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Yesterday I wrote about the will of God being a mighty river and our prayer life is our way to get into the flow and power of that river. Overnight I woke up several times thinking about Romans 12, not a specific line in scripture just that book and chapter. I was excited this morning to dig into scripture and read in Romans 12. It did not take long to make the connection, I found what I was looking.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 NKJV
You cannot have much of a prayer life without being willing to sacrifice of self to serve God. D.L. Moody an American evangelist once said: “The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar.” I have always loved that quote because it speaks to the constant perfecting and renewal process we engage in as followers of Jesus Christ. It’s also a humorous image in my mind.
Same verse but in Amplified version of the Bible
12Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.
Romans 12:1 Amplified Bible
Maybe it is just me that undertakes this perfecting process daily but verse 1 makes it clear that part of our worship is getting our hearts right, dedicating ourselves to service and transformation through Jesus Christ. The more we transform through our devotion and sacrifice to Jesus the more we show His character to the world around us.
2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:2 Amplified Bible
“But be transformed and progressively changed” I love that sentence. Just as the jagged rocks from the mountains are transformed into smooth river stones under the force of the current, so are we through our living sacrifice to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Lord, forgive me for the times I put my priorities above Yours and crawled off the altar. For the times I was too busy to listen and to learn. For the times I picked my battles and did not lean on You for guidance and support. Anchor me in Your Word and remind me of Your plan. I present myself as a living a sacrifice given freely to you. Transform me, God, renew me. Thank you for your grace and mercy. I serve a good and mighty King!
-Amen
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