Heb. 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."

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Do you always feel like praising Him,
Lifting His name on high;
Aren't there times when…
Right on the bottom…you do lie?

To praise Him…or anyone,
More than you can do:
You want to run…to hide,
Feel so depressed and blue.

And, maybe for a time,
We'll stay there…lost in self-pity;
But, how long can we listen,
To that sad song…that sad little ditty?

I know…for myself,
I can grow pretty tired;
Of that…"poor little me",
Sung over and over…too long choired.

Bible says the sacrifice of praise,
Like music to God's ears;
Not because He needs our praises,
He knows praise will drive away our fears.

Sacrifice…sacrifice,
We don't like the word;
To receive…sounds so much better,
Sacrifice…it sounds absurd.

'Tis better to give…than to receive,
Words quoted o'er and o'er;
But, do we really believe these words,
Are they true…or just folklore?

The carnal man gets pleasure,
Whenever he receives;
A self-less life…not for him,
This thought…he cannot conceive.

Our spirit-man rejoices,
Whenever he can give;
So willing is he…to be poured-out,
As long as he shall live.

A life poured-out…self-less,
The sacrifice of praise;
In our daily lives…our actions,
And, our voices…in thanks giving…raised.

So, don't draw back…when you hear it,
"The sacrifice of praise";
We know our God is worthy,
Offer Him that sacrifice…always!

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Nov. 19, 2000

Aimee Love
(LHG)