SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Romans 12:1) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
(Psalms 48:1-2) (1) "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness." (2) "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King."
(Psalms 19:14) "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
(Romans 6:13) "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."
(Psalms 51:17) "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
(Psalms 24:3-4) (3) "]Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" (4) "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."
PREFACE SUMMARY
The phrase "a living sacrifice" is commonly used in religious and spiritual contexts and can be found in the book of (Romans 12:1). It refers to dedicating oneself entirely to a higher authority and the purposes of God. This involves giving up personal desires and will to serve a greater good, which may include acts of selflessness, devotion, and surrender.
The concept of a living sacrifice is present in many different religions and is often viewed as a means to achieve spiritual growth, enlightenment, or salvation. It is about giving up something of oneself to achieve something more significant, which requires a transformation of the self.
Throughout history, the idea of a living sacrifice has inspired many individuals to live a life of service and devotion to stretch toward the mark of God's high calling, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To become a living sacrifice, one must first understand what surrendering oneself to a higher authority means. This involves acknowledging that there is something greater than oneself and submitting one's will to that authority. It also requires a willingness to give up personal desires and worldly pursuits to serve the greater good.
One fundamental principle to becoming a living sacrifice is cultivating a spirit of humility. This means recognizing one's limitations and weaknesses and relying on God's strength to overcome them. It also involves a willingness to serve others and put their needs above one's own.
Another essential principle is to develop a spirit of obedience. This means following God's will, even when it is difficult or goes against personal desires. It requires trust in God's guidance and a willingness to take risks and step into the unknown.
Finally, becoming a living sacrifice requires a commitment to living a life of service and devotion to God's purposes. This involves daily acts of selflessness and surrender, as well as a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of others.
Becoming a living sacrifice is about giving up something of oneself to achieve something more significant. It requires a transformation of the self and a commitment to serving a higher authority. By embodying the spirit of a living sacrifice, individuals can inspire others and make a positive difference in the world.
"LIVING SACRIFICES UNDERSTAND MERCY."
Understanding the significance of showing mercy is the way to recognize living sacrifices. Living sacrifices come in different forms, such as a parent sacrificing their own needs for the sake of their children, a worker putting in long hours to provide for their family, or a friend giving up their time and energy to help someone in need. We all make sacrifices in one way or another, and by taking the time to honor and recognize these sacrifices, we can show compassion and empathy toward others.
Dear readers, showing compassion and being friendly towards others can help to build stronger relationships and create a more caring and supportive community. When we practice empathy and kindness towards others, we create a positive impact that uplifts their spirits and improves their day. This is especially important in today's world, where many face challenges and hardships.
Many hospitals advertise themselves as a "hospital of mercy," some even use "Mercy Hospital" as their name, placing large signs near their establishment to attract business.
The word "mercy" has different meanings, but in the context of a hospital, it often implies a commitment to providing compassionate care and support to patients and their families. Hospitals that use the name "Mercy Hospital" aim to create a sense of comfort and care for their patients, reassuring them that they will receive compassionate care during their stay.
1. Mercy shows compassion or forbearance to someone, especially an offender.
2. Mercy is a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.
3. Mercy would be the court imposing imprisonment rather than death for murder.
Dear readers, as a Christian, I believe that the foundation of our faith is God's mercy, which was demonstrated by his love and compassion when he gave his Son, Jesus, to die for our sins.
This act of grace and mercy was not based on anything we had done to deserve it; instead, it demonstrated God's unconditional love towards us. As a result of this mercy, everything we do should reflect upon it.
Beloved, when we sing, preach, pray, praise, and worship, we should do so with a deep awareness of God's mercy that we can see in Jesus Christ. Through his sacrifice, we have been free from sin and death and given the gift of eternal life.
