Jesus abdicated his throne in heaven and came to earth so that salvation could be freely available to you and me and to all humanity. Jesus paid with his life. Although salvation costs us nothing to receive, it demands everything in return. You cannot truly receive Christ and retain control of your life. It requires full surrender to Him, giving him the throne of your heart.

Scriptures
Phil 2:9-11; Matt 7:21-23, 25:31; Rev 7:11-12; 4:8-11; Isa 14:13; Lk 2:10-11, 6:46, 10:27; Rom 14:7-8; Pr 3:5-6

Verse
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9-11) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Lk 6:46)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Pr 3:5-6)

Thought
In many places in our world Christians suffer intense persecution for their faith. There is no casual faith. The cost is high and living for Christ means being all in. Here in America many who call themselves Christians try to live a partially surrendered life. It is easy to believe in God, but live like God doesn’t exist. “I know what the Bible says, but…” “I know I shouldn’t, but…” There is a lot of picking and choosing and adhering to the Bible when it works and simply discounting it when it doesn’t. Christ followers are called to live life in full surrender…not Sundays only or when it’s convenient. Emmanuel means God with us. Emmanuel wants to have an intimate relationship with you! If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all! You can do many good works and be a good person. You can go to church and make the appearance of being a follower. But one day when Jesus returns, He will judge. Now is the time to give Him control, to surrender all, to lay it all before Him and give Him the throne!

Questions
Do you keep God at a distance? Are you a part-time follower of Jesus Christ? What have you not surrendered to Jesus Christ? What are you trying to control. What are you unwilling to give to God? Who or what is claiming the throne of your heart?

Response
Examine your heart. Pray and ask God to reveal to you anything that is keeping you from being all in for Him. Seek the counsel of a trusted Christian friend. Share with them the areas of your life that you need to give to God. Ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable.

Prayer (I Surrender All by Judson W. Van DeVenter)
All to Jesus I surrender; all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. All to Jesus I surrender; make me, Savior, wholly Thine; let me feel the Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine. I surrender all, I surrender all; all to thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.