How can we "build an altar" in our daily spiritual practices today? The Original Pattern: Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Why the Altars of Old Still Matter • Noah’s first act after the flood: “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD” (Genesis 8:20). • Abram marked every new stage of obedience with an altar (Genesis 12:7–8; 13:18). • Elijah rebuilt a ruined altar to call a nation back to God (1 Kings 18:30). Each altar was literal, tangible, and public—a statement that the Lord alone is God and that His worship shapes life. Translating Stones to Daily Life Building an altar today is not stacking rocks in the backyard; it is arranging life so that God receives continual worship. From Romans 12:1 we learn three transferable principles: 1. Present—voluntarily yield yourself. 2. Living—stay on the altar every moment, not just at set times. 3. Holy and pleasing—pursue purity that delights the Lord. Practical Ways to “Build an Altar” Every Day • Early-morning surrender – Before feet hit the floor, whisper, “Lord, I belong to You today—mind, mouth, motives.” • Scheduled offerings of praise – Set alarms (phones can chime like altar bells) to pause and thank God—echoing Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” • Visible reminders – Keep a small cross, verse card, or journal open on the desk as a modern “pile of stones.” Each glance re-centers the heart. • Obedient choices as sacrifices – Forgiving someone (Ephesians 4:32), turning away from impurity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), or giving generously (2 Corinthians 9:7) are concrete ways to place self-will on the altar. • Family altars – Gather the household briefly after dinner. Read a Psalm, sing a verse, speak gratitude. Joshua’s resolve still holds: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). • Rest-day recalibration – Treat Sunday worship not as an event but as altar maintenance—renewing consecration with the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:25). Guarding the Fire on the Altar • Consistency—Leviticus 6:13: “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out.” Keep regular habits even when feelings lag. • Holiness—Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). A polluted altar is unusable. • Gratitude—Like Noah smelling the pleasing aroma (Genesis 8:21), God delights in thankful hearts. Gratitude keeps sacrifice from feeling like drudgery. The Outcome of a Life on the Altar • Renewed mind (Romans 12:2) • Discernment of God’s will • Bold witness (Luke 9:23–24) • Lasting fruit that survives judgment fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-14) Lay the wood of daily routines in order, place yourself upon it, and let God’s Spirit kindle a steady flame. The altar may be unseen, yet its influence will radiate through every corner of life. |
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