Hi Blog Readers:
I am trying out my Dragon Naturally Speaking program again. So if my posts makes less than the usual, blame it on that. I'm feeling a little lazy when it comes to typing right now, but I figure when you have a voice activated typing program this is okay. Considering what I plan to blog on today being lazy about typing probably a poor example. Ephesians 210 continues to crop up in my mind, and it seems that every book I'm reading right now, places this verse right before my very eyes. I will link the verse to this blog, because this is one of those that I can quote and you can easily refer back to your own Bible and even probably your memory." For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which HE prepared for us in advance." if you know my writing very much, or if you've read this blog very long – you know that normally when I write about a Bible verse I usually have a certain direction I feel led to go. This time, I want your input. What kind of good works do you think the apostle Paul is referring to here? Is he speaking of general good works, or is he declaring that God has a specific set of good works for each of us as individuals? Or do you think it is a combination of both? The truth is I don't know the answer the question I'm posing here. What I do know is God's word is still as relevant to life today as it was when Paul wrote his letter to the early church. I know that all Scripture is inspired by God and that his words stands forever! It is those two reasons that I find it hard to imagine that this verse is not intended to be applied to the present day believer. We also told in Scripture to make the most of every opportunity we have. So sometimes I wonder how it is that we as Christians are supposed to discern or know the specific works God calls us to do in our lives, or rather the life he is entrusted to us. Of course there are the obvious general responses, such as intercede for the saints in the lost through prayer, use the spiritual gifts, feed the poor, follow God, and on and on. Sure all of these could. Into the category of the work God has called us to do, and if you're like me all that in and of itself is enough to keep you busy for the rest of your life. So if I gleaned nothing else from this verse, or have no deeper understanding than this then the major take away point I have is there is no room for laziness in the Christian life. here's where I need to make a confession… One of my deep-seated fears of life has been either that people would think that I'm lazy or irresponsible. When you get to the core of the matter it isn't so much that I fear others thinking this about me, as I fear that there may be some level of truth to it. Lazy and irresponsible in my mind are two of the worst traits of a person can possess. In my eyes these are she traits that are inexcusable. Now, no one likes lazy Saturdays more than me, that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm referring to a pattern of behavior that can be characterized by laziness. For me, what I had decided to do is to allow God to determine whether or not this is an issue for me, as I believe it probably is for most of us in some areas of our lives. I have been reading a book called in a pit with a lion on a snowy day. I'm discovering or rather being reminded that the areas where I am tempted to Be lazy are the areas where failure is a greater possibility. the areas wheres success is not imminent or promised. Ironically the most freeing thing and the most painful thing at least one of them that has ever happened to me, was realizing I could fail at something I had done my life and still be breathing and able to tell about it. So what does all this mean? All I know is it brings me comfort, confusion, Joy excitement, peace, and strength to know that God wants, not needs but wants to involve me in his plans. However, we may interpret this verse, it's clear that how we spend our time matters greatly to God! So while that answers the basic surface question, it leads us to a trail of unanswered questions that require faith and trust the one who is able and willing to direct our path and finish the work which He began! Love your thoughts!
