As we continue through The Art of Slow Christian Living Series, Jesus reminds us that in order to be a good disciple, in order to live a slow Christian life, we must first surrender our hearts to Him.
Context and Disclaimer
When I spend my 10 minutes of quiet time with God, I write down all that He is saying to me and placing on my heart. Although I don’t usually share these words or thoughts with anyone, I really feel God shared this message with me to share with you. As I have shared before, I do believe we can hear God speak to us when we listen. I believe the Holy Spirit moves within us, guiding us through decision making, gently placing thoughts, Scripture verses, convictions, songs, and words in our minds and hearts. I don’t believe the words God shares in our minds and hearts are new revelations or additions to Scripture, rather guidance and reminders of the beautiful messages and teachings He has already provided us with.
Instead of trying to rewrite these words to direct the message to everyone, I am sharing word for word what was written for me. Although God placed this message on my own heart for my own conviction, I believe He wanted this message shared with you too. For context, I was praying about wanting to be a good disciple.
The Art of Slow Christian Living: Surrender
A conversation between God and me, shared for you.
Being a good disciple is a result from faith and actions. One cannot simply be a good disciple until time has proven it to be true. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. What does that mean to you?
(My answer: obedience) God’s answer: surrender. How can one be obedient if they do not surrender first? In order to follow My commands, one is given a choice. In order to be obedient, one weighs their options. The options are: one’s will and My will.
One must surrender first to their own will, their own submersed self-centered desires deep inside their heart. You have to find that desire, search for it, evaluate it, and hold it to My standards. If it does not align, surrender it to Me.
One can’t fight their own wicked heart. Unless handed over, the heart will begin to form around its desire. Surrender yourself, not partially, not doubtingly, not hesitantly, but fully. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Allow it (your heart) to be emptied from evil longings, so it has room to expand and grow towards Me. Once it has room, My Words and My Spirit will fill it.
Many must come empty, as they refuse to let go of their lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Will you let go? Will you surrender and allow Me to fill your heart with love and goodness? Only then will the obedience follow. Only then will you keep My commandments. Then you are proven to be a good disciple (John 14:15).
You know the first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might (Mark 12:30). Then love your neighbor as yourself. When you do this, all the rest of My commandments fall into place.
How do you love? How do you show Me love? How do you show your neighbor love? How does your sin keep you from loving? For was it not said that you must deny yourself and follow me (Matthew 16:24). Yet, you allow your sins from denial, leaving you unable to be filled with love, in order to love.
There is no checklist for love. There are no steps. There is action, dees that separate you from your former ignorance, your former form, your former sin. Examine your evil desires that must be surrendered. For the Spirit moves. The Spirit moves not by lists to be completed, but by a genuine faith.
Trust and hope with a faith filled heart, a heart of surrender.
God is Light – Surrender Your Sin
5 “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10
“Your home will never change, if you don’t allow your heart to.”
“We have to align our hearts to God first, before we can align our home.”
“When we set our hearts right with God, when we work hard to do His will, everything that happens in our home, everything we bring into our home, everything that we teach, that we watch, that we listen to, will be conformed to our heart, to our desire to be like God, to want to live a Godly, holy, Christian life.”
-Kelsey
The Art of Slow Living: Episode 1
Video Details
- Shop my blue dress
- Shop my apron
- Spring fabric for is from Hobby Lobby
- Shop my sewing machine (my sewing machine is over 18 years old, this one is pretty much the same, but newer)
- Shop my sewing scissors
Apron Measurements (allow a 1/2 inch seam allowance – 1/4 inch on each side) (LxW in.)
- Bib (top piece): 10 x 10
- Skirt: 28.5 x 30 (included for a 1 inch bottom seam)
- Neck piece: 21.5 x 4
- Waist band: 43 x 3 (fold in half to be 1.5 wide)
- Tiny ties for end of waist band: 11 x 1 (folded over to become .5 wide)
- Pocket: 16.5 x 25
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