March 29, 2012 - Romans 12:1

“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1
Last Sunday, I was privileged to witness over 40 men make a resolution before God, their wives, and their children, to live lives of integrity, purity, humility, sacrifice, and worship. These men committed to learn what it means to be the head of their homes, as Christ is the head of the church, and to sacrifice their lives for their wife and family, as Christ gave His life for the church. I sat with tears in my eyes watching each man make his commitment before God.
A few months ago, the movie, Courageous, came out in theatres, and several leader-types gathered together to see if we could use this movie as a tool to turn men’s lives over to Jesus Christ and to obey His word. Out of this effort, many small groups formed. At our church, several groups started and over 60 men completed the eight-week curriculum. As a result, most of the men in each group made the decision to continue meeting. They realized that their group was an important and vital part of their faith journey. Most of these men had never done a small group with other men before, and if they had, it had been a long time ago.
As a result of these groups meeting, I began hearing about the positive impact they were having on marriages and with relationships with their children. A few of these men were staring divorce clearly in the face, yet God brought them back, through their small groups, into a marriage that was now headed in a more healthy direction.
It was so satisfying to see so many men at one time make this crucial commitment. I had the sense that each man was worshipping the Lord by presenting his body as a humble sacrifice to his Lord.
Questions to consider: According to this verse, what does it mean to worship the Lord? Does obedience have anything to do with it? How are you doing with presenting your body as a living sacrifice to the Lord? Are there any steps that you need to make today in your journey with the Lord?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to present my body, soul, and spirit to You as a living sacrifice for Your purposes. Please forgive me for coming up so short and fill me and guide me along Your path of obedience and grace. Amen.