Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
I am struck by this phrase “a sacrifice of praise” and why this passage was included in biblical references to giving thanks. But when I stop and think about it, I suppose a “sacrifice of praise” is a form of thanksgiving. In any event, when we stop and acknowledge God for all He has done, when we praise Him and when we give to others (“sacrificing ourselves”), we are showing thanksgiving. Today I am especially thankful for friends who have been a part of my life and part of my family’s life. The cup in the photo, ”Irene” is in honor of my mom’s best friend. I loved Irene through my childhood and adulthood. I can tell funny stories about her and my mom when they lived together in a small apartment in Holland, Michigan, just out of college in the 1950s. And now I have friends who mean the world to me, and my children have grown up knowing them. I am thankful beyond words. God is so good.
Holy Lord, May I always, every moment of every day, remember your blessings and be thankful for them. Amen
Becky, transforming
Hebrews 13:15–16
I think giving praise and glory can be easy and a daily gesture, especially when times are good. Sacrifice can be a little different… In our busy lives, sometimes the sacrifice of our time to help others can get away from us. This passage made me think of our annual trek to the food bank . It may be a little sacrifice of time and money and is an opportunity to teach a child a lesson of sharing for those less fortunate. But this passage made me think that this is the obvious time to do this kind of giving and so do others. It makes us “feel good” about helping others, but this is a time when…
Hebrews 13:15-16
What exactly is "a sacrifice of praise?" One the surface, i thought it might mean the time we devote to prayer. In biblical times it literally meant to give a sacrifice, maybe a burnt offering, as a way to praise God. I did some reading and it seems our friend, Kay, understands this better than I. It means to pray and praise God even when things are difficult and challenging and maybe we don't even really feel grateful. I know I've done this. Perhaps we all have. For example, "God I don't understand why you've taken him so young. Help me understand your plan."
Prayer: Gracious God, There are many ways to Thank you for all we hav…
Friday, November 22nd, 2024
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Praise and Thanksgiving from my lips are powerful weapons against the enemy (devil)
With the help of t he Holy Spirit guiding me, words of praise and thanksgiving are devastating to the devil. We can put on God’s coat of armor and ( the devil) will be defeated because he hates to hear a thankful person talking and praising the goodness of God. I will always want my words and actions…
Hebrews 13:15-16
Thinking of giving thanks as a sacrifice of praise puts blessings in a different light. Every good gift comes from God. In sincere, prayerful Thanksgiving, we sacrificially give the gift back to God in the form of stronger faith, increased personal holiness and service to others. This is the essence of the Christian way of life. Our good deeds are not the means to gain God’s favor. On the contrary, they are offed in thanksgiving for the unmerited grace we have received because of God’s unconditional love.
Prayer - Thank you, Lord for the gift of faith through grace. Let me channel that grace and all the blessings with which it comes to demonstrate Your love to others…