“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

I overheard someone say they hated their job!

It was obvious from their conversation that they were unhappy and hadn't found what they were created to do. Someone has said, “if you are doing what you love to do, you will never work a day of your life.” I'm not sure if that's entirely true, because every job has some kind of downside, but I think I know what they mean. If you are doing what you love to do, what you are gifted at, and what you were created to do, you will not hate doing it. I believe life is too short to continue doing something you don't love doing. And, you don't have to! Ephesians 2:10 says God has created us to do something He has prepared in advance for us to do. That's good news! We are all gifted in different ways to be able to be good at doing certain things. And, that's what we should be doing!

What to do? Ask God for wisdom and knowledge!

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6 NIV)

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT)

"When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27 NIV)

Jesus took care of His mother! 

Just before He died on the cross, Jesus makes sure his mother would have proper care and so He passes on that responsibility to the Apostle John, who took her is as his very own mother. It's interesting to note that Jesus now refers to Mary as “woman” and not mother, since she also needed a Savior. Jesus was more than Mary’s Son; He was (and is) Mary’s Lord and God and Savior, as He is ours.

"On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”Rev. 19:16 NIV)

He will triumph totally!

“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Rev. 17:14 NIV)

He is the radiance of the Glory of God!

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3).

And, THAT is who we serve!

 “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 NIV)

What is an Abundant life?

• Abundant: plentiful, copious, ample, profuse, rich, lavish, abounding, liberal, generous, bountiful, large, huge, great, bumper, overflowing, prolific, teeming.

• Life: “Jesus stands alone at the center of history as "the Author of Life" ( John 5:40 ;  Acts 3:15 ). This life is nearly synonymous with entering into the kingdom of God and experiencing the restoration of the divine-human relationship intended in creation. When Jesus healed the sick, exorcised demons, and cleansed lepers, he was restoring life to its intended, physical wholeness ( Luke 4:18-19 ; 6:9 ). When he proclaimed the good news of God, he was seeking to save and restore the spiritual life lost in Adam's sin.” - Bible Dictionary

 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

He gives strength to do things

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13 ESV)

He works out things for His purpose

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” (Eph. 1:11 ESV)

He called us to a Holy calling

“Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” (2 Tim. 1:9 ESV)

A future and a hope

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11 ESV)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 ESV)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 NIV)

You are forgiven according to the riches of God’s grace!

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Eph. 1:7 NIV)

Forgive as the Lord forgave you!

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col. 3:13 NIV)

 Forgive others, over and over again!

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matt.18:21-22 NIV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 NIV)

I heard a theologian say, "Every word in the Bible is about Jesus, because He is the Word! And, if you are reading the Word and you don't see Him, go back and read it again, because you’re missing something."

The Word became flesh as Jesus!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 NIV).

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5 NIV)

Love each other!

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NIV)

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:2 NIV)

We belong to each other

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Rom. 12:4-5 NIV)

Do good and share with one another

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Heb. 13:16 NASB)

Encourage and build up one another

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thes. 5:11 NASB)

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt. 18:20)

He’s near to all who call!

“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm125:18 NASB)

His eyes are everywhere!

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3 NASB)

He is with you always!

“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20 ESV)