[03/26/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
Though we are imperfect people in continued need of God’s grace and mercy, we are still to aim at living acceptably before Him. (i.e. Romans 12:1-2) How can we reasonably expect Him to accept what we offer Him in service if we are not living mindful of surrendering to doing His Will rather than our own. (i.e. Matthew 7:21-23) If our life actions are not praising Him, how can we expect Him to accept the honor and praise from our lips? (note Matthew 15:7-8) Our continuing openness to God’s Will opens the door for His acceptance of our praise. In fact, it ought to feed our praise when we consider all the blessings associated with the following in His Will and the hope His Word provides!
In Psalm 119 the psalmist wrote. . .
“(108) Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules.” (Psalm 119:108 ESV)
Instructed of God, we are to freely offer by doing so in accordance with His Will. For us as Christians we ought to begin by freely offering our life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and then our lips in praise for the blessing of His direction (James 1:25) and His gifts. (James 1:17)
In view of the offering Jesus made on our behalf and the eternal destiny that awaits us (Hebrews 13:12-14), the writer of Hebrews exhorted. . .
“(15) Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (16) Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:15-16 ESV)
Acknowledging and surrendering to the complete sovereignty of God’s commands, our “freewill offerings of praise” will be acceptable to Him. May we, like the psalmist, humbly pray that it remain so!
Have a great day COMPELLED BY THE TRUTH TO OFFER TRUE PRAISE!
Carl
