June 18
The Sacrifice
of Praise
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Daily Steps
Engaging the world in a hostile environment can be spiritually draining. This verse provides the new believer with two powerful sacrifices that sustain peace and are visible acts of witness: the sacrifice of praise and the sacrifice of good deeds.
The peace in this practice is found in perpetual offering:
The Continual Offering: Our primary act of worship is to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise." This is called a sacrifice because it often requires giving praise when circumstances are difficult or when your emotions resist. This discipline of continually professing Christ's name stabilizes your heart and secures inner peace regardless of external chaos.
The Practical Offering: The second sacrifice is external and relational: "do not forget to do good and to share with others." This is the practical compassion we owe to the world (Day 157). These visible acts of generosity and good deeds demonstrate the reality of Christ's love to those outside the Church (The Light of the World, Day 166).
The Result is Divine Pleasure: God is pleased with both sacrifices. When your inner life (praise) and your outer life (good deeds) are aligned in worship, you fulfill your highest purpose. This fulfillment brings a profound, lasting peace that the world cannot take away.
Your peace in the world is secured by sacrificial worship. By consistently offering praise and actively doing good, you demonstrate holiness and fulfill your mission to the world.
Reflective Question
What is one difficult circumstance in your life that is making praise feel like a sacrifice right now? How can you purposefully speak the fruit of lips that openly profess his name today, turning that difficult situation into an act of worship?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to complain when circumstances are difficult. I pray for the strength to continually offer to You a sacrifice of praise.
Help me also to not forget to do good and to share with others. May both my inner worship and my outer good deeds be pleasing to You, securing my peace in Your perfect will. Amen.
