Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2  NIV 

Happy New Year’s Eve!  Take a moment to reflect on all that God has done for you in 2024.  What blessings did you receive?  In what areas of your life can you see weaknesses that could be strengthened?  Let this devotion be an encouragement to grow closer to our Lord in 2025. 

God does not seek a literal sacrifice of life from us. Rather, He calls us to dedicate our lives fully to Him – offering our hearts, love, talents, energy, and strength in faithful service.  When we keep in mind the sacrificial love that God has shown throughout our lives, and use the spiritual gifts that He has uniquely blessed us with, we are able to live the life to which He has called us -a life of service to others. When we each bring our spiritual gifts to serve in His kingdom, the universal church functions as one body, carrying out the Great Commission.  When we experience distraction from the secular world that interrupts our life of worship and service, we must make an intentional choice to center our thoughts, words, and actions on Christ.  We can do that with daily meditation, reading Scripture, and spending personal time with God.  

Dear Heavenly Father,

I praise you for being my Shepherd, my Strength, and my Savior.  Lord, empower me to offer myself as a living sacrifice to You.  Transform me by renewing my mind by Your Spirit, so that I think the way You want me to think about everything, especially about You and Your will.  Strengthen me to put Your will into practice in my everyday life.  I place my life in Your hands and ask that You use me according to your will, so that I can make an impact for Your kingdom.  I am grateful for the many blessings of 2024.  Thank you for loving and forgiving me when I am so undeserving.  

I love You Lord, Amen.