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  In Everything   Give Thanks   “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)   Reasons we can be thankful in this hard season? A greater sense of His faithfulness. His Word tells us, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36:5, NIV). A richer understanding of His peace. Since God’s in charge, and we are not, we can let go of our anxious thoughts and rest in Him. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NIV). A constant assurance of His goodness. Because His plans for us are always good and always purposeful, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13, NIV). A deeper dependence on His presence. When I’m on my knees, He meets me without fail. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2, NIV

  Our Sacrifice of Praise.   Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of  our  lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.   Hebrews 13:15-16   The writer to the Hebrews explains several essentials for proper praise.   · Praise that pleases God is offered   by Him , that is  by  Jesus Christ, on the ground of His righteousness and pleasing God.   · Praise that pleases God is offered  continually , so that we are always praising Him.   · Praise that pleases God is a  sacrifice of praise , in that it may be costly or inconvenient.   · Praise that pleases God is  the fruit of our lips , more than just thoughts directed towards God. It is spoken out unto the Lord, either is prose or in song. “What proceeds from the lips is regarded as  fruit , which reveals the character of its source, as the fruit of a tree reveals the nature of the tree