“Doing Good Together”
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
- Hebrews 13:16 NIV
As followers of Christ, it is easy to think worship happens only during a church service. We worship through singing, praying, and studying God's Word. Yet Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that worship extends far beyond the sanctuary. Every act of kindness, every helping hand, every encouraging word, and every generous gift offered in Jesus' name is an act of worship that pleases God.
The writer of Hebrews uses the phrase "do not forget." This suggests that doing good and sharing with others does not always come naturally. In busy seasons, we can become preoccupied with our own needs and responsibilities. Yet God calls His people to look outward. He invites us to see opportunities to bless others, meet needs, and reflect His love in practical ways.
At New Grace Church, we have many opportunities to live out this verse. Whether it's praying for a hurting neighbor, supporting missions, serving in ministry, welcoming visitors, or encouraging a fellow believer, each act of service matters. The Lord notices even the smallest sacrifice made with a loving heart.
What makes these actions so special isn't the size of the gift or the recognition we receive. It is the heart behind them. When we share our time, resources, and compassion with others, we reflect the generosity God has shown us through Jesus Christ. After all, Christ gave everything for us. Our willingness to give and serve responds to His great love.
As a church family, may we never grow weary of doing good. Let us be known as a congregation that shares generously, serves faithfully, and loves sincerely. In a world often marked by self-interest, God's people can shine brightly by caring for one another and those around us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the goodness You have shown us in Jesus Christ. Help us remember others' needs and be willing to share what You have entrusted to us. Grant us generous, compassionate hearts, eager to serve. May New Grace Church be a place where Your love is shown through practical acts of kindness and sacrifice. May our service bring You glory and encourage others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for Today:
Every act of kindness done in Jesus' name is a sacrifice
that pleases God and points others to His love.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
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From Pilgrim's Progress pp 167-169:
"God be merciful to me a sinner and enable me to know and believe in Jesus Christ. For I understand that if His righteousness was not available, or if I didn't have faith in that righteousness, then I would be utterly cast away. Lord, I have heard that You are a merciful God, and have ordained that Your Son Jesus Christ should be Savior of the world. And additionally You are willing to grant Him and His salvation upon such a poor sinner as myself, and I am indeed a poor sinner. Therefore, Lord, take this opportunity to magnify Your Grace in the salvation of my soul through thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen."
and
"Therefore, the one who comes to Christ, that is, the one who runs to Him in his heart and earnestly longs after salvation by Christ, he is the one who truly believes in Christ. Then tears brimmed in my eyes and I asked, 'But Lord, may such a great sinner as I am truly be accepted by You and be saved by You?' - And I heard Him say, 'And the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.' " [John 6:37]
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2 Chronicles 16:9
9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.....
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2 Timothy 4:1-5
A Final Charge to Timothy
1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:
2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
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1 Chronicles 16:25
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised....
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Psalms 150:6
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD...
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Luke 7:35
35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
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Luke 1:37
37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
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Luke 1:19
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.
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Habakkuk 3:17-19
17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
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2 Peter 3:13
13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
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James 4:7-8
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you......
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