GPS-Beautiful Acts

SEP 28 / Sunday Read Gen 18:1-8 / Heb 13:2 / Ruth 1:14-18, 2:10-12 / Matt 27:57-60

Overview: The phrase “Good Samaritan” is used to describe the act of someone helping a stranger. But don’t just admire those who assist others. You can do beautiful acts (beautiful things), too.

29 / Mon – Beautiful acts of compassion  |  Read 1 John 3:18

When you look for them, you can find many beautiful actions happening around you. One such opportunity comes through Compassion International, an organization that allows you to ‘adopt’ a child in another country and supply some of their needs. Often, their family can not adequately provide for them; support from people like you impacts the whole family. And because it is done in Jesus’ name, many of those children are drawn to know the Savior. What could be better?

30 / Tue – Beautiful acts for hungry people  |  Read Proverbs 22:9 / Luke 14:12-14

There is tremendous physical hunger all over the world. Feed My Starving Children is a ministry that assembles nutritious shelf-stable meals and ships them to families in need, at no cost to the recipients. At their distribution center, you even get to put these meals together. As you work with your team, you can pray over the food, asking God to do more than just feed bodies, but that He would also feed them spiritually. It’s beautiful to serve with others in this way. Have you ever had a chance to participate in this effective ministry? You can.

OCT 01 / Wed – Beautiful acts in prison  |  Read John 8:31-32, 36 / 2 Cor 3:17 / Heb 13:3

Some of the most forgotten people in the world are those who are in jail. Prison Fellowship was started in 1976 by Chuck Colson, a former prisoner who knew firsthand the depths of despair an incarcerated person can fall into. It has changed the lives of thousands of men and women by introducing them to Jesus, discipling those who respond, and preparing them to live for Jesus when they return home. Are you open to going into jail to help those folks find spiritual freedom?

02 / Thu – Beautiful acts for widows and orphans  |  Read James 1:27

All over the world, your brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed for believing in Jesus and sharing this with others. Their widows and orphaned children are left destitute as outcasts in their own communities and often rejected by their extended families as well. Voice of the Martyrs is a ministry that helps these widows and orphans, providing food, shelter, relocation for their protection, and comfort as they grieve. Will you bring these unknown but precious people to the Lord in prayer today?

03 / Fri – The most beautiful act  |  Read Luke 23:33-34 / Acts 7:59-60

Forgiving someone who has wronged you is one of the most beautiful things you can do. And often one of the most difficult. It might feel almost impossible when someone has caused the death of your loved one. Yet, we have seen or heard those who are able, by the grace of God, to forgive. Jesus showed us how. Stephen followed His example. What about you? When you can extend forgiveness in the small things in life, you will be better prepared for the harder ones.

04 / Sat – More opportunities for beautiful acts  |  Read Matthew 25:34-40

Do you want to do beautiful things? There are many opportunities to act in Jesus’ name. Looking at this list, what things have you been able to do so far? Are there others you feel called to participate in? Some may be difficult to do, especially if recipients don’t seem grateful. When that happens, remember who you are really serving. Doing what Jesus would do in any given situation will be beautiful in the eyes of the Lord. Why not ask what He has next for you? Your beautiful acts can inspire others to follow Jesus, too.