Sunday, February 10, 2013

A sacrifice of WHAT?

Thanksgiving was about 3 months ago, but have you stopped to give thanks lately?

This topic has been on my heart very passionately this week. Regardless of circumstances or personal trials or storms, we're instructed in the Bible to give thanks. This is actually a form of obedience and sacrifice to God.

Hebrews 13:15  "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name."

That turn of phrase is intentional. "Sacrifice of praise." That means, when its hard.

Because think about it. When do we feel like praising? When things are going well, of course - when our hearts are full of joy, when there are sunny days and good grades and happy friendships and strong relationships. When we win that prize or that contest, when we get that role in the play or on the team we wanted, or we obtain that paycheck or promotion or engagement ring.

But what about when you lose? Get passed over? Fail? What about when you break up or mess up or screw up? What about when all you can do is sit in the dark and cry?

Do you praise then?

What about when all you see is fear and darkness? Do you give thanks to God for your crisis?

Give thanks today, wherever you are, in clear skies or cloudy, dear friend. Remember this - it's not just required of you - it's also a blessing. God honors and blesses obedience to His word. Every time! He sees your heart, knows your pain, and CARES.

Thank Him. Praise Him. Bring that sacrifice. No matter what.

He never takes anything from us without giving back something better.


5 comments:

Diana P said...

"He never takes anything from us without giving back something better."

I have definitely been learning the truth of this sentence. God empties us of ourselves to fill us with the wonders of Himself.

Betsy St. Amant said...

I'm learning it right now too Diana. Painful but worth it.

Unknown said...

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Amy Sullivan said...

How am I only now discovering this blog? Hmmm. . .

Excited to dig in.

the locket by mike evans said...

You have a very nice blog. Yes, regardless of our trials in life, the hardships we are going through in our every day life, we should be thankful and and find time to glorify His name.