Sacrifice – What Does it Mean for Christians Today?

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Arrow

The word ‘sacrifice’ has taken on a different meaning from Old Testament times. So, what does it mean for Christians today?

Old Testament sacrifices were typically offerings or gifts to God to demonstrate gratitude for His provision. For example, Adam’s and Eve’s sons brought plant and animal offerings. When God gave the law, it included instructions on how to properly bring offerings for thanksgiving as well as offerings to atone or pay for one’s sin.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Eventually, a temple was built in Jerusalem where priests would receive worshipers’ offerings. Even Mary and Joseph, as followers of the Law, brought an offering to the temple following the birth of Jesus.

Today, there is no temple in Jerusalem. No altar. The sacrificial system that demanded blood has ended because Jesus was the perfect and final sacrifice. Jesus’ death on the cross paid for the sins of the entire world so no more blood is required.

So, what sacrifice is required today?

First, in our tithes and offerings. Believers are to bring at least a tenth of what God has blessed them with financially. But there’s more. In the New Testament book of Hebrews, the author writes, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16).

A sacrifice always costs the giver something. It’s the least we can do considering what God has done for us.

A sacrifice of praise takes time and effort. We stop to consider and reflect, choosing the best words or songs to offer our Lord. God is also pleased when we share, serve, and sacrifice for others.

Let’s bring Him our best. 

Comment/share how someone sacrificed for you.

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Knead Some Love

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Arrow

I am blessed to have a daughter-in-law who is a baker of sourdough bread! My favorite is when she treats me with a loaf with mix-ins. Not just any mix-ins though. I realize some prefer cheddar, jalapeño, and herbs, or cinnamon and brown sugar. But she knows my fav is white chocolate and raspberry. It’s totally dessert! (Yes, I agree with the motto, “Life is short. Eat dessert first!”)

Now, let’s imagine that delectable loaf as a loaf of love. Everyone kneads some every day. (Couldn’t resist.) And we all choose who and how we are going to love those we come in contact with or with whom we have connections.

Are we stingy and toss a few crusty crumbs from a distance? Or are we generous, bringing a basketful of bountiful love with joy, kindness, encouragement, and peace.

When we know a person well, we have an advantage of being privy to their preferences and needs, perhaps even figured out their love language. (You may want to check out Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages or his newest The 5 Love Languages & Their Dialects.)

According to Chapman, love languages include words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. With this information, we know better what mix-ins to sprinkle into someone’s loaf, what truly touches their heart. It may take some additional thought and planning but should be well worth the attempt.

Hear Jesus’ recipe: “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 CSB).

May our words and actions reflect the love of God who gave His all to all.

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When the Task Is Too Big

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Arrow

You know the feeling—the task that looms large. It’s so overwhelming, you don’t even know where to begin! You procrastinate or cry. You try complaining, hoping to be consoled by others. Or even suggest others who are more suited for the job. But the assignment is yours.

I have always been a fan of the Old Testament character, Nehemiah, perhaps because he took on a massive project, stuck with it through difficulties, and successfully completed the task sooner than any thought possible!

The Task: Rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem after the Babylonians conquered and destroyed the city.

The Beginning: Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia, asked the king to provide all the materials needed for the project in Jerusalem and for letters for safe conduct along the way. But the real starting place for Nehemiah was on his knees, praying and fasting before the Lord, asking God for favor and success.

The Plan: Upon his arrival, Nehemiah rallied the town folk. Each volunteer would work on the section of wall near their own home and/or business.

The Problems: Men who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem regularly came to mock, ridicule, intimidate, and threaten the Jews, causing the workers to become weary, fearful, and discouraged.

The Strong Finish: Nehemiah prayed and encouraged the workers to persevere and trust God. After a century and a half of lying in ruins, Jerusalem’s wall was completed in only 52 days!

God’s Math: Unlikely person + overwhelming task + severe opposition + GOD = SUCCESS

May we remember and repeat Nehemiah’s determination. “[T]he gracious hand of my God [is] upon me . . . Let us start [fill in the blank] . . . The God of heaven will give us success” (Neh. 2:18, 20).

Steps to success: 1) Pray and fast. 2) Plan. 3) Do the task.

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Do We Notice Those in Need?

