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As we are begin a new year… It is the year of our Lord 2022. I would like you to consider those who have made history in the world. We remember those who have done evil just as we remember those who have done good. Those who have done good are more often honored in the world, but will they be acknowledged and remembered by God for what they have done? Certainly those who have brought harm and done evil will be remembered when Gods judgment is delivered to them on that day they stand before their creator, the creator of all. God will remember those who have done good, his will in his name and be rewarded for it. As believers in the messiah, our desire should be to fulfill his will in our lives, to be His workmanship, for which we have been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) While we may be enticed to become larger, more important by the world, God asks us to be faithful in the small things, in everything. It is Him we serve no matter what the task. We can only be effective by doing his good works to change people’s lives. This is done by pointing them to the only one who has the truth, power and authority to change them by his love and their submission. Explaining His Word becomes more important to people than ever before. But also our actions, and our reactions to their hearing what God has to say to them. Let’s remember that by doing even the smallest action, like giving a glass of water as a refreshment because of his motivation to respond, it will be rewarded. Life is more challenging today than at any other time, it will become harder to live as Christ asks in a deteriorating culture, a society that is under pressure to comply with unheard of requests. We can expect unusual and offensive statements, activity and laws enacted as the world spirals downward in its quest fro power and significance. The world’s ways are becoming stronger and intrusive. As we see things around us declining we can get disturbed, angry, but we can’t let anger control us or our decisions. We must accept that there are people and things whom we cannot change or reach. Let the Word “establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions ” (1 Thess. 3:2-3) 2 Thess.1:4-5 Have patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. The adversary of mankind is also increasing in power and influence over people. Also, we each have own personal war against the adversary as he tries to prevent us from reaching out and sharing the only one who can change people’s lives. Many think they must wait to be more mature or knowledgeable before they can serve God. Do not be intimidated, have courage to speak and act knowing whom you belong to and serve. We are to be about the fathers business no matter how young we are in Christ. In fact it is when we outwardly speak and do good works our faith is built up, strengthened. As we become faithful in the little things that the Lord will give us more grace. 3 John 5 you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, If we keep remembering what we are to do and how we are to do it we will find his grace continuing and progress in those we care for. 1 Cor. 10:31 whatever you do, do all to the glory of God Col. 3:17 whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Gods approval is not found in the big things one does, he is looking at our motivation and our heart being willing to be open to speak and act. Let these words encourage you for this next year, may god richly bless you as you follow and serve the King of kings. Col. 3:23-25 whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Eph. 6:6-8 as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord 1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. |
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