Romans 12:1-3

 1Therefore, 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 spiritual act of worship.
2Do 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 is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Meditation
1. The problem with a “living” sacrifice is that it always wants to get off the altar.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (“easy” to “hard”), rank the difficulty I think I would have
in giving my entire being – thoughts, words, and actions – to God.？
2. As I go about my work this week, I will offer myself each morning as a living
sacrifice and as an act of worship. Pray that God will help me not to conform
to the pattern of this world but to be transformed. Then, throughout the day,
in the words I say, the thoughts I have and my actions, I will seek God’s help
to choose according to the pattern and character of Jesus rather than the
pattern of this world.
3. What would be my feelings then?  Excited and willing?  Or Wanting to jump
off the altar and escape?  Why?

Personal Note:
I can relate to how I would like to love and have faith for God, but without offering myself as a living sacrifice.  When I view God's mercy (not getting the punishment I deserve), the natural response is to offer myself as a living sacrifice for God.  On a scale of 1 - 10, with 1 being easy, I would say I am at 9, in offering my entire being through thoughts, words, and actions to God. God has given me love and lots of blessings in life, and why do I still not trust Him fully and whole heartedly?

My hope in renewing my mind is to dwell myself in the presence of Jesus Christ.  Anything else other that Christ  come from the patterns of this world.  Then I would be able to test and engage in God's will.  We know what God's will is: Grow as a mature disciples in Christ and make more disciples in Christ.  The feelings should be exciting and willing.