Ephesians 2:1-10
Have you noticed how lots of people today think that if they're "good" enough, if they make an effort to be law abiding and nice people, they'll go to heaven when they die? That may sound all good and fine, but it doesn't match up to what the Bible tells us. In fact, the Bible says just the opposite, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). So there we have it--our salvation has nothing to do with our works.
But here's the kicker. Once we accept Christ as Savior, works matter. How do I know that? It's right there in black and white in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..."
So where are you at today? If you're not sure you're going to heaven, I invite you to accept God's FREE (no works required) gift of salvation.
If you've already saved, I encourage you to focus in on verse 10 and all the good works Christ has for us. And speaking of good works, what have you done this week, or even today, in that category? Tami W.
Yesterday was really a blessed day, especially in light of visiting 8 homes to share God's Word and pray with persons who are unable to come to Church to worship anymore. The priest and two of us visited with these people whose ages range from 80-96 years. These people, even though they have their ailments were giving God thanks and praise and were so appreciative of our visit and asking us to come again soon even though they know we only visit each group once monthly. (We visit 4 groups each Tuesday monthly) Our blessings came from God through these wonderful people.
Yesterday also, I was able to call a young man who lives in the USA who has been having some "trying times" and yesteday he mentioned to a family member he had been to Church so of course I called him and we talked. He believes in God and was going back to Church last night. He mentioned to me that God has kept him out of trouble. We had a very good and fulfilling conversation on God's wonderful gifts. About half an hour later he called me back to thank me for taking time to call him from all the way in Barbados and how much the call meant to him. We promise to be in contact often and I am asking you to pray with me for this young man, [name removed] that God will lead him to what He has planned for him. Thank you and may God be with you always.
Tami, How I praise the Lord for BTTB and the staff, this is an issue I'm at right now, I knew a person when I was growing up that was kind and just very nice when ever I was around him and thought he was going to heaven when he dies, he was a good person to be around, but I never knew if he went to church or even talk about God or Jesus and now that I'm older I know that good people don't get to go to heaven without Jesus. I've been a christian for some time now and God has been working in my life more now because I've asked him to reveal to me what is not right in my life, and he has showen me that I've been more concerned about HOW things are going to effect David and not how David can be effective for God's kindom, so I'm on the road to straighten this out so I can be where God wants me to be, I lost my job over a month ago and now I know God has a plan for me no matter where it is, what ever job God has for me will be the place where I can be his servent to expand his kindom even if it's not the job I would pick because HE KNOWS BEST not me. so if your not sure your where God wants you to be you need to be willing to ask the tough questions are you in the church he wants you in or are you just comfortable where your at in the safe zone, look at your life is it what you want or what God wants, I'll tell you just from my life I know now that whatever God has in store for us is a lot better than our own plans, yes it may not look like the way we want it to be but in the end we'll be able to look back and say he watched over us and never left nor fosaked us and even made us stonger through him. We need to remember and that includes me that it's not about me/you, it's about God and his kingdom and how many people we can effect in a Godly way so the unsaved world can look at us and say I want what they have, we need and again me to make sure we'er in the world but not acting like the world does. people say things have changed but we all need to remember that God and his word has not changed since time began, I pray that God will make us strong in him. God bless you all. David.
Hi Tami
It's me again, I just have stuff spilling out of me today, I have to say that I have had coworkers/friends I've worked around and not hardly said or said anything about God to them because I was worried what they would say and this is an indication as to where I am spiriatily, I/we need to remember that it's not us that they'er rejecting but God and if they dont want to be our friends then they wern't our friends in the first place, Let's pray that God will give us a heart of compassion for the lost and not judge them because we needed God's grace and mercy for our lives, remember it took Jesus to save us and it will take Jesus to save the rest of the world, but we need to be willing to do the good works he has planed for us.
I am very grateful for God bringing bttb into my life. I can say that I was a dying soul before I knew Jesus Christ. Thru Him, I realized that God is forever merciful and has been blessing me with his grace since I've been a young child. Ofcourse I didn't see that first hand but reading the Word and being a part of bttb, I've seen that God has been there for me, has been guiding me, and has been loving me all along. This is such an overwhelming feeling for me cuz when I know the world is against me, I can count on the only one God and never worry about anything. I'm dealin with an issue now that I pray on evreyday. At times I get the answer but find myself holding off on it.(Forgive me Father).
I am a new graduate nurse tryin to look for work. Its been 9 months since looking and sometimes I feel like just giving up. (But when I get into the word and see Gods works, then I give him praise for helping me hold on). The issue for me now is that I feel the holy spirit nudging me to leave ny (my home). There has been a lot of worldy deceptive things going on around me that urges me to leave asap. I see it as God telling me that "this is not the place for you rachel, get up and move". Instead I find myself worrying about how. How can I move with no funds at all? It is very hard for me and I pray to God Everyday that he helps me in this. But despite my issues, I thank God for his blessings of mercy,grace and love. He has held me down through all of this and when I feel that I'm falling in the pit of disaster, in Jesus Christ, I have hope and faith and can hear God telling me to hold on longer. I am not worthy of Him but God stays true to His word and always shows His love and friendship to me. Praise God and bless His holy name.
I was reading David's comments and just wanted to say, David, continue to trust the Lord and wait on Him just keep reading His Word and believing in Him no matter what obstacles come your way. I used to feel the same way about telling others about God. What I do is share one of God's blessings that actually happened with them and they will start opening up and want to hear more. Some of course, may not be interested but I pray for them. As you have rightly said, we should not judge anyone as that is our Jesus' portfolio. I shall be praying for you. Thanks for sharing those thoughts.
David & Rachel, I wanted to let you know I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us. I'll be praying for each of your unique situations and am sure others in the P4 family are doing the same. Tami W.
David - Don't ever loose focus. You are right! It is all about God and doing His will over our will. As for people who reject Christ, just keep praying for them. It is our role to tell them and then let other's cultivate what is planted. Just make sure to tell speak the truth in love and don't deviate from the Word of God. Unfortunately, there are far too many out here who water down the Truth in order to "get along" with people. I would rather have one True Friend, than a bunch of unbelievers who are destined to spend eternity separated from Our Lord and Savior.
Rachel - Don't get discouraged, but pray and listen to the voice of God. We have to use discernment in all decisions and although moving, be it to another state or home, is major; God will not leave nor forsake you. He will provide for you and guide you.
I tell others about God every chance I get. The funniest thing I heard today was I sneezed and a person said "God bless you!" Then she apologized because she has been told that could be offensive to someone. I told her that I know Who the Savior is and it is not offensive to me. I told her that I had been told the same thing and I still say "God Bless You!" And like I told her, I don't care who gets offended, it may be the only way some hear about God!
Rachel I hope that you find a job quickly. The VA hospitals are needing nurses badly. VA is Vetrans Hospital. Every state has them check them out. Any other people interested in clerical or volunter help or security , they have several diffrent positions. They do not advertize and you do not have to have any miltary background. They have wonderful benifits. They would appreaciate ministers to come in and work for them or volunteer some time. I hope this helps they have several positions just go and ask or go online at va.gov
this week,i thank God for giving me opportunity to talk and advise my sister,and i pray that God, will enlighten her eyes the more