Hebrews 9:14 (NIV 1984)
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

The Old Testament speaks often of a sacrificial system and the atonement of sins.  Today’s verse, from the New Testament, reminds us how much more effective Christ’s sacrifice is in preparing us to serve God.  To serve God effectively, we need to be able to reflect His holiness.  May we be able to show the world around us that there is a new and better way to live our lives.  This better way of living is within reach, for us and for others, simply by believing in the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus upon the cross.  May we be open to His cleansing power.  May we see how Jesus has changed us to better reflect His image of holiness through our words, actions, and deeds.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)