Giving God Sacrifices of Praise

Thanksgiving-Bible-Verse

What parent does not like to be praised and respected by his children? And when Dad announces to his kids that he's decided to grant their hearts' desire and take the family to Disney World, what child would not shout his approval and pound ol' dad on the back while jumping for joy? Good ol' dad!Sure. We love to please our kids, and we love for them to show appreciation and respect to us. Why do parents like this? I think God made us this way because He is this way, and we are created in His image.Now try this one: What parent would not really appreciate it if their kids still praise, love, and respect them even when given a “no” answer? Such praise tells the parents that the kids' love for them is valid. It's not based upon whether the kids get their needs (or greeds) satisfied. This is what our Dad wants from us. It's called a “sacrifice of praise.” Trusting that Christ is your strength to manifest his through you is the key.Hebrews 13:15 says, “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.” By praising God in the midst of your personal adversity, or even calamity, you demonstrate to every observer that God would get your vote if He had to run for reelection every year, or month, or day, or minute.Folks, I'm certainly not teaching the falsehood that one day I should smile and say a cheery, “Praise the Lord!” at Anabel's funeral. It would, however, be appropriate to tell God through my tears that it's OK—that this is not going to be an impediment to our relationship.And you know what? He will actually see to it that I become more conformed to the image of Christ for having experienced this heartbreak as I offer of “sacrifices of praise.”