Living a Life of Gratitude and Praise

Devotional

Day 1: Shout for Joy and Give Thanks to the Lord

Psalm 100 calls all people to joyful worship and thanksgiving, reminding us that we belong to God as His people and the sheep of His pasture. True gratitude flows from recognizing God’s goodness, enduring love, and faithfulness through every generation. As we gather in worship, whether on Thanksgiving or any day, we are invited to enter His presence with songs of praise, acknowledging that every blessing comes from Him. Let your heart overflow with thankfulness, not just today, but as a continual response to God’s steadfast love. [21:01]

Psalm 100 (ESV):
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: What is one specific thing you can thank God for today that you may have overlooked in your daily routine?

Day 2: Offer a Sacrifice of Praise Through Jesus

Hebrews 13:15 teaches that, because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we are called to continually offer God a sacrifice—not of animals or ritual, but of praise that openly professes His name. Our gratitude and worship are not based on our own worthiness, but are made possible through Jesus, who mediates our relationship with the Father. As you praise God today, remember that your words of thanksgiving and your public confession of Jesus’ name are precious offerings that delight the heart of God. [45:16]

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV):
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Reflection: In what ways can you openly profess Jesus’ name in your conversations or actions today?

Day 3: Do Good and Share With Others

Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that our worship is not complete without acts of goodness and generosity toward others. God is pleased when we sacrifice our time, resources, or comfort to bless those around us, just as Jesus gave Himself for us. Consider how you might “do good and share” today, knowing that these practical sacrifices are a fragrant offering to God and a reflection of His love in the world. [48:31]

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV):
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflection: Who is one person you can bless today with your time, encouragement, or resources, and how will you do it?

Day 4: Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Forgiveness

Romans 3:25 proclaims that God presented Jesus as the sacrifice of atonement, making it possible for us to be reconciled to Him through faith. No further sacrifices are needed; Jesus’ death and resurrection have accomplished everything necessary for our forgiveness and peace with God. Let this truth fill you with assurance and gratitude, and let it move you to trust in Christ’s finished work for you each day. [47:10]

Romans 3:25 (ESV):
Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is the once-for-all sacrifice for your sins change the way you approach God in prayer and worship today?

Day 5: Worship Is About God, Not Ourselves

True worship is not about what we “get out of it,” but about giving God the praise, thanks, and glory He deserves. Even when worship feels routine or when we don’t feel personally fulfilled, our focus should be on honoring God and growing in relationship with Him. Like attending a family celebration for the sake of others, our participation in worship is an act of love and devotion to God, regardless of our feelings. [52:19]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV):
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection: The next time you gather for worship, how can you intentionally shift your focus from your own preferences to honoring and thanking God with your whole heart?

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of gratitude, a time to gather and lift our hearts in thanksgiving to God, who has given us life, community, and the gift of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Psalm 100, we are reminded to enter God’s presence with joyful praise, recognizing that we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, but a posture of the heart—one that should shape our lives every day, not just once a year. God delights in our gratitude, and we are invited to rejoice in his enduring love and faithfulness.

Reflecting on the ancient practices of sacrifice, we see how, for generations, God’s people brought offerings—animals, grain, oil, and wine—to the temple as acts of worship and atonement. Yet, through Jesus, everything changed. He became the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all, so that we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices for forgiveness. Instead, we are called to offer a new kind of sacrifice: the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Our worship, our gratitude, and our public confession of Jesus as Lord are now the offerings that please God.

But the call does not end with words. Hebrews 13:16 urges us not to forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. True thanksgiving overflows into action—acts of kindness, generosity, and self-denial for the sake of others. Just as Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor, so too are we called to embody our gratitude through service and sharing.