Dear readers, God's mercy has been a life-changing experience for me. I have been forgiven for my sins and given a new life in Christ. My whole life is dedicated to worshipping and surrendering to his will, cause, purpose, and kingdom. I am grateful for the mercy that God has shown me, and I am committed to living my life in a way that reflects his love and compassion towards others.
(Matthew 5:7) "Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy."
Forgiveness and mercy are two of the most fundamental aspects of God's nature. Despite our mistakes and transgressions, God is always willing to forgive us if we seek forgiveness with a sincere heart. This act of forgiveness is not based on our merit or worthiness but on God's infinite grace and love.
God's mercy is a reflection of His compassion for us. Even when we fall short and fail, God's mercy allows us to receive another chance to make things right. We can experience the depth of God's love and grace through forgiveness and mercy.
(Romans 3:23) “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Saints, did you know that according to this scripture, an undeserving sinner is everyone born after Adam's fall, including you and me?
Dear reader, did you know that the scriptures teach us that how we forgive others is how we shall be forgiven? As found in (Matthew 6:12), the Lord's Prayer declares us to forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors. Therefore, how can we show mercy and forgiveness when choosing not to forgive ourselves?
Some would argue that God is the only one who can forgive sins; therefore, how can we forgive ourselves? Beloved, the act of forgiving ourselves, is realizing that God has forgiven us. Consequently, we choose to do better and not dwell on spilled milk.
Some people think you still have not forgiven the person if you cannot forget. But dear reader, do you believe God can forget when we have done wrong? He knows all and can behold the past, present, and future all at the same time.
When God says that all our sins will be cast into the sea of forgetfulness, he means the payment for them has been made. They will not be held against us now or in the judgment on the last day because they have been placed on Jesus, and God can now show us mercy.
When we forgive someone who has deeply hurt us, we release them from being accountable to us for their sin. We look to God to bring justice in his time.
Dear readers, the first work of a Christian should be to show mercy. The scriptures also teach us that those who are merciful shall be shown mercy. Just as we need God’s mercy daily, we must extend mercy to others.
Beloved, Jesus told his disciples they should forgive a person (70) times (7) daily. Do you not think he would ask us to do something he is unwilling to do?
Dear friends in the church, we must realize that God's love for us is boundless and that He desires us to grow in His kingdom. He has always promised to be with us, even until the end of age. This is the God with whom we can place our complete trust.
Let us not forget the extent of God's love and mercy towards us. We have seen His righteousness through the sacrifice of His Son, who willingly gave His life for us. Through His death, we have been adopted into the family of God. This is a privilege that we should not take lightly.
Dear readers, it is crucial to understand that the God who can harden the heart of an unbeliever is the same God who has extended mercy and forgiveness to us. He has shown us grace and granted us pardon when we accepted His gift of salvation. Let us, therefore, live our lives in gratitude and obedience to Him, knowing that His love and mercy have saved us.
Beloved, may we live our lives recognizing and appreciating the efforts and sacrifices made by the people around us who strive to make our lives better. These acts of kindness, whether small or big, contribute to creating a more empathetic and compassionate society. By acknowledging and showing empathy towards these individuals, we can cultivate a culture of gratitude and support that uplifts everyone.
It's important to understand that empathizing and showing kindness to others benefit the receiver and the giver. It can create a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Moreover, it promotes social cohesion and fosters a sense of community and belonging.
By acknowledging and honoring the living sacrifices of those around us, we can create a ripple effect that spreads positivity and compassion in our homes, workplaces, and communities. It's a small gesture that can significantly impact someone's life, and it's a responsibility we all share as members of society.
"SELF-CENTERED PEOPLE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE."
I want to delve deeper into the topic of individuals who choose not to live their lives as a living sacrifice. Such people have a self-centered attitude and exhibit traits of a selfish spirit.
Selfish people prioritize their interests and desires over the needs and well-being of others. They tend to view themselves as superior to others and often lack gratitude towards God and the blessings they have received.
