Daily Devotionals
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 (Paula)
“Living sacrifice.”
What in the world is this kind of language?
I love the writings of the apostle Paul because he formulates deep theological concepts into the practical!
It’s the New Year, afterall, and we are hearing so much about setting new intentions, better habits, and healthy resolutions, right?
How about trying Paul’s life coaching suggestion as stated in Romans 12:1?
“Therefore, I urge you, in view of God‘s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

We don’t talk much about sacrifices this day and age, but back in biblical times, it was common! When sacrificing an animal, according to God‘s law, a Jewish priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar. It was an offering of a life for the forgiveness of sin. Sacrifice was an important act, but even in the Old Testament, God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important. God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as LIVING sacrifices—daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him. We place all our energy and resources at His disposable and trust Him to guide us. We do this out of gratitude for all He has done for us.
A Living sacrifice.
Fully alive, in all we do! That means in our working, playing, eating, thinking, talking, exercising, volunteering, cooking, cleaning, driving…
in all of our “ing”-ing!
We offer ourselves —our very lives— as living sacrifices. It’s a daily opportunity as a demonstration of love to God and others.
In each day of 2024, may we take Paul’s advice in Romans 12:1 and find ways to spend ourselves as living sacrifices.
Let us stir one another on!
Better Together,
Paula
What in the world is this kind of language?
I love the writings of the apostle Paul because he formulates deep theological concepts into the practical!
It’s the New Year, afterall, and we are hearing so much about setting new intentions, better habits, and healthy resolutions, right?
How about trying Paul’s life coaching suggestion as stated in Romans 12:1?
“Therefore, I urge you, in view of God‘s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

We don’t talk much about sacrifices this day and age, but back in biblical times, it was common! When sacrificing an animal, according to God‘s law, a Jewish priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar. It was an offering of a life for the forgiveness of sin. Sacrifice was an important act, but even in the Old Testament, God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important. God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as LIVING sacrifices—daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him. We place all our energy and resources at His disposable and trust Him to guide us. We do this out of gratitude for all He has done for us.
A Living sacrifice.
Fully alive, in all we do! That means in our working, playing, eating, thinking, talking, exercising, volunteering, cooking, cleaning, driving…
in all of our “ing”-ing!
We offer ourselves —our very lives— as living sacrifices. It’s a daily opportunity as a demonstration of love to God and others.
In each day of 2024, may we take Paul’s advice in Romans 12:1 and find ways to spend ourselves as living sacrifices.
Let us stir one another on!
Better Together,
Paula
