A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, September 30

1Peter 2:4-9

verse 5: you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

These words have new meaning for me now. I have a different understanding of the word “sacrifice” in this context. This is not a formal, prepared, ceremonious sacrifice of an animal or money. This sacrifice is a giving up of part of myself, in order to please God. It is a sacrifice of my own time, wishes and feelings in order to serve another. It is a giving back in order to heal a relationship, or a giving forward in order to lift someone up. Sacrifices are not always comfortable and happy events- Christ on the cross being the obvious, ultimate example. I need to look for ways to sacrifice, because it is not always the first choice I make.

Holy One, please open my eyes to opportunities to sacrifice my own needs for the needs of others. I do not always see these chances as they pass by. Thank you, Lord for your ultimate sacrifice which allows me the hope of eternal life with you. Amen

Becky, transforming

pic by Kay