Works

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

Day 12 of Advent in the week of preparation. 

At first glance, this passage seems to contradict itself - not by works and yet created to do good works. Oh, that we could fully grasp the Grace of God! Salvation and even our faith are both gifts from God. We can't earn them. We can't do anything to pay Him back for them. We are, however, changed by them. 

And it is the changing of our hearts, the renewing of our minds just to start with that lead us into good works - acts of service for others and for building God's kingdom. Prepared in advance for us to do because God FIRST planned and prepared the way for our salvation. Thankfully, He will use us to help lead others back into right relationship with Him. God's handiworks.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for salvation and grace and faith and for the opportunities to do good works. Keep us straight with the proper context of why we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, and help us to complete what You have prepared for us to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen