Offering Sacrifices of Praise is Sometimes All We’ve Got

A dear friend of mine, for over nine years has been relentless in the care of her sweet boy and his journey with Full Trisomy 13. I’ve never seen anything like what this sweet boy has endured and neither have I seen a mother more devoted to her boy in meeting his daily needs, but is even more devoted in audacious faith, believing always for a miracle. I saw her post a few days ago, after going through a tremendously traumatic Christmas break with her young son. She was simply wishing she could have had time with her other two sons, but she couldn’t. She was at the hospital with her youngest. She is brave and courageous beyond words, but deep inside warriors is that longing for normalcy. Yesterday, I read that she is still in the hospital with that precious little man. It was Epiphany Sunday and I prayed for God to reveal Himself strong to her.

Saying we’re praying for her/them, seems trite. The only words I could come up with during that Christmas time were to urge her, when it’s too hard to praise, to offer a sacrifice of praise. These were the only words I could think of to offer her. They still seem meager to offer some consolation to her, but, what better words could I give her than from God’s Word? I share them here today with you because there may be some of you who are also exhausted, spent, ready to throw in the towel and be done. But, DON’T QUIT! Praise, even if it's a sacrifice.

"Precious, loving, devoted "L". I pray for you today – you who are carrying such a heavy load – but also knowing you know our burden-removing Lord Who bears those burdens with you and for you. I pray you are able to cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you and your family so much. "K" is still in God's hands though it may not seem like it. His life and yours are a shining example of true love, compassion, and devotion. I pray you find your voice of praise and thanksgiving -- even though it may be a sacrifice to do so. Hebrews 13:15 says, '“Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that acknowledge His name.”'

A sacrifice is a gift to God declaring that He is worthy. It is also, by definition, difficult. A sacrifice hurts, it’s costly, it takes effort—and the ultimate sacrifice cost Jesus His life. And, for us, a sacrifice of praise won’t always be easy, but difficult and costly. Because of Scripture, we know that we don’t just confess God’s name when it feels good, looks good, or benefits us in some way. We offer praise, as Hebrews 13:15 says, “continually.” This means without ceasing, in all circumstances. Like Paul said in I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

And, as this verse says, we’re able to do all this “through Him.” Through Jesus, we’re able to see the great, great love of our great, great God Who holds everything in the palm of His hand and bends it to His will with a word. Through Jesus, our mediator, we’re able to access the Father in order to give Him due praise (1 Timothy 2:5).

Nehemiah says, “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (8:10). Through praise we enjoy God. Imagine that! Praise focuses us on where our joy comes from and where our gaze should be, and the result is our strength! Whether through prayer, meditating on God’s Word, thanksgiving, or praise, we can lift tired hands even when it’s hard -- especially when it’s hard -- and say, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord!” (Isaiah 6:3).

Here's what your devotion, love and suffering did for me today, dear "L". You gave me a blog that will surely be posted and shared for others to learn from your beautiful life of love for your little angel boy!" 🙏❤️🙏❤️

In my own experience, there were times when the last thing I wanted to do was praise God. In those times, the burden of offering such a sacrifice seemed impossible -- and I know I wasn’t alone in this. I know many who are in a fetal position right now from the weights they carry. Weariness has set in – and it seems tomorrow will never come. But, as I shared with my friend – when all else fails, when the night seems so, so long – we become “praisers” – in the middle of it all. The middle can be a hard place to be – but joy comes in the morning. I pray morning breaks for my sweet friend and for you today. Let us offer sacrifices of praise because God is there soaking those praises in. Will you please join me in praying and praising with me for my sweet friend and her precious boy today?

Hiding His Word in Our Hearts

Day 160 of Photo Inspirations -- Hiding His Word in Our Hearts
Memorization of scriptures has been pivotal in my having a joy-filled life, unwavering faith (most of the time), perseverance in tough times and learning to jump high hurdles (obstacles).  I sincerely believe that God's Word represents life and power, and is the greatest treasure we have in living an overcoming life.  

In Kids Church, we had "Sword" Drills -- that's when the leader would call out a book of the Bible, chapter and verse, and then we'd hustle to be the first one to find it in our Bible, stand up and read it.  That fun game taught us how to find scriptures, and it taught us the words of the scriptures.  Then we'd memorize scriptures during Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  I learned so many scriptures.  Why were my parents and teachers so convinced that we should commit ourselves to scripture memory?  Because they knew it was the greatest key to our future success.  Early on, those scriptures were simply "words", but facing responsibilities and the normal challenges of "living life", those "words" became more valuable than the greatest treasure I could ever have.

In Proverbs 7:2, we read "Guard My words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.”  One of the most powerful ways that we can transform our lives, resist temptation, make wise decisions, and counterattack the enemy when he comes knocking on our door with his dumb fear tactics -- is knowing God's Word. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.”

The more we know what God says, the more we are going to know how God thinks, because the will of God is found in the Word of God. It strengthens us when we're weary.  It comforts us when we're sad.  It gives us hope during times of crisis. 

A couple of days ago, I was called back to the medical center for an ultrasound as they found abnormalities on a "routine" test they'd done a couple of days before. Before the test, during the test, and waiting for the results of the test, I recalled so many scriptures:  "Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me."  "By the stripes of Jesus, I am healed." "Peace, be still."  "Peace be with you."  "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD my God is with me, wherever I go,"  

By the way, the report came back -- "nothing to be concerned about". I praised and thanked God.  But what if the report had come back the other way?  Then I expect the same would hold true.  I would trust and believe and meditate on God's Word that would give me comfort, hope, healing, and strength.  I encourage you today to take this prescription:  "Read, meditate and memorize God's Word for it will be sweet music to your heart. light for your pathway, and healing to your soul in your best of times and in the lowest of times.