Living Sacrifices: Romans 12:1-8

Yay! I now call this my third favourite passage in the book of Romans.

Romans 12:1-2
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 spritiual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 is00 his good, pleasing and perfect will.

These two verses were so encouraging and were a good reminder of what I should be doing. I remember around this time last year, I wouldn't be doing my devos, or conversing with God, or doing much at all with Him. I saw it as an obligation and just never ended up doing it. I didn't find joy reading the Word.
It was in the summer, and especially the start of this school year when He really spoke to me. He gave renewed me and through it I gained a thirst to learn more of Him. I had a passion to actually do my devos, not because I need to but I want to. I became more involved with my fellowship, serving as worship leader and soon to be bedside leader for the retreat.
I ask myself why God all of a sudden placed this on me? I mean, it's not bad or anything but why specifically this year? After reading, I realized why.
I never realized the magnitude of God's love and His mercy when He sent his son, so glorious and holy, to this world as a humble man, later on the be crucified on the cross for the sins of mankind. He took it all, became the sin of this world, and died. He took away our sin. Through Jesus we were forgiven.
God already made the ultimate sacrifice for me and nothing can compare to that. His conviction for me to serve and to be interested and in love with the Word is just comparably a small sacrifice for Him. "Take my life and let it be all for You and for Your glory." That's all of me that I give to You now, for You to do as is pleasing and is glorifying. God would You use me for your perfect will, and in time may I be revealed to Your plan for me. May I study hard and live a Godly life so that each step I take it will take me closer to You.
May I not be so consumed with materials of this world and rejoice in what's to come. May I not conform to those around me from peer pressure or from the cultural paradigms of this world but rather live a life so that when people see me, they'll know that I love You.

To paraphrase, our body has many members, all with different functions. As a body of Christ we all have our different gifts that is to be used for Him. My gifts by the grace of God: musical worship and encouragement. May everyone be thankful and be blessed by these gifts that God has generously given and use it to please Him.

I have a friend whom I met in September. He's been a blessing to my life. It's been a tough time for Him in this past while but God, just thank-You for his honesty. He shared his personal blog with me and personally, I felt so happy and appreciated because he trusted me. I pray that he will continue searching for answers through You and that this obstacle in his life will soon be overcome by Your grace and healing hand. This is the perfect time for me to use my gifts as well haha. Serving together for worship has been a blast and I hope it doesn't end anytime soon, but through it all may I just be a constant encouragement, a helping hand, a shoulder for support for you. You're awesome. You know it. I know it. God knows it. :)