THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 47-52

"This is what the Lord says, Tell the whole whole world and hold nothing back!.."  Jeremiah 50:2 NLT

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth--according to God's Word, is what I'm supposed to tell them.

But I know their living arrangements.

Or their lifestyle preference.

Or their ideas on abortion, alcohol or abstinence.

Or they're members of my church, for goodness sakes.

Or I think they know.

Or I think they'll think I'm old fashioned.

Or I'll leave it to God to convict them of it, after all, conviction is not my job.

What ever the excuse, I'm not telling the world about God's Son and God's commandments.  I'm not sharing a better way.  I'm not talking about life-changing truths.

I'm not talking, so they're not hearing...the fault lies in my lap. 

SINNERS
Today's reading:  Proverbs 1

"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!"  Proverbs 1:10 NLT

I'll put it as nicely as I can...I'm turning my back on some of you.

Some of you lead me astray.

Some of you re-direct my thoughts from godliness to gossip.

Some of you cause me to feel less than loving by what you're willing to share about yourself on Facebook.

Some of you entice me to buy into the excuses you give for taking a break from church, worship and growing in Christ.  You want to sway me by your good reasons for slothful living and worldliness.

Some of you attempt to change my old fashioned ideals.

And some of you, well, some of you need to stay away from me because I'm just as guilty as you are of the same things!



 

INVITATION ONLY
Today's reading:  Psalm 63-65

"Though our hearts are filled with sins, you forgave them all.  What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts."  Psalm 65:3-4 NLT

I'm reminded of the fact that this relationship I have with the Lord of Lords is by invitation only.

I sought Him out, only after He placed a desire for Him in my heart.

I found Him, only after He lovingly revealed Himself to me.

I accepted His gift of salvation, a gift that cost Him plenty.  A gift given in love and sacrifice.

I draw near to Him, only because He choose to open His arms and welcome me into His presence and on to His lap.

'He sought me and He bought me', the old song says.  Ashamedly, I forget that important part of our story, His and mine.

EXCEPT
Today's reading:  1 Kings 1-4

"Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except..."  1 Kings 3:3 NLT

What about you?

You love the Lord.  You attend church.  You fulfill obligations to your family.  You own a Bible and read it on occasion.  You give to the church.

But we all have those things we aren't doing or aren't giving up that He has asked us to deal with.

They are our 'excepts'.

They will keep us from experiencing the complete and full joy of the Lord.

Is what you're holding back on worth it?

ADORNED WITH GOD
Today's reading:  Exodus 33-36

"So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry."  Exodus 33:6 NLT

Why no jewelry?  They exchanged looking good for God's presence.

You see, God had had it up to here with His children.  Moaning, bickering, disobeying and complaining.  He had told them He wouldn't go with them until He saw some changes.

To remind themselves of the changes they vowed to make, they left their baubles in their jewelry boxes.

Would you choose God over looking good?

Do you?

Will you stand out in a crowd of your peers, for the Lord?

Will you refuse to do certain, world-okayed, things because they're not right?  Even if everyone else is doing it?

Will you look different for the Lord?

Would you speak differently?

Would you spend, live, schedule your life differently just to have His presence with you continually?

Would you completely change your life and the life of your kids to obey Him?

Jewelry seems like such a simple reminder...living it out, that's tough some days. 

OR AM I?
Today's reading:  Galatians 1-3

"I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless..."  Galatians 2:21 NLT

Of course, I'm not.  Especially when it is in reference to the grace I so desperately need and depend on.

But do I treat it as meaningless when I see someone else in need of it?

When I determine in my head and heart who might deserve it?

When I dictate who I will or won't share it with based on biases, preferences or comfort?

God's grace is the most valuable asset we have this side of eternity.  How are we treating it?

AMAZING THINGS
Today's reading:  Luke 5-6

"Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe.  And they praised God, saying over and over again, We have seen amazing things today."  Luke 5:26 NLT

A family from our church lost their home to a fire yesterday morning.

It's sad, but God is so good.

