Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Grace”
Our Bible verse for today: “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “We must be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
This week in our reading of Rick Warren’s 40 day devotional “What on Earth Am I Here For?” the topic is serving God. Rick writes that serving God and serving others is actually one of the primary purposes of our lives. God created each of us as a unique individual with specific gifts and abilities, so that we could then be of service to Him in His Kingdom-building work here on earth.
Rick writes, “You were put on earth to make a contribution. God designed you to make a difference with your life. While many best-selling books offer advice on how to “get” the most out of life, that’s not the reason God made you. You were created to “add” to life on earth, not just take from it.”
This is what Paul was writing about in Ephesians 2:10. Before you were even born, God had a purpose and a plan for your life. Before you even took your first breath, God had things planned for you to do for Him.
When Jesus was here on earth He inaugurated this new era of grace. But when His time on earth was done, He passed the work along to His followers. In John 20:21 He said, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And in Acts 1:8, just before ascending back into heaven He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
God’s grace is His undeserved blessings poured out upon people. In our day the way God’s grace is delivered is primarily through you and me – the followers of His Son Jesus. We have been designated to be the hands and feet of Jesus. People should be experiencing God’s grace through us. This is one of the primary purposes of your life.
Rick writes, “The last thing many believers need is another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles.”
If you are not intentionally serving as a conduit for God’s grace to flow to others, then you’re missing one of the primary and most rewarding purposes for your life. I encourage you to be a blessing to others. Get involved in ministry.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 