Sacrifice of Praise

"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."

Hebrews 13:15-16

The sacrifice was always before them.  As they went through each day, there was a continual need to seek a blood covering for their sins.  You see, without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. (Hebrews 9:22)  And so, they obediently brought their sacrifices before a holy God.

The old way of sacrificing animals is over.  No longer is there a need for me to make up for my sins or to seek continual purification of them:  I am cleansed once and for all by the blood of Jesus.  (Hebrews 10:10)  Instead, as one who is made holy by His blood, I am called to give a sacrifice of praise!

Continual

When my husband and I got married, we professed our love for one another before God and witnesses, pledging our allegiance to each other as husband and wife.  Even though each of us heard the other's vows, that one time declaration was not enough.  Instead, we must find ways to express that love on a daily basis.

In the same way, I can't expect to let my praise for God on Sunday morning, or the acclaim I give Him when things go well, or the honor I show when I'm feeling good be the only worship I extend to God.  He deserves to be praised continually no matter my circumstances, state of mind or location, for He is worthy.  (Psalm 145:3)  The Lord is so great that He transcends all things.  His perfect character does not change so even if my situation is horrible, He is still good and worthy of my praise.

It seems Job understood this concept.  Even after losing his wealth and his family all in one day, he responded with, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."  (Job 1:21)

Even though animal sacrifices are no longer necessary, my continual attitude of praise is.

Spiritual

They spent a lot of time going through the motions, performing the obligatory rituals.  Even though, by outward appearance, everything seemed right, God was not pleased.  The hearts of the Israelites were far from Him even though they were saying the right words and doing the right things. (Isaiah 1:10-15)

God does not care how I look on the outside, but He is more concerned with the attitude of my heart.  He is pleased with a submissive attitude that is willing to do as He asks, go where He bids, and accept what He has chosen for me.  Furthermore, as God's special possession, it is my place to adopt a heart of praise for Him.  (1 Peter 2:9)

It's easy to see the negative things going on around me as I live in this fallen world.  But as His child, it is my desire to have eyes that can see the unseen:  The goodness of His love as shown through my acceptance as His daughter, the forethought of His sovereignty as shown in the provision of my needs, or the faithfulness of His presence shown through the peace that rules in my heart.

Even though animal sacrifices are no longer necessary, it is important for me to yield to the Lord by cultivating a heart that desires to please Him.

Supplying

The supplies were pouring in, filling his storeroom to capacity.  Even though he didn't need such an abundance, the Apostle Paul accepted it with thanksgiving as a sacrifice pleasing to God.  (Philippians 4:18)

Likewise, it is important for me to not only look for ways to help others and contribute to the provision of their needs, but to be willing to accept the same from those who are moved to lend a hand.  If caring for one another in practical ways is a part of how we can please God, I must not block that desire in my brothers and sisters by refusing their assistance.  

Even though animal sacrifices are no longer necessary, I can please God by both giving and receiving help from His family.

Thankfully, I no longer have to offer animal sacrifices in order to cover my sins.  As I accept this new covenant God has offered through the redemptive work Jesus accomplished on the cross, I must realize there are other sacrifices I am called to make.  One is to maintain a continual attitude of praise, no matter my circumstances.  Another is to look for ways to spiritually please God, like through my willingness to submit to His will and offer words that lift Him up.  Finally, not only is it important that I seek ways to help His family members, but also to be humble enough to receive assistance when offered.  In these ways I am offering up to the Lord a sacrifice of praise.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can maintain an attitude of praise toward a God who loves me.

When am I most apt to slip into a negative mindset?

How do I fight God in the attitude of my heart?

Rightly Related

"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,

for by so doing some people have shown 

hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Continue to remember those in prison

as if you were together with them in prison,

and those who are mistreated

as if you yourselves were suffering."

