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Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)
In my recent reading of Ephesians, the phrase, "created in Christ Jesus for good works", reminded me of some good examples of what to do — and how — shown to me by staff members of the residence where I am privileged to live.
Emelyn had just served us breakfast, even before the scheduled 8 a.m. start time. Lil and I mentioned her sacrifice to get up so early, leave her home, and be prepared to serve. Expecting her to appreciate our sympathy, we were surprised to have her respond with a comment that she enjoyed coming in early, considering it a privilege to serve the residents. How great it is to be able to enjoy what God gives us to do.
The other experience occurred when I was feeling unwell and having difficulty eating my meal. Rucel encouraged me to "eat up", since we all need to eat good food whether we are babies, growing adults, or senior citizens. When I explained some of my current health problems that caused the eating challenges, she immediately changed to expressing sympathetic concern. She, of course, is not trained to treat my medical challenges, but she immediately offered to do something better. She said that she would pray for me, and each following day, she repeated that she was praying for me.
Following those two examples of what to do, a new resident arrived a little early for lunch and sat in the place normally occupied by a lady who hadn't yet arrived for the meal. When Jean arrived to sit in her normal place, I wondered what would happen. Jean graciously smiled and sat in a spare place at the table, making the new resident feel comfortable.
As I thought about these three examples, I realized that I could (and maybe you also) learn what to do.
First, I think that we are fortunate that God allows us to enjoy what we find ourselves doing. Sometimes, I think that He must have a great sense of humour, as He allows us to laugh as we do things.
Secondly, we should always express concern and interest in others. Even more importantly, we should be willing to help, either in person or through our ability to pray for someone else.
Finally, we must realize that doing good works is accomplished in the many little things that occur every day. Certainly, those opportunities are much more frequent than big ones!
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for the privilege that we have to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, doing good works every day in simple ways, with ordinary people. Help us to show Your love in that way. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Always enjoy your encouraging words, Vince.
Vincent, I just would like you to know that I enjoy your faith and stories.
May God continue to bless you.
Your observations of how others show love to you were helpful examples of small but significant ways to serve one another. Thanks for sharing them.
Dear Vincent,
Thank you as always for your encouraging messages!! It is so good to be reminded that we can do good works in small ways.
Peace to you Vincent as you continue to encourage me (us) with your great emails, that includes scripture and personal stories. I find that a great work which you enjoy.
Greetings Vincent and thank you for your very mindful devotional today. Yes, following the example of “What would Jesus do?” gives good results and good feelings not only to the receiver but also to the giver. Blessings for your writings.
Wow!!!! I just PRAISE God, thank YOU for sharing and giving encouragement to readers as we seek to know, love, and serve our Father through Jesus as the Holy Spirit leads! I, like so many, still have such a long way to go to do His Will better.
Dear Vincent:
Thank you, for all of your wonderful Devotionals. They are always a pleasure to read. We wonder what our world would be like if everyone lived by the adage to treat everyone else as they wished everyone else would treat them, sometimes called the “Golden Rule”?
(Ontario)
Hi Vincent,
As I sat reading your devotional at my kitchen table some 1,400 miles away in Texas, I was moved to drop you a thank you note, to express my appreciation for writing.
I’m almost 80 and cannot find where the Lord has given me permission or instructions to retire from sharing His love. I’m so grateful for you sharing your love for Him today.
Thank you, Vincent. Your devotionals are always so positive. The church I attend is dwindling in members and our small ladies’ group, at our last meeting, wondered how to continue to offer help to our neighbours. Your three examples of how we can learn to follow the phrase “created in Christ Jesus for good works” are so true and show how we can enjoy being willing to use the opportunities that do occur in the many little things that occur in our lives each day. Do take care. Blessings.
Good morning Vince,
It is so true that the small things make a big difference in our lives. Thank you for encouraging us by your examples of what makes the environment so much better – people who like their work, people who pray for others as they encourage them, and people who smile and think of the other person.
I hope you are feeling a little better and can enjoy your food again. Today the sun is shining, the air is warm, the colours are vibrant – the small things that we can all enjoy that God has given us. Fall is a special season.
Morning Vincent!
Thank you for this amazing devotional. I always look forward to what He has for us all through you.
I run an old style bnb. It’s not easy work. We have a large old Victorian home on a half-acre….and we are over 70. We are not making much of a profit. But you know, it’s the people who come, love our big breakfast, and often seem to go away rested and encouraged.
You take care of yourself, and I will remember you in prayer, and those who serve where you live.
Thank you, Vincent. If all of us would follow this advice, what a grand world this would be!