Presence over Perfect

Hebrews 13:15 AMP Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

While reading the Word, before service yesterday, I came across a section titled “God-pleasing Sacrifices” in Hebrews. When does praise become a sacrifice to us? When we do not feel like it. Are there times that we do not “feel” like doing things? I think we do quite often. This time of year you either make the choice to dread the family gatherings or you can make the choice to go with an attitude of “it is one day that they get to see me, who am I going to let them see…Jesus?”

Joshua 24:15a AMP  If it is unacceptable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve

Better said than done, Amanda! You do not know how dysfunctional my family is? You are right, I do not. Then go where you can give of yourself to glorify God.

I understand that this week starts the holiday craze. Please do not go chasing happy with spending so much money that by Christmas you have buyers remorse. Believe me, we have done it! There was one Christmas that we got the boys so much stuff that I did not even think about where I was going to put it all. Then they did not even play with half of it. We started taking trips for Christmas after than. Memories last longer than toys. Giving of gifts is a love language, but so is quality time.

Psalms 27:13-14 AMP I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

Whatever you are experiencing or expecting this week know that the goodness of the Lord is still there. Offer up a sacrifice of praise if you have to! Read more of those God pleasing sacrifices in Hebrews 13:16-19, but start here. It is said that a merry heart does a person good. It is true. Turn off the news, put away the social media and offer a sacrifice of praise. In my house we have already started decorating for Christmas. My tree has been up all week. I am looking forward to going through a devotion for Advent. I am not stressing about the perfect gift. My love is not found in the perfect, it is found in the Presence.

If you need prayer or encouragement send me a message at amanda@desiringformore.org

A little silly for you today: Stretchy Pants