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Arrow

I was at Walmart making a beeline for the few items I wanted to grab. Then, I heard something … or possibly heard something. I took a couple more steps. There it was again, I think. The faintest, “Ma’am?” I turned to see an elderly woman sitting on a bench. She needed help, wasn’t feeling well, and decided she wanted 911 called.

That, I could do. It only took seconds to get a clerk’s attention and help was on its way.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Later, I thought, how many times have I missed these opportunities? That voice or look that pleads, “Please, help me.” Those nudges from the Lord that bump us with a direction to go or a message to share. Sometimes, people are too timid or too proud to ask for help but if we watch and listen carefully, we may pick up on hints of what we can do.

John 9 begins simply with “As [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth” (John 9:1). Jesus was just moving through His day. So, how would He know there was a need? The blind man wasn’t calling out or asking to be healed. He was silent, probably just sitting along the road. But Jesus saw! He took notice and helped.

Matthew notes Jesus’ heart for people. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus saw people. He saw individuals and showed compassion.

As we go along, may we notice those who need a hand, a help up, or even a smile and kind word. May we have Jesus’ eyes and ears as well as be His hands and feet.

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See and Share Evidence of God

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Arrow

Below is a photo of Sunday’s sunset. Thankfully, my husband noticed it and encouraged me to come and see. I’m so glad he did. To me, that sky was evidence of God’s Presence and His handiwork, a blessing of beauty and wonder.

It reminded me, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” (Psalm 19:1).

Romans 1:20 explains, “For [God’s] invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse” (CSB).

Of course, God reveals Himself in many ways, grandiose and miniscule. But do we notice? And when we witness His wonders, do we tell others?

The world appears to be blind to what God is doing. Romans 1:25 tells us many have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator” (CSB).

Those of us who have “seen” have a responsibility. I would have completely missed that sunset if someone hadn’t told me about it. Sometimes we need a witness sharing with us.

And sometimes, we are a witness to others, pointing out the evidence of God. To do this well, we need to ask God for the sensitivity to notice what He is doing. Be detectives on the lookout for evidence. Then, we share what we have noticed. Boldly brag on God’s attributes and actions.

It may be as simple as exclaiming to a stranger at the carwash, “Hey, check out that awesome sunset God painted for us!”

You can do it! See and share.

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Blessings in Life’s Storms

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Arrow

Today, if you read Acts 27, you will find yourself at around 59AD, in a storm … on a ship with Paul … headed for Rome. There is nothing fair about why Paul is on this ship as a prisoner. No religious leader, Roman commander, local governor or king found a reasonable charge against him. Yet, there he was.

Even before Paul got on the ship, a commander swooped in to save him from being “torn to pieces” by a raging mob in Jerusalem. Later Paul’s nephew learned of and reported a plot to kill Paul.

Once safely on board, Paul again faced grave danger when the ship became lost at sea, swept off course by “a wind of hurricane force”.

Let’s see how God continued to protect Paul in the midst of this chaos and send blessings.

  • God sent an angel saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you” (Acts 27:24). I love how others were blessed merely by Paul’s presence on the ship.
  • Then, when the ship was grounded and breaking apart, God foiled the soldiers’ plan to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. Because a centurion, a Roman officer, wanted to spare Paul’s life, all prisoners were safe.
  • Watch God keep His promise: “[E]veryone reached land in safety” (Acts 27:44).
  • Once on shore, the entire boatload of people was blessed when “the islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all” (Acts 28:2).

I am in awe that even in our troubles, God sends blessings. May we recognize and be thankful for all the ways God meets our needs during life’s storms.

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How Does Light Meet Needs?

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Arrow

As I chatted at church Sunday, I got chilled. Thankfully, I stepped out of the shadows into the sunshine. Ah, hugged by warmth.

Monday, I sat to enjoy my indoor Christmas lights. (Yes, they’re still up.) The glow imbued my heart with joy and delight.

I clicked the light behind my rocker in order to read (since my book was actually made of ink and paper). Words came into view.

When I peeked outside, I saw the effects of the desert’s light. Tomatoes were turning red, grapefruit blushed, and bushes burst with orange and yellow blossoms.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Light is a blessing! It can provide warmth, allow us to see clearly, and reveal obstacles. It brings delight and causes maturation.

What did Jesus say about light? “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus came to provide clarity, to show us the way to the Father, and introduce us to the abundant life, a spiritual richness from connecting closer with God.