These individuals often focus on material possessions and worldly pleasures that provide temporary satisfaction, often at the expense of others. They may engage in harmful activities to themselves or those around them without considering the consequences of their actions. This behavior can lead to a negative impact on society, causing harm to those who are vulnerable and in need of support.
Living a life as a living sacrifice means putting others before oneself and positively impacting the world. It means being grateful for what we have and using our resources to help others. It means being kind, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Furthermore, they tend to worship created things instead of the Creator. They may pursue money, status, or fame, believing these things will bring them happiness and fulfillment, but neglecting that true joy and contentment can only come from a relationship with God.
In addition, they pervert God's laws by trying to become righteous through their efforts instead of trusting in God's grace. They may follow religious rituals or moral codes, but their hearts are far from God. They forget that true righteousness comes from a personal relationship with God and not from human effort.
According to God's word, people will become more sensual in the last days. This means they will rely on their five senses, sight, hearing, taste, memory, and feelings, instead of having the spirit. The sense of memory, in particular, can be explored in more depth.
Some people do not read their bibles but instead take what they hear from others as coming from the bible. These people are self-centered and are focused on satisfying their desires. They often mistreat others to get what they want without regard for their well-being.
Self-centered individuals usually lead unhappy lives, always wanting more and never being satisfied. They constantly desire to fulfill their fleshly desires, causing them to be selfish and inconsiderate towards others.
They usually need a disciplined prayer life and want what others have without putting in the effort. This allows an enemy spirit of deception to enter and cause them to make selfish decisions to satisfy their desires.
It is common for self-centered people to cause division among others to achieve their goals. They can quickly point out flaws in others but never admit to their own. They have no qualms about spreading gossip and slander to tarnish the name and character of another person. Such behavior shows that they lack empathy and compassion for others.
Dear readers, it is unfortunate that some churches harbor self-centered people today. This behavior goes against the Bible's teachings, which emphasize the importance of loving one another and putting others before ourselves. It is essential to reflect on our actions and ensure we are not self-centered but considerate towards others.
Living our life as a living sacrifice means putting the needs of others before one's own and being willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. It means living a life of service, compassion, and kindness rather than solely pursuing individual pleasures and material wealth.
I want to encourage everyone to reflect on their lives and ask themselves whether they are living as a sacrifice. Are you putting the needs of others before your own? Are you making sacrifices for the greater good? Are you showing gratitude towards God and others? These questions are crucial to ask ourselves to ensure we live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
In conclusion, living before God as a sacrifice means putting God and others before ourselves. It means humbling ourselves and acknowledging our need for God's grace and mercy. Let us live sacrificially, following the example of Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many.
"GOD CENTERED PEOPLE POSSESS A PURE HEART."
(Psalms 24:3-4) (3) "]Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" (4) "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."
Dear readers, did you know that people whose lives are centered on God live with the primary goal of pleasing Him? They possess a pure heart, which I call servants because they put aside their will and purpose and prioritize God's will in everything they do. These individuals have a deep devotion to their faith, making them a living sacrifice, offering themselves wholly to God.
Their daily routine involves reading the Bible and praying, which helps them keep their minds focused on seeing the kingdom of God flourish. They are not concerned with fulfilling their desires or worldly pleasures; instead, they live a life of holiness and consecration to the Lord. They strive to resist the flesh and its desires by walking in the spirit with prayer and dedication.
People who live a God-centered life have a profound understanding that this world is temporary and their ultimate home is heaven. Their renewed heart gives them a unique perspective on life compared to the rest. They have a compassionate heart because of the presence of Christ in them, who gives them hope for eternal glory. They recognize that they do not belong to themselves, so they set aside their pride and jealousy and prioritize the things that matter to God.
A God-centered person has a heart full of love and tenderness and may sometimes show emotions like crying. They do not perceive this as a weakness but rather as an indication of a tender heart. They do not let their senses dictate their actions and are grateful for their new tender heart, which desires others to have the same freedom in Christ that they sometimes take for granted.
