I'll be honest...I've struggled this Lenten season, already.
I've struggled to find a sacrifice "acceptable" to claim as mine for the weeks leading up to Easter.
If I'm being really transparent, I want to find one that won't cost me too much.
Isn't that ugly?
Especially in the face of why the sacrifice is to be made in the first place?
We fast from something, in order to remind us of the great sacrifice that was made for us...
The life of the Son of God was given so that my life may be spared.
...and I struggle to choose a way to show Him I love Him without altering my life too much.
Yuck.
In the midst of this ugliness, I stop...
...and thank the Holy Spirit for revealing to me the area I am in most need of His transformation.
Then move on.
If I stay in my brokenness, I begin to sacrifice the very thing my identity depends on...Jesus.
Staying broken means I'm not accepting the gift of grace, transformation and renewal promised to those who believe.
And I believe.
Not just now, but forever.
I realize that when I'm focused more on my sacrifice than HIS, I fail every time.
Lord, help me capture the spirit of this season - for life. May your Kingdom come and your will be done now in me...fueling my days far beyond the calendar Easter. Give me courage to offer up more than a sacrifice for weeks...but instead the very essence of who I am for life. In your grace, help me see life through the lens of life-giving gratitude for the sacrifice You gave...now and forever.
I will offer up my life
In spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love
As my worship to You
In surrender I must give my every part;
Lord receive the sacrifice of a broken heart
Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a friend, to so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of your name,
for the things you have done?
Oh my words cannot tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed
By this thankful heart
You deserve my every breath
For You've paid the great cost;
Giving up Your life to death,
Even death on a cross
You took all my shame away,
There defeated my sin
Opened up the gates of heaven
