Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 3, 2010
Surrender To Fight… “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Furthermore, our life’s battles are not with “flesh and blood”. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). When we engage the enemy with eternal forces they flee in fear. We pour out our life for the Lord in sweet surrender and He fills us with His Spirit’s fullness.
What are your weapons for spiritual warfare? Have you completely surrendered self? Do you take marching orders from only your Master, Christ Jesus? Once you surrender, you are free by faith to fight the good fight. If you resist resigning to the flesh you will face certain defeat. You conquer your circumstances, because Christ has overcome the world.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Surrender leads to peace and peace comes from surrender. Have you waved your white flag of faith in front of your Heavenly Father? When you do He graciously receives you. He promotes you and equips you with the full armor of God. Surrender brings you into the Lord’s boot camp of belief. Like a good soldier you are trained in the tactics of trust.
Daily surrender of self sets you free to follow Christ and fight the enemy. Jesus gave His life to you, to do a work in you, so He can live through you. Surrender, so you can fight the good fight of faith in the strength of your Savior Jesus Christ. You yield and He fills!
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Do I recognize the spiritual battle that rages around me? Have I surrendered to Jesus, so I am in the proper position of trust and obedience to put on the full armor of God?
Related Readings: Acts 20:24; Romans 8:37; Philippians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:18
