Sacrifice

I believe that we look upon sacrifices incorrectly. When we think of sacrifice, we think of what it costs us. We should be thinking of what it does for others, rather than how much it costs us. For instance, we talk about sacrificing some time to help others. But the reality, and most significant part of this act, is the benefit that it provides the one that is helped. We don’t feel the cost as much when we focus on the benefits.

In Psalms 50:14-15 God says, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Continually offer thanksgiving to God and follow through on the promises you make to Him, as these are the sacrifices that He will always accept. These sacrifices glorify God. Call upon God when you are facing troubles, and He promises to deliver you through them, as this brings praise to Him.

Think Before Speaking

We all have heard the expression, “think before you speak.” We have probably experienced many situations when we wished we had done just that. Or at least, we have heard something that other people probably regretted saying later. We are so eager to speak at times that we fail to consider the words that we should use, rather than just reacting to what has been said.

Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” When we think before we speak, we give time for the Lord to give us wisdom in what we will say, rather than just reacting to what has been said. This godly wisdom will lead us to speak into the need of the moment and provide wisdom and encouragement to the listeners.

Do Overs

Sometimes I wish I could have a “do over”. When I mess something up or do something with unintended consequences, I want to erase what happened and try it again. God doesn’t give us do overs when we sin or fail. But He does give us the opportunity to start afresh, cleansed from the dirt we created in our lives.

Acts 15:8-9 says, “And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” God knows our hearts, and yet, still loves us steadfastly. When we fail, He knows. He is ready to cleanse our hearts and bear witness that we are His child by the Holy Spirit in us. We just need to return to Him and confess our sins, turning away from them and return back to God.

Giving To Be Enriched

Our culture drives us to get as much as we can get, as quickly as we can get it. Get rich schemes can be found all over the internet and social media. Social media are filled with claims of exorbitant incomes by sketchy means. God has a different plan and operates under a different economy.

Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Never withhold blessing others and you will find yourself enriched in many ways.

Hope And Bravery

As we were driving, I saw a billboard for a substance abuse recovery center. The client was reported to say, “Hope keeps me brave.” I believe that there is a lot of truth in that statement. Hope keeps the soldier and the cancer patient brave. Hope can also keep us brave as we face struggles. But where do we find hope?

Acts2:25-26 says, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;  therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.” Hope keeps us brave and helps us persevere in faith. We receive hope by keeping the Lord’s love and goodness before us. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His grace gives us great hope.