Tag: living sacrifice

January 19, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Returning to God’s Worship

Opening Verse

“Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.” – Ezra 3:2

Introduction

Ezra 3:2 tells the story of the returning exiles rebuilding the altar to restore worship to God. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how broken or displaced we feel, our first priority must be returning to worship, seeking God’s presence, and aligning ourselves with His Word.

Devotional Story

After years of spiritual wandering, a man named Aaron felt an emptiness he couldn’t explain. Despite having everything the world considered successful, his heart longed for something more. One day, while flipping through an old family Bible, he came across Ezra 3:2. The words struck him—“builded the altar of the God of Israel.”

He realized he had abandoned his altar, the place in his heart where he once communed with God. That night, he knelt in prayer, confessing his neglect and asking God to help him rebuild his spiritual foundation. Over time, Aaron prioritized worship, prayer, and Scripture, and his life took on new meaning as he centered himself on God’s purpose.

What This Means

Rebuilding the altar is not just about physical structures—it’s about restoring worship in our hearts. It’s a call to return to God, even when we feel distant or broken. Worship is the foundation of our relationship with Him, and through it, we realign our lives with His will.

Think About This

  • Have you neglected the “altar” in your life where you meet with God? What steps can you take to restore worship?
  • How can you make worship a priority, even in the midst of life’s distractions?
  • Reflect on the significance of offering your life as a living sacrifice to God.

Prayer

Lord, I come before You with a desire to rebuild the altar of worship in my heart. Forgive me for the times I have neglected to prioritize Your presence. Help me to restore my commitment to prayer, worship, and obedience to Your Word. Draw me closer to You as I offer my life in service and surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1

November 15, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Living Sacrifices: Ignited by Faith

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”  – Romans 12:1, NKJV

Introduction:

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Romans complements Jesus’ call to discipleship. It’s a powerful message about being ‘on fire’ for God, living our lives as continuous offerings to Him. This concept ties in closely with Jesus’ directive to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Him.

Key Point Summary:

– Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, signifying a life dedicated wholly to God.
– Living as a sacrifice involves a continuous process of self-denial, spiritual growth, and transformation.
– This dedication is described as a ‘reasonable service,’ highlighting its fundamental role in the Christian faith.

Devotional Story:

Michael, a devoted believer, often reflected on how to live out Paul’s message. He realized that being a living sacrifice meant more than just attending church; it involved his entire being. Michael started to volunteer more, dedicate time to prayer, and engage deeply in his community. Through these actions, he felt an unquenchable fire for God growing within him, guiding him to live out his faith in every aspect of his life.

Contextual Insight:

The phrase ‘living sacrifice’ is rich in meaning. In the original Greek, ‘living’ implies an active, ongoing state, while ‘sacrifice’ refers to something offered to God. Combining these, Paul’s message is clear: believers are to continually offer their lives to God, not as a one-time act, but as a perpetual state of worship and dedication.

Personal Reflection:

– What areas of your life can you offer more fully to God?
– How can you cultivate a deeper passion and ‘fire’ for God in your daily activities?

Practical Application:

– Seek ways to serve others as an expression of your faith.
– Dedicate time each day to prayer and reading the Word.
– Continuously evaluate your actions and thoughts to ensure they align with God’s will.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to offer my life as a living sacrifice to You. Ignite in me a passion that burns brightly for Your glory. Guide me to live in a way that is holy and pleasing to You, as my spiritual act of worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Conclusion:

Being a living sacrifice for God means embracing a life of self-denial, dedicated service, and fervent faith. This lifestyle is an essential aspect of following Christ and resonates deeply with His call to take up our cross.

Further Reading:

– 2 Timothy 1:6-7
– Hebrews 12:28-29
– 1 Peter 2:5

Faith Notes:

– Living as a sacrifice to God is a dynamic, lifelong commitment.
– Our dedication to God should be fervent, reflecting an unceasing passion for serving Him.

Reader Participation:

Reflect on how you live out your faith as a living sacrifice. What practices help you maintain a ‘fire’ for God? Share your experiences to inspire and encourage fellow believers in their spiritual journeys.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'” – Matthew 16:24, NKJV