Sacrifice

March 1st – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

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1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Easter is a sacred time of reflection. A season of thankfulness for the immense love, grace, and sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God in the flesh, Christ willingly laid down His life on the Cross to redeem humanity from sin and death. Through His death, Jesus bore the weight of our sins, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God. But Easter is not merely a story of suffering and death. It’s a triumphant proclamation of victory over the grave. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on the third day confirms His divine identity and power over death. At the Cross, the Enemy was defeated, his power broken, and his schemes thwarted. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, the forces of darkness were conquered, and the victory of God’s love and redemption was proclaimed for all eternity. Through this season of Easter, may our hearts be filled with deep gratitude and awe for the incredible love of our Savior, who conquered sin and death to give us new life in Him.

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February 2nd – Romans 5:8

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Romans 5:8

We, with our flaws, imperfections, and sins, are impossible of such a love as great and perfect as God’s. For His is a love without bounds, and transcends the depths of our brokenness. And despite our unworthiness, God offers His love generously, without condition, and freely. A love most beautifully exampled in the sacrificial offering of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Our Lord and Savior, who willingly laid down His life for us on the cross. In this act of ultimate love, we see the heart of God revealed. A heart overflowing with compassion, grace, and mercy. Jesus’ death was not a consequence of our worthiness, but a manifestation of God’s boundless love. A love so profound that it bridges the gap between our sinful nature and His holiness. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation with our Creator. May we be filled with gratitude for the incomparable gift of God’s boundless love, and may it inspire us to love others with the same selfless generosity that He has shown us.

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February 1st – 1 John 4:9

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1 John 4:9

People often ask how we can be sure that God loves us. For the answer, we need look no further than Jesus. God’s one and only Son, Christ was sent into the world not to condemn, but to save us. From the depth of His great love, God gave His Son to die so that we can live. Jesus was beaten, tortured, spit upon, rejected, and hated. Yet knowing all His beloved Son would endure, God sent Him anyway. And as a mother of an only child, I can’t begin to imagine the pain of sacrificing my son. That’s why my heart overflows with gratitude over the selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial love God so generously shows us. An incomparable love. One that is beyond my comprehension and reaches into the depths of my soul. And one I could never earn. For God doesn’t love me because I’m particularly lovable. He loves me because He is love. And He loves you too. He loves you with a passion so great, He held nothing back to call you His. Not even His only Son.

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December 5th – 1 John 4:9-10

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1 John 4:9-10

Christmas at its core is a celebration of love incarnate. Love incarnate refers to the divine, boundless love of the Lord. The One who left His majestic throne in heaven, coming in human form, to bring salvation to the lost. In the quiet majesty of the manger, we encounter the profound truth that God’s love for us took on flesh. The birth of Jesus is the embodiment of sacrificial and transformative love. A wonderful and undeserved demonstration of our Father’s heart. As we exchange gifts, wish goodwill and peace to others, and practice kindness this holiday season, John calls us to reflect on the ultimate gift. God’s only Son, sent as an atoning sacrifice. A glorious gift overflowing with the boundless depth of God’s love. Christmas is a sacred reminder, in the incarnation of Jesus, we witness the purest form of love. One given not because we love Him, but because God loves us. A love not to be kept, but shared with others. Shining brightly in a world of darkness pointing the lost to saving light of the Lord.

 

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November 18th – Hebrews 10:36

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Hebrews 10:36

When Abraham was 75 years old, God promised to make him a great nation. The years came and went, and as each one passed no fulfillment of God’s promise came. But instead of giving up, Abraham endured and, “believed in the Lord.” (Gen. 15:6) Finally, at the age of 100, Abraham received the son he had waited for, his beloved Isaac. But then God asked the impossible. He wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son. I can’t even begin to imagine the confusion and sorrow Abraham felt because of God’s request. Regardless, Abraham continued to trust and place his hope in the Lord. And even though he didn’t understand, Abraham endured and obeyed. And because of his obedience, God blessed Abraham, and the world, mightily. What if God asked you to sacrifice what you love the most? Could you do it obediently and without hesitation? God wanted Abraham, and each of us, to learn to wait, trust, and hope in Him no matter what He asks of us. And when we do, God promises to bless our obedience greatly!

