The Good Works Will Be Accomplished!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

No matter what our position or status was when we were born, once we come to recognize Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are privileged to benefit from God’s intent for us–to do good works and those works He created in advance.

If we remember, Jeremiah 29:11–through the prophet we’re told that God knows the plans He has for us–plans to prosper us and not to harm us so we will have future with hope. When our faith is in Him and what He can do, we have no need to fear the future–whether we can see the outcome or not. Faith–is knowing that no matter what we see in the natural, God will accomplish through us, all He has planned for us.

For this reason, those who were born poor and underprivileged, have just as much right to expect great things from God as those who were born rich and privileged. God is not a respecter of person–His plans are not determined by bloodline or affiliation of religions, but by our obedience to Him.

One of the tools the enemy uses against people is their lack of vision, ability, or faith to get beyond the moment. The enemy influences people to become discouraged and defeated and knocks them out of the running of receiving the prize that God has waiting for them at the finish line. We see this in those who abuse alcohol and drugs–trying to fill a void in their life, when the void can be filled with the love and joy of Jesus Christ. The beauty of being filled with His love is the only after effect is a desire to love others, even when they are unlovable. There are no hangovers that leave a person feeling nauseous or weak, but a constant, exuberant high–that never needs to end with we continue to feast on The Word of God.

Unfortunately, because some are easily defeated by low self-esteem and insecurities, they never get to see the good works that God has planned for them. We don’t have to be defeated or discouraged when we know that all things are possible with Jesus--there is nothing too hard for Him to accomplish through us when we obey.

All we have to do is remember God planned our end before we were. He made provision for Adam and Eve before He created them and He is yet doing the same thing for all who love Him and obey. We only need to seek Him and do things His way in order to get the results He planned for us, through good works that include being a blessing to others.

Are you ready to receive the benefits of your good works? Now is the time! Whatever you do, do all in the name of The Lord, to His glory. We are His Creation, made in His likeness, and God never created junk! In fact, everything He created, He looked at when it was finished and said, “It is good” and gave us His stamp of approval.

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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.

Won’t Cost Anything!

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:23,24 NLT)

Everyone wants to save money or at least get the best bargain for their bucks. Well, if we would just do the things that God has asked us to do, we could change the world and it won’t cost us anything.

How much does it cost to “hold tightly to the hope” we have in God? When we know we can trust Him to keep His Word, we can sail through this life, without worry, even in the midst of chaos and confusion, economic uncertainty, misguided leadership, and look upon events that cause others to cringe and know–we are to be anxious for nothing. The cost to us cannot be measured in dollars and cents, but purely by faith which is increased by us hearing The Word.

How much would it cost us to motivate others to acts of love and good works? While it may take a little and creativity to determine how to reach some and encourage them–the time will be well spent and the results–priceless.

Whenever we tell someone we love them or remind them of God’s unfailing love, we ignite (hopefully) an on-going trend to share love and when we love, we desire to do good for others. It is difficult for me to imagine anyone doing anything that would cause harm to others if they are truly filled with the love of God.

Rather than draw attention to ourselves by attempting to hurt others, let’s bring attention to ourselves by showing the world what love does and when love operates in the heart of every Believer, hate doesn’t stand a chance and the cost to us–absolutely nothing!

So let’s hold tight to our faith and use that faith in God to be creative enough to provoke others to love and do good works–and watch how God works miracles in the lives of others and guess what–it won’t cost us anything, but time and love! The best gifts are given out of love, not what we spent out of our pockets.

Created For Good Works!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 NASB).

No matter what anyone else has to say about those of us who belong to Jesus, we know that we are His Workmanship–He created us to do good works and we will by faith–do all things well.

The last two days have been particularly challenging for me, but I refuse to give in and cave because of all the challenges. In my spirit, I heard The Lord say, “Don’t think about what you’re going through, focus on encouraging others.”

Even though this was a message for me, I think others may feel that it is applies to them as well. When we focus on others, we don’t have time to have pity parties or to dwell on the negatives. In life, stuff happens and we do not have the ability to control most of what happens. So, when it happens we either fix, pray about it and move on, or allow the circumstance to control us.  I don’t know about you, but I refuse to allow my circumstances to control me–I have too much work to do.

God–in His infinite Wisdom–always speaks and directs those who are willing to listen. I’m so glad that I heard Him speak and I will conquer all the negative stuff that has happened within the last 24 hours. I am victorious in all things and nothing the enemy attempts to use against me shall in any way succeed in my life. Of this one thing, I am confident–He who began a good work in me, is faithful to complete it. I am created for good works, not pity parties. I am created–to be a witness of God’s love, mercy and grace. I am created–to encourage all who think they are in this fight alone. You are never alone. Jesus promised to be with us always! He never breaks His promises!

Just as I am created for good works–so are you–now get busy, in the name of Jesus!

Created To Do Good!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us in advance to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

Before we were formed in the wombs of our mothers, God had a plan for us and He prepared that plan specifically for each of us–in advance–of our acceptance of the work on the cross, inviting Christ into our hearts and in making Jesus Lord of our lives.

We are created in the image of God who can only do good works and therefore, if we love Him, we can do the works He created us to do.  God cares and so should we–about the plight of the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, and peace in the nations.  Since we were created to do good works, what’s stopping us?  Are too busy or too blind to see?  Are we too hard-hearted to care? Are we too insensitive to feel?  Are we limited by our own sense of insecurities and shortcomings?  If we take our focus off of us and what we want–we can see the needs of others, and know that we can do all things well through the strength we are given and can operate in by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help us to see the needs of others and to do something about them when we see them.  Keep our focus on doing what You would do–loving all and helping where and when we can.  Help us to be the beacon of light that draws others to You so we can eradicate darkness and dark works that keep people in bondage.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!