Today is a good time to renew our consecration to God

 

Consecrate means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. Something consecrated is dedicated to God and thus sacred. It is one who is set apart. (Some verses – “filled” with the Spirit).

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [because of all he has done for you], that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, [let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think] that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect]." - Romans 12:1-2

 When we have given ourselves to God by turning our back on sin, taken His name Jesus in baptism with His blood washing away our sins, and filled with His Holy Spirit, we have become a living sacrifice. While Jesus gave His life and died for us, we give our life and live for Him. We are transformed from our old nature and become a new creation. We are set apart from the world. (Acts 2:38, Revelation 1:5, Romans 5:8, 2Corinthians 5:15,17,21, James 4:4, 2Peter 1:4, 1John4:4).

What did we not accomplish for Jesus last year that we are more determined to accomplish this year?

What more can we allow God to do through us for His kingdom?

What old bad habits are still in our life we need to get rid of, and what new good habits should we consider beginning?

It is a good time to examine ourselves, making sure we have peace with God, and peace with one another. (Acts 7:60, 2Timothy 4:16).

We pray for those that have offended us, and ask Jesus to heal our heart. (Hebrews 12:14-15).

We are here for a purpose.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended [I have not achieved it]: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [the past], and reaching forth unto those things which are before [looking forward to what lies ahead], I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14