People who offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God do not interact with each other as the world does. They acknowledge that they are all brothers and sisters who make up the body of Christ. They understand that they form His church on earth, and even though they may go their separate ways, they never disconnect because they are one body. This unity is not just in a physical sense but also in a spiritual sense.
We do not belong to a disconnected body that only comes together once a week in a church service. That would be like describing a business. Every person in the body of Christ is essential, and they have their place and function. They are not interchangeable but unique and irreplaceable. Each one has a special role in the body of Christ, and when one member suffers, the entire body suffers.
Living a God-centered life means dedicating oneself to serving God and others. It requires a selfless attitude, which involves putting aside one's desires and priorities and seeking God's will in every aspect of life. It demands a heart full of love and compassion, which involves treating others with kindness and empathy. Living a God-centered life also means recognizing that we are not the center of the universe but a part of something much bigger than ourselves. It requires acknowledging that a higher power governs the universe and submitting to His will.
Living a God-centered life can be challenging, requiring one to make sacrifices and face challenges. However, the benefits of living a God-centered life are immeasurable. It brings immense fulfillment and inner peace. It helps one develop a sense of purpose and clarity in life. It also provides a sense of community and belonging, connecting one to a larger group of people with similar beliefs and values.
Living a God-centered life presenting our body before the Lord as a living sacrifice requires a selfless attitude, a heart full of love and compassion, and a willingness to serve others. It involves recognizing that we are not the center of the universe but a part of something much bigger than ourselves. The benefits of living a God-centered life are beyond what this world can offer, and it is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking a meaningful and fulfilling life.
"BECOME THAT LIVING SACRIFICE."
(Psalms 48:1-2) (1) "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness." (2) "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King."
Dear readers, as followers of Christ, we can demonstrate our commitment to Him by presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice. This means we willingly offer our bodies, minds, and hearts to God as worship and surrender.
Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to God involves putting aside our desires and preferences and submitting ourselves entirely to His will. This can be challenging, but it is a powerful way to communicate our love and devotion to our Savior.
We can become a living sacrifice by striving to live a holy and righteous life, seeking to serve others, and continually growing in our faith. Ultimately, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice is a beautiful expression of our gratitude for all God has done for us and a way to honor Him with our entire being.
Five Ways to Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice to God
1. Sacrifice Your Shyness: If you genuinely want to offer yourself to the Lord in worship, you must be willing to let go of any inhibitions or shyness you may have about the opinions of others. This means you may need to consciously overcome any fear or anxiety about being judged by others.
Beloved, it's important to remember that true worship requires vulnerability and openness that can only be achieved when you sacrifice your feelings and fully commit yourself to the Lord. Doing so allows you to experience a deeper connection with God and find peace and fulfillment.
2. Sacrifice Your Emotions: "Deciding to sacrifice your emotions means reacting to a situation instead of responding. To respond means to give it some prayer as you prioritize logic and reason over your feelings, instead of reacting, which is making decisions without thinking them through."
Beloved, living this lifestyle requires you to suppress your natural emotional responses to certain situations and act based on rational thinking instead. This can be challenging, as emotions are integral to human nature and often guide our actions and reactions. However, sacrificing your feelings can be beneficial when making logical decisions, which is crucial, such as in the workplace or during a crisis.
3. Sacrifice Your Mindset: "This could be rephrased as "Let go of your existing beliefs, traditions, and thought patterns to form new and positive ones." This means that to grow and become a better version of yourself, you may need to abandon your current thinking and adopt a more open-minded and positive approach to life."
Beloved, this can be challenging and lead to personal transformation and growth. By letting go of limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns, you can create space for new ideas and opportunities to enter your life.
4. Sacrifice Your Past Experiences: "Sometimes, holding on to past experiences can prevent us from moving forward and reaching our full potential. It's important to acknowledge and learn from our past, but we should also be willing to let go of any negative emotions or limiting beliefs holding us back.
