A Sacrifice of Praise

Written By Betty Predmore

A Sacrifice of Praise

HEBREWS 13: 1-25

(November 16)

Once several years back my husband came home from filling up his Big Gulp cup and told me he saw "Jesus" at 7-11. Of course, I was curious as to what he meant, so I went to fill up my own Big Gulp cup and see what the story was.

I pulled up to the store and outside stood a man who was obviously homeless. He had no shoes on. He had on a flowy shirt and tan linen pants. His hair was long and brownish, completely dreadlocked. His skin was tan (probably from a lot of time spent out in the elements). But the thing that struck me ... that jabbed me right in the heart ... was his eyes. They were the most piercing blue eyes I've ever seen. They looked right down into your heart.

He followed me into the store. (Why? I don't know.) I walked over to the machine to fill up my drink and then I turned, and he was standing close by. I asked him if he would like something to drink and he said he would. I asked him if he would like a sandwich or something to eat. He looked at me with those topaz eyes and said, "Would you really buy me something to eat?"

"I absolutely will buy you whatever you want to eat." was my reply. He picked out his food, I paid, and we walked outside with him thanking me multiple times for the food.

Thus began our relationship for the next two weeks. I stopped by the store every day (those Big Gulps don't fill up all by themselves), and he would be standing outside. We would go in, I would get my drink and whatever his heart desired, and we would part on his words of gratitude.

Two weeks later, he was not standing there. I waited a while, I came back the next day, but I never saw him again. In that moment, I realized how happy it had made my heart to help him ... to make a small difference in his life. And that is when my love for feeding those in need really grew in my heart. Because of the stranger my hubby dubbed as "Jesus."

Today's scripture reminds us about showing hospitality to strangers. "for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" (verse 2). My heart believes that I entertained an angel for two weeks. And that angel reminded me how great it feels to help others.

There is so much we need to remember as we walk out this Christian life, and much of it is included in today's reading:

  • Remember those in prison

  • Remember those that are mistreated

  • Remember to be honorable and faithful in marriage

  • Remember to be satisfied with what you have

  • Remember your leaders

  • Remember to obey your spiritual leaders

  • Remember to offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God

What is the "sacrifice of praise"? The Jewish Christians considered their praise to the Messiah their sacrifice, one which could be officered anytime and anywhere. The fruit of their lips, their words of praise, were their offering.

We too should remember to give praise as an offering to God. The sacrifice of thankful praise is so much easier than the sacrifice that was made which offers us this opportunity.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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