Submission (submit, submitted, submitting)

Currently every Sunday a group of women (whom I'm honored to be a part of) who have a heart to pray for Men of Valor across the world will unite in the International House of Prayer - Mission Base in Kansas City MO side room #2. Today we are each sharing on what the Holy Spirit has laid upon our hearts in regards to submission. The following is what my heart will bring to the group today. Submission to me is an honor because I know whom I am submitting too. When submitting to God it is not a bad thing or word because He has authority over all and as His child, I inherit all. Thank you Father!

Here's what I'll be sharing later today. I pray it blesses you as I have been blessed in praying and pondering over what the Spirit was wanting to show me in regards to submission.:

Hebrew word used in Hebrews 13:17 -- to be straightforward with.

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) “17Obey(AD) your leaders and submit to them,(AE) for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to(AF) give an account.(AG) Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Greek word used in James 4:7, I Peter 2:13 and 5:5 -- hupotusso -- to subordinate; to obey – be under obedience, put under, subdue unto; be subjected to, submit self unto.

James 4:7 (ESV) “7Submit yourselves therefore to God.(A) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

I Peter 2:13-15 (NIV) “13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”

I Peter 5:1-10 “1 To the elders among you, I appeal (exhort) as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a] 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. “

Submission is an action, a choice. It is an action that we take whether consciously or unconsciously. We choose what or whom we are going to submit to (give authority or control to) with our emotions, with our time, with our money, with our possessions. We choose who we are going to give authority over our emotions. We choose who we are going to give authority over our time. We choose who we are giving authority over our money. We choose who we are going to give authority over our possessions. Absolutely everything in our life is based on a choice. We choose who we are going to serve or be a slave too. It is an action that in not making a choice you are still making a choice. For example, in not choosing God you are choosing Satan. Another example, When you are not walking a lifestyle that focuses on bringing glory and praise to God then you are choosing to walk in a lifestyle that focuses on self and what makes you feel good or allows you to take up your time and numb your mind and heart to its secret yearnings of being loved by the God of love. Yet another example, when you shut the door to your home you choose when to open it and who or what you allow in. When you don’t shut the door, leaving it cracked or wide open, then you are allowing whomever and whatever to enter into your home whether it be an edifying person, an evil person, a sweet loving pet or an evil poisonous snake. In every aspect of your life you choose to take authority over what you allow or you choose to give up the choice and allow whomever or whatever wants, to come in and take authority.

As for me personally, I have unfortunately in my past allowed myself to be robbed by the enemy when I have chosen not to taken authority and make choices in my life. During those times that I didn’t take authority and make a decision, I now understand that I was not focused, feeling worthless and/or walking in fear and allowed the enemy to chose for me. All of which is not operating in the Lord. He does not give us a spirit of fear but He gives us love, power and a sound mind. In Isaiah 11:2 it is written, “2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—“. God did not create us to be worthless, He empowers us. In Romans 8:14-16 (NIV) it is written, “ 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Footnotes: Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.) Thus He created us in His own image giving us through the blood of Jesus Christ authority and dominion over all things if we choose (submit) to be adopted by Him. God created us all with an intense desire to love Him and worship Him which is why we only find and feel emptiness when we submit to the worldly pleasures of lust and self-fulfillment.

I thank God that He loves me unconditionally and doesn’t ever revoke(unadopt) my being a Child of God just because I make a mistake or a poor choice. I know I am loved unconditionally and am reassured that as I travel the road of living fully in Christ, He looks on me with pride and love every time I take a step. Even when I stumble and fall down, because with His help I am always able to get back up, repent and keep moving forward in my sole life purpose of loving and worshiping Him. But wait! There’s more! I get the added BONUS because all the love He showers on me is manifested through me to any and all who cross my path. God’s bonus of loving one another. And all at one great price … FREE! I absolutely must make sure that all I know (and even those I don't know yet!) get this great lifetime deal!! I am gratefully and willingly submitted to His authority, power and love.