January 6, 2020
Generosity with Joy
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" – Hebrews 13:16
Commentary
When you read or hear the words "worship God," what comes to mind? You might answer singing or listening to praise music, and you would be correct because that is one way to worship God. But, did you know that giving your time and resources are also avenues of worship? Hebrews 13:15 mentioned worshiping God with our mouths, but there are other paths to worship God we must not neglect or overlook (BDAG, 374). We must do good and share what we have. Doing good is a service viewed as commendable, while sharing comes from the term koinonia and refers to an attitude that demonstrates generosity (BDAG, 410, 553).
Notice what doing good and sharing are; they are "sacrifices" that please God. Our giving of time and resources is first and foremost done for God. He takes delight in our sacrifices for Him (BDAG, 403). The term for sacrifices in verse 16 is the same one used in verse 15 for worshiping with our lips. Giving our time and resources to God are just as much an act of worship as singing. Take a moment and examine your life today. Does your worship of God involve more than music? It should also include your time and resources.
Application
• If you have never given to the Lord from your personal finances, worship Him this week by giving and then watch how He meets all of your needs. You can give online at valleydale.org/give.
• If you are not currently worshiping God by giving your time, commit to giving one Sunday a month in serving God on campus at Valleydale. Please visit valleydale.org/nextsteps and sign up to serve.
Prayer Points
• If you have never given of your personal finances, ask God to give you a generous heart so that you will desire to worship Him through giving.
• If you do not currently serve anywhere at church, please pray the Lord will show you where He wants you to worship Him by serving.
• Pray that 2021 will be the year that you worship God daily with every part of your life.