His altar...

As we come to the altar before Him, presenting ourselves a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), we need to be grateful that His is an altar of love.  His perfect and holy love is present there when we arrive, wherever that may be, with our broken spirit (Psalm 51:17).  This is where we come to die to our flesh (Galatians 2:20).

"Yes, you come here to die, but you know that it's good, because you come out alive... you come out ALIVE!"

"The Altar of Love" by downhere

That is the major difference between what the world offers and what the Lord offers: we know that it's good.  We KNOW.  So lay all your trappings aside as you approach, because carrying the world to the altar is not our purpose.  Carrying ourselves to the altar IS our purpose, and we must lay ourselves completely down to Him in surrender.  And why must we do this, some may ask?  Because He did it first (1 John 4:19).  He loved us enough to do it... shouldn't we love Him enough to do the same (Mark 12:30).  So...

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

Romans 12:2

Remember: You come out ALIVE!

God bless you all!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az8EIHWM_Qw