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)
Offering yourself as a living sacrifice must be at the core of our relationship together. I ask this, not because you have no value, but for just the opposite reason: I want to increase your value and refine the precious things in you that are in my image. The more that you freely offer to me, the more I can transform you into the image of my Son. Always remember that performance is just the opposite of what I am asking you to do: Empty yourself each day and put everything on the alter, for the goal is not to be empty, but to be filled with my presence. Only my presence, flowing out from my children, can establish my Kingdom upon the earth. Only my presence, surrounding your life, can testify of me to those who are lost and alone. Only my presence can draw others to the cross. Accept the call to be my image-bearer and be filled with my presence. Accepting is not working harder, it is putting everything on the alter as you trust in my mercy.
— March 30. 2021