Chaplains Message

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”.

A friend of mine share a story of when he and his wife were holidaying overseas, and were approached by a large man. They shrunk back in fear, for so far, they had been yelled at, cheated and stolen from several times, and now they thought they were going to be shaken down again.

To their surprise, the man just wanted to show them where to get the best view in the city. He then gave them a chocolate bar, smiled, and left. ‘that little gesture made our day – and saved the whole trip. It made us grateful – both to the man and to God for cheering us up’, my friend said.

What had made the man reach out to two strangers? Surely he hadn’t gone round all day with a chocolate bar, looking to bless someone with it.

It’s amazing how the smallest action can make a big difference to someone, and possibly direct them to God. The bible stresses the importance of doing good works (James 2:17,24) “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”. ”You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” If that sounds challenging, we have the assurance that God not only enables us to do these works, but has even ‘prepared (them) in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Perhaps God has arranged for us to ‘bump into’ someone who needs a word fo encouragement today, or has given us an opportunity to offer someone a helping hand.

Lord may I respond in obedience and share Your love with others, as You have loved me. Please watch over us this week, I pray. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Chaplain Ron