I’ve thought a lot lately about what a pleasing sacrifice to God would be. I have given Him myself. I have released to Him my family. I have surrendered all position to Him. There is nothing that I have withheld from Him…no place that I won’t and haven’t given Him access. Still, I wonder what He sees as a pleasing sacrifice.
He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of His people. “Bring My faithful people to Me- those who made a covenant with Me by giving sacrifices.” Then let the heavens proclaim His justice, for God Himself will be the Judge. Psalm 50:4-6
And
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory. Psalm 50:14-15
Our sacrifice in this season is to be thankfulness.
In this time when the earth seems out of order and many of our lives have been involuntarily thrown out of whack…we honor Him most with thankfulness.
These thoughts lead me, once again, to the Israelites…I wonder, if instead of grumbling and complaining all the time, they had been thankful…what would have been different? Just a little thankfulness goes a long way.
Being thankful in affliction is hard. But it’s also right. The narrow way is rarely the easy way, but wouldn’t you rather be one who pleases God, instead of one who joins in the rabble? I would. I want to be set apart. I have counted the cost and have seen the greatest value in walking the lonely road. The road less traveled. Even the church (universal) has lost its attraction for me. I have no time for empty platitudes and jumping through man’s hoops. No, give me the way that leads to the Promise. I won’t sacrifice my walk with God to the altar of man’s praise and direction. There is nothing but emptiness there. Nothing but a bar that will never be reached. Man is never satisfied. The only satisfaction I’ve found is in Christ Jesus. The wanting I feel in His Presence is a holy wanting…a desire for more of Him Who is to be desired. Desiring of the Spirit, not the flesh.
Oh…give me Jesus…and having received all that I can of Him, give me more. Increase my capacity to receive Him. Remove all empty things that take space inside of me that He could fill. This world has nothing for me. Give me Jesus.
It’s amazing that it’s even considered a sacrifice for us to give thanks, isn’t it?
God, I am so thankful. I have found such joy in Your presence. I willingly lay my life in Your hands. You alone are my heart’s desire. Forgive me for anytime I have gotten swept up in man’s plan…man’s design…man’s praise. Forgive me for anytime I have prostituted myself to the praise of man. Oh God, purify my heart. Let me be white as snow. I surrender all my life to You, every day. I am thankful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23
365 Days in the Presence 