Daily Devotional
Do You Commit or Surrender?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1
September 23, 2020
Ponder This
I have a friend named Joseph Tson, a dear man who is like the “Billy Graham” of Romania. Joseph is a man of great faith. I’d been in Romania preaching crusades. One day as we were riding along, I asked him his opinion of American Christians.
Specifically, I asked, “Joseph, tell me about American Christianity.” He answered, “No, Adrian, I’d rather not.” “Joseph, I’m a big boy—tell me.” “Well, Adrian, in America, the big word is commitment.” “That’s good, isn’t it, Joseph?” “No, not necessarily. When you make a commitment, you’re in control, but when you surrender, you’re no longer in control.
The word ‘commitment’ didn’t even really come into vogue in the United States until about the 60s. It’s a very popular word today. People are telling God what they’re committed to: memorizing the Bible, tithing, soul-winning. But if a man pulled out a gun and said, ‘Stick ‘em up,’ you’d lift your hands. You wouldn’t start telling him what you’re committed to. You’d say, ‘What do you want me to do?’ You’d surrender.”
People like to be in control. We like to make commitments, but the true word is surrender. Jesus is Lord. You don’t say, “Lord, I’m committing myself to build a great church, to more Bible study, more this or that. Instead, “I surrender. I am yours, Lord.”
Practice This
Only when you lift your hands in ultimate surrender will you know the power of God at work in you. You will never, ever be over those things God wants under you until you get under those things God has set over you. Start with complete surrender. Study the Word of God. Surrender fully to the lordship of Jesus Christ in your life.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
