Devotional - August 19, 2026
Scripture: Romans 12: 1 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.
In the church today, there is a lot of variation in worship styles. Some like the sanctuary filled with contemporary Christian music, large monitors, and a band complete with guitars and drums. Others, have an organ and choir sitting in rows. Interestingly, you rarely see a combination thereof. It's either one or the other. One progressive, the other traditional. It was thought that being more progressive would bring more in and maybe it did, but the number going out has not decreased. The question is, are we better Christians? The "entertainment factor" may have risen, but has the quality of our faith, our relationship with God and others? Paul reaches out to the church in Rome to encourage them. When was the last time you sought to encourage your church? He refers to them as family. He loves them as brothers and sisters in Christ; all of whom have the same Heavenly Father. He makes reference to sacrifice. The idea being that their lives were offered to God in such a way that it would reach Heaven and be pleasing to God (1 Samuel 15: 22). Their everyday livelihood would be enjoyed by God and regarded as worship. It's something to ponder, how does God experience me? I balk a bit at mentioning this because some regard themselves in very negative ways and they think God must do the same. It's not good to assume you know what God thinks about you. Rather than that, be aware of God being with you (John 15:4) and teaching you (Matthew 11: 28-30) as One who loves you (1 John 4: 7-210). Our church services on Sundays can vary to fit our desired approach to worship. I do not think God prefers any one over another. But, according to Paul, our worship is what we do in church and all the rest of the week in our lives, that is what God receives. With God there is no separation between what we do in church and what we do away from church. Honestly, I hope there is no separation with you either. Being a Christian truly is the best way to live your life. God's presence in your life cannot be replaced by anything better.
Pray with me..., Holy God, may our lives be our worship. Help us where we struggle, guide and strengthen our hearts. Hear us, as we pray for those we love, we ask You blessing upon them. Bless them O God, in accordance with their needs. And hear us, as we pray for our church. Bless us O God, so we can be the blessing You call us to be, in Jesus' name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
