For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
“We, the faithful, are the pilgrim church on our way to heaven. While we make progress towards heaven we need to gather up the treasure of good works we will one day present before God… Winning heaven is the challenge we face with the grace of God each day. Happily it always involves the task in hand and is effected precisely among the persons God has wanted to place at our side. We need to realize fully that our generous and holy resolve to improve constantly has an important impact on others. If through God’s grace and the help of others we do reach heaven, we will not enter into eternal glory alone, but will draw many others there with us.”
Francis Fernandez in In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year, volume 7 (London: Scepter, 1993) 238-239.
Something really cool happened on the first day of this trip. I spoke at a missions conference on accountability, then my colleague, John Roomes spoke on generosity.
We invited participants to steward money with accountability and generosity, to give their lives in service to God on mission, and if they had not already done so, to give their life to Jesus for the first time.
That’s the first step of stewardship. And one young woman came forward and gave her life to Jesus. It was beautiful to see her confess her sins and profess her faith in the work of Jesus for her. I have had joy ever since.
That gal just started her pilgrimage to heaven. She saw others willing to take steps, so she took the first bold step for her, praise God. And today pray with me that many more take a step.
After one TV show, two radio interviews, and many meetings, it’s time to launch the CCEFA vision for peer accountability in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Pray for hearts receptive to join the vision. Thanks.
Pray that our good works draw others to join the movement in Jesus name.