Most of us know we are not able to earn our way into heaven through our works, but only through the blood of Jesus, and accepting Him as our Lord and personal Saviour.
Romans 5:8-9(NKJV)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
We also, once saved, should show we have a change in us, which exemplifies Christ, through our works.
James 2:26(NKJV) 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
But what about the things the Lord has given us; possessions, time, spiritual gifts, and the many opportunities which are to be used for His benefit, and we do nothing with them?
I was reading from the Scripture of Matthew 16:27;
27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
Ooops!!
I believe I have some work to do on this, as I know there have been many times I was called to do something for the Lord, and I did something selfish instead.
Though we are saved if we have the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, and have an eternal home awaiting, we also have a time in which we will be held accountable for each and every thing we do, or do not do through our works. Whether it is through our use of possessions, spiritual gifts, opportunities, or time, we all may use these things to promote heavenly works for our Father.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word, in which each of us is freely able to go to, study, and have it speak to us, directing our paths, to glorify Your name. Thank You for the many Spiritual gifts you have given each one of us, and the many material possessions we have to make life more comfortable.
We acknowledge all of this comes from You, and is Yours. Help each of us to use it responsibly, and to bring You glory, and honor. May we follow the path You have for us, and may we exemplify a life of selflessness.
Lead, guide, and direct us through the Holy Spirit. Protect our families, our pastors, our communities, and our nation. Heal the broken, lift up the sick, and provide energy to those who are weak. Let us not look back and wonder what we did with the many Blessings you have given us, but let us show fruitful trees with many fruits and blossoms.
May Your strength be seen, and may Your love cover all.
For it is in the name of Jesus, the name of our Redeemer, we ask and claim these things, Amen!!
God Bless,
David B.
