I don't care what you say!

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)

I had a wondeful day yesterday with the CMA Son Rise Rider leadership team at our state officer training. It is just another great opportunity for the Lord to speak to us and affirm out ministry. But, as I was sitting in some of the training sessions, I realize everyone doesn't share the confidence I have in what we are doing. The "young" officers have so many questions and doubts in what they are doing. You can tell they question themselves around every decision. Many are new to ministry and most have never been in leadership positions before. They will learn.

The "more experience" I gain in life the more I realize the power of God in ME. It is not me bragging about me, but it's me bragging about the God of the universe working in me. I am confident in leadership, not because I am great, but because God is great. Sure, I mess up, but God is always there to perfect his masterpiece in me. I have firmly gotten to the point "I don't care what people think of me." It is so freeing to know I don't have to live up to the worlds standards, I only answer to the almighty God. 

The great thing about my CMA chapter? We all know who we answer to. We treasure our ministry, and honor God through our service. It is great to know our leadership knows that and we are blessed by it. We know we are working for his will and not our own. We are guided by his wisdom, power, love, and grace. Praise God for the knowledge that God is for us and no one can stand against us!

Handiwork!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

I like to feel I'm sort of a handiman! Given the right tools I can fix just about anything. For years this skill lie dormant. I was a little intimidated by my father-in-law who had a career of fixing and designing machines as a tool and die maker. My own father didn't have the time or the desire to do these things. So growing up, fixing things, or working with my hands, was not a part of my life. But, as I grew older, owning my own homes, cars, and motorcycles, I realized I really enjoy working with my hands, building things, taking things apart, and fixing them. I've gotten quite good at it! 

With this verse, I can relate to our loving creator. I take pride in the things I build, my handiwork. On a much grander scale God takes great pride in us, his greatest creation. He loves to see us used for our primary purpose, to do good works. He grants so many opportunities to do good works. Many we just ignore and they pass us by, unfulfilled. When we do GET IT, he loves to watch and admire!

What am I doing? Do I take advantage of the great opportunities to serve and do good works? Do I even look for those opportunities?

Dear Lord Jesus, help me to recognize the blessings I get from serving others. Help me SEE the chances I have that appear every day. Lord I want to do your will, not just talk about it. True service is doing your will in the lives of those I meet everyday. I praise you for your patience with me! AMEN!