Offer Up a Sacrifice of Praise
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Offer Up a Sacrifice of Praise
Near the end of the book of Hebrews, the writer gives his readers encouragement in Christian living and the hope we can have in Christ. And then he gives the big “why” for our hope and way of living in Hebrews 13:14-15.
For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
It is because nothing in this world is lasting that it does not make sense to set our hopes on anything in this world. It’s senseless to live like the rest of the world — in greediness, lustfulness, adultery, stealing, lying, slandering, cheating, etc. — because none of these ways will bring us lasting happiness. Instead, they only lead to misery for everyone involved.
Because nothing is lasting in this world, it is senseless to put all our efforts into having more and more money and ”stuff”, to become vain about our “good looks”, to put down others in an effort to make ourselves look more important, etc.
It is our heavenly home that will last forever and ever. So, in seeing that reality, it only makes sense for us to live in faith, hope, and love — always giving the “sacrifice of praise to God“, as we trust our Lord to lead us according to His promises.
As Christians, we are sure to have all sorts of heartaches and troubles. God’s word says that will be a part of our earthly lives. In the middle of it all, we are to constantly remember that heaven is our real home. Heaven is to always be our goal.
As we always make ourselves remember God’s love for us in Jesus Christ, we will realize that everything in this world will pass away. Because Jesus and our heavenly home are eternal they are what is really worth living for. Their value is so much greater than everything else on earth.
Meditating on God’s wonderful works since the beginning of time, will give us the right reasons to always offer up a “sacrifice of praise to God”, since we know He will never leave nor forsake us. Whatever we have to face, God will be there to strengthen and lead us. All of God’s word reminds us how He has faithfully cared for all of His children in all sorts of trials.
It is because of what Jesus has done for us in love that we can surely trust Him and give Him the “sacrifice of praise”. It can be very difficult to praise God when our pain is so deep. So, it becomes a sacrifice — a sacrifice of trusting and loving our Lord — in the midst of trials.
Because Jesus has proven that He is King of kings and Lord of lords forever, we can comfortably afford to give Him a “sacrifice of praise“ today.
When we trust Jesus enough to praise Him for His sacrificial love for us, we will say, “Hallelujah! My Savior does all things for me. He meets all my needs.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods.
Pray for our country.
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The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
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The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
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Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
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How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
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Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
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O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
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Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
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Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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Hallelujah 
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