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.
Hebrews 13: 15-16

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A few years ago, a storm knocked down a large tree in my neighbor’s yard. She was an elderly widow who lived alone. After a day of watching and waiting—wondering if her family or maybe a tree trimming company might show up—I knocked on her door and offered to cut up the tree. She gratefully said yes. So I went to work sawing and cutting. I also contacted a guy down the street who sells firewood to come and get the cut logs. Within a couple days, the fallen tree was no longer a problem for her. The coolest thing was that while I worked, I felt God’s pleasure and joy! It really was worship!

Have you ever considered service to others to be worship? I have considered service to others a sacrifice at times, but worship? Not always. And yet, our lives become living sacrifices and worship-full by loving and serving others in Jesus’s name. It can be challenging, but in my experience, it is worth it.

You don’t have to wait for a tree to fall in your neighbor’s yard, though. Sacrifices of praise can be spontaneous or purposeful as you praise God for what He has done regardless of how you feel. I have discovered that a few minutes of sincere praise to our Father is better than anything else to empower and raise my spirit above present circumstances. Praising Him changes the dynamics of a situation and the people involved—bringing His presence into any matter. I really think that praising God is one of the believer’s super powers.

The world is full of need, and God loves it when we who claim to follow Jesus take action in thought, word, and deed to serve others. It glorifies God and benefits the person or people we are serving. It also benefits and blesses us when we praise and serve. So while it might truly be a sacrifice of praise, the sacrifice is worth it. 

Next Steps

• Take a moment throughout each day to quietly think of things to praise God for and tell Him.
• Ask God to help you follow Him more closely through the gift of obedience to His Holy Spirit.
• Ask God to show you the needs of others that you can help with, whether through prayer or other actions.