*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

Thursday, December 15th .

Pastor Chris

*By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).*

Our opening scripture is referring to the Lord, Jesus Christ. By Him, we’re to continually offer spiritual sacrifices to God in praise. Praise is thanksgiving: thanking and extolling God’s Majesty and greatness; acknowledging Him in His acts of kindness, for which you’re grateful and thankful.

But here’s the beautiful thing: in praising Him, in acknowledging His greatness, we’re thankful that His greatness is directed towards us for our advantage, in loving us, taking care of us, blessing us and all the numerous things He’s done for us.

The Spirit’s prayer through Paul in *Ephesians 1:19* further explains it. It says, *“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”* For example, when God demonstrated that great power in raising Jesus from the dead, He raised us up together with Him. Hallelujah!

Everything He’s revealed to us about His power and His greatness is all about blessing us. He created all things: the stars, the moons, the sun, all the planets, the things we know and don't know, and the ones we see and don't see; they’re all for us.

No wonder the Bible says in *1 Timothy 6:17* that He gives us all things richly to enjoy. He shared all of what He's got with us! *2 Peter 1:3* says, *“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things….”* Think about that! Then He said in *1 Corinthians 3:21, “…all things are yours.”* Blessed be God!

*PRAYER*

*Thank you, blessed Father, for the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing riches of your grace in your kindness and goodness of heart directed toward me in Christ Jesus. You’re the only true and wise God, who reigns and rules in the affairs of men; the One who is the blessed and only Sovereign. To you, Lord, be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion and praise, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *Ephesians 2:4-7* But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

*Hosea 14:2* Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

*Hebrews 13:15* By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan* Revelation 7 & Amos 5-9

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan* Revelation 13:11-18 & Micah 7