Friday, May 7, 2010

Stepping Stones: Become a Living Sacrifice

Transformational Tip

Through the years before Jesus died on the cross, God called the Israelites to offer animals as sacrifices for their sin. These sacrifices were offered repeatedly at regular time intervals. Then Jesus came and gave his own life on the cross to pay the ultimate everlasting sacrifice for our sins.

We no longer have to offer sacrifices to pay for our sins. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and make him Lord of our lives, our sins are transferred to Jesus’ account and are forgiven. The really cool thing is that Jesus’ righteousness…perfection…is credited to our account.

But we are called to be a living sacrifice by surrendering our lives to Him. He wants us to turn control over our minds and bodies to His care. He views our total submission as worship.

Most of us like to feel in control. The thought of turning control over to someone else, even God, might seem frightening…or just unappealing. What we need to remember is that God is a merciful and compassionate God. He wants what is best for us…and only He knows what that really is. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We aren’t. How much better to submit to His control, to trust His plan, than to stick to our “I can do it myself” attitude.

Today, are you struggling with a temptation…a problem…a challenge right now? Sacrifice your agenda for God’s. Why not, look where your way has gotten you. Apply God’s agenda for one month and see what God can do when you submit completely to his plan?

Click here to share your perspective about sacrificing your agenda for His.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for Jesus. I thank You that through Him my sins are forgiven. I have committed my life to You and claim to make You Lord. But so many times I try to take control again. I know this shows a lack of trust in You. Please forgive me. May my body…all that I am…be a living sacrifice to You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who was the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2