worship God – Be Still…

Romans 12:1 – Worship Like This

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (Romans 12:1)

Don’t get the wrong idea and imagine Paul telling the people in this letter to get up on a slab as a burnt offering sacrifice to the Lord. While that type of thing would be common in the pagan world, Paul’s counsel was for a different type of worship—a holy, devoted kind.

Context: The twelfth chapter of Romans is one of my favorite chapters because of all the gems. Paul’s whole letter to the Romans gives practical advice for living a faithful life devoted to Jesus. Paul had never met his audience, but he taught them with love and respect. When we think of the historical backdrop of events, new believers living in Rome had seen and endured a lot. Paul’s counsel would have been informative yet encouraging.

When we think about worshipping God, we may picture attending a church gathering with other believers. Worship can take place intimately between us and God alone. Anytime we offer our attention to God and acknowledge his worth in our lives, that is worship. We can worship with our voices, with our bodies, and with our hearts. It’s when we show honor to God.

Paul suggests offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. God will most certainly find that acceptable when we are all in, praising him with our whole being. The more we offer, the more alive we can feel. It’s not hard to want to jump in when you think about all Jesus has done for you. What he endured as he bore and sins and was nailed to that cross! The verse says, “because of all.” All is everything. Jesus gave us his everything, his all. How can we not worship that with all that we have?

When we give our all, it is “truly the way to worship him.” When we come before him with a heart of gratitude, it is more than acceptable. Jesus answered the question why when he shed his blood for us. Such love. We know God’s intention was sacrificial love. It almost takes your breath away to imagine such love.

When you read the verse again, picture yourself stepping up and giving more of yourself to God. What does that look like for you? What in your life needs an adjustment to invite God in a little more? You don’t need to get your mess cleaned up before you invite God in. He can handle our messes in life. This is about what you give back in your worship to God. Think on it.

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for how you have equipped me to serve you. Forgive me for the times I drift away and don’t see your provision and your presence. I do want to step up and be more attentive to you and your leading for my life. Thank you for the community you have surrounded me with to guide and comfort. I am ready for service as I worship you with my life. Use me, LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ezekiel 46:1-24 – Let’s Talk About Worship

Read Ezekiel 46:1-24

So much detail is given by Ezekiel about this temple including its size, construction, purpose, and the people who would be tasked in particular ways. And yet, this temple has not yet been built. We can’t help but ask, “why did God give Ezekiel this vision, and will it ever be constructed?”

Perhaps that isn’t the point. Perhaps God gave Ezekiel this vision to be more of a grounding force to help the people in exile start their lives anew when the time of restoration began. Please know I am only speculating because I certainly don’t have any answers. I’m as perplexed as most people trying to make sense of these chapters. Continue reading “Ezekiel 46:1-24 – Let’s Talk About Worship”

Daniel 1:8-16 – Obedience

Read Daniel 1:8-16

Daniel is being obedient to God. He didn’t let the fact that he was taken to a foreign land stop his devotion. Even though he had been plopped into a training group to work for the new kingdom, Daniel was bold enough to not “go with the flow.”

Don’t you agree that some people in a situation like Daniel would have let their faith “cave” for fear of death or torture? Daniel showed great obedience to even ask the question. “Can we eat something else?” Continue reading “Daniel 1:8-16 – Obedience”

2 Chronicles 34:14-33 – What a Find!

Read 2 Chronicles 34:14-33

There is so much we can glean from today’s passage, which is very similar to King Josiah’s history in 2 Kings 22. The key piece fueling this story is that a scroll containing God’s law, originally given by God to Moses, has been found. The king is overcome with the news, especially when he has heard the contents of the scroll.

King Josiah humbly acknowledges, seeks God, obeys God, leads others to return to God. He does all these things despite the fact he knows God’s anger is still burning under the surface, promising to bring judgment after Josiah’s lifetime. Hence, there’s a lot going on here to reflect on. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 34:14-33 – What a Find!”

2 Chronicles 30:10-27 – Celebrate God!

Read 2 Chronicles 30:10-27

What a celebration! I was holding my breath when Hezekiah made some ‘adjustments” to the rules in place regarding the Passover. But the LORD listened to Hezekiah’s prayer, and there was no punishment. Instead, people were healed, and many people celebrated Passover once more.

Hezekiah made a way for God’s name to be honored. Allegiance to God was restored because people remembered God’s rescue from slavery and provision in the wilderness. It’s important we never forget Jesus’s rescue mission for us.