February 1 Maintain Good Works Titus 3:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Titus 3:8)
Have you ever been in a “Spiritual Slump?” Are you feeling a little “Off?” For a number of years, I have kept a “Prayer Journal.” Just recently, I was reading through one of the older ones and I saw a pattern emerging. It was clear and plain, that when I was committed to prayer and concentrating on doing what God expects, that my journal entries were positive and upbeat and filled with hopeful faith expressions. It was equally clear, that the times when I was struggling “Spiritually,” it was obvious that I was not continuing in “Good Works!” Let me state here and now, YOU CANNOT WORK YOUR WAY INTO SALVATION! IT IS, ONLY, THROUGH THE SELFLESS ACT AT CALVARY, THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, THAT WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE PRIVILEGE OF SALVATION! When we have been “SAVED,” through Jesus, we will want to do “Good Works!” Satan uses distractions and challenges to take my focus away from Jesus, and my responsibilities as a believer, however, when I am praying, studying His Holy Word, and sharing the Good News of Jesus, his influence is minimal! Satan hates an active and maturing Believer! Early in my “Spiritual Walk,” I was in an “Up & Down” pattern of excitement and service and this was unfulfilling to me and was not productive for my Savior! Ever been there? I thank my God, through the Blessed Holy Spirit, that the powerful moving of the Spirit has taught me to have less “Ups & Downs” and has helped me to be more “UP,” than “DOWN!” God has provided the opportunity for you and I to live a growing and productive “Spiritual Life!” My daily prayer is that God would make me constant in my growth, consistent in my commitments, and dedicated to my calling! I want to encourage you to keep a “Prayer Journal,” and track your Prayer Life (I am assuming that you pray)! Writing down the prayer history, and the results of each prayer, has helped me focus, and to get excited about God’s moving among the prayer needs and has encouraged me to “affirm constantly and to continue in Good Works!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused …THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
** Side Note: Satan has doubled down on this “Pillsbury Doughboy” Pastor over the past several days! He is using individuals that you would not expect to be used by him, to create unnecessary issues! Consider this reality: If your actions and words are not edifying to God and bringing folks closer to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and demonstrating your own growing relationship, then leave it alone! We are called to share His Good News, not our opinions! Issues, challenges, disruptions, conflicts would be minimal if we would simply focus on what God expects and commit to living “Christ-Like!” “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!”