I am missing my blogging community and staying connected with all of you out there in blog-land. It seems the fast pace of life and my lack of ability to prioritize has hampered me from blogging as often as I would like.
It seems like I have nothing to say and so much to say all at the same time. I am really having a hard time lately processing through the things I want to share with you, and how to effectively share them. Instead of sitting down to figure it out–i just usually get up and go get ice cream. Great coping mechanism, huh?!
The Lord has really put some things in my Spirit and I am still not sure how/when to communicate them, but I do feel that there are things He is showing me that I want to put out here for discussion. I most certainly don’t have it figured out, and I honestly don’t even know what I feel about some things, but it is worth a shot!
One of the major themes I have been working through lately is SACRIFICE. It is a thick subject and this is not a comprehensive list, but the Bible has a lot to say about sacrifice:
But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice…1 Samuel 15:22
When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice
a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have
sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. Job 1:5
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. Psalm 51:16
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with
all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more
important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33
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. Romans 12:1
I could go on and on with Scriptures referring to sacrifice. Lately I am examining it in regards to my life. What is He asking me to sacrifice? Have I given enough? Is there ever enough? Wasn’t Jesus the ultimate sacrifice? What does that mean for me? Just when I think I can’t sacrifice another thing, He asks for more–why? Is the posture of my heart right before him? Am I obeying Him?
As I wrestle through these GOOD things I want to stay better connected with you. I want to hear what God is speaking to you and share what He is speaking to me.
grace and peace.
Allison