Hebrews 13:1-3

Every decision I made was based on what was best for her.  My perspective was completely centered on her, making myself always aware of her presence.  My sensitivity to how things affected her, how she was being perceived and how she came across monopolized my thoughts.  This woman was the most important person in my life.  This woman was me.

After Jesus became Lord of my life, I became rightly related to God.  As I submitted myself to Him, He transformed my mind, thus changing my priorities.  Now, instead of me being the center of my attention,  there are others who stand out in my life as more important.

One Another

Some are hurting.  Others are hungry.  Several feel discouraged.  A few are ready to give up the fight.  All need love.

Which of my brothers and sisters in Christ need a helping hand, an encouraging word or a special time of prayer?  As a follower of Christ, I am called to be devoted to my spiritual family, looking for ways I can help, love and serve. (Romans 12:10-13)  

My relationship with a loving God changes me, infusing me with His love, mercy and grace.  As I stay in His presence, my cup overflows so that I am drawn toward those in need, desiring to show that love in a tangible way.  

Where I once hoarded extra supplies, now I can't help but see an abundance as an opportunity to share.  Where I once felt afraid to reach out to those who are hurting, now I can't stay away.  Where I once was uncomfortable with hosting guests, now I am compelled to invite others in.

Jesus changed my focus from myself to the "one anothers" all around me.

Strangers

I saw my oldest daughter, then two-years-old, sitting in the yard chatting to a neighbor girl.  What could they possibly be talking about?  I thought as I wondered at my daughter's ability to make friends so easily.  As if to prove my point, the pair came galloping over to our patio and Vanessa introduced me to her "new best friend."

I can learn something from watching children interact with each other.  They have this way of accepting others as part of their group without fear, judgement or caution.  In the same way, Jesus helps me to see everyone, even strangers, as people made in God's image who have hopes and dreams, hurts and disappointments just like me.  He helps me see a stranger as simply a friend whom I have yet to meet.  

Jesus changes my focus from wariness of strangers to acceptance.

Prisoners

One day he was living his life as any other person, the next he was defending himself against a charge of murder.  As he languished in prison, he wondered how he ended up there when he'd never had so much as a parking ticket.  Maybe he had been guilty of speeding from time to time, but murder?  That was preposterous.

The prison system is full of people who are serving their time, either rightfully sentenced or unjustly condemned.  Either way, there's not much in the way of hope in a jail cell.  I can think of no perfect condition for one to learn the gospel of Christ; while they are in desperate need of some Good News!

Instead of being repelled by the thought of visiting prisoners, Jesus makes my heart go out to those whose lives have been forever tainted by their time behind bars.  If anyone could use some encouragement, it's them.  And who's to know if one day I might be right there with them?  If there, I sure would want to see a friendly face and hear a word of encouragement.

Jesus changes my focus from disgust toward inmates to a deep, abiding love for them.

Now that I am rightly related to God through the redemptive work Jesus accomplished on the cross, I no longer see myself as the most important person in my life.  Instead, I look for ways to love other believers, treat strangers as friends, and give those in prison the hope of heaven.  In these ways, my life will never be the same.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my life in Jesus' hands so He can continue to mold me.

How do I get in the way of the transformation process God is attempting in my heart?

Am I holding myself back from loving others in some of these ways?  

Been With Jesus

"'Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other name under heaven

given to men by which we must be saved.'

When they saw the courage of Peter and John

and realized that they were

 unschooled,

ordinary men,

they were astonished

and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Acts 4:12-13

Peter and John were ordinary fishermen; men who earned their living by the labor of their hands and the brawn of their backs.  Fishing was a profitable industry, but not glamorous or enviable by any means.  These men were called by Jesus to be His disciples.  They spent time with Him, learning from Him and growing to love Him.  When Jesus returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, they received His Spirit as a comforter, counselor and guide. (Acts 2:38-39) 

God's Spirit does more than just make me feel assured of my salvation, (John 15:26-27) He also gives me what I need to do what He's called me to do.  God does not call the equipped, He equips the called. (Hebrews 13:20-21)  Before Peter and John could realize the power God placed within them, they had to take a step of faith, trusting that God's Spirit would not let them down.  When they did, what they found coming from within them astounded everyone.

