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Hebrews 13:15-16 “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” We Americans find so much dis-pleasure in life. Snow... UGH! Rain... this day is ruined! I don’t like... You ought to... You should have... I wanted... I deserve... I like... We have the I, I, I’s! How are those statements a sacrifice of praise to God? They aren’t generally speaking. They are the elevation of one’s own opinion as to what is good and right. We all are guilty to some extent or another. If you don’t think so... listen to yourself for awhile or better yet, ask your family. Have you ever considered what life would really be like if we could order everything to our liking? It sure would create confusion. And it would be very selfish. God in His wisdom stays in charge even when we act or react like spoiled children and fuss, fume, demand, squall, stomp... whatever way we choose to show our displeasure. In order to offer God praise we must first of all accept His choice for us in life as perfect. David said, Psalm 37:23 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Most of us would proclaim loudly that the Bible is true from cover to cover. That requires us to believe it’s words does it not? Then if our steps are directed of God why then do we complain? That is a bit of a stretch in thinking. Is it? I don’t think so. Every part of our life effects someone or something. Job writes, Job 23:10-14 “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does. So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny.” How are we tested? Through adversity and pleasure in our daily lives. But notice what Job considered the proper thing to do at all times... follow His ways and turn not aside, depart not from his commands and treasure His words more than daily food. I’ve found in my experience with people that all to often when adversity comes they want to suddenly get very spiritual. They pray, go to church, even repent at an altar but as soon as the adversity is over or life seems to be going their way, they are no where to be seen. In reality, even though they do not realize what they are doing, they are trying to obtain God’s favor through their own activity. And when things are going well, they can do just fine without God’s help... or so they think. Notice that Job accepts God’s decision as right. That requires humility, child-likeness. Jesus said, Matthew 18:2-4 “Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Article Source: http://christian-topics.info
Willetta is a retired pastor. She resides with her husband of 56 years and is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Wheelchair bound she occasionally teaches at her local church. Her pastime is her webs. www.theseedsower.org www.teachmethyways.org www.successwithkids.org
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