Made for This

Made for This

Ephesians 2: ⁶ In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. ⁷ He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. ^8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. ¹⁰ God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

 

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“Come on in!” a greeter said to us. It was our first time packing food for a well known group who provides hunger relief. She seemed to be perfect at making us feel welcome. The people who served there were also great at what they were doing. Our trainer was patient with all of our questions. He helped out as we worked through the day.

 

• It seemed like each person was made for what they were doing.
• I could see the excitement in their heart by their actions and their words.
• They seemed like they were at peace with what he or she was doing.

 

Paul introduces us to the sovereignty of GOD. He explains that we were made by GOD for a “life of good deeds.” This is a strange thought, because some of the church leaders presented GOD as something or someone who serves us and gives us stuff. Paul also addresses the source of true grace.

 

My Observations

• GOD has prepared good deeds HE wants me to do.
• GOD made me to be in union with CHRIST JESUS.
• GOD gave me grace before I chose HIM, so I cannot give myself credit for HIS love.

 

Any good deed deserves thankfulness, but it really should go to GOD. I mean, HIS gracious gift of JESUS is the only action that makes us do what is good and pleasing to HIM. GOD showed HIS extraordinary greatness by reaching down and picking all of us up through faith in JESUS.

 

HE saw the calamity I was headed for and rescued me from myself. He then planned a life of good deeds I can do for others so they may see HIS great grace. I gladly accept HIS plan for me in service to others.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about your efforts?
• Have you ever wanted to hear “thank you” from people?
• Will you give GOD thanks for making you the way you are and for giving you “good deeds” for you to do, to draw people back to HIM through the love of JESUS today?

A Cure for Waiting

Psalm: ⁷ “Will the Lord reject forever?
    Will he never show his favor again?
⁸ Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
    Has his promise failed for all time?
⁹ Has God forgotten to be merciful?
    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

¹⁰ Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
¹¹ I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
¹² I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

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Bible babble was the last thing I wanted to talk about. It seemed like the people in my immediate circle knew so much more than me and when I opened my mouth, there was always a correction or added information.

The Bible was “their” Bible and knowing it was “their” thing. One day I read it and it peaked my curiosity. But as soon as I got to know the people in the Bible, my faith waned. I mean it was “their” experiences, what does this have to do with me?

• Looking at church goers can sometimes cause me to compare my life to theirs.
• Reading the Bible can sometimes cause me to compare my life to the experiences of others.
• Living around other people can sometimes cause me to compare my stuff to my neighbors.

I soon found that I didn’t measure up to the standards of the churchy people who could quote scripture and argue their knowledge. I stopped going to church and GOD brought me back. HE opened my eyes and took me though some amazing times. I now had my own experiences from which I could draw from. Now when I read the Bible I can see a different set of words that were always there. I can see GOD talking to “me” rather than spouting out rules.

• When I am anxious GOD wants me to remember what HE brought me through in the past.
• When I am scared GOD wants me to remember how HE delivered me from many near death situations.
• When I am confused and feel like giving up GOD wants me to remember the times that HE rescued me from extreme circumstances.

GOD is my all and all. HE has delivered me from so many dangers, toils and snares. HE has protected me, led me and loved me over and over and over again. HE has NEVER let me stay down and has ALWAYS stayed with me, feeling worse for me than I feel for myself. GOD wants me to remember HIS might, remember HIS deeds and remember HIS miracles.

When I consider all of GOD’s works it helps me wait because I know HIS plan is greater than anything I could ever think of.

• Are you in a waiting period?
• Do you want to be finished with “this” trial?
• Instead of waiting, can you take a moment and meditate on what GOD has done in your life?