Hey Friends,

When we think of sacrifice we think of the Old Testament – that we are now living in the age of grace and sacrifice is over for us.  Not hardly! There is much for us to sacrifice. The New Testament uses the word often.  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.” So in the Older Testament they brought animals to sacrifice and today we bring praise, among other things.

I wonder if we can only sacrifice praise when we are at church? What do you think? You’re right, we can do it daily and wherever we are.  The fruit of our  lips to praise Him. People should be able to tell we are Christ-followers by what comes out of our mouth. Praise for God and encouragement for others. His Word should flow freely from our lips to help others. Our lives lived in worship, praise, and thanksgiving. With it He is well pleased. After all, wasn’t that the reason for sacrifices in the Old Testament?

Are the people around you hearing your praise? I don’t mean you have to shout “Hallelujah!” all the time. Do they hear you thank God? Do they hear you whisper His name? Do they hear you share what God can do in their lives? Are you a giver of hope? What words fall from your lips? Jesus said out of your heart come the words from your mouth.

Is God pleased with the words you let fall from your lips? “Can out of the same fountain come bitter and sweet water?” NOPE!  Today let us choose the words that we say and share for God is listening and longing to use our mouths.

“Praise Him from whom all blessings fall.”

Pastor

P.S. If you are a leader then your words are even more important because they carry more weight for the people around you. You can worship or  whine. You can encourage or  discourage.