Tag Archives: sacrifice

November 16
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“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  (Hebrews 13:16, NIV)

Of course, it is a sacrifice to do the right thing, because doing so means forsaking the privileges and benefits to which we feel entitled.

Of course, it is a sacrifice to share. It means making do with less of something we, deep-down, want more of; or we think of some others as less worthy of our time, talent, and treasure.

Nevertheless, we are reminded that to pursue goodness, mercy, kindness, and love in all of our relationships; and to prefer sharing all that we have with others to withholding the same from them pleases God.

So, go ahead: Do the things that make our heavenly Father smile.  There is no shame in goodness; and it is through giving that we receive.  – Luther

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June 20
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“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)

Today’s scripture reminds us our “true and proper worship” consists of self-sacrifice. Not a heroic “all-in once for all” sacrifice, but a common “all-in each day” sacrifice for every right, holy, and good thing.

To “offer our bodies” makes our sacrifice personal. We can put in time without engaging our mind. We can give our thoughts without giving the hands and feet that make lofty thoughts a reality. The presentation of our body is to deliver a complete package: Mind as well as muscle.

God is merciful. Our thanksgiving for His mercy is worship. Make your worship truly, and completely, personal.  – Luther

REMINDER: As is the custom of Daily Encouragement, we’ll give it a rest tomorrow.  Have a great day in worship.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

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April 23
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“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'” (I Samuel 15:22, NIV)

The adage, “It is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission,” has no traction in a disciple’s relationship with his or her heavenly Father.

Like any good parent, God wants you and me to be obedient to His will and to His way because disobedience’s true price is a sacrifice of another sort: Sacrificed time, sacrificed opportunities, sacrificed relationships that might have sustained us and, most notably, sacrificed intimacy with our Father, God and Creator.

In the economy of heaven, simple obedience is always preferable to our most extravagant “make-ups” and “make-goods” for our willful disobedience. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”  – Luther

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