On this Thanksgiving Day, let’s develop an attitude of gratitude.

12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover [with a discreet word of correction or warning] to a listening ear.

We have all heard of a sacrifice of praise before. It’s almost always linked with the Psalms or church music. And, yes, putting Scripture to music is a great way to learn the Scriptures, but let’s look at what the writer of Hebrews was saying in 13:15,

¹⁵ Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

The word, “sacrifice,” means “to give up something in order to receive something else.” Dave Ramsey says, “It’s better to do what you don’t want to do now so that you can do what you want to do later.” He’s talking about sacrificing having the nicest and newest stuff until our income exceeds our outgoing money, which usually comes later in life. The same concept is here in Hebrews. Look at the previous verse,

¹⁴ For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

Our eyes are set on a future kingdom, the one that Jesus has established and has invited us to join Him there. Verses 7-13 talk about sacrifice with reproach (disgrace); we must stand with Jesus as He takes the good news of who He is and what He’s done to the world.

So, as we celebrate today (or this weekend), let us remember and give thanks for what God/Jesus/Spirit has done for us, what He/They is/are doing for us now, and what is in store for us in the future.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Abba, may You receive our praise and thanks as we reflect upon all You have done for us. We may not have a whole lot on this side of eternity, but You have SO MUCH planned for us on Your side! In the meantime, we thank You for Jesus and His Spirit who connect us to You. We thank You for Your lovingkindness to us in that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Our hearts are, indeed, grateful. Amen.