What's not to amaze us with the ability given them to laugh and smile amidst the charred remains.

What's not awe-inspiring to hear the laughter of the little ones as they swing on the swing set outside the burnt house.  Oblivious to the destruction and the 'could-have-beens'.

What doesn't move us as the help gathered to take pictures off the walls, gather up  important papers not damaged by the fire, smoke or water or stop by for a hug.

How can we not find goodness in Him based on the happenings that led up to finding the fire and getting everyone out of the house safely.  He orchestrated every moment, every detail.

A house lost is one of the saddest sights you'll ever see.  A great, big God glorified in each and every bit of its happening is reason to praise Him!

WHY?
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 42-46

"And now the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, asks you:  Why are you destroying yourselves?.."  Jeremiah 44:7 NLT

God's chosen people, the Israelites, had turned from God.  They had taken up idolatrous practices.  They had allowed their hearts to wander away from their Lord.  They had failed to bring up their children in the fear and admonition of the One True God.

This was a long time ago, you say.

Couldn't He be saying the same things to us today?  His people?  His church?

We are destroying ourselves by allowing our hearts to be divided.  The charge of the Lord and the lure of the world are constantly battling for our attention.  The twenty-four hours He allots us each day, are we using it more for Him or for personal pleasures?

We are destroying ourselves with pent up hate, stored up unforgiveness and internal bitterness.  Yes, even us Christians.  We have issues against other Christians.  We hold grudges.  We bicker amongst ourselves.  We take up sides on issues having no eternal value.  We allow the past, how we've been wronged, overlooked or mistreated, to fashion our attitudes today.

We are destroying ourselves with our schedules.  We have fifty places to be in any given day.  We rush from one appointment to another.  We shuttle ourselves and family members to an assortment of 'good things'. And we fall into our beds exhausted.  And our kids' childhoods are being whisked away.  And our families no longer sit at the dining room table.  And our homes are falling apart.  And we wake up realizing we no longer have children, but well-traveled, horizon-broadened worn out offspring.

So, I ask you, are you destroying yourself?  And who might you be dragging down with you?  

I AM NOTHING
Today's reading:  Job 40-42

"Then Job replied to the Lord, I am nothing..."  Job 40:3 NLT

When I remember who I am in comparison to who He is, I am nothing.

When I stop complaining long enough to recall His mighty works and my major screw-ups, I am nothing.

When I stop offering advice to the All Knowing One because I have nothing to offer Him.

When I stop griping long enough to assess all He has given me.

When I put aside self-esteem.

When I lay aside my plans, my self-centered, short-sighted, based on my lack of knowledge plans.

When I compare all He can do to what I cannot.

Then, and only then, will I realize I am nothing.  I will step back in embarrassment at how I've touted myself.  I will be reminded of my place in order of importance.

He is all, I am nothing.

It's not a matter of low self-esteem, it's a matter of knowing the Truth and allowing the Truth to free you up!

QUIET TIME
Today's reading:  Psalm 60-62

"I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him."  Psalm 62:1 NLT

"I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him."  Psalm 62:5 NLT

For a talker like me, these verses present quite a challenge.

I yap.  I flap my jaws.  I yammer.  I speak.  I spill from my word hole. 

But to sit quietly waiting?

Without commentary.  Without suggestion.  Without whining.  Without opinion.  Without promoting an easier plan.  Without presenting what I've pondered.

Trusting that He knows.  Believing, down deep, that's it is all in His control.  Knowing what He has planned will bring Him glory and does not hinge on what I may say.

Quietly, huh?

Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of; in nothing on which you might not pray for the blessing of God; in nothing which you could not review with a quiet conscience on your dying bed; in nothing which you might not safely and properly be found doing if death should surprise you in the act.          -Richard Baxter

HE HEARS
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 20-24

"But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I called to my God for help.  He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears."  2 Samuel 22:7 NLT

He hears, grieving hearts in Oklahoma.

He hears, broken heart alone in a great big house.

He hears, sick one lying on the bathroom floor or in a hospital bed.

