Extraordinary
A little housekeeping note: unless specified, I use the the Amplified Bible for studying.
In 2 Cor. 2:14-17 Paul talks about us (believers in Jesus Christ) being a fragrance in this world. In verse 16 this fragrance smells to other believers like life and is described as "living and fresh." These words imply movement, action, and growth. It is a fulfilling of the call of God on our lives that enables us to keep our strength (Isa. 40:31 and Psalm 103:5) and remain productive. God places us in the Body of Christ as He sees fit and in that place, we will always be moving - flexing, stretching, and resting. Sometimes what we do is hard and other times it is not. No matter what we are doing we are always moving. This movement prevents us from getting stale and weak. A muscle in the body not used will atrophy and become ineffective. Our actions or lack thereof have the same effect on the Body of Christ. We keep moving in Christ's Body as we pray, study our Bible, go to church, and serve others. It is in doing the ordinary that we practice for doing the extraordinary.
In 1 Cor. 15:10 Paul says "I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect)." God made us and placed us. We don't need to put on airs or try to be something we are not. His grace toward us, no matter what we are doing, is always fruitful and effective. God does not look at our performance with the same measuring stick that we do. He uses us just as we are and empowers us with His grace to serve others and make a difference in this world.
There is great value in serving. This is especially true in the local church where we are all equal partners in the upkeep of the facility and in serving its members. We all have a vital role to play in God's plan everywhere we go. God uses our ordinary to help others come closer to Him. How extraordinary is that???
Be encouraged in all that you do knowing that God loves you greatly and He is always with you. What you do has value, meaning, and purpose.
For the glory of God,
Heidirn
In 2 Cor. 2:14-17 Paul talks about us (believers in Jesus Christ) being a fragrance in this world. In verse 16 this fragrance smells to other believers like life and is described as "living and fresh." These words imply movement, action, and growth. It is a fulfilling of the call of God on our lives that enables us to keep our strength (Isa. 40:31 and Psalm 103:5) and remain productive. God places us in the Body of Christ as He sees fit and in that place, we will always be moving - flexing, stretching, and resting. Sometimes what we do is hard and other times it is not. No matter what we are doing we are always moving. This movement prevents us from getting stale and weak. A muscle in the body not used will atrophy and become ineffective. Our actions or lack thereof have the same effect on the Body of Christ. We keep moving in Christ's Body as we pray, study our Bible, go to church, and serve others. It is in doing the ordinary that we practice for doing the extraordinary.
In 1 Cor. 15:10 Paul says "I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect)." God made us and placed us. We don't need to put on airs or try to be something we are not. His grace toward us, no matter what we are doing, is always fruitful and effective. God does not look at our performance with the same measuring stick that we do. He uses us just as we are and empowers us with His grace to serve others and make a difference in this world.
There is great value in serving. This is especially true in the local church where we are all equal partners in the upkeep of the facility and in serving its members. We all have a vital role to play in God's plan everywhere we go. God uses our ordinary to help others come closer to Him. How extraordinary is that???
Be encouraged in all that you do knowing that God loves you greatly and He is always with you. What you do has value, meaning, and purpose.
For the glory of God,
Heidirn
Mrs. Schuster, you are amazing!
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