Slideshow image

  THANKS for taking a few moments out of your day on Thanskgiving Eve to spend time in simple thanks.

  As Hebrews 13:15 exhorts the brothers and sisters in Christ of that day, so we too are called in the same fashion:

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Our praise, which includes giving thanks to God, is:

  • Through (because of) Jesus.
  • Often communal ("let us").
  • Continual, "habitual," common, etc. (no matter the circumstances). 
  • Offered to God ... as  a gift, i.e., an active choice.
  • A sacrifice ... it costs time, maybe resources, setting aside difficulty to focus on God's greatness rather than any struggle, physical strength & action/activity, reputation, humility, etc.
  • Verbal ('fruit of our lips").
  • A "product" of our relationship with God ("fruit").
  • Easily known (seen/heard) ("openly").
  • Clearly declarative ("profess").
  • ALL about God, specifically Jesus.

... Beacuse:

  • God is WITH you (13:5).
  • God is your Helper (13:6).
  • God has provided us examples of how to follow & live for Him (13:7).
  • Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (13:8) ... He NEVER changes, no matter any circumstance in which you may find yourself.
  • God strengthens us through & by His Grace (13:9).
  • God has given us an altar better than the former prieses (13:10).
  • Jesus makes us holy through the gift of His Own Blood (13:12).
  • He gives us the reality of a hope for more than we can presently see or experience (13:14).
  • He has given us spiritual leaders to help us continue our life of faith in His Direction (13:17).

OH, the BLESSINGS of God!