thanks-living

Psalm 50:23, "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and He prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

From before you were born, He has chosen you.  He knows you intimately and loves you inspite of it 🙂 Although it is by no means easy, it is the easiest relationship you will ever be in.  His requirements of you:  to love Him and abide in Him.  There is no condition to His love because even when you mess up, He is right there walking you through, holding you up and loving you.  He WANTS to carry your burden so that you would not have to.  He LONGS to sing over you (Zeph. 3:17) and give you life to the full (John 10:10)

The Israelites, His chosen people, had been making sacrifices to Him as were required but God had felt these were empty offerings.  So, He called them to rebuke and show them that what He wants is our heart of thanks.  To thank Him for all He has provided us...not empty words but the love-thanks you give when you realize with gratitude the ultimate love sacrifice He gave for us.  They had not known Christ, but saw God's love in their repeated deliverance and protection from enemies and His amazing provision of food, rest, land, blessing.   How much greater should our thanks-living be?  We know Jesus' atoning sacrifice.  

Much as being grateful for a gift given and how thanking the giver blesses them because they get to see your joy.  Our thanking Him for His provision honors Him and we get to see the salvation of God.  And what a great way to live your life...looking for every sweet blessing He gives and thanking Him.  It is such a two-way street of joy!