Word of the Week - Living Sacrifice

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.  Romans 12:1-2

As followers of Christ we are called to be a Living Sacrifice unto the Lord.  The scriptures below from Romans 12:3-21 outline what it looks like to live sacrificial lives through humility, love for God and His people, and yes even love for our enemies.  Most of what is stated below is not natural for us and thus requires supernatural ability.  How do we get the motivation, strength and power to live like this and do it with pure hearts?  I believe that this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit that transforms and renews our minds so that we are made new with a mind and heart that is Christ like.  This comes by surrendering our hearts and wills to Christ and staying connected to the vine of Christ so we can remain in Him and have ongoing access to His power.For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with goodWow, this is a tall order from the Apostle Paul but I know that these things are attainable through Christ who strengthens us.  I pray the Lord would give us the strength and ability to live the words of Romans 12 this week so that we are Living Sacrificially to the Glory of God.  This is what brings glory and honor to our Lord.  By the way, when we fall short of this standard, and we will, He forgives us and encourages us to learn, grow and overcome.  This is the sanctification process of a follower of Christ.Have a great week.-Duane

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Word of the Week - Forgiveness

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Word of the Week - Abiding