The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord , endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. (Psalm 138:8 NLT) The Lord WILL work out his plans for your life. Did you hear that correctly? Do you believe it to be true? Are you questioning how something is happening right now in your life? We all find ourselves in positions from time to time where we don't really understand what is happening, possibly even questioning if God has abandoned us. In those moments, recall this passage - he WILL work out his plans for your life, because he is the God of unfailing love that never quits! God's protection in our lives isn't based on how well we perform - you can thank heaven for that! Our behavior isn't going to alter God's protection over our lives, but it doesn't alter the fact that bad decisions can lead to unwanted consequences. God is still protecting us, even when the consequences come our way. It is like an umbrella - it is the...
Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "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." A masterpiece is made with precise awareness of what one wants to create. There is a purpose in mind, specific things going into the making of that masterpiece, then it is put into use as it was intended. If created for one purpose, but used for another, is the unique design of the masterpiece fulfilled? No, it is 'useful', but not to the degree it was intended. We need to be sensitive to the purpose God has created us to fulfill. Some will think this means they have to have some super-spiritual calling, like missionary or preacher, but we ALL have a design and a purpose. Schoolteacher, nurse, mother, police officer, the list goes on. All must put to use their specific talents - even those we label as 'regular' or 'skills'. What is amazing is that God creates us ANEW. In Christ Jesus, we come to t...