Genesis 8:20-21 Noah built an altar to God. He selected clean animals and birds from every species and offered them as burnt offerings on the altar. God smelled the sweet fragrance and thought to himself, “I’ll never again curse the ground because of people. I know they have this bent toward evil from an early age, but I’ll never again kill off everything living as I’ve just done.

Wow, what a whirlwind time it must have been for Noah and his family, and of course for the animals. First, Noah received an order from God to build an ark, on dry land with no water in sight. The people laughed at him and thought he was crazy.

I wonder what it must have taken to get all the animals together? But Noah and his family were faithful, and by hook or by crook, everyone was safe in the ark. Noah closed the door, and God locked it.

I wonder how traumatic it must have been to hear family, friends and strangers screaming as the waters rose higher and higher while the rain continued to fall.

But after almost 40 days, God closed the windows of heaven, and Noah sent out a bird again. When the dove did not return, Noah knew that the water was receding. The ark landed on Mount Ararat, and, finally, the door of the ark could be opened again.

The first thing Noah did when they hit land was to build an altar and offer something to God. To give thanks. To glorify God. And because God remembered His promises. God promised that He would never again do what had happened.

Intimacy with God also includes our own sacrifices. Especially sacrifices that are fueled by gratitude.

Today, we can offer sacrifices of thanks that touch God’s heart. Sacrificing time shows that we put Him first. A sacrifice of praise brings glory to Him, even in difficult times. A sharing sacrifice involves supporting others with our resources, while an obedience sacrifice means following God’s voice even when we lack full understanding. A testimony sacrifice is the act of sharing your personal story to inspire others and bring glory to God. That’s how we build altars of gratitude today. What sacrifice will you make today?

Prayer
Father, sometimes the waves beat wildly over my head. But every time You come to my rescue. I also want to offer You a sacrifice out of gratitude. Today I promise to offer You a sacrifice …

Questions
What sacrifice of thanksgiving are you making to God today?
How do you show gratitude after your salvation?
What obedience does God now ask of you?

Now do this
Build your own “altar” today. Do something small but sincere to thank God for His care and faithfulness.
Choose one offering of gratitude, whether it be time, praise, help, or obedience, and offer it with a joyful heart.
Share your story of gratitude with someone else and show how God has carried you through the storms.