Created for GoOD works!

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Just recently I heard a beautiful sermon on this verse.  Our pastor explained that whatever it is we are walking through, God has prepared us for and those around us.  He positioned our lives so that the person sitting next to you in the waiting room, checking you out at the grocery store, or on your children’s soccer team, could be changed by your life.  We have a calling and it is to do the good things which He planned for us.  

I also heard it preached that whomever is standing in your 3 foot circle is your “good works”.  What have you done with those people?  Have you taken time to say hello and asked them their name?  Have you gone a step further and invited them to church or into your home for a meal?  I can say with certainty, like many of you, that my 3 foot circle consists mostly of 3 little people, my children. While they are young and still in our circle, I pray we take time to pour into them the love and teachings from our Lord that will be everlasting.    

 
Lord Jesus please help us to be intentional about our 3 foot circle.  Help us to see the plan He has for the ones who follow us throughout our day and for the ones we greet on the street.  Help us to remember that God has prepared us for the GoOD works that come our way!    

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  

Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Good Works

Ephesians 2: 10 

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

            This verse has been especially sweet to me the past couple of days.  We have been honored to have a friend and her infant son stay with us.  Each morning as that beautiful baby woke, we all swarmed in to see his first stretches and his first attempts at “talking.”

            The children and I have had to “draw straws” over who was going to feed, change and hold him first.  In the midst of our fascination with this little miracle we all began to speak a little more expressive and demonstrative.  We have had a ball loving on this little life.

               I have loved saying to him each morning, “I wonder what the Lord has planned for you today? And as we bathed him and prepared him for bedtime, I would ask, “What were the good works you did for your Heavenly Father today?”  

               His mother shared with me that others have commented that this new little life has been a “blessing” to others.  She said she has been praying that he would be a blessing, but she really thought it was futuristic.

Psalm 8: 2

 “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.”

                This post begs the question, “How do you value your children and the works God has planned for them?”  Not works for the future (although that is true) but works for the moment.  Whether your infant is napping in your arms, or he has grown and is diligently starting a job, I challenge you to see them filled with the potential God has for them.

            Encourage your children to find the “good works” God has for them.  Enjoy the “workmanship” and their good works God has loaned to you!