He hears, tired one nursing an other's body and spirit with your last ounce of strength.

He hears, flustered one in the midst of chaos and questions.

He hears, saint of God still praying for that one lost soul.

He hears, new believer, new brother or sister in Christ.

HIS TIMING
Today's reading:  Exodus 29-32

"When Moses failed to come back down the mountain right away..."  Exodus 32:1 NLT

The Israelites set a timer for Moses' time with God.  They'd allotted him a certain amount of time and when that time had expired, they went on with their own sinful plans.

Sounds like some folks I know.

Some folks I am very well acquainted with.

Someone I know personally well.

Oh, let's just put it out there--it sounds like me!

And like with the children of the Most High God, problems come to pass when I don't hold out for Him.

Each and every time.  In every circumstance.

They built the golden calf, my gods are seldom resembling animals-but idolatrous even so.

I've got to learn to wait expectantly on God.

Today may be the day.  This week may be the week.  This could possibly be the month.  And if I'm called to wait longer, then wait I will.

I can't be trusted to watch the clock! 

SOMEONE PRAYED
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 11-13

"But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent."  2 Corinthians 11:3 NLT

Someone prayed for me.

Yesterday I had the humbling opportunity to speak at the church I grew up in.  I stood behind a podium just a few feet from where I accepted Christ as my Savior.  I looked into a few faces that were there the Easter Sunday morning I gave my heart to the Lord.

And I cried.

And I laughed.

You see, the verse this morning reminds me that all those years ago, approximately 36 years, someone prayed I would stay close to the God I met at that altar.  Someone prayed that I would not be led away from His service.  Someone prayed that I would not be drawn away from His side.  Someone prayed that that moment in history would forever be etched on my heart.  Someone prayed that God would deepen the relationship began that Easter Sunday.

And here I am. 

Oh, don't get me wrong--there have been bumps in the road, but I'm still with God.  He's never left my side and I have never wandered far enough away that I didn't know my way back.  I've questioned.  He's seemed distant.  I've balked.  He's remained firm and unmoving.  I've wanted more and more and more.  He's proved to be all I need.

I believe it's because of the prayers of folks at that time in my life.



 

WHAT WE NEEDED
Today's reading:  Luke 3-4

"If was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor.  Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler over Itirea and Traconitis; Lysanius was ruler over Abilene.  Annas and Caiaphus were the high priests..."  Luke 3:1-2 NLT

The world had rulers.  Luke fills us in on that fact.

Powerful men.

Some were real movers and shakers.

The history pages are filled with their accomplishments.

I find it funny, however, that God chose to preface the chapter where Jesus is introduced into His ministry with this list of powerful men.

There were rulers.  But the King had come.

They had political power.  But the Creator ruled over the wind and seas and cared for the smallest sparrow.

The elected officials could reign in their specified territories.  The Holy Triune knows no boundaries.

Annals of history record their deeds.  The hearts and souls of men and women bear witness to His sovereign rule!

MAKING YOUR MARK
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 37-41

Jeremiah had a tough job.  He was the one prophet, of his time, called to bring about change in his city.  He was asked by God to redirect the hearts of God's people.  He was declaring judgement over those who had turned away from God.

One person in a very large city.

I think I can best relate how he might have felt by telling you what happened to me yesterday.

Our garden has been tilled.  The bedding plants purchased. Hoes, spades and watering cans gathered up.  Miracle Gro is standing at the ready.  So begins another garden season.

And I begin, one plant at a time.

As I dig into the newly turned soil I hear the noises.  Tractors.  Tractors everywhere.  Big tractors.  Applying anhydrous.  Disking up the ground of the fields surrounding our little farm.  Preparing for planters to come in the next day or so.

I look at my little plot of soil.  Probably 20 feet by 80 feet.  I look at theirs, probably 200 acres.

I laugh at what little I am doing according to them.  I roll my eyes at what I thought was going to be a big job for us, in comparison to theirs.

Then I decide.

