August 04, 2025 | Be God's Family
Continual Praise
Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-16(NIV)
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Devotional
As a quick summation of the book of Hebrews, one pastor gives an overview of what we have learned in Hebrews: God is “better than Angels (Ch. 1), Moses (Ch. 3), and Aaron (Ch. 4-7); His covenant is better (Ch. 8); His sacrifice is better (Ch. 9); and His temple is better (Ch. 10). We have also been encouraged to worship Christ for His person and work as the Heir, Creator, Sustainer, Prophet, Priest, and King. He is the climax of God’s revelation (Heb 1:1-3)” (D. Hentschel).
In today’s passage, the writer of Hebrews encourages Christians to do good and share with others while offering their sacrifice of praise to God. As we end our study of Hebrews, we may still find ourselves asking, “What can we do for God?” The answer: Christians should always be doing good. As God is ever doing good, so we can never say we have done all we ought to do and will do no more. “To do good and to communicate, that is, to communicate of your substance, and of your charitable help, forget not” (C.H. Spurgeon). Hebrews 13:16 says: "And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God."
How can we help others? We can help by our service, money, comfort, and instruction. We are “to do good to others to those who need them, and to do this at some sacrifice to ourselves, for with such sacrifices God is well-pleased” (Spurgeon). At our church, we have many opportunities to serve each other: teaching a Sunday school class, singing in the choir, helping in the Food Pantry, and so many other needy areas. Which have you chosen to serve and praise God?
God as our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer certainly deserves our continual praise. C.S. Lewis writes in his Reflections on the Psalms: “Isn’t it amazing to realize His [God’s] lovingkindness towards us, as in commanding us to give Him praise, He is offering us the supreme joy and fullness of life. It makes you want to shout out loud and share the goodness of God with others.” In Psalm 150:6, we are admonished, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Let’s sing and shout to the Lord these words by Fanny Crosby as we serve Him:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
How are you expressing your love for God by helping and serving others today?
Poem
Praise God!
Psalm 77
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?
Psalm 77:11-13
What is the greatest “thank you?”
What encompassing response?
What opens floodgates, healing?
What every ill denounce?
What sends forth heaven’s legions?
What guards my soul always?
What speaks when words do dwindle?
What song can I e’er raise?
Praise God!
Praise God!
Praise God!
