photo #3171313

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15)Looking back at verses 12-14 of this same chapter, those words "By him" in this verse refer to the Lord Jesus. We cannot praise God without thanking Him for our Saviour's work at Calvary. Praising God and thanking God walk hand in hand. That is the clear teaching of this verse.The praise to which we are called to offer must be continual; and it must consist, at the very least, of our lips giving thanks to His name. And what a Wonderful name it is to praise and give thanks for.When we come to God in prayer, what percentage of that time do we spend in praise and thanksgiving? What is the first thing most people usually say to God in prayer? Is it “Gimme this” or is it “Thank you for that?" There is certainly nothing wrong with making our needs and desires known to God, Who already knows them. However, we cannot properly ask for God's will in our lives unless we also bring with us grateful words of praise to His name for all He has done. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."Our consistent attention to gratitude in prayer will not only help us to live with a joyful appreciation for all of His blessings He hath bestowed, but it will also guard us from temptations of envy toward what others may have, and the discontentment over what we don't have. But let us remember folks, our hopes are anchored to that Rock solid promise, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Keep in mind it says, "all your need", not all your greed. What should we be most thankful for and to Whom do we owe our greatest praise and gratitude? By Whose authority are we even allowed entrance to that throne whereby we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need? That's an easy one, isn't it? It is by Jesus Christ, and for Jesus Christ. Friends, may our lips sing the songs of praise, and our prayers echo words of thanksgiving offered to God!