A Different Kind Of Sacrifice

I was reading the book of Hebrews in The Message the other day and I came across this amazing verse:

Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of "sacrifice"—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets. - Hebrews 13:16

The writer is encouraging us not to become lazy in working for good, and to not take what we have inside for granted. We as the people of God are called to share what we have with all those around us. God has deposited a love and power in us that the world is in desperate need of. I think for far too long the body of Christ has locked themselves behind fancy buildings and theology. The heart of God is that we would encounter people where they are at, not wait for them to enter our meeting places. The verse says God takes pleasure in acts of worship in places that we take for granted everyday. Places like, the kitchen with family, the workplace with co-wokers and customers, and the streets filled with strangers. We all pass by people on street corners and resteraunts everyday. I want to encourage you along with the writer of Hebrews today to not take for granted the common situations you are in daily, and to share the goodness of God today. Lets offer God a different kind of sacrifice, ones that cost us 10 more minutes at Starbucks because we are praying for a stranger. Ones that cost us being a few minutes late to work because a stranger needed help beside the road. Sacrifices that cost us missing our favorite show because our kids need prayer.

Be strong today and walk in the full glory of God. I pray that you do not take the life God gives you for granted, may you all experience the fullness of His grace today!

GRACE and LOVE!!