They will feed their hundreds with the bushels of corn they will produce.  They will use their heavy equipment to farm and provide.  They will do their part for the good of the world.

And I will do mine.  On the little spot of ground I'm standing in.  For my family, and those I'm able to bless with the abundance of our garden.

Jeremiah was called to do what Jeremiah was called to do.  He did not have the calling of anyone else.  He was asked, by the Most High God, to evangelize to a 'field' full of souls. 

Me?  I am called to speak to the 'garden' full of souls I'll come in contact with throughout my day.

I don't have anyone else's job--and they don't have mine.  So I'll get up and start doing what I'm called to do.  No more, no less.

God's the one who decides if I'll be most useful in a field or in a garden!
   

STOP ARGUING
Today's reading:  Job 39-41

"Then the Lord said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?  You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?"  Job 40:1 NLT

Argue with God?  Never.

Question Him, Him?  Not in a million years.

Doubt His plans or His ways?  We wouldn't dare.

Or would we?  Do we?

We go our own way, fully aware of the direction He's wanting us to go--and we wonder why it never works out well.

We look for other options.  We prayerfully give Him better suggestions.  We balk like tantrum-throwing children thinking it will change His mind.

Has it done any of us any good?  Has it helped our cause?  Has He wavered due to our performances on the floor kicking and screaming?

We don't know.  He does.  Shouldn't that stop any arguments we might have against Him? 

CONFIDENT
Today's reading:  Psalm 57-59

"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises!"  Psalm 57:7 NLT

Confidence is certainty.  It's a placing of absolute belief.  Wholehearted trust.

If our confidence is in anyone, or anything, other than God, we're setting ourselves up for a heartbreak.

No one else is perfect.

No one else is unchanging.

No one else is capable of the love, mercy, grace and forgiveness needed to love us in a way that can cause us to sing their praises.

You know it's true.  Especially those of you who have been hurt or let down.  Those of you whose hopes, dreams and futures were placed securely in the hands of another.  Those of you who have awakened to a nighmare brought on by life.

He is worthy of our praise because He alone is Who we can place our confidence in!

THINKING IT THROUGH
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 15-19

"Absalom followed Ahithophel's advice, just as David had done.  For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God."  2 Samuel 16:23 NLT

We are bombarded by things that seem to be great.  Things that seem to be worthy of our time and attention.  Things that seem godly.

And, a lot of things are.

And, a lot of things are time wasters, distractions, diversions and sinful.

How do we know?

We have to stop long enough to ask God's opinion on the matter.  Each and every one.  Each and every time.  Even in regards to the things that are advertised beautifully and seem to be 'all that and more'.

We have to look over the situation and clearly surmise if it is of God--or isn't.

HIS WAY
Today's reading:  Exodus 25-28

"Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain."  Exodus 25:40 NLT

He has His ways.

His way to build a Tabernacle.

His way to get us to heaven.

His way for us to live.

And we have our way.  Boy, oh boy, do we have our own ways!

And we wonder why our hearts are unsettled and our lives are filled with emptiness when we don't do what we know He expects.

Oh sure, there are times when we are waiting on His instructions and guiding hand--but let's be honest, most of our rough patches in life come when we deliberately go against what He wants us to do!

So, let's do what He asked.  Once we get that done, hearing from Him about the stuff we're wondering about will be a little easier.

MY MOM
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 9-10

"And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."  2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

I've seen this versed lived out in my Mom's life.

In raising four, if I may add great, girls.  In being a deacon's wife.  In being a selfless daughter.  In serving in her church.  In grand mothering.  In stretching a dollar--very thinly.  In setting an example by her life.  In her laugh.  In her hospitality.

I've seen this verse tested and tried.  I've seen this verse proved true.  I've seen this verse played out in the loveliest of ways, through my Mom's life.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  Thanks for proving to me that by serving God, you'll have more than enough leftover to serve and love others with abundance!   

WHAT WILL HE BE TO YOU?
Today's reading:  Luke 1-2

"Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing.  But he will be the greatest joy to many others."  Luke 2:34 NLT

We cross paths with folks on a daily basis who have made the choice of what Jesus will be to them.

