(Salvation is) not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:9-10 NIV
I am a promise I am a possibility I am a promise with a capital "p" I can be anything, anything God wants me to be Gather Vocal Band Children’s song
Did you wake up this morning anticipating you will be engaged in good works which were planned before you were born? Do you see yourself as an important piece of the puzzle for someone else’s eternal salvation? Do you realize God has destined you for good works with all of your bumps, bruises, failures and inconsistencies?
Normally when Ephesiasn 10 is preached or taught, it is a stand alone verse. Rightfully so! It is packed with significant wording and doctrine for your life.
You are God’s handiwork. You have your own unique DNA, finger prints, personality, and family history. No one on earth has walked fully in your shoes. We have identical twin boys. Raised in the same family experiences, yet they are unique.
You are created for good works. What do good works look like for you? They will be unique to each person, but it will include advancing the ball of love in other people’s direction. Today you have the opportunity to speak kindly, write notes, perform acts of service, smile, give a word of encouragement, intercede in prayer, share the gospel, and infinitely more expressions to communicate value to someone else’s life.
God’s planned your good work in advance. Our randomness of crossing paths to express good works was planned in God’s heart in creation. Following the plans God has laid upon your heart to accomplish today is also part of His design for you, as long as you listen to any adjustments you need to make throughout your day.
The tension is created in verse 9. You are not saved by good works, yet God has good works in store for you. When you evaluate your day, when you want to know if the events of the day were pleasing to God, when you want to know if your life activities mattered for eternity, what do you use as a litmus test? Key, it will not be the good works you accomplished.
God loved you before you had the capability to do any good work. His grace is enough. Jesus has paved the road for your salvation and your success. Follow His voice and path each day.
Success is the mingling of Psalm 37:4-5 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. Notice delighting in the Lord and walking in your desires as well as committing your way and Him bringing it to pass. Submit your plans with an open hand for Him to rearrange as He sees fit.
Am i, I AM created for good works which God has planned for me. He invites me to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. In Christ, I am sufficient to do all things. Jesus, who started this good work in me, will keep working with me every day.
I’ve got to go now, I have some more good work to accomplish and so do you!
Blessing’s Love y’all