Don't Beat Around the Bush

A passionate man of God, gifted speaker, and powerful leader for evangelism, Luis Palau unashamedly proclaims Truth and ignites fires of spiritual fervor. I am truly blessed to partner with Luis and the team in the Kingdom work - and, seriously, I get paid to serve God and assist the effort of telling people around the world the Good News of Jesus Christ. Such a blessing I do not take lightly.

Today Luis spoke at our weekly chapel (which happens only occasionally, as he keeps a very busy travel schedule) on a life in surrender to Christ.

Sidenote: In case you didn't already know, I've been asking God to help me surrender the past year and a half. (I'm learning it's a process - and something to be chosen daily... hourly... moment by moment.) And since that time, you would not believe (or perhaps you would...) how many sermons I have heard on the topic of surrender. Not just at one church by one pastor on a surrender bent... oh no - we're talking half a dozen pastors at as many churches in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Not kidding. I think the Holy Spirit is on my trail - or, rather, I hope I'm on His.

In any case, I found it reassuring, amusing, refreshing, encouraging, convicting, and thought-provoking to hear another message on surrender.

And Luis cuts right to the chase. He doesn't get distracted by the arguments from the world. He measures everything against God's Word. He speaks Truth. He keeps the main thing the main thing. His heart is for people to know the Living God.

I want the power of the Holy Spirit to be evident in my life. This idea of Christ living in me... the old self dying... ALL being made new. When I look at my relationship with God, I see all the ways I fail, all the choices I should have made, all the ways I could have more wisely used the precious time God gives me, all the opportunities and promptings I ignore... and all the ways I don't measure up. Good intentions don't cut it.

Priority. Balance. Surrender.

Must keep the main thing the main thing. Cut loose distractions. Have the branches pruned. Live a fruitful life in the Spirit. Surrender everything to Christ. Seek God first and foremost - forever.
A willing vessel. I'm willing. And weak.

Please pray for me.