Devotionals for September 23, 2024
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READ
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
REFLECT
When the priests of old literally sacrificed animals upon the altar, God delighted in the “pleasing aroma” of it. But was He pleased because His people sacrificed animals? Or was God pleased by the offerings of their hands? Each sacrifice cost something of the giver. And it’s so with Paul’s letter to the Romans. He describes the church’s on-going offering as living sacrifices. Their whole lives are a pleasing aroma to God. In short, every day is an opportunity to be a living, pleasing offering of God no matter what your vocation is.
APPLY
Q: Why does Paul say, “in view of God’s mercy” before he talks about being a “living sacrifice to God”? Why is this important?
Q: Reflect on your day ahead. What can you offer up to God? How can you be a living sacrifice?
Q: Paul is addressing a group of Christians. Likewise, how can you be a living sacrifice with other Christians this week?
Q: Reflect on your day ahead. What can you offer up to God? How can you be a living sacrifice?
Q: Paul is addressing a group of Christians. Likewise, how can you be a living sacrifice with other Christians this week?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Father, you are good and holy! We thank you that we can reflect your holiness and offer up our lives to you. Lord, your Son, Jesus, has shown us true love and right living. Give us an extra measure of Holy Spirit strength to be joyfully obedient. Amen.
Father, you are good and holy! We thank you that we can reflect your holiness and offer up our lives to you. Lord, your Son, Jesus, has shown us true love and right living. Give us an extra measure of Holy Spirit strength to be joyfully obedient. Amen.