On a recent Sunday, between training a reluctant first grader to sit still in church and keeping the new babe quiet, I managed to hear our pastor preach on Romans 12:1. This is a miracle. I rarely hear more than brief phrases in the chaos of our Sundays. I heard these words:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
These words are no stranger to me, but as I was gazing down at my study Bible, the following explanation seized my heart.
Paul is teaching both the Jews and the Gentiles–one church, together, as the people of God for whom the blood sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice that remains is that of thankful response. {Paraphrased from the New Geneva Study Bible}.
These days are hard days for us. We are knee deep in screaming toddlers and dramatic six year olds and newborn needs. Not to mention in the beginning stages of a fourth deployment. And right down here in the trenches, I am constantly reminded to give thanks.
Give thanks, you say? Most days I can barely hold back the tears….
To continue reading, please join me over at Christian Military Wives.
My gratitude. And chief vessels of sanctification these days.
