I SURRENDER ALL

By the call of God, I have been warning the Church for about 5 years, and much of what the Lord has been saying through me is now happening. He has been shaking everything that can be shaken. Covid continued for a long time, just as He said it would. And many churches have now closed for good. Persecution of Christians is increasing around the world, and hostility towards Christians has skyrocketed in America. 

There is also increasing inflation, extreme temperatures, violent storms, wild fires and floods all over the world, including locust swarms and famine. The western US is experiencing the worst drought 1200 years—the Mississippi River is drying up! Soon it will effect our food supply and prices. The war in Ukraine is also threatening food supplies and world peace. Nuclear war is a real possibility. 

Violence in America has also increased with a deluge of mass shootings. (A mass shooting is 4 or more casualties). There were over 600 mass shootings in 2022 alone. The devil is the author of this violence, but God allowed it. Lawlessness is a judgment from God. 

Don’t be deceived. There is no political solution to this mess; it’s a spiritual problem. We removed God and the truth of His Word from our schools and from the public forum; there is no longer a fear of God. We are heavily involved in the occult. Do you know that witchcraft is the fastest growing religion in America? We are corrupting our school children, teaching them that perversion is good and normal—showing them graphic images. This sexual indoctrination of our children is inviting the wrath of God to fall on America! America is on a collision course. We are headed for destruction! 

Have you repented of your sins? Have you forgiven those who hurt you? Are you walking close to Jesus? I hope so. Jesus is the ONLY safe place to be. We must draw closer and surrender ALL to Him! 

For sure, God has been shaking His Church in this hour—judgment begins at the house of God. Many are being refined, pruned and tested. But let’s be honest; many Christians still don’t want to surrender all to Christ. In fact, most of the Church is now apostate. So many have fallen away from the truth of God’s Word and now they embrace the things that God says are evil. 

However, even those who hold sound doctrine don’t want to surrender all to Jesus. They just fit Jesus into their life, preferring to do the minimum, just enough to keep them out of hell, or so they think. I hope that’s not you. 

Jesus told us the way to heaven is narrow and difficult and few find it. (Matthew 7:14). He also said that not everyone who calls Him ‘Lord’ will go to heaven, but only those who obey His Father. (Matthew 7:21). You must love Jesus more than anyone or anything and be willing to forsake all, deny yourself, take up your cross and obediently follow Him. Jesus said you aren’t worthy of Me if you don’t do that. (Matthew10:37-38). Please seriously consider these things. 

Deeper Levels 

You may think you have surrendered all to Jesus, but it’s important to know that there are always deeper levels of surrender. For example: if you have difficulty telling others about Jesus, try surrendering your concern of what others think of you and your need to be liked. God will help you—ask Him. Everyone is not called to be an evangelist, but every Christian should be His witness. It begins with surrender and dying to self. 

Brothers and sisters, God is calling you to completely surrender your life to Christ. This is not being hyper-spiritual. I’m only reminding you of the truth of God’s Word. Let me say again that Jesus clearly told us that the way to life is difficult and the gate is narrow and few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14). He said we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. (Luke 9:23). Jesus also said if we don’t love Him more than anyone else, including our family, we are not worthy of Him. (Matthew 10:37). And if we won’t forsake all, we can’t be His disciple. (Luke 14:33). 

In regards to sin, Jesus told us to take extreme measures to keep from sinning and warned of hell if we don’t. (Matthew 5:28-30). We must be holy, completely set apart for Him. (1 Peter 1:15-17). If you are a friend of the world, you become God’s enemy. (James 4:4). 

Most Christians don’t have a problem telling God they are sorry for doing something that is sinful. But if the truth be told, they really don’t want to stop sinning (especially porn). They may feel bad after sinning and tell God they are sorry, but then a few days or weeks later, they return to doing the same thing. God understands weakness, but He NEVER accepts it as an excuse. He expects us to do whatever is necessary to keep from sinning. 

Jesus stated this quite bluntly, “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:29). He is clearly saying that we must take extreme measures, if necessary, to keep from sinning or we could end up in hell. 

Christianity requires far more than saying a “salvation prayer” –this is only the doorway. The Lord intends to take you much deeper, to the deepest levels of surrender, obedience, and commitment. Are you willing to follow Him all the way? This is not hyper-spiritual; this is normal Christianity. 

There are so many Christians who don’t love God with all of their heart and have not completely surrendered their life to Him. They received Jesus as their Savior but haven’t obediently followed Him as Lord. A life that is filled with self has little room for the Holy Spirit. You must surrender ALL. Don’t be deceived; you don’t have the option. 

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1Peter 4:17-18). 

Be careful, beloved. We are living in perilous times. Your faith will be tested like never before. Many are falling away but that doesn’t have to be you. Your only safe place is in Christ, filled with His Holy Spirit and completely surrendered to Him. Are you willing to completely surrender your life to Jesus? 

What does a surrendered life look like? First, it is a Holy Spirit led life. You learn to hear or sense the prompting of the Holy Spirit and you obey. For example: 

1) You are coming home from work and the Spirit prompts you to visit a friend. You’re tired and really don’t feel like it, but you obey. When you arrive, you find the person very discouraged and you are able to help them. 

2) The Lord prompts you to give money to someone. You can’t afford it, but you obey. 

3) You’re at Walmart and the Lord tells you to pray for the cashier… or witness to someone there. You feel uncomfortable, but you obey. 

4) You are awakened in the middle of the night, someone comes to mind, and you’re prompted to pray for them and you do. 

A surrendered life says “yes” to the Lord when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. You go or stay by His leading… and say and do what He tells you. You also give what He stirs you to give. You don’t fit Jesus into your life. You give the Lord your entire life, not just a part of it. All of this is done with His help… and for His glory. And of course, you spend time with God in prayer and walk in holiness… separate from the ways of the world. 

Will you commit yourself to living like this? Will you completely surrender your life to Jesus? You can do that right now if you will pray this prayer, but you must really mean it: 

Surrender Prayer 

Lord Jesus, Forgive me for my sins. Forgive me for living for myself. I surrender my life to you now, all that I am and all that I hope to be. I give you my dreams, my desires and my ambitions. I surrender my heart, my time, my resources, my comfort and convenience and the need to be liked by others. I am Yours, Jesus. With Your help and by Your grace I will do what You ask me to do, go where You want me to go and say what You want me to say. I can do nothing without You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, empower me to bless others, bringing glory and honor to Your name. Thank you for suffering and dying for me. Help me to be willing to live for You and to die for You. I ask these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.