Good morning:
A few days ago my family and I were enjoying a beautiful summer evening outdoors. Joining us high up in a tree was a bright red cardinal loudly singing its heart out for all to hear. We didn’t coax it into song. It didn’t have to think about it for a while. It wasn’t that surprising to hear it. It’s what birds do. God made them for that. “The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches” (Ps. 104:12).
Has anyone ever asked you why you do what you do? Why are you courteous toward a store employee when many others are rude? Why be patient with a coworker who blames you for something which was not your fault? Why refuse to adopt the sinful ways of the world? Why read and hear God’s Word when most seem to have no interest or time for it? It’s not a secret. God made us for that. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).
Not only did God knit us together in the womb, the Holy Spirit created new spiritual life in us by working faith in our hearts to trust in Jesus as our Savior from sin and death. We are God’s workmanship designed and created for a special purpose, that “we might declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Why do we do what we do? It is not to earn salvation. It’s already ours as a free gift of God’s grace. It is not to gain some personal advantage or extra reward. And it’s not a matter of good works being optional. There is no question that we will do them. After all, it’s what God made us for. When we fall short and are tripped up by sin, the Lord calls us back to Him in repentance. We can take all our guilt and other burdens to Him, lay them at the foot of the cross, and receive His full, unconditional forgiveness. His grace renews us and works an even greater desire to fill our lives with works done to His glory.
Let’s not hesitate to be what God has made us. Like the birds, let us today sing out the Lord’s praises, not only with words but with works of every kind, works which God calls good and pleasing to Him for Jesus’ sake.
In Jesus’ name,
Pastor
Tomorrow’s services are at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Here is the link for signing up for July services: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4CA4AC2FABF49-church. There is also a signup for the church picnic on July 26. It will be helpful to the activity committee to have an idea of how many to plan for. The picnic will be catered and there will be plenty of space in which to spread out. It will be a good opportunity to “reconnect” with one another after months of isolation.
The activity committee is asked to meet between services
Voters, our quarterly meeting will be held tomorrow after second service. We’ll meet in the sanctuary for purposes of social distancing. No food or beverages will be served. We have a very full agenda. Please read it in advance. If you’d like an electronic copy, let me know and I’ll email it to you. Non-voters are always welcome to sit in and observe the meeting.