Courage

I remember the time one of my daughters stood up to the ice cream man who had just called her sister "fat."  At the age of 6, she respectfully told him that what he had said was not nice and that he should be ashamed that he had hurt her sister's feelings.  Standing up to an adult took courage.

In the same way, Peter and John courageously stood up to the power structure, speaking the unwelcome truth to the rulers, elders and teachers of the law.  They didn't have the authority of any man to speak in such a way to that prestigious group.  I might even call them "cheeky" or "sassy."  It took a lot of nerve to rock the boat in such a way.

There are times when the Holy Spirit gives me courage to speak out against injustice.  Sometimes it could be I'm called to write a letter to the editor of my local paper, taking a stand for Christ.  Other times, I could speak the truth to a professor attempting to undermine God's sovereignty.  Or, God could give me the boldness to speak the truth in love to an outspoken coworker who pushes her atheistic agenda.

God's Spirit equips me with courage to speak up in the face of opposition.

Wisdom

It is said that wisdom comes with age, but God says it starts with a healthy respect and reverence for Him. (Psalm 111:10)  Peter and John were both common men who lacked any kind of formal education.  They were probably able to speak several languages in order to trade fish with the variety of people they dealt with in the marketplace, and they needed a working knowledge of money and trading to succeed in their business, but for the most part they were ordinary, working-class men.

Listening to them reason and lecture, however, the people had a different perspective.  Peter and John spoke as if they were proficient in philosophy, history and the art of deliberation.  They sounded as if they had trained under the best teachers money could buy.  Who were these men?

All those who questioned needed to know was who they had been with. Jesus gave them all the wisdom they needed to discuss deeply theological matters.  It's the same with me.  I don't need to take a special class or receive expert training to certify me as qualified to talk to others about my faith.  All I need is Jesus: He will equip me as I read His word, interpreting it and revealing truth as I trust Him to teach me.  Then, when I'm faced with those who have questions, He'll provide the answers if I rely on Him; His words will flow from me.  (Luke 12:11-12)

God's Spirit equips me with wisdom to speak the truth to a dark world.

Anointing

It's easy to think that someone who does extraordinary things is himself extraordinary.  The truth is, however, that God is the source of all amazing things.  Each of us is capable of doing the same as Moses, Elijah, David or Paul did because it was God who was working through them.  He set them aside for His purposes, using them as a vessel of His Spirit to accomplish His good purposes. (2 Corinthians 4:6-7)

Peter and John were not special or different than you or me.  The only thing enabling them to accomplish such astonishing feats as to leave the Jewish ruling council speechless was God's Spirit.  All He needs is a willing container which He can fill with His power.  If I submit to Him and allow Him to use me, I'll witness astounding deeds that only can be attributed to God.

I'll be able to speak clearly even though I stutter.  I'll suddenly lose my aversion to children and draw them to Jesus as if I were some kind of modern-day Pied Piper even though I never thought of being a teacher.  I'll gain a new appreciation for God's Word and a heart for those who desire to know and understand God's ways even though I never did well in school.  In short, when I trust in God, He'll set me aside for the work He's prepared for me to do.

God's Spirit equips me with an anointing to accomplish His purpose for my life.

Peter and John stood out as extraordinary even though they were ordinary fishermen.  In the same way, when I trust in Jesus as Lord of my life, He'll give me courage to do the impossible, wisdom beyond my education level, and an anointing that enables me to walk the path He has for me.  If I've been with Jesus, He'll call me, and then He'll equip me.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to give me what I need to accomplish His purposes for my life.

How do I doubt what God can do in my life by hesitating to step out in faith?

When do I fear my lack of training will hold me back from doing what God has put in my heart to do?