Always At His Work!

In John 5, the religious leaders were persecuting Jesus because He was "doing these things on the Sabbath."  Jesus made it clear that He was on a mission, not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).  Jesus made it clear to the religious leaders of His day that He came to do the Father's work and that His Father was always working.  Jesus says in John 5:17, "My Father is ALWAYS AT HIS WORK to this very day, and I too am working."  I love this passage of Scripture, and it helps me in every area of my life.  I know that God is ALWAYS AT HIS WORK in my life, and it is always for His good purposes.  It does not mean that I will always feel good when He is working or that I will always understand when He is working.  It does not mean that I will even see His work at all times.  However, I know the truth of His Word, and His truth directs my feelings and my sight.  I know that God's purposes are always good, always right, and always eternal.  He has set eternity in my heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  Romans 8:28 tells me an important truth, as well, that I need to cling to and exercise in this life: "And we know that in all things GOD WORKS for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Don't you love that?!?!  GOD WORKS!!!

I don't know what you are struggling with today in your life.  Maybe you are struggling with feelings of abandonment or worthlessness or hopelessness.  Maybe you are struggling at home, at school, at work, or at church.  Know this truth: God loves you, and God is ALWAYS AT HIS WORK in your life...and it is for good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose!  Cling to this truth in your life today!  Exercise this truth in your life today!

Know Him Better

What if we prayed for one another like Paul prayed for the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:15-23?  I have actually been praying for my church family this way.  I have even been praying for myself this way.  Now I am asking my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for me this way.  There are three words that stand out to me in this passage: KNOW HIM BETTER.  Beginning in verse 16, Paul says, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."  He goes on to say in verse 17, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may KNOW HIM BETTER."  Paul's prayer for the Ephesians was that the Spirit would fill their hearts and their minds.  His prayer was for the eyes of their hearts to be enlightened and that they would know the hope of God and the power of God that was theirs in Jesus!  Paul was not satisfied in his relationship with God.  He wanted to KNOW HIM BETTER.  Paul was not satisfied for his brothers and sisters in Christ.  He wanted them to KNOW HIM BETTER.  Paul relied on the Spirit of God to stir them, to fill them, and to enlighten them.  What a powerful prayer!  I am praying like that to begin this new year - 2023!  I am praying for all believers, including myself, to KNOW HIM BETTER!  And I am asking my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for me like this!  May God continue to reveal Himself to us...through His Word, through His Spirit, through His creation!  Amen!