Promise for Today - A Heart Overflowing

NOTE: For the rest of November, I will share Thanksgiving moments written by other authors.
Today's devotional was written by Paul Rummage.
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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

Today’s Scripture verses are couched in the context of an Old Testament worship practice called sacrifice. It involves giving up something valuable; it requires a personal cost. The writer of this Scripture reminds us that the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross provides salvation for us who believe. His example of sacrifice gives us reason to offer worship through praise and thanksgiving. Furthermore, we are challenged to express thanks through our actions, serving and sharing with others.

It’s easy to express thanks when it’s convenient, but what about when we don’t “feel” like expressing thanks? That’s what this Scripture is calling us to do … make a sacrifice of praise even when it involves personal cost. Convenience, time, possessions, preferences, finances or more. However, let’s pause and consider the glorious salvation we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice! He selflessly gave on our behalf and that gives us every reason to be filled and overflowing with thanks to Him.

The words “thank you” are meaningful and important. However, thanksgiving carries even more weight when the words are accompanied by action, especially sacrificial action. With overflowing gratitude, would you offer a meaningful sacrifice of praise to the Lord today? 

Do it with your words, expressing thanks to Him. Do it with your actions, by serving and sharing with others.

Prayer:

Lord God,
                We have done nothing to earn Your wonderful salvation. Today, we bring a heart overflowing with thanks and praise for Your loving gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. With our mouths, our hands, and our feet — we will thank You today. Even if it costs us, nothing we can say or do will match the gift and sacrifice of Your Son. In His Name, we thank You, Lord.