Sacrifice of Praise
When you travel as much as I do it happens all the time. What am I talking about? I’m talking about being surrounded by germs. You know I would love to come see you but traveling there would likely mean that I would be stuck on a plane sitting next to some kid coughing his head off with a terrible cold. That would mean I would probably get exposed to his germs and frankly, that just gives me the creeps!
You know what else I have discovered? If you sit next to someone who is enthusiastic and positive you will likely catch that good attitude as well. Here in America we have a new president, a new page in American history and despite the gloomy economic news, there still is a lot of enthusiasm about this grand old country of ours.
Regardless of what we may hear on the nightly news let’s all try to get enthusiastic about the United States, let’s celebrate today the simple fact that we are Americans and let’s do all we can as Christians to turn this country around for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. Let me encourage you to focus upon the joy that Christ has placed within your heart and allow that joy to be expressed in a positive and upbeat attitude that will surely be contagious to everyone you come in contact with each day.
Some days it is easy to offer praise to Christ for His many blessings and other days it is a struggle. Whether we’re in the valley or riding high on the mountaintop we are instructed in Hebrews 13:15-16 to persistently offer a sacrifice of praise unto God. We read:
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