You can usually see it on their faces.

You can often see it in the fruit produced by their lives.

You can many times hear it in their words.

We each get to choose what Jesus will be to us. 

Will He be your undoing?  Or will He be the greatest joy you have?

ARE WE LETTING GO?
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 32-36

"...This is what the Lord says, I am about to hand this city over..." Jeremiah 32:3 NLT

We're all guilty of complaining about what our country has come to.  Pornography on prime time.  Language that used not to be spoken in the presence of ladies.  Casual, pre-marital, adulterous and homosexual sins applauded and paraded.

We blame satan for taking over.  But, I don't think he has that much power.  He only has what God has allowed him to put his little hairy toe into.

I think we're guilty of letting go of our morality and Christ-like characteristics--and the results are God's punishment for it.

Maybe we don't participate in the sins, but do we laugh at them?  Do we allow them into our homes via television, movies or computer?  Are we entertained by them?  Do our kids think it's normal for the real world to 'act' that way, they're just not allowed to talk that way at home?  Have we allowed more of the world than God into our homes?  Do we spend more time primping and prepping than we do praying?

We're trading Sundays for sins.  We're trading worship for ways that lead us away from God.  We're trading enrichment for entertainment.  We're trading godliness for good feelings.  We're trading corporate praise for popularity.  We're trading raising our kids in the Lord's house for placing them in the care of coaches on the ball field.  We're trading parental responsibility to our Creator for pleasing our little Johnnie's and Janie's need to decide for themselves.

And we wonder why we're in such a pickle?  The blame goes no farther than the person we see in the mirror.

 

DISTURB THE DARKNESS
Today's reading:  Job 37-38

"The light disturbs the haunts of the wicked..."  Job 38:15 NLT

It's elementary.

If darkness is prevailing in this world, it's because our 'little lights' aren't shining.

If evil is running rampant in our communities, it's because holiness is being locked up, put under a bushel, and brought out only on Sundays.

If satan seems to have free run of your circumstances, actions, words and attitudes, it's because he hasn't been exposed to the Light and sent scurrying like a colony of cockroaches!  We allow him control, he is not capable of taking control.

So?

So, what will you do to change all of that?

Light, God's light disturbs the haunts of the wicked--let your little light shine!
 

SAFE
Today's reading:  Psalm 54-56

"He rescues me and keeps me safe, from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."  Psalm 55:18 NLT

Four years ago.

Huddled against the inside wall with twenty-eight children and a trying-to-be-calm second grade teacher.

We can hear the wind.  We can see its powerful effects on everything outside the classroom windows.

A storm.  An inland hurricane.  A derecho.  A cold core storm.  Flat line winds. 

Whatever it was, fear was evident.     

Today?

Today I see He was sufficient.  He was with us.  He was in the storm.  He is on this side of the storm, too.

I'm not sure where you are--coming into a storm, in the middle of a nor'easter or on the backside of a tough time.  Where ever it is, God is able.  God is willing.  God is worthy to be praised, right where you are! 

REGROUP
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 10-14

"The Arameans now realized that they were no match for Israel.  So when they regrouped..."  2 Samuel 10:15 NLT

The enemy realized they couldn't win the battle against God's people.

Our enemy realizes the same thing today.

But do we?

When we're up against a wall, between a rock and a hard place, in a pickle, do we continue on or do we throw in the towel?

Sad to think, most of us-who have the God of the universe on our side- do not regroup, we give in.

What are you doing with the circumstances you're finding yourself in?  Are you garnering encouragement from Christian friends?  Are you searching Scripture for the words you need?  Are you bending your knee and seeking further instructions--or are you bowing out of the fight?

We will win.  God promises.  Will you stay in the fight to the end?

KEEPING IT UNDER CONTROL
Today's reading:  Exodus 21-24

"If a fire gets out of control and goes into another person's field, destroying the sheaves or the standing grain, then the one who started the fire must pay for the lost crops."  Exodus 22:6 NLT

I believe this is a word picture of what happens when we allow sins to get out control.

