Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. – Romans 12:1
Coming out of a season of celebration prepares many to put away the festivities and “get back to work!” Especially for task-oriented souls, returning to the daily schedule is wonderful! Interestingly while Jesus was on Earth, He did not stray far from His work: “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17).
Christ set about pleasing God by using His human abilities to achieve the Father’s purpose in His life, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). As the new year dawns and life returns to a more normal pace, it is traditional to make a re-assessment, asking yourself if you are on track in God’s purpose for your life.
The Old Testament prophet Micah offers a general outline for the purpose of your days, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). And because you are blessed to live in an era of full gospel knowledge, you may also join in the joyful work of leading others into repentance and salvation in Christ. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).
Sacrificial living that pleases God points a lost world to the saving grace of the Father through Christ Jesus. Pray for those in authority in America to have open hearts to hear and accept the good news of God’s love.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Mark 16:15-20
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