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September 29th – Hebrews 13:15

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Hebrews 13:15

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

Praising God for all of the good things in our life is easy to do. But what about when things don’t go our way? Are we still willing to give God glory in the bad times too? A sacrifice of praise shows our devotion to God, regardless of our circumstances. It recognizes that God is worthy of praise at all times, and our worship doesn’t depend on a trouble-free life. But instead it’s  grounded in our unshakable faith in Him. Praise is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to God’s holy name. It’s not just an expression of joy during moments of comfort and abundance, it can also be a sacrifice in times of difficulty and hardship. Just as ancient sacrifices required a cost, praising God when circumstances are challenging can be a sacrifice of our own will and emotions. This act of worship shows our unwavering faith, trust, and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances. It’s a beautiful reminder that in both the highs and lows of life, our praise has the power to draw us closer to God and bring His presence into our situations.

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September 5th – Psalm24:7

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Psalm 24:7

“Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, it was the first Palm Sunday. The priests were praising God at the temple and reciting, “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!” Jesus is the King of Glory because through His life, death, and resurrection, He forever conquered sin, death, and darkness. As the Son of God, He left His heavenly throne to walk among humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus conquered sin’s power, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe. His resurrection from the grave affirmed His victory over death, assuring us of eternal life. In ascending to heaven, Jesus returned to His rightful place of honor and majesty, seated at the right hand of God as the King of Glory. This title signifies His divine authority and dominion over all creation, reminding us that in Him, we find not only salvation but also the source of eternal hope and the embodiment of God’s glorious grace.

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August 30th – Colossians 3:8

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Colossians 3:8

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

Growing up my Grandma was very firm in what words we were allowed to use. And a curse word was strictly forbidden. For as she would always say, “Swearing is a sign of a very poor vocabulary!” Paul shares this sentiment, warning us against foul talk. And there’s nothing more disheartening than hearing the precious name of Jesus, a symbol of hope, love, and salvation for millions, used as a curse word. Even by those who claim to love and follow Him. Doing so not only diminishes the reverence that His name deserves, but also reflects a lack of understanding of its significance. The name of Jesus holds immeasurable power, representing the embodiment of God’s grace and sacrifice. Instead of being a source of negativity, it should inspire us to reflect on His teachings and exemplify His love. As believers, we should cherish the name of our Savior. And use it to bring light, healing, and transformation to our lives and the lives of those around us.

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August 29th – Colossians 2:17

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Colossians 2:17

“These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

I know many people who only read the New Testament, and the life of Jesus. But when we neglect the history found in the Old Testament, we miss how Jesus serves as the bridge that unites the two. For the old points to our great need for a Savior. And the new tells us exactly who that Savior is, Jesus Christ. And how He is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity, connecting the shadowy symbols and rituals of the Old Testament to their ultimate meaning. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought to fruition God’s plan of salvation. He is the perfect fulfillment of God’s Law. And now because of His sacrifice, we live under grace, freed from the penalties of that very Law. The Lord connects the timeless truths behind the laws and stories of with the grace, love, and redemption that define the New Testament. Our faith is rooted in Him. And in the new covenant He established, which surpasses the temporary symbols and shadows of the past.

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May 29th – Deuteronomy 3:16

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Deuteronomy 3:16

Memorial Day is here. The unofficial start to summer. A three day weekend devoted to fun-in-the-sun, grilling, and get togethers. All of that is wonderful as long as we remember the true reason for the celebration. A day of remembrance for those who gave their lives for their God, their country, and their families. Sadly, until the return of Jesus there will always be battles to fight, sacrifices asked, and wars waged. And always a need for brave men and women to fight the enemy. Just like the soldiers on the battlefields, we too are soldiers for Christ. And no matter what obstacle we face or what Satan may throw our way, we will overcome by standing on the promises of God. For as Paul so beautifully reassures us in Romans 8:38, nothing can separate us from our Heavenly Father. I pray for you all a blessed day with family and friends. To those of you who have served, thank you. To those of you with loved ones who have served, thank you. And for those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, thank you. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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