Walk with Me

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 12:1-8         Read the passage

BIO:  Hi! My name is Lisa Shaw. I actually grew up in this church. My mom, Anne Robbinson, taught Sunday School here back in the 60’s (yikes!) when I was in elementary school. My dad, Bill Robbinson, Sr., is now an active member here and is a Stephen Minister. I am married to David Shaw and we have 3 children: Whitney, David and Madeline. Whitney is married to Tracy Morris and they have 2 children, Keely and Kai.

KEY VERSE:  Romans 12:1  Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.

CENTRAL TRUTH:  We compartmentalize our offerings to God – we go to church, give our tithes and serve on outreach projects. But God wants all of us – our minds, our bodies our hearts.

DEVOTIONAL:  Living Sacrifices

In his book, ‘The Bible Jesus Read’, Philip Yancey writes, "Like a drumbeat that never stops, in the pages of the Old Testament we hear the consistent message that this world revolves around God, not us. The Hebrews had incessant reminders built into their culture. They dedicated their firstborn livestock and children to God, wore portions of the law on their heads and wrists, posted visible reminders on their doorways, said the word ‘blessed’ a hundred times a day, even wore distinctive hairstyles and sewed tassels on their garments. A devout Jew could barely make it through an hour, much less an entire day, without running smack into some reminder that he or she lived in God’s world. …The world, they believed, is God’s property. And human life is ’sacred,’ which simply means that it belongs to God to do with what He wills."

Today, we do not offer sacrifices as they did in the Old Testament, but we are called to offer our lives to God. What does this mean? For me, it means laying down my will, my desires, my hopes and my dreams on His altar and being willing to trust God that His plan for me is better that the one I have in mind. It means letting go of the things that are dear to me and entrusting them to God. It means daily that I trust God with my plans, holding loosely to what I want to do and being willing to walk with Him. How do you do this? Daily spend time with Him, talking to Him about your day, your plans, your hopes and dreams. Ask Him to speak to you. Listen for His voice – as you read His word or listen to to others speak about Him. And look for His hand in the activity of your life. Ask Him to give you eyes to see Him, ears to hear Him and a heart that longs to know Him. And remember "that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 (The Message)

QUESTION 1:  Is there any area of your life that God is asking you to lay on His altar? Ask Him to help you trust Him with this.

QUESTION 2:  Are you genuinely seeking His will in every area of your life? Have you taken the time to ask Him about your plans?

QUESTION 3:  Do you believe His is trustworthy and can be trusted to handle every area of your life – whether it be your children, your finances, your relationships or other important decisions you are facing? Talk to Him about your feelings towards Him.