Grace so Amazing

What work does God want me to do?

The true nature of God is wonderfully revealed in the life and words of Jesus. He said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also" (John 14:7).

In almost every other religious form or tradition, the "god" (or "gods") being worshiped is passive and abstract or merely a historical figure. In contrast, Jesus declared that the true God is alive, active and engaged. "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" (John 5:17). God did not simply create the heavens and earth with an explosive burst of divine energy -- then back off to let creation run itself. He has remained intimately involved, infusing His sustaining power and influence in every location, every situation and every moment (see Colossians 1:17).

This reality has huge implications for how we live out His purposes. If we miss the intensity of God's direct involvement, our tendency will be either to work independently of Him (secularism) or work for Him, as "little helpers." His concept is neither. It is to work with Him. Dr. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God (an excellent resource!) puts it this way: "God is at work all around us all the time. Our job is to see where He is working and join Him." The Apostle Paul refers to us as "ambassadors" who are "workers together with Him" (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:1).

You need to grasp just how dramatic this is. The God of the universe is inviting you, indeed giving you the privilege, to join Him in His work. That's much different than your going off, doing your thing, and checking in with Him now and then. Instead, as His coworker, your "antenna" goes up and every sense is quickened, alert to His activity. Nothing is random, nor beyond His redemptive reach. For example:

You see the sad face of a fellow employee who has lost a loved one, and you are able to pour out God's compassion and mercy
You have been helped by a new book and you purchase some to give to your friends
A traffic jam causes you to miss a flight and you discover God had a significant reason for you to not go when you'd intended
Think about your current situation -- as a student, or as you begin your work career or start a family. Maybe you're in the midst of a job change, or planning to retire. Where you are is no accident, nor is what you are doing at this time. But maybe you're like me -- you just need to adjust your focus from "what I am doing" to what God is doing, and how, specifically, you can join Him right now in His work.

Make this shift and a whole new world of adventure, joy, peace and spiritual impact will open to you.


Key Scripture We (are) workers together with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Key Thought God is at work all around me. How can I join Him?
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How do I deal with the devil?

Yesterday our focus was on overcoming the old self, and we saw that victory comes to us as we walk in the Spirit. Today we will talk about how we deal with the devil.

I learned a great lesson early in my Christian walk. A dispute, one that seemed quite irrational, developed at our company between two senior managers. As tempers flared and harsh words burst out, it looked as though things would only get worse, not better.

Later, as I pondered the problem in the quiet surroundings of my study at home, my eyes fell on an unopened book on my bookshelf, still in its cellophane wrapper. The title intrigued me: Dealing with the Devil by C.S. Lovett. As I leafed through its pages I came across this analogy: Suppose you stood in the middle of a busy traffic intersection, wearing normal street clothes, with cars coming from all directions. You might wave your arms wildly trying to stop traffic, but before long you'd probably be run over. Imagine instead that you do the same thing, only this time change your clothing. Put on a policeman's uniform. The results would be completely different. Drivers would respect the authority represented by the uniform and do as you directed.

The author then made this point: If a believer is "clothed with Christ," he or she has authority to deal with spiritual opposition, just as the policeman does in traffic. Armed with this insight, I "put on my uniform" and prayed in Jesus' name, exerting authority over whatever unseen forces were causing dissension between the two managers. The next day I found to my amazement the problem had vanished -- as though there had never been a conflict in the first place. This incident really opened my eyes to spiritual opposition. The Bible has a great deal to say about such warfare. Let's look more closely.

The devil is a real adversary that you must reckon with. Also known as Satan, he was initially a high-ranking angel in heaven who rebelled, was cast out of heaven (see Luke 10:18) and has been in total opposition to God ever since. It was he who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden (see Genesis 3:4) and even now is the author of war, famine, murder and every vice known to mankind. Jesus called him a thief that "does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10).

Satan challenged Jesus at every turn -- from His infancy through His death. Yet Jesus was undeterred from His mission to completely defeat His ancient foe. The Apostle John said, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). Though the enemy was a schemer and clever tactician, he made an enormous miscalculation, thinking if he could kill God's Son he would gain uncontested control of the entire world. However Jesus' death, which Satan expected to be his supreme triumph, became his ultimate downfall.

Though Satan was indeed defeated, for a while he continues to exert a measure of influence on earth. He is still behind every form of evil, perhaps with increasing intensity, sensing (correctly) the day is coming when he will be completely destroyed. Peter says Satan "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Peter's counsel? "Resist him, steadfast in the faith" (v.9). Paul says the same: "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemings) of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10,11).

Every day you will see evidence of the devil's influence around you and in world events. The good news is that in Jesus you can be an "overcomer," a phrase used often in Revelation, the final book of the Bible. James says emphatically, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). In other words, put on the policeman's uniform!


