Surrender – What does that mean?

Surrender to Jesus

I’m currently taking two challenges:

1.     Saddleback Church: Reading the New Testament in 8 weeks.

2.     Hallow: Pray 40 for Lent – Surrender is the common theme.

The theme is “surrender to Jesus”. To me this means giving my issues, needs, concerns, challenges, and all of my life to Jesus.

A prayer from Hollow’s Pray 40 is “Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.” Even more importantly, the New Testament clearly supports this choice, this action of faith – surrender.

Almost every day I pray:

“I believe in You, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and willingly died on the cross for the redemption of humanity. I trust in Your resurrection and Your promise of eternal life. I accept You as my Lord and Savior, and I surrender my life into Your loving care.”

So what does this Surrender really look like, what does it entail? What am I surrendering in my daily prayer?

In the heart of every devout Christian, the theme of surrender is not just a concept, but a way of life. This is the journey I find myself contemplating deeply as I engage in two spiritually enriching challenges: reading the New Testament in 8 weeks with Saddleback Church and participating in Hollow’s Pray 40 for Lent. The resonating message through both of these endeavors is a call to "surrender to Jesus."

To surrender to Jesus means to offer up every part of our lives—our worries, needs, challenges, and the entirety of our beings. It is to echo the prayer from Hollow’s Pray 40 that says, "O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything." This sentiment is not just a fleeting emotion but is deeply rooted in the New Testament's teachings, which endorse this act of faith.

Daily, countless believers find themselves in prayer, professing faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, who led a sinless life and willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross for the redemption of humankind. In this prayer, there is a declaration of trust in His resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior comes with the profound act of surrendering one's life to His providential care.

But what does such surrender entail in practice? What is the nature of what we are surrendering in our daily supplications?

True surrender is not about loss; it's about gaining freedom in Jesus. It's releasing the tight grip we have on our lives and allowing Jesus to lead. It's the acknowledgment that we are not in control and that there is greater peace in submitting to His will. When we surrender, we are giving God the space to work within us and through us. It's an admission that we need Jesus in every aspect of our lives, not just during times of distress but as the constant guide of our existence.

In essence, to surrender is to live out the words of Proverbs 3:5-6: "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." It is to accept that our vision is limited, but His is infinite.

Surrendering daily means waking up each morning and acknowledging that this day belongs to Jesus, and so does everything we do in it.

As we explore the New Testament, we encounter numerous instances where Jesus calls His disciples to surrender their ways and follow Him. The act of surrendering is thus not merely theoretical; it was exemplified in the lives of the apostles and is demanded of all who call themselves followers of Christ.

Therefore, surrender is a multifaceted commitment. It is a vow to trust in Jesus' plan for our lives, to seek His wisdom in our decisions, to embody His teachings in our actions, and to offer every moment of our existence to His glory. In the face of life's vicissitudes, surrender is the steadfast decision to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

And so, as I journey through the scriptures and dedicate time to prayer, I am learning that to surrender is not to abandon oneself to fate, but to trust in the One who is faithful. It is to live with the assurance that when we let go, we are not forsaken; we are held and guided by the loving hands of Jesus.

The Ogam Tree Oracle: Unveiling the Wisdom of Celtic Trees

Ogam Tree Oracle

In the rich tapestry of Celtic spirituality, the Ogam Tree Oracle stands as a testament to the profound connection between the natural world and ancient wisdom. Rooted in the Ogam alphabet, a script attributed to the Celtic peoples of early medieval Ireland, this oracle system embodies a unique blend of botanical knowledge, mystical insight, and historical depth. This blog post delves into the essence of the Ogam Tree Oracle, exploring its historical background, its spiritual significance, and how it can be used as a tool for guidance and reflection in the modern world.

Historical Background

The Ogam script, dating back to the 4th century, originally served as a form of written communication among the Celts. It consists of twenty distinct characters, each represented by a series of marks cut along the edge of a stone or piece of wood. Intriguingly, each character is linked to a specific tree or plant, which is believed to embody the character's inherent qualities and energies.

The transition of Ogam from a mere alphabet to an oracle system is a testament to the Celts' reverence for nature and their belief in its divine wisdom. Trees, in particular, were held in high esteem, regarded as living entities that bridged the earth and the sky, the material and the spiritual.

