Sacrifice.
Salvation Came at a Cost
The Passover meal reminded Israel that their rescue came through sacrifice. The lamb was sacrificed, the bread reminded them of affliction, and the meal told the story of a costly rescue. Jesus takes this story and places Himself at the center of it. He becomes the One who bears our affliction and gives His body for our freedom. Communion reminds us that our salvation was not cheap—it was purchased through the sacrificial love of Jesus.
Testing and Approving God’s Will
King David refused to offer God something that cost him nothing. When given the opportunity to sacrifice freely available oxen and wood, he insisted on paying full price, declaring, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” True worship—true sacrifice—involves something valuable to us. God isn’t looking for our leftovers or convenience; He’s inviting us to test what we truly value. Like refining fire that burns away impurities and reveals genuine gold, sacrificial living reveals what’s real in our faith. When you give God your best time, resources, energy, and obedience, you discover His will is good, acceptable, and perfect. The testing proves what’s valuable. Today, ask yourself: What am I offering God that actually costs me something? Your answer reveals what you truly believe about His worth.
Worship Through Sacrifice
Generosity is not just practical—it’s worship. When we sacrifice what matters to us for God’s purposes, we declare His worth. True worship often costs us something, yet it pleases God deeply. Our finances reveal what we value, trust, and worship. Sacrificial giving shifts our hearts from self-preservation to wholehearted devotion.
Sacrifice Precedes Significance
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Luke 2:1–7 (ESV); Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV)Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone....
The Lion and the Lamb
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Revelation 5:5–6Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both wha...
The Cost and Reward of Discipleship
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Mark 10:28–31Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what y...
Treasuring Jesus Above All
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Philippians 3Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what y...
The Power of Sacrificial Love
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Philippians 2Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what y...
The Wonder of Reconciliation
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Colossians 1:1-22. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what...
Our Perfect Sacrifice
Over the past weeks, we have been looking at what is takes to be a true follower of Christ. This week's focus has been on righteousness, which means right standing with God. Yesterday, we examined how Jesus was crushed for our sins, and today, we are focusing on Jesus Christ as our perfect sacrifice. Please join me in prayer as we ask God to open our hearts to learn from His word.Heavenly Father, ...
Living for Christ
Today, we are going to talk about living our lives for Christ. More specifically, how our lives should look if we truly believe that Jesus died for our sins. Before we do so, let’s take a moment to prepare our hearts.God, be with me in this moment. Prepare my heart for the things You are going to speak to me. Allow me to be open and honest with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.2 Corinthians 5:15 (NLT)15 ...
Embracing the Unlovables
Week two of the series “Following Jesus” is all about how Jesus showed His enduring love to all people, especially the sinners and outcasts who no one else would love.Let’s start today with this prayer. As you read or listen, invite God into your heart.Dear Lord, You are so good to me, even when I am struggling to do Your will. Thank You, God, for always forgiving me, and giving me another chance ...
Called to Serve
Culture tells us that status, power, and influence are what’s important, that in order to be successful, we need to have these attributes. But Jesus came into the world and completely changed that narrative. Today we are reflecting on the idea of being a servant. Let’s start off with praying that God opens our hearts to hear what He has to say.Lord, I pray that You help me have an open heart and a...