Words hurt, maim and kill.

Bitterness encompasses, constricts and overtakes.

Fear entangles, chains and paralyze.

Anger smolders, ignites and scorches.

Our intentions are seldom to do harm, but things get out of control.

Issues of our heart, and head, take over and those around us get hurt or get a bad taste in their mouths of what Christian folk look like and act like.

Tighter reins, closer monitoring and keeping a thumb on areas we know we have occasional 'flare-ups' are required.  When our main purpose in being here is reaching the lost for Christ, we cannot allow anything to go up in smoke!

ALL WE HAVE
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 6-8

"Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.  We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others.  We own nothing and yet we have everything."  2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT

Do you have days when all you want, all you believe is owed to you and all that is outside of your grasp is what fills your mind?

Do you find yourself whining, like a four year-old, about life not being fair?  About nothing ever going your way?

Isn't it time we realize how very much we do have?  Isn't it time we set an example for our children about contentment?

Isn't it about time we settle in our hearts the fact that if we have Jesus, we have it all? 

HE DID IT ALL FOR ME
Today's reading:  Mark 15-16

"Then they nailed him to the cross..." Mark 15:24 NLT

They, the centurions, are credited with the actual duty of nailing my Savior to the cross, but they weren't the ones who did it.

Had it been physically possible, Jesus would have done it himself--He loves me that much!

He had chance after chance to bow out, give up or change His mind.  But He didn't.

He knew enough about me, my sins, my stinking attitudes and my ungratefulness that He could have written in Scripture that He was doing it for everyone, except me, but He didn't.  He included me in 'the world'.

He did it all for me.  When He shouldn't have.  When He wasn't expected to.  When there had to be an easier way for me.  When I could've been left to what I deserved, but He didn't!

SEEKING A TREASURE
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 27-31

"I will be found by you, says the Lord..."  Jeremiah 29:14 NLT

I would have to say this is probably one of my favorite of God's promises in the Book.

It holds potential.  It cries out hope.  It gives me reason to anticipate.  It's a guarantee I can bank on.

Even when I'm not seeing clearly.

Or understanding completely.

Or believing with my entirety that He is in the happenings of the moment.

When I'm not seeing prayers answered.

Even then.

My God promises that if I'm looking, I will find Him.

So, let's go ahead and recognize the elephant in the room, when I'm not seeing Him--whose fault is it?

 

WE COULD FILL A BOOK
Today's reading:  Job 35-36

"I will give you many illustrations of the righteousness of my Creator."  Job 36:3 NLT

We could fill a book with all the instances of the greatness of God--oh wait, God already has!

I'll be the first to admit that my mind is often cluttered with a laundry list of unanswered prayers.  I fail to praise Him for His glorious characteristics.  I overlook all His greatness in search of my wants and needs.  I am easily distracted by what I still want to see happen that I fall short of doing what I was created for--praising my King.

I need an adjustment in my heart and mind. 

I don't think I'm the only one.

MY SACRIFICE
Today's reading:  Psalm 51-53

"The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit.  A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise."  Psalm 51:17 NLT

David wrote this psalm during a time when animal sacrifices were prescribed by God as a way to seek His face and His forgiveness.

David would have had no trouble what so ever procuring the animal/animals needed for any sacrifice he might have needed.

Money was no object.  The kingdom was his.  He needn't settle for a second class lamb if a first class one was what was required.

He could purchase the number of turtledoves necessary.

He had, at his fingertips, all the bullocks one might ever need.

But he knew.

He knew, because he was a man in touch with God, that the number of sacrifices, the sacrifices themselves, were not truly what God sought.

Anyone can take a lamb, bullock or dove to the priest to have it sacrificed on their behalf, but only the truly repentant, the ones with hearts desiring to obey Him, would receive what they hoped to find in His temple.

Animals aren't needed for us today.  Christ has offered Himself as the Lamb required for our sins, but there are still some sacrifices we could make to show our allegiance--aren't there?