As we near the end of our week-long focus on why spending time alone with God is so important,

today we're going to look at the value of living and surrender.

Every day, there is an opportunity to hand over the burdens and cares of this world, that we might pick up the peace and joy of relationship with God.

And for me, that opportunity has presented itself most often in the rhythm of spending time alone with God.

So I hope today that we both learn a little about the value of living in

surrender and experience the life that comes through actually dying to ourselves that

we might live in Christ more fully. Welcome to the First 15 Podcast. Our scripture for today comes from Matthew

7, verses 13 and 14.

Scripture says, enter by the narrow gate.

For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction.

And those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.

And those who find it are few.

There is a life available to us as believers that few find, a life free from burden, fear, boredom,

and emptiness.

The problem is that the road to life requires a complete sacrifice of ourselves. The road to purpose, passion, joy and freedom requires that we die to ourselves every hour of every day.

Jesus made the way to freedom open and clear for us.

Scripture serves as the perfect practical handbook to walk that narrow road.

And the Holy Spirit serves as the perfect guide and friend along the way.

We have everything we need available to us. However, most of us lack a

willingness to sacrifice fully so that the seeds of our surrender lead to the fruition of an abundant life.

Jesus charges us to lose our lives in order to gain life with God.

In Matthew 10 verse 39 he says, whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

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