to experience eternal life.
Prayer
Dear God, we humble ourselves before You. Thank You for considering us worthy of Your love. We devote our spirits to You and are proud to be Your children. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
