Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 1-29-24, Hebrews 13:15 - "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." In our secular consumer society, we have been conditioned to believe that not only should we have things, we are owed things. It is our "right" to have what we want, and it is our right to have what we want without effort or delay. Then reality hits. There is suffering, pain, lack, dispute, evil actions, and much, much more. Those who have turned their lives over to God have a vast advantage. Instead of hopelessness, we have hope; instead of lack, we have the vast provisions of God. Instead of fear of the future, we have God's guarantee of eternity. Therefore, in all situations, in every moment, we may choose praise over complaint. "Through Him," through Jesus, we may "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God." Our praise is to be non-stop rather than in spurts. Our praises to be a "sacrifice," given to God. Even if we feel despair, choose praise; choose God! Our lips are to speak praise out loud. Real life is difficult, even fully daunting at times; but we choose to give thanks to His name. We sacrifice our rights- our rights to ourselves, our right to insist life go our way. We offer those rights on the altar of God's goodness, faithfulness, strength, overcoming power, care, provision, protection, guidance, intervention - the list is virtually endless. Will you complain or praise? Psalm 50:23 - "He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.”