Good Works Completed!

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 1:4-6 NIV)

Relevance! When we look at what all those God inspired to write–we must ask ourselves or at least be willing to see–the relevance of what was said then to our lives–now.

This letter to the “church” (Body of Believers) in Philippi was to thank them and encourage them to keep doing the good work that God had placed in their hearts, helping them to realize that whatever He purposed for them to do, would be done–in His timing–even if it meant completion when Christ returns.

There are a number of people right now–some may even be reading this post–who have been inspired by God to do something good and wonderful, but obstacles rose and knocked them off track. That’s okay. The obstacles are going to rise every time we start doing what God has purposed us to do. But with prayer, the courage of our convictions and determination, and our faith in God, we will accomplish all He wants us to do!

Whether we know it or not–there are people praying for Believers everywhere. We pray that no heart becomes feint or allows doubt to deter them in whatever work God has given them. We pray them strengthened by the power of Holy Spirit. We pray hearts will hear Him when He speaks so we’ll know how to overcome those obstacles. We pray for wisdom in recognizing when the enemy has attempted to erect a wall of opposition and rebellion against God and the work He has put in our hearts. We pray for all to understand and use the gifts God has given us to finance all He has given us to do. We have no need to “beg” others to finance the plans God has given us. He has equipped us to accomplish all we need to do with the gifts He has poured into us.

Not every person’s gift is the same and it should not be, but all the gifts are given to complement all we are told to do. Some are gifted with musical ability to accompany those with voices who will praise and worship Him. Some are gifted with the ability to teach–explaining those things that others may not understand. Some are gifted with the ability to write–encouraging others by many venues to continue believing in God or in leading people to Jesus Christ. And the pool of gifts overflow our needs. Our abilities are limited only to the extent we have faith to move out in them.

“According to our faith, it will be unto us.” Whatever we have faith to do, we will succeed in that area. Whatever good works God has given us to do, when we move out in faith, ready to tackle every obstacle with our courage and faith in Him, that good work will be completed in God’s timing. Our job is to hear and obey and allow Him to be God.

Is there a good work that God has put on your heart to do? Know that we’re praying for all He has given to all Believers to be accomplished, hearts strengthened, obstacles moved or torn down, and courage renewed in all you do. Stand firm in what you have been called to do and know the good works will be completed.

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Stay In The Word!

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT).

Understanding  the “growth” of grape vines comes into play with the first six verses of this chapter and helps us to realize that without Him, without staying “in Him,” we are useless!

No matter how difficult things get or how impossible it seems for us to move forward, if we do not keep our focus in The Word, we become angry, confused, and distracted. In a state of anger–we provoke anger in others. When we are confused–we are totally ineffective at whatever we attempt to do. When we are distracted–we miss opportunities to see clearly what must be done for others. When we are not focused–keeping Him in the forefront–we are useless–to Him and to others.

But when we maintain our focus on Him, staying in The Word, constantly seeking His direction, and listening when He speaks, we are able to accomplish--whatever He desires–for others and ourselves, beyond our wildest imaginations or dreams. With Him, we can do anything He has asked us to do and reap the benefits of being obedient!

With Him, going before us in an uncertain world, we have more than enough to conquer whatever challenges we face.

With Him, we have no need to be fearful or concerned about the outcome of anything we do because His plans are greater than our plans.

With Him–not without Him–we serve the needs of the people and please Him in the process.

Not many may understand the importance of doing all things according to His Will, not our desires, but when things go wrong, and all the mistakes make our efforts worthless, then understanding comes. With understanding, hopefully, maturity is instilled and we move forward–doing all things in His Name!

Can You Do It?

We have not yet seen all of the good things that God has in store for us, but we can get in our own way–with doubt and negativity.

For the next 40 days, I declare a fast on negative thinking and actions. “I will think only positive thoughts and do only positive things for me and all around me. This is my pledge that will take me to the next level of success.”

We can do “all” things (godly) through Christ who strengthens us!

Are you in?

Take the pledge and then reflect upon how your thinking can make a positive difference in your life!