Christ | kdmanestreet

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

While our efforts can’t earn salvation, our gratitude for Christ’s free gift should result in acts of service. We are not saved just for our own benefit, but to serve Christ and build up His church.

You are special! In Christ, you are God’s work of art, His poem. And God had you in mind for a specific job(s) when He created you.

God has blessed you with abilities and, (if you are His child), spiritual gifts. No one will ever possess your unique set of talents, ideas, abilities, feelings, and exact physical traits.

God’s plans for you are as unique and special as you are. God knows you inside and out (Psalm 139). He will not only use your strengths, but also use your surrendered weaknesses for His glory (2 Corinthians 12:10).

From Jacob’s 12 sons to the 12 disciples, it’s clear: God specializes in using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. And in God’s economy, the seemingly insignificant tasks―when done with the right attitude―honor Him (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).

The Christian life is full of paradoxes. In a society where self is glorified and competition reigns, the idea of serving God and others fly contrary to our selfish desires and comfort zones. But when we place Christ first and follow His lead, we position ourselves to experience His abundant life; the greatest fulfillment. If that isn’t enough, God also uses our obedient faith steps and rewards our efforts, even though He knows we’ll mess up at times (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Reading the Bible, prayer, trust in Christ, and listening to godly counsel are the keys to knowing God’s directives.

What are some of the good works God has prepared for you?

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” – Romans 6:2

At one of our girls’ Varsity basketball games, the fans joined the team in wearing red shirts that read:

“You must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Although the shirts referred to heart disease, I imagined the apostle Paul saying:

“You must be sick and tired of being chained to sin!”

As my family went cross country skiing last weekend, the Lord reminded me:

“If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins … who could stand?” -Psalm 130:3

With the snow reflecting the sun’s brightness, He also reminded me:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” – Isaiah 1:18

Because God alone is without sin, He alone can help us with our sin. God is not only holy, but also a gentleman. He never forces Himself in relationship with anyone. He does, however, long to forgive and comfort instead of punish us as our sins deserve (Romans 6:23). I am so thankful He is quick to forgive (1 John 1:9).

I used to be a mess (Romans 7), but now I am complete in Christ because of His perfect work.

Christ removed sin, which barred us from God’s presence and fellowship. We are justified, no longer guilty, when we accept His sacrifice through faith. God justifies―“just as if I never sinned”―through His Son’s blood shed on the cross. And, when Christ returns, He will make His children perfect (Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:9-10; Hebrews 10:14). Now that’s reason to shout, “hallelujah!”

I love Big Daddy Weave’s song, Redeemed. You can view it on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ4jOX6f_1s.

Thanks for journeying with me.

God Bless,

K.D.