Key Scripture I (the Lord) will contend with him who contends with you (Isaiah 49:25).
Key Thought Christ’s victory is complete, and He will show me how to apply that victory each day.
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What actually happens when I commit to following Jesus?

This is a tremendously important question. Most of us have very incomplete knowledge of what's involved in the transformed life at the time of our decision to follow Christ. But it is essential that we quickly grow in that understanding.

According to the Bible we are "born again" when we take certain steps in faith:

Acknowledge we have been separated from God -- living independently from Him -- and repent for staying separated. ("Repent" means to stop and completely change direction.)
Turn toward God and away from our former way of living
Personally, and verbally, ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior -- receiving Him as the One who by His death, burial and resurrection made it possible to come back to God
Give ourselves fully to Him, recognizing that Jesus is Lord -- the One who is entitled to all authority in our lives
This act of believing, the term used most commonly in the New Testament, is not merely mental assent but actively inviting Jesus to be our Savior and Lord with all our heart and strength. Passion is permissible!

As mentioned earlier, I reached this point of commitment after years of trying to make it on my own. I finally came to the end of myself -- and reached out to Jesus. I became a believer. I was "born again." I experienced a fresh start, a new beginning.

Though observable changes didn't take place immediately, I can look back now to see a process of gradual change -- one that began a major shift in the entire direction of my life. In a word: transformed!

Here are some of the ways the Bible describes transformation:

Out of Darkness Into Light (1 Peter 2:9)
Out of Bondage Into Freedom (Romans 8:21)
Out of Death Into Life (Romans 6:13)

On day one after your commitment to follow Jesus you may not feel any different. Don't let your feelings obscure this one major fact: a huge transition has taken place! It will take time -- maybe a lifetime -- to fully appreciate the ramifications of turning your life over to Christ -- both now and for eternity. It still overwhelms me to realize that God Himself met me as a lost, self-willed, and self-sufficient young man. The Author of all creation reached out to me, accepted me into His family and showed me His unconditional love. And that love has never diminished for a single moment since.

Don't be discouraged if you don't see the evidence right away. Stand your ground. You have embarked on a new journey. You are a new person with a new, transformed life. Your adventure of following Jesus has just begun.


Key Scripture Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Key Thought My life has changed -- forever.
For more resources to help you grow as a Christian, you can go to www.iChristianLife.com.

What should I do first?

Early in our journey, we need to understand the vital distinction between religion and a relationship. Most of us have seen religion at work -- but the relationship we have with Jesus is much different. Religion tends toward the external. It is structural and rules-based. In contrast, our relationship should be personal, open, warm and liberating.

Jesus wants us to come to Him the way a little child comes to a loving parent. Anyone who has spent time around young children understands this imagery. My wife, Wendy, and I were always delighted when one of our six children would run up to us, arms outstretched for a hug -- then nestling in with their entire little bodies, completely at rest and filled with trust.

Can I ask you to do this right now? Just become a "little child" for a minute -- and come to Jesus as you would to a father or mother who deeply loves you. No requests. No expectations. You don't have to brush your teeth or comb your hair. Simply come to Him and nestle in. Stay in His presence. Experience His love for you.

Did you take time for this? Please don't go on until you do.

Let this childlike act become a lifelong habit. From that place of rest, trust and dependency you will experience the transforming power of the new life. "It is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). His work is inside out, not outside in.

Sadly, many Christians have allowed religion to become a substitute for a relationship. It is an easy trap to fall into. You can get so busy "doing things for God" that you neglect the personal bond with Him.

Uncorrected, this "religious" tendency can actually become a spiritual liability. This was so in Jesus' day. Jesus reserved some of his harshest words for "professional believers" -- who became so bound with rules and regulations that their lives were consumed with hypocrisy and greed. They were blind to Jesus' desire for a relationship.

Make it your goal to stay childlike in your relationship with Jesus, even as you grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom.


Key Scripture Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
Key Thought Jesus is a person. He wants a personal relationship with me.

Questions or comments about this study? email me and let me know your thoughts.

Grace............

A--Accept
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.


B--Break Away
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.


C--Create
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.


D--Decide
Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.


E--Explore
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.


F--Forgive
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.


G--Grow
Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.


H--Hope
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.


I--Ignore
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.


J--Journey
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.


K--Know
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.


L--Love
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.


M--Manage
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.


N--Notice
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.


O--Open
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.


P--Play
Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.


Q--Question
Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.


R--Relax
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.


S--Share
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.


T--Try
Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.


U--Use
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.


V--Value
Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.


W--Work
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.


X--X-Ray
Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.


Y--Yield
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.



Z--Zoom
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.