Day 6: 50 Days of Change

“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.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you feel like God wants nothing to do with you? That we are so small compared to an all powerful God, why would he care anything about somebody like me? Who am I? 

Well you are Gods masterpiece. What kind of art collector buys a masterful piece of artwork and throws it in the basement? No they proudly display their masterpiece. They make sure it has a prominent spot in their home so all can see it. A sculptor makes a monument for a city, it doesn’t get put in a dark alley hidden away, no the masterpiece goes in a prominent location, why because it is important. You are Gods masterpiece. You are important to him. 

When we finally accept that we are a child of God through the sacrifice Jesus made we come to realize that God has always loved us. Don’t be fooled to believe that God only starts loving us when we accept Jesus. God created humanity on day six and said we were very good. He had a relationship with us in the garden, and even after continued to work to have a relationship with us even when we didn’t deserve it. Like a good friend he got angry when we wouldn’t listen but he never gave up on us. He loves us so much that he died for us, yes God died for us. When Jesus died on the cross, the Father and Spirit who are connected to him died with him, yet lived. This is the awesome power of the trinity of God.

So today I wonder what good things is God doing in your life? Are you asking him for good things? Ask Jesus to renew your life, and ask him for opportunités to do good things for him. Be active in sharing your faith and letting others know about the love Jesus has for them. It is time for us to change our world.

Jesus, thank you for reminding me daily that I am your masterpiece. Help me to show others that they too are a masterpiece of God, that they may have a ratty poster covering it but underneath is something amazing. Holy Spirit reveal in me wisdom to help my friends, family, coworkers and strangers see you for who you are and experience a relationship with the Father. They matter to you Jesus, so they matter to me. Let me see good things happening, Amen

Day 5: 50 Days of Change

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In Canada we have taken in a number of refugees from the Syrian crisis. Those people were displaced from their home running from a conflict they honestly might have no idea why it is happening. Yet here they have come, joining our country looking for a new life. We as Canadians have welcomed them with open arms, providing them with away to start their life anew. But what if they arrived and still continued to live their lives as if they were running, a refugeee lifestyle? 

The fact of the matter is they arrive and embrace the change that has happened. They know where they have been and have no desire to return to the life of a displaced person. Yes many yearn for loved ones who are still displaced, but they yearn for them to join them in this new life. 

Humanity was displaced from its relationship with God. For thousands of years mankind has been spiritual refugees. At the cross Jesus created a way for mankind to be brought out of the spiritual darkness and into the light. He invites us to come and live with him, having all the benefits of a citizen of heaven. We become joint heirs, he only asks that you live as one. We as believers must not be tempted to go back and see what were missing. The darkness has an allure that sucks you in, it like a powerful, dictator does not want to lose any of its citizens, lest they tell others about what wonderful things are in the light.

That is what we as children living in the light need to be doing. We need to be sharing about the wonderful life we are living in the light. A life of joy that we express through our everything, through the good and bad times. The way we express ourselves and our attitude towards life will show people our hearts. If we look like we are always drinking vinegar and are sour and bitter who will be attracted to that? If we are mad at the world and angry who will be attracted to that? If we live expectant, with a passion and loving others who will be attracted to that?

So how are you living your life today? Are you walking in the light? Are you playing games in the darkness hoping that one day you might jump into the light when needed? It might be to late then. Jesus is ready to accept you, refugee papers have already been signed, all you need to do is accept them and walk into the light.

Jesus, thank you so much for your sacrifice so that we can live in the light with you. We desire a relationship with the Father. Show us how to reach others lost in the darkness, giving us a passion for their plight. They don’t see the need for a saviour, yet in the darkness they don’t see much of anything. Let us be a lighthouse to them, a beacon of truth and hope for something more. They matter to you Jesus, so they matter to us, Amen.

Day 3: 50 Days of Change

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Gale Sayers had this attitude towards his priorities. ” I am third.” In a world where almost everyone is looking out for number one, he stood out and made the claim, I am third. A couple years back a group came out called I am Second. But this man said I am third. 

When we look at our priorities in light of who God is, it is sometimes hard for us to justify what we are doing with our lives. If you were to break down you week or month into what we do it would surprise you just how little time compared to everything else we might be spending with God. Now if you have become a person and believer who is walking with God all day it may be hard to put a specific number in it. But in general we don’t have our priorities where they need to be. 

So I am third, relates to Jesus response to the young rich ruler, the greatest commandment, first was to love the Lord your God with all you heart. If priority number one isn’t God, then what is? Second was to love your neighbor as yourself, are you treating others as they have second priority in your life. How important would they feel if their needs outweighed your own. Third is us. I am third. We do need to take care of ourselves, but our pleasures, and tribal things shouldn’t take precedence over God. All to often God is moved not third place only visited when needed or once a week. 

So what do we change? We need to make God number one in our lives. How do we do that? It is in how we live our lives, the way we interact with people, how we spend our time, prayer, study, worship. If we don’t take time for him, we will be missing many opportunities to serve. He is preparing yo for amazing things, take advantage of them. As Gods workmanship he wants you to be effective in the mission of sharing his desire for relationship with others. 

Jesus, if you are not number one in my life, I want to aploigize, please forgive me, you need to be the most important thing in my life, then everything else will center around that. I am your workmanship and I don’t want to abuse what you have given me. Help me to be effective in reaching others showing genuine love for them. They matter to you so they matter to me. Amen