Chapter 10: The
Sacrifice Of Praise
I am becoming more and more convinced that telling people
about Christ is not the most important ministry we have in this life. Neither
is feeding the hungry. Nor helping people find a deeper relationship with God.
All of those things are important, and all are commanded by God. But more and
more I am persuaded that what pleases the heart of God most are the choices we
make that no one sees but God those everyday moments when God is the only
audience; when we offer to Him the sacrifice of praise; when the sweet aroma of
our thanksgiving reaches Him.
……
The sacrifice of praise is the fruit of our lips according
to Hebrews 13: 15. This is the sweet, delightful fruit that we Christ-ones can
offer to God. It is something we can actually do for our Father, something that
pleases and gladdens Him. Instead of all the negative, ugly words that come out
of our mouth, may the secret daily moments of our heart be filled with praise.
If they are, our speech will overflow as a sacrifice upon the altar of a
living, loving God.
……
Read Hebrews 13:1-19. Write the two or three main thoughts these
verses are communicating?
What are the sacrifices God
is pleased with in verse 16?
Read Psalm 51 out loud
during your quiet time this week. Yes,
out loud! What does the Psalmist bring
as a sacrifice to God in verse 17? What
does the Psalmist not need to bring to God to please him? (vs 16)
After this study, write a
prayer that incorporates a few things you have learned during the past several
weeks. Place it somewhere you will see it regularly
and allow that prayer to form your speech, your relationships and your inner
life.