INTRODUCTION

Any man desiring to know the motive of his sacrifices should consider the companions of his sacrifices. If a man offers a sacrifice and that sacrifice is followed by sorrow or regret, the motive was wrong. Some answer the call to give financially in a time of need. They sacrifice, but that sacrifice is accompanied by frustration because of the loss of money. This should not and will not accompany godly sacrifice given out of godly motives. One who sacrifices to the Lord out of a godly motive will find joy and peace accompany his sacrifice. When God works in a heart, encouraging a sacrifice, the heart rejoices at the opportunity to be obedient and declare its love for a holy God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) The apostles were willing to sacrifice their own comfort and lives to do what God wanted them to do - preach the gospel. They did this with joy even under difficult circumstances. Read Acts 5:38-42 [38] And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: [39] But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. [40] And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [41] And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. [42] And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
  See All...; Acts 16:22-25 [22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. [23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: [24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. [25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
  See All...; Acts 20:22-24 [22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: [23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. [24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  See All....
• What accompanies your sacrifices unto the Lord? What follows when you witness for the Lord? What follows when you give financially to a need?
• Do you have joy in your heart as you serve the Lord? Do you have peace knowing you are giving the Lord the sacrifices He deserves?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you joy in sacrificing unto Him.
• Ask God to help your sacrifices to bring joy to others as well.

HYMN

I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

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