I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice….
God wants you! He wants full custody of your heart, not just visitation rights. People often complain that they pray in Jesus' name, and nothing happens—but considering the amount of time they spend with Him, it's obvious they're only "dating" Him. I didn't get my husband's name until I married him. Jesus wants a marriage relationship with His church so we can use His name whenever we need to do so and see His power working mightily.
Intimacy with God encourages His power to work in our lives. We cannot view intimacy as all smiles and warm, fuzzy feelings. When a relationship is intimate, one person can speak correction to the other and complete honesty can flow between the two of them. In an intimate relationship with God, we have wonderful moments, but we also have moments when He calls us to honestly face things that need to change in our lives.
Some people are like wild stallions unwilling to let a saddle be put on them so they can carry a rider. They haven't learned that their own breakthrough to peace happens when they submit to God and obey Him promptly. They are like unbroken colts resistant to a bridle and bit in their mouths, which could be used by God to guide them to a place of security and provision. Some people are not willing to let God have the reins of their lives because they want to control their own destinies. But they will never feel the security or peace they long for until they surrender themselves completely to the Holy Spirit. He wants you; let Him have all of you.
Prayer of the Day: Father God, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I surrender myself completely to You. Take full custody of my heart and help me as I build a more personal, intimate relationship with You, amen.