By sacrificing our past experiences, we can gain a fresh perspective and approach new situations with an open mind and a positive attitude. We cannot live our future without trying to relive our past."
5. Sacrifice Your Body: Sacrifice your body as a living sacrifice, as in obedience to (Romans 12:1) is a call to offer oneself as a physical and spiritual sacrifice with a pure and honest intention. It places requirements on devoted followers of Christ to dedicate themselves to a higher calling, to live a life of service and devotion, and to remain steadfast in the face of challenges and difficulties.
Living a sacrificial life has many benefits that can help us prepare to live in the presence of God. Only through sacrifice can we become worthy enough to dwell with God and enjoy eternal life. Sacrifice means giving up something we hold dear for the greater good. It can be our time, money, comfort, or desires.
Many before us have made great sacrifices to uphold their faith and values. For instance, some have given up their lives, while others have given up their possessions or comfort.
Spending time in God’s word and maintaining a dedicated prayer life helps us develop virtues such as humility, obedience, and gratitude. It also strengthens our faith and builds our character. By living a sacrificial life, we learn to put others before ourselves and to seek God's will above ours. Ultimately, our sacrifices will be rewarded with the gift of eternal life in the presence of God.
MY CONCLUSION
We have just finished discussing the inspiring message about becoming a living sacrifice to the Lord. I recall when this idea first came to me. I was preparing for a fast to be ready for an upcoming revival. I felt tired and had put everything away so I could sleep, but for some reason, I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom and freshen up before sleeping.
While in the bathroom, the Lord spoke this message into my spirit, and it immediately resonated with me. I have spent most of my life sacrificing as a long-distance truck driver and using that vocation to reach the masses of broken humanity with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
My dear friends, I love it when God wakes me up at 3 am to pray. First, I wash my face, comb my hair, wear a decent shirt, brush my teeth, and use mouthwash. Then, I grab one of my favorite Bibles and place it on a chair as I reach for a small pillow on the floor. I find some soft instrumental worship music to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Beloved, the entire time I am preparing to enter his presence, I do so with excitement because I will be spending time with the King who awakened me to join him in the secret place of prayer.
Dear reader, I take my walk with God seriously and take all these precautions to go before him because "He is my King."
I was recently invited to speak at a convention in Manila, Philippines, where pastors, evangelists, and missionaries from around the world gathered to recognize evangelism.
During my speech, I had my wife distribute one hundred number two leaded pencils like those used in schools. I then asked the audience to hold up the pencils as I described their characteristics and how the graphite in them could be made into a diamond under pressure and extreme heat.
I also explained how the pencil could be the means between life and death for someone and how many unnecessary deaths in the USA have occurred due to people not knowing the characteristics of that pencil.
The graphite in pencil is a good conductor of electricity and will glow cherry red when jumper cables are attached to each end. The pencil will glow so hot that it can dry wet underbrush out enough to start a fire.
I always carried pencils in my big truck, and I explained to the audience that when we realize the importance of what we present to people, such as the life-changing power of the gospel of Christ, we can present it confidently because we have already experienced the life-changing qualities it made in our lives.
Before leaving for the Philippines, the Lord spoke to me early in the morning, and I wrote down what He told me. The Lord said, "My Son, here is what you do when you do not know what to do.
1. "Do not doubt I am with you, for I have brought you here."
2. "Those who do not understand will see me working through you and start to believe that I am with you."
3. "As long as you stay humble, I will work through you to touch others, for this is why I chose you for this time and
era in history, and never doubt that I am with you."
"To summarize, it is essential to acknowledge that every individual has a unique place in the body of Christ and has a part to play in contributing to the betterment of society. Whether through spiritual guidance, acts of kindness, or community service, we must work together to create a positive impact. Only by coming together as a collective body can we bring about the much-needed change required to transform our communities, cities, and nation and make them a better place for everyone."
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
