LIVING SACRIFICE

 

LIVING SACRIFICE

In light of all I [Paul] have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship.  Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.

Romans 12:1-2a (The Voice)

Each year before Easter, Christians are encouraged to practice lent. It is meant to be a time of reflecting on Christ and His sacrifices in life and death. However, our season of self-denial can become only a ritual instead of ‘essential worship’. The book of Romans, Paul reveals what pleases God and accomplishes His will. This helps us see what sacrifice of  heart, soul, and conduct looks like.

I wonder how Paul might see lent as a ‘living and holy sacrifice’. Is it a true form of worship or has it become a behavior or custom only? 

Paul spends the previous chapters in Romans describing the gift God has given us through Jesus Christ because of His life, death, and resurrection. They are holy sacrifices. They were pleasing to God.

Whether we practice lent or not, consider a life of sacrifice that goes beyond the Easter season. Thank God for His sacrifice of His Son. 

Thank Jesus for this life of sacrifice in obedience to His father. And thank the Holy Spirit for His sanctifying work that helps us in a walk that reflects living sacrifices of worship. 

You might spend some time making a list of the many inconveniences and difficulties Jesus faced because of His surrender. 

Then make a list of the things you have surrendered in sacrifice to the Lord.  

by Joy Pedersen

Christmas Peace

 Christmas Peace

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]  
John 14:27 (AMP)

We are barely past Thanksgiving expressing gratitude for the many things that God has graciously provided, and now it is time for Christmas. It is time to celebrate His greatest provision. “Merry Christmas” is on our lips.

With all the adversity in the world, it may make being merry seem out of reach. Distractions abound with busyness and pressure – shopping, partying, entertaining, and decorating. Things will die down after Christmas, but over-spending, loneliness, and/or emptiness –possibly even personal tragedy, medical problems, or unexpected relocation of job or home – interfere with a need for calm - peace.

Jesus made His appearance knowing all our struggles, giving us a clearer understanding of God, showing His deep love for us, and providing a way for salvation. Foretold by Isaiah (9:2-7) of the coming Messiah, Jesus was identified as Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.  In the ninth chapter of Isaiah some of the purpose for His coming was revealed - giving light in this dark world; defeating oppression; and lifting heavy burdens. Jesus is the One we celebrate at Christmas!

This historic and heavenly event is journaled in Luke 3. Shepherds heard the announcement from not just one but many angels. Sheepherders were invited to visit the baby - to ponder Jesus' lying in a manger. There was adoration, astonishment, awe, and peace around the manger! Their encounter caused them to spread the word of His arrival to other people.

The world needs the Prince of Peace. This Christmas season take time to close your eyes and imagine gathering around that manager where Jesus lay with Mary and Joseph. What would you say, think, feel, and experience? May you know the power of His peace now and year-round as you trust Him and claim the peace that passes all understanding.

Merry Christmas!

by Joy Pedersen