* The “sacrifice of Thanksgiving” is mentioned several times in the OT.

* It was first mentioned in Leviticus 7:11-15 - it was a peace motivated by gratitude to God and offered voluntarily as a sacrifice.

* With a typical sacrifice the priest kept a portion and burned the rest.

* But with the peace offering offered as a sacrifice of thanksgiving the priest kept his portion and the rest went back to the worshipper to be shared as a feast with family and friends.

* Whatever wasn’t eaten at the party had to be burned.

* This allowed others to enjoy the sacrifice as they were brought into the thanksgiving to God - they could fellowship with Him!

* A few observations:

* 1) It was given out of a heart of gratitude.

* 2) It was “sacrificial,” which meant it cost something.

* 3) Others got to experience the joy of the sacrifice.

* When you live thankfully it ushers you into the presence of God and others will experience fellowship with Him because they are in fellowship with you!

* That is a worthy sacrifice!