GenesisSample

Heaven Now

In chapter 13 of Hebrews, the writer describes "God-pleasing sacrifices." These sacrifices aren’t of the animal kind the original recipients of the letter would be familiar with. Instead, these sacrifices are ones of praise, the fruit of lives that thankfully acknowledge, confess, and glorify his name.

So how do you offer a sacrifice of praise? Lifting your voice and hands is a physical way to declare praise, acknowledge, confess, and glorify God’s name. And when you meet with the saints and praise God together, like the writer of Hebrews says... now that’s truly the sound of heaven. The invitation to come boldly to the throne of God has been extended to us through Jesus - as if that isn’t worth praising!

To top off the praise party, we’re reminded to offer these God-pleasing sacrifices continually. Coming to God’s house every week, meeting together with your midweek groups, or serving on a church team, are just some ways to develop the rhythm of continual praise in your life. Stretching your praise muscle can be hard at first, but just like lifting weights at the gym...the more you do it, the easier it gets!

Takeaway challenge: The song "Heaven Now" declares: "So let us bring praise, we run into your presence, no there’s nothing better. Together we praise, come and lift your hands up, heaven’s in this place." How can you develop the rhythm in your life so you’re continually offering God a sacrifice of praise?