"HERE I AM”
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:15-16, ESV
Theme: Sacrifice has many forms and is offered daily by the believer by living a life that constantly offers to participate, saying, “Here I am.”
MY FRIENDS TRAVELING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Many of my friends departed for South Africa last week. My heart is with The Cove Church in South Africa. After just one trip, I’ve grown to love the people and have personal relationships that I maintain with many church members who have become my friends. I feel a little sad that I’m not going on this trip, too. I love the feeling of working hard and making a physical difference. Yet God has me here on the ground at home for a purpose that I can see today. While I’d love to be traveling to see my South Africa friends, I know God has good plans for me here this week. As today’s theme says, “Sacrifice has many forms.” Not going on an international trip is hardly a deep sacrifice, yet when I face my week with a cheerful disposition, offering my best to what God has for me here, it honors Him.
DOING GOOD HERE
Wherever we are this week, we can do good right here. Let us not neglect it. This week I’m considering what I can do right where I am. I can be the hands and feet of Jesus no matter my location. It is my job to be willing and to look for opportunities in my daily, regular life. I often walk with a friend. Lately I’ve been making it a priority to make plans with people I’ve known a long time but haven’t spent much time with. This week I met a friend for a walk and a long talk afterwards drinking water and hanging out in my not-perfect sort-of-clean kitchen. While I ended up spending a lot longer talking with her than I planned, I sensed that this was my calling for today. I have years of history making small talk about our kids, our dogs, our schools, and am well positioned to develop a friendship. It is doing a small amount of good to develop a friendship. Honestly, it’s a mutually beneficial and enjoyable thing to offer. Yet, when I’m traveling to faraway places it's the relationships and friendships that remain.
SHARING WHAT I HAVE
In many situations, sharing what I have is both natural and significant. This spring my son’s school had a field trip to the zoo. Parents were expected to drive separately if they wanted to chaperone or attend. Two moms I know wanted to go but didn’t have a car available or the ability to drive that day. I have a very well-loved and well-maintained 12-year-old minivan and the ability to fill up the gas tank for a ride to the zoo. I’m a decent driver but I use maps for directions. I’m not usually concerned about what I drive but I caught myself making excuses for my van while offering a ride. No one cared what car we rode in. Both moms who rode with me were grateful they didn’t have to drive separately. It was out of my comfort zone to offer, to make plans to pick everyone up, and to introduce two people who had never met, yet those were small inconveniences. As it turns out, driving up to the zoo was beautiful. We had great conversations, grew our friendships, and by the end of the trip we understood each other better and have a foundation for a deeper friendship over time.
PLEASING GOD
Deep relationships take time, focus, and sometimes physical presence. In addition to honoring God by deepening friendships, we can honor God in some of our longest standing relationships. This week, I will attend my grandma’s funeral along with family and friends. While helping to pick family up from the airport, preparing video slides and helping with funeral plans might not sound like a sacrifice, I know it is what God has me doing right now. As we face a few days of celebration and sadness I will remember the first part of today’s scripture “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15) while praying “Here I am,” looking for ways to do good, and share what I have.
Make It Personal: How can you offer “Here I am” to God in this season? What small acts of goodness can you detect in your life? How are you sharing what you have in small or large ways? Consider the following offerings doable from here in town today: offer time to a friend who needs a listening ear, offer to help with yard work, offer a ride, make a meal, or ask someone quiet at work out for lunch. God gives each of us specific opportunities. Be on the lookout for what He has in your path today!
Pray: Lord, I praise and honor You for Your great love and sacrifice for me. You showed me what it looks like to care for people and to offer everyday activities holy to the Lord. Jesus, thank You for honoring Your Father by sharing what You had with those around You, stopping along the way to talk with people, and feeding people. Help me to willingly offer my day saying, “Here I am,” wherever I need to go today. Help me to see opportunities to do good and share what I already have. Thank You for the resources and talents You have given me. I am willing, God. Thank You for allowing me to participate with You in Your good work now and forever.
Read: Romans 12:1; Exodus 3:4; Isaiah 6:8; Acts 9:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10, NLT