Light meets needs. It provides comfort, delight, clarity. Encourages maturation. Reveals obstacles, dangers, and best of all, truth.

Jesus also taught, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a).

As light, believers are to shine brightly, breaking through and replacing spiritual darkness. We can:

  • Reflect Jesus (or resemble Him) in our words and actions.
  • Share biblical truth in a comforting, encouraging, and delightful manner.
  • Show others the way to Jesus, His gift of salvation, and eternal life.
  • Guide newer believers toward maturity in Christ.

Let’s not be like the fading star on top of my Christmas tree. That’s all wrong! Instead, let’s “shine like the stars in the universe as [we] hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15b-16a).

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Reflecting on God’s Provision: A Year-End Gratitude Guide

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Arrow

Remembering what God had done was celebrated regularly by Israel in the Old Testament. The nation held three annual feasts or festivals to offer thanks to God for deliverance from Egypt and the bounty of harvests.

The Bible has numerous stories of individuals recounting, thanking, and praising God for what He’s done. Here are a few:

  • After years of infertility, Hannah thanked God for the birth of her son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27-2:1).
  • Miriam (Moses’ sister) and King David wrote songs recounting God rescuing His people from enemies (Exodus 15:1-21; Psalm 18, 34).
  • When God parted the Jordan River (at flood stage!) so Israel could cross over into the promised land, Joshua instructed that memorial stones be set up as a reminder to future generations of how God provided (Joshua 3-4).
  • In the New Testament, Paul thanked God for friends and encouragement (Acts 28:15).
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

As the year ends, let’s take a few moments to recall and recount what God has done in our lives.

  • What needs were met?
  • In what situations did God make His Presence known?
  • What doors did God open?
  • What opportunities and blessings did He provide?
  • What prayers did He answer?
  • What wait finally came to an end?

Even as all prayers are not yet answered and all problems not resolved, may we remember and trust that God is still working. We can thank Him for being faithful and just, righteous and loving, and always present. Remember, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Focus on how God did provide and help, even in small ways. Maybe write a list or create some kind of memorial. Take the time to share with others what God has done, perhaps even with other generations.

Comment on one way God provided for you.

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Christmas = Christ Came

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Arrow

Christ came from

Heaven, humbly becoming part of the human

Race

In order to

Save our souls from

Transgressions or sins against God by

Making a way for our relationship with God to be restored by dying in our place

As the perfect

Sacrifice and Savior, the substitute for those who believe Jesus is the Son of God.

Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christ is a title for Jesus. It means anointed or chosen one. “Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah” which means deliverer or savior.

At the end of the John’s biography of Jesus’ life, the apostle wrote, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31 NKJV). If you haven’t read the gospel of John, now would be a great time.

May your Christmas be blessed by knowing with full assurance that you believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God, that you have acknowledged your sin and accepted God’s forgiveness, and made Jesus Lord of your life.

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Nativity Insights

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Arrow

Below are some interesting insights regarding the circumstances and cultural setting of Jesus’ birth. [From Kristi McLelland’s Luke in the Land Bible study.]

  • The journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 94 miles.
  • Their trip was most likely on foot, not on a donkey, since Mary and Joseph couldn’t even afford a lamb for Jesus’ dedication at the temple.
  • The couple would have traveled with a caravan for safety.
  • Bethlehem was a village of a few hundred people, many related and descendants of King David. Therefore, family members may have been around or nearby for Jesus’ birth.
  • A typical house had two rooms and was built above a cave. A larger room was for eating and sleeping together. A second room was smaller and used as a guest room.
  • Families brought their animals in at night to protect them. They were their assets.
  • When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, it seems all guest rooms were taken. They probably found privacy in a cave with animals.

Where to find the First Christmas story:

  • Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her response is followed with her visit to her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).
  • Matthew 1:18-25 tells how Mary and Joseph each learned they would become the “parents” of Jesus.
  • Luke 2:1-7 relates the couple’s trip to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth, followed by the angel’s announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).
  • Matthew 2:1-12 recounts the story of the magi or wisemen visiting Jesus in a house when He was a toddler. After a long journey, the magi arrived about two years after they initially saw the star which they believed to be a sign that a king had been born.

Be encouraged, friends. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6a).

Praising God for His greatest gift ever and wishing you a blessed Christmas!

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