DONE ANY GOOD LATELY?

" ...created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

 (Ephesians 2:10)

Do you know that you were created to do specific good works? Some good works out there have your name tag on them. The big question therefore is this: Are you doing the good works prepared by God in advance for you? Anytime you ask, "What am I here on earth for?" the scripture answers promptly back, "to do good works prepared by God for you."

God has prepared you for a prearranged mission. You don't get to decide your calling and it's a mistake to try and duplicate somebody else's calling. And you also have to do it God's way too! Remember Moses? God called him to deliver Israel from Egypt but he tried to do it his own way, using his own strength. God had to send him to the wilderness for forty years to learn his lesson. Thank God Moses returned and did it God's way.

Like Moses, every one of us falls into one of three categories. First, there are those trying to do their good works in their own power, then there are those who are in the wilderness and in the process of being broken, and thirdly there are those doing exactly what God has called them to do.

All of us, not just ordained ministers, are called to do good works. "But how do I know what I'm supposed to do?" you ask:

1. Work with your spiritual gifts. We all receive gifts from God who "gives them to each one as He determines" (1 Cor. 12:11). Let God show you through your desires and competencies where you're best suited to be used.
2. Submit to godly leadership. Your pastor can help equip and guide you. God "gave...pastors...to prepare God's people for works of service' (Eph. 4:11-12). We all need help and we need spiritual covering as we work for God.
3. Start serving at your local church. Service in your church is what will launch you into your ministry. Your commitment, your faithfulness and your zeal is put to test at this level. Your staying ability at this level is what will lead you into doing all those "good works prepared on advance for you".

Most of us have a burning desire to "do" something for God and make our lives count. That is simply the call of God pulling on your heartstrings...pulling you towards what He has for you to do. Follow those promptings today and start working!

Stay above...always.