The Spiritual Significance

The Ogam Tree Oracle is more than a method of divination; it is a pathway to deepening one's connection with the natural world and the ancient wisdom it holds. Each tree in the Ogam system symbolizes different aspects of life, from strength and endurance (Oak, Duir) to intuition and mystery (Willow, Saille). By meditating on the messages of the trees, individuals can gain insights into their personal journey, challenges, and strengths.

This oracle encourages a harmonious relationship with nature, reminding us of the cyclical patterns of growth, decay, and rebirth. It serves as a mirror, reflecting our inner landscapes and guiding us toward self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

Using the Ogam Tree Oracle

Engaging with the Ogam Tree Oracle involves a respectful and contemplative approach. Here are some steps to begin your journey with this ancient system:

1. Learn the Symbols and Trees: Familiarize yourself with the Ogam characters and their associated trees. Understand the qualities and lore associated with each tree.

2. Create Your Set: While you can purchase Ogam sets, creating your own from branches or sticks can deepen your connection to the oracle. Mark each piece with an Ogam character and its corresponding tree.

3. Set Your Intention: Before consulting the oracle, take a moment to center yourself and set a clear intention for the guidance you seek.

4. Draw a Few: Randomly select one or more pieces from your set. Reflect on the trees and their messages in relation to your question or situation.

5. Keep a Journal: Document your readings and reflections. Over time, this journal will become a valuable tool for understanding the patterns and themes in your life.

In Closing

The Ogam Tree Oracle offers a window into the sacred knowledge of the Celts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the wisdom of nature. In a world that often feels disconnected from its roots, this ancient system invites us to slow down, listen, and learn from the enduring spirits of the trees. Whether you seek personal guidance, spiritual growth, or a deeper bond with the natural world, the Ogam Tree Oracle can be a profound and enlightening companion on your journey.

This exploration into the Ogam Tree Oracle reveals its enduring relevance and power. As we continue to seek meaning and connection in our lives, ancient practices like this remind us of the timeless wisdom that surrounds us, waiting to be rediscovered and embraced.

Embracing the Druid Path with OBOD

A Druid

The Enchantment of Druidry: A Journey with OBOD

In the heart of every forest, beside each river, and within every breath of wind, lies the ancient wisdom of the Druids. This spiritual path, rooted in the reverence for nature, has seen a remarkable revival, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD). But what draws modern seekers to this ancient way? And how does OBOD facilitate a deeper connection to this timeless wisdom?

The Allure of Ancient Wisdom

Druidry offers a sanctuary for the soul in our fast-paced, modern world. It teaches us to slow down, to observe the cycles of nature, and to find our place within them. The practices and beliefs of the Druids—a people who thrived in Britain and Ireland over two thousand years ago—resonate with those of us seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with the world around us.

The Path of OBOD

OBOD has been at the forefront of the Druidic revival, offering a structured yet flexible path for spiritual exploration and growth. Through its graded courses—Bard, Ovate, and Druid—OBOD guides individuals through the layers of Druidic wisdom, from the initial stirrings of creativity and the mysteries of nature, to profound spiritual insight and service.

The Bardic Inspiration

The journey begins with the Bard, where one is encouraged to explore creativity as a spiritual practice. OBOD teaches that through poetry, music, and storytelling, we can unlock the mysteries of the soul and the universe. This artistic exploration serves as the foundation for the deeper work to come.

The Ovate's Healing Wisdom

As Ovates, students delve into the healing arts, both traditional and spiritual. This grade emphasizes a deep connection with the natural world, learning from its cycles and creatures. The practices of the Ovate help to develop intuition and a profound sense of balance and harmony.

The Druid's Spiritual Leadership

The final grade, that of the Druid, focuses on leadership, teaching, and deep spiritual practice. Druids are encouraged to share their knowledge and to serve their communities, drawing on the wisdom and practices developed through their journey with OBOD.

Why OBOD?

What sets OBOD apart is its non-dogmatic approach to spirituality. Members are encouraged to find their own path within the broad framework of Druidry. This open, inclusive philosophy has attracted a diverse global community, all sharing a common love for the Earth and a desire for spiritual growth.

Conclusion

The Druid Path, as facilitated by OBOD, offers more than just a spiritual practice—it offers a way of living, deeply connected to the Earth and its cycles. Whether through the creativity of the Bard, the healing of the Ovate, or the wisdom of the Druid, OBOD opens a portal to ancient knowledge, relevant as ever in today’s world. For those seeking a deeper connection to nature and themselves, OBOD offers a path worth exploring.