On Sunday our pastor here in Kampala preached about the altar and the importance of building an altar unto God in this time and season. The word came from 1Kings 18.
Pastor’s sermon has me thinking and analysing the state that my altar is in.
I was only a child when I first encountered God and decided to serve him. I recall I had such a passion and burning desire to be constantly close to him. I was often upset when church services were dismissed. Prayer and worship never felt long enough to me. I was frequently at the altar long after church was over, praying and seeking. There wasn’t a week when I wasn’t fasting and praying. All night prayers were my favourite past time. His voice and power were so close. It felt then, like I would do great things for God and that God could certainly do great things.
God has not changed, so I certainly have…
Today I want to think on the altar as a place of sacrifice.
Sacrifice comes from a place of love
God loved us so much that he gave his only son. He gave himself, forgave our sins and willingly accepted the cross. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice because of his love for us.
If I were to think of my relationship with God as a marriage, for some people after many years, sometimes you need to fall in love again. Revisit the love story and be reminded of why you love your partner. To do so you dedicate quality time for each other to reconnect and create a shared vision and commitment for the future.
When we love God and fall in love with him, deeply and wholeheartedly then sacrifice is easy.
I want to fall in love with God again, I want to be a giddy newborn who only have eyes for the Lord.
I want to begin rebuilding my altar, a place where we can meet and have conversations about his purpose and plans for my 2021.
I want to encourage you to take a good long look at the shape your altar is in. Could it use a revamp? If yes, spend some time this week and think about how you can begin that process. I would love to hear your plans. Feel free to share them.
I believe when we love God the way he desires us to, then we will be willing and ready to offer to him the best that we have. Whether that is our talents, finances or worship. We will take care of the things of God first, surrender our personal will for his divine purpose. May we live his purpose for 2021.
Comments are closed.