November 08th, 2020

DAY 3 - SACRIFICE OF PRAISE 

Probably the biggest desire of my heart is to be like Jesus Christ. 

The term Christian was used to describe the early believers because their actions and attitudes so closely emulated His.  I don’t want to just bear that title because I have accepted Jesus into my life.  I want to really be like Him.  I believe the promise that says that when I see Him I will be like Him. (1 John 3:2) The impact of a face to face encounter with Jesus is transformational.  With each glimpse through the veil I become more like Him.  

If seeing is so important, is it possible to see more of Him?  Do the choices that I make impact how much of Him I see?  I have found one key to that kind of access in Psalm 100.  We can actually pass through His gates and enter His presence through praise and thanksgiving.  As we focus on the blessings of His goodness, the veil is lifted and we encounter Him.  
There is, however, another aspect of praise that I believe draws us even closer to His presence.  That is when we offer a SACRIFICE OF PRAISE.  Often the circumstances of our lives are so difficult that we want to withdraw.  When we choose to give thanks, we will feel His hand come under us and lift us even closer to His heart. 

I believe that it is in this place of intimacy where we experience one of the ways He works all things for good and conforms us into His image. (Romans 8:28-29)
Our act of obedient praise allows Him to lift us above the situation and into His heart.  There we are transformed into an even greater re-presentation of Him.  
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Do you want to be like Jesus? 
Therefore I say, thank you Lord for the gift of thankfulness!


-Mariruth Borden