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As 2013 begins, I am enjoying reading about the weird and wonderful New Years resolutions that many of my friends have made.
There is one resolution that I have not heard even once. And I would like to pioneer it 
!
However, I have to ease you into it, or you might dismiss me as total heathen, and add praying for my salvation onto your resolution list 
!
I’ll start with a question
What is the first thought that comes into your mind when you hear the phrase, “good works?”
Pause.
Think.
If you are like me, as a believer, you are so quick to flee the sound of doing “good works.”
You know that you are saved by grace, which is not of yourself, so that you can’t boast that anything you did earned you entrance into the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
You are saved solely because:
Your Saviour shed His blood for you.
Your Saviour granted you forgiveness for your countless sins.
Your Saviour chose you before the foundations of the Earth to believe in Him and inherit the gift of Eternal Life!
Did you notice how He did all the work?
It is true that the only One that saves you is God, but does that mean that you can throw “good works” out of the window?
I’ll give you some facts
Did you know that the phrase “good works” appears 13 times in the New Testament?
Surely if God inspired the phrase so many times, you need to take notice (tweet that).
- The Bible says that your light should shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
- The Bible says that you are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that you should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
- The Bible says that Jesus gave himself for you to redeem you from all lawlessness and to purify you for himself as his own possession who is zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)
I could go on, but you get the idea…
I’ll leave it with you
Your good works are the fruit of your salvation.
They should be the natural outworking of the love, gratitude, and desire in your heart to serve the King of Kings.
Some examples of good works would be:
- Encouraging others and building them up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Caring for orphans and widows (James 1:27)
- Declaring the message of salvation to the lost around you (Isaiah 52:7)
- Giving to others of yourself and material possessions (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
- Showing acts of mercy and kindness to others (Luke 6:36)
Shouldn’t “good works” be at the top of your agenda every year?
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9
So, will “good works” make it into your 2013 New Year resolution list? If so, what is one way you can start to carry them