remember

I have been doing  a study by Priscilla Shirer called "He Speaks to Me". It has been such a great study tool to really help me get deeper in the Word and focus more on preparing myself to hear from God.  Part of this process of preparation involves committing ourselves to a sanctified lifestyle which will in turn cause us to desire full surrender of ourselves to Him. She list 4 important reasons that we should willingly surrender our lives to God. 

These 4 reasons were given by Joshua to the Israelites as he had them assembled at Shechem to remind them of the faithfulness of God.

1. Remember the Call

God had called Abram away from his past lifestyle and into a calling of service. We, too, must remember when God placed that call on our lives, out of darkness into the light of His Glory.

2. Remember the Promise

Joshua reminds the people that God made a special promise to the seed of Abraham (Joshua 24:3-4). He promised that He would make him a great nation and bless him through his seed. God makes those same promises to his children today through the Holy Scriptures. Power resides in remembering God's promises. 

"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall

be able to separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

(Romans 8:39)

3. Remember the Protection

We can all look back and see the mighty Hand of God's protection in our lives. Sometimes it was evident at the time and sometimes it is only evident to us as we look back at the situation. But God always has His Hand of protection upon us. He doesn't always protect us FROM things, but He always protects us THROUGH things. 

4. Remember the Source

In Joshua 24:13, he reminds the Israelites that  all the things that they had received were not of their own making. God alone was the source of all that they had. He alone is the source of every good thing that happens to us. He is the source of all our victories! 

We have no excuses for not living a holy life without compromise. None. It is urgent that we make the choice to fear God and to serve Him and fully surrender our lives to Him. We need to be Seeking Him Higher each day of our lives.