Ephesians 2:1-10

 1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used
to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom
of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us
also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature
and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects
of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made
us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace
you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with
him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he
might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to
us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and
this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one
can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Meditation
1. Works are to faith as exhaling is to inhaling. They complete the gift of
salvation. Good works are not what we do to win salvation; they are what
we do to demonstrate and enjoy it. Followers of Jesus have for the longest
time been perplexed by the relationship between faith and works. However,
Jesus said, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”(John
13:17)
2. Does my behaviour demonstrate to others my faith in Jesus Christ? What are
the things that I know but have not done? Ask the Holy Spirit to show me
how to actually do these good works.

Personal Note:
I am in the midst of planning for strategies and actions for this year.  I can create a wonderful plan, but without action and actually doing it, it is a complete waste of time.  I am called to courageously lead and invite brothers and sisters to do the will of God.  I am called to care and love the people I lead.  I am called to pray and invite my unbelieving friends to fellowship so they can know Christ.