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Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Sacrifices Pleasing To God (Hebrews 13)





God asks sacrifices of us. These sacrifices are things that we have a choice to offer. He never forces us to give but He delights in our obedience. God set the example of ultimate sacrifice by offering us salvation through the death of His son. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can find the source of one of the most important sacrifices God desires: the sacrifice of praise.
“Through him [Jesus]then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (13:15)
Praising God may not always come easy. We may not always “feel like” offering praises. We may be dealing with sad, disheartening circumstances, fatigue, illness or depression. In contrast, we may be too comfortable in how well our life seems to be going to remember the source of our blessings. We may also just be too absorbed in the routines and “busyness” of our life schedules to take time to praise Him. But when we praise God, we keep our focus on the source of our hope, our blessings and our purpose.

God wants us to have giving hearts. When we give to others we show others the love of Christ. 
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (13:16)
God wants us to show genuine interest in the wellbeing of others. To love as Christ loves means to truly relate to what others are experiencing and to be supportive. Praying for each other, spending time talking with each other and helping to bear each other’s burdens strengthens the body of Christ. 
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (13:1-3)

In our modern times of “instant gratification” and abundant temptations to increase our possessions or social status, it can be hard to check our hearts and find contentment in what we have and what our circumstances are. God wants to be our everything, more desired than anything the world has to offer. The things of “this life” will not be forever. God wants us to not become so attached to “this life” that we miss the rewards of eternity with Him. 
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."”(13:5)

Many think of sacrificing as losing or giving up something which equates with sadness, hardship, and difficulty but I don’t think that is what God has in mind. God wants our sacrifices to ultimately be for our good and wellbeing as well as for the benefit of others. He wants to help us and bless us in this process of offering sacrifices pleasing to Him.  “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”(13:20-21)

I remember singing a simple Doxology at the end of church services when I was a young girl. 
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost.
It was such a simple hymn of praise but I grew to treasure it. It always comforted me and lifted my spirits to sing it. We can always start with something simple and small. A simple prayer, a simple hymn, a visit with a friend, a phone conversation, a meal to a grieving family, etc. Ask God to show you the sacrifices that will be pleasing to Him.