What Kind of Sacrifices Please God?

O. T. #2068  "What Kind of Sacrifices Please God?"

Nov. 16, 2021

Hosea 14-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 107:22 says, And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

Who is the "them" in that verse? The answer is found in the previous verse-those that praise the LORD for His goodness and wonderful works. So not only are we to praise God with psalms, songs, and words, but we are also to give Him thanks. Do we share how merciful and gracious our covenant-keeping God is? How much are we rejoicing? (Speaking to myself, too.)

What are we to do? Sacrifice means to slaughter, offer, slay. Thanksgiving refers to adoration, an extension of the hand, confession, praise.

Do we offer our God adoration, praise, confession, with hands lifted high? We deny our self take up our cross, and follow Jesus with thanksgiving, He is pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16 tells us, By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Continually. So we are to thank God all the day long. I had not noticed that before.

LET IT GROW

Read verse 8, New Living Translation (NLT) says it this way:

O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me.

The 10 northern tribes of Israel separated themselves from God because they worshiped idols instead of Him. They were corrupt with superstitions and fictitious gods. Eventually, Israel will repent and confess those sins during the Millennial reign of Christ on earth. God will be their protector like a fir tree provides shade and remains green while other trees loose their leaves fall off. Their fruit only comes from God. Her gives rich and abundant life. (Keep in mind that Hosea is writing during the reigns of the last kings of Israel.)

We must be connected to Jesus in order to bear spiritual fruit, for without Him we can do nothing. Even though we make blunders and wrong choices, God is ready to forgive us. Do you recall Nineveh, where Jonah did not want to go preach repentance? God saved those horrible heathens.

LET IT GO

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy of our praise and glory and worship!

There are so many things for us to thank You for, our merciful God.

Yours is amazing grace and unchanging love. You took our place, laying down Your life for us, so we do not have to pay for our sins!

Praise Jesus! Thank You Jesus!

Thank You for answering our prayers.

Use us today to bear spiritual fruit for You honor.