Day 2: The Sacrifice of Praise
“Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Hebrews 13:12-16 NKJV
Hebrews 13:12-16 NKJV
Devotional: The worship leader in this service shared through grief, reminding the congregation that personal suffering does not disqualify our praise. Hebrews 13:15 describes praise as a sacrifice, meaning it costs something. A sacrifice offered when everything is going well is not much of a sacrifice at all. The most powerful praise is the kind that rises from a broken place. When we offer God worship in the middle of pain, we are declaring that he is worthy regardless of our circumstances. That declaration does not deny the reality of suffering. It simply refuses to allow suffering to have the final word over our faith.
Reflection Question: Is there an area of your life right now where praise feels like a sacrifice rather than a celebration, and are you willing to offer it anyway?
Practical Application: Set aside ten minutes today to worship God specifically in the area where you are hurting most, even if the words come slowly and the tears come freely.
Reflection Question: Is there an area of your life right now where praise feels like a sacrifice rather than a celebration, and are you willing to offer it anyway?
Practical Application: Set aside ten minutes today to worship God specifically in the area where you are hurting most, even if the words come slowly and the tears come freely.
Posted in Under the Influence