I was pondering a devotional from Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah.  He wrote that true worship involves a sacrifice of some sort.  He wrote, ‘we sacrifice when we give up something precious, personal, or profitable to us.'

It made me think about this question:  what have I sacrificed lately because of my devotion (or worship) to God?  We sacrifice our time, by spending it with God instead of on ourselves.  We sacrifice some money when we give of tithes and/or offerings.  What else have we sacrificed to show are desire to follow God?  Has our sacrifice gone to waste?  I'd like to think not.  The money I gave could have gotten me a nicer house or a newer car, but others have come to Christ because of ministries I support.  The time I invest with God, makes me a better person.

Don't just serve or worship God when it is convenient. When someone gives you a gift, doesn't it mean more when you know what they have given up in order to give it to you?  Serve & worship God from your heart…and dig deep.

A great song to go along with this thought is “It's Good (Loves Not Safe)” by Sidewalk Prophets.

PB

Some Verses to check out:

Hebrews 13:15 – Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Psalm 141:1-2 – I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;  hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Philippians 4:18 – I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Romans 12 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ^2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.