It is easy to fall into the trap of making worship about ourselves—what we get out of it, how it makes us feel. But the heart of worship is not self-centered; it is God-centered. Our gatherings, our songs, our prayers, and even our listening are all opportunities to give God the glory he deserves. Even when worship feels dry or routine, we can offer it as a sacrifice of praise, trusting that God is pleased with our faithfulness.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us not simply talk about gratitude, but truly give thanks—now and always. May our lives be marked by continual praise, generous sharing, and a deep awareness of God’s goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Key Takeaways

1. Thanksgiving as a Way of Life Gratitude is not confined to a single day or event; it is a continual posture of the heart. Entering God’s presence with thanksgiving shapes our relationship with him and with others, reminding us daily of his enduring love and faithfulness. True thanksgiving transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for worship. [21:17]
2. The Sacrifice of Praise through Jesus Through Jesus, the need for ritual animal sacrifices has ended; he is the once-for-all offering for our sins. Now, our sacrifice is praise—offered not from our own merit, but through Christ, who mediates our relationship with the Father. This praise is not just private gratitude, but a public profession of Jesus’ name, which brings delight to God. [45:16]
3. Doing Good and Sharing as Spiritual Sacrifice God is pleased not only with our words of praise, but with our actions of kindness and generosity. Doing good and sharing with others are tangible sacrifices that reflect the love of Christ and fulfill his command to love our neighbor. Our self-denial and service become acts of worship that honor God. [48:31]
4. Worship is God-Centered, Not Self-Centered It is easy to approach worship with a consumer mindset, focusing on what we receive rather than what we give. True worship shifts our attention from ourselves to God, offering him praise regardless of our feelings or preferences. Even when worship feels routine or uninspiring, it remains a meaningful sacrifice when offered with sincerity. [52:19]
5. Gratitude in Action, Every Day Thanksgiving is not just spoken, but lived out in daily choices to praise God, serve others, and share what we have. Each moment is an opportunity to lift grateful hearts to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape us into people marked by generosity and joy. In this way, our lives become a continual offering of thanks to the Lord.

** [61:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:01] - Psalm 100: A Call to Thanksgiving
[21:42] - Opening Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
[26:41] - Announcements and Community Life
[27:34] - Alpha Program and New Members
[29:00] - Birthdays and Anniversaries
[34:15] - Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:15-16
[39:17] - Reflections on Sacrifice
[40:44] - Old Testament Sacrifices and Passover
[43:24] - Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice
[45:16] - The Sacrifice of Praise
[46:15] - Professing Jesus’ Name
[48:31] - Doing Good and Sharing with Others
[49:18] - Loving God and Neighbor
[52:19] - Worship: For God, Not Ourselves
[53:53] - Living a Life of Thanksgiving
[60:59] - Bereavement Group and Final Blessing
[61:33] - Closing Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 13:15-16 (ESV) — > Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 13:15, what kind of sacrifice are believers called to offer now, and how is it different from Old Testament sacrifices?
In verse 16, what two actions are specifically mentioned as sacrifices that please God?
The sermon described how worship can sometimes feel routine or uninspiring. What does the pastor say we should do in those moments? [[52:19]]
What examples did the pastor give of sacrifices in the Old Testament, and how did Jesus change the need for those sacrifices? [[43:24]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the writer of Hebrews emphasizes offering praise “through Jesus” rather than on our own? What does this say about our relationship with God? [[45:16]]
The sermon says that thanksgiving is not just a holiday, but a posture of the heart. What does it mean for gratitude to shape our daily lives, not just special occasions? [[21:17]]
How does doing good and sharing with others become a spiritual sacrifice, and why is this pleasing to God? [[48:31]]
The pastor warns against making worship about ourselves. What are some signs that our worship might be self-centered instead of God-centered? [[52:19]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Thanksgiving is not just spoken, but lived out in daily choices.” What is one specific way you can show gratitude to God this week, beyond just saying “thank you”? [[53:53]]
Hebrews 13:16 urges us not to forget to do good and to share. Is there someone in your life right now who could use your help or generosity? What is one practical step you can take to serve or share with them this week? [[48:31]]
The sermon talked about the “sacrifice of praise” even when worship feels dry or routine. Can you remember a time when you didn’t feel like worshiping or giving thanks? How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? [[52:19]]
The pastor shared about how easy it is to make worship about what we get out of it. Have you ever found yourself thinking this way? What would it look like to shift your focus to giving God glory, even if you don’t “get something out of it”? [[52:19]]
The message said that true thanksgiving overflows into action—acts of kindness, generosity, and self-denial. What is one area of your life where you could practice self-denial for the sake of loving God or your neighbor? [[49:18]]
The pastor mentioned that our public confession of Jesus’ name is part of our sacrifice of praise. Is there a situation where you could be more open about your faith this week? What might hold you back, and how can you overcome it? [[46:15]]
The sermon encouraged us to let every moment be an opportunity for gratitude. What is one ordinary moment in your daily routine where you could intentionally pause to give thanks to God? [[53:53]]

Sermon Clips

They realized they didn't need to keep going to the Temple in Jerusalem and offering animal sacrifices in order to receive God's forgiveness. Jesus had been that ultimate sacrifice. And so these Jews who had been raised and going back thousands of years, their ancestors had offered animal sacrifices, sacrifices at the altar in Jerusalem. They were no longer doing that because they realized that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. And so rather than doing that, they just lifted up their thanks and their praise to God, saying, thank you, Lord. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing the ultimate sacrifice, the once and for all sacrifice. [00:44:03] (50 seconds) #ThankfulForJesus

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice. Not of animals, not of blood, but a sacrifice of praise. That is how Christians sacrifice to the Lord. We praise Him. But notice how the writer begins this passage. He says, we don't just offer our praise because of our own goodness, because of our own worth. We do it through Jesus. We offer praise to our Heavenly Father through Jesus, who is that sacrifice, who paid that price, who offered his body and his blood so that he might be the mediary between us and our Heavenly Father. [00:45:01] (54 seconds) #SacrificeOfPraise

And so we offer a sacrifice of praise. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Heavenly Father. Thank you for life, thank you for opportunities, thank you for family and friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And then he goes on to say that there needs to be something more specific about this praise as well. The fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And so it's more than simply saying thank you. It's about professing his name. The Heavenly Father delights in glorifying His Son Jesus. And he delights when we glorify His Son Jesus. [00:45:55] (50 seconds) #ProfessHisName

And so as we profess his name, the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Lord and Savior, our Heavenly Father delights in that he receives that thankfulness, praise which we offer not only through Jesus, but as we profess Jesus, Lord and Savior. [00:46:46] (24 seconds) #FaithInChrist

And do not forget to do good and to share with others. For with such sacrifices, God is pleased. Jesus sacrificed his very life on the cross for our sake, that we might have forgiveness of sins, that we might have eternal life, that we might be at peace with our Heavenly Father, that we might receive the Holy Spirit. The list goes on and on. And no more blood or animal sacrifices are required on our part. Rather, we simply praise and thank our Heavenly Father Through Jesus we lift up the name of Jesus which brings glory to him and pleases our Heavenly Father. [00:48:31] (47 seconds) #LoveAndSacrifice

And just as Jesus said when he was asked, what is the greatest commandment, he said, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second commandment is, like it, love your neighbour as you love yourself. And so the author of the Hebrews here is saying the same thing. We praise our Heavenly Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. That is our sacrifice of praise. And likewise our other sacrifice is to do good and to share with others for such sacrifices which we make on behalf of others, please God. [00:49:18] (43 seconds) #SelflessGiving

Which is why I was thinking of the youth group and how we talked about sacrifice and, and shared how when we spend money, when we spend time for the sake of blessing others, that pleases God, when we deny ourselves and say, you know, I could do something with this money myself, I could do something with my time, which I would prefer, rather than giving my time to help you. But those sacrifices please God, when we deny ourselves, when we take up our cross, when we follow him, when we proclaim him, that is our sacrifice of praise, when we say, not what I want, Father, but what you want. [00:50:02] (54 seconds) #ChurchIsAboutHim

How sad it would be for us to simply gather here and especially on a Thanksgiving Sunday, and for me to just talk about Thanksgiving, but for none of us to actually give thanks. Give thanks now in this very moment, even as you're losing track of what I'm talking about, focus on him. Give thanks to him not just for an hour on Sunday morning, but every moment of every day. [00:53:38] (34 seconds)

``Praise your heavenly father through your Lord Jesus Christ, and may he receive all the praise, all thanksgiving, and all the glory, now and always. Amen. [00:54:12] (15 seconds)

Sisters and brothers, you can rejoice and give thanks to the Lord not only this day, but each and every day. Continue to lift up grateful hearts to God, your heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior, and may the Holy Spirit your keeper be with you now and forevermore. Amen. [01:01:12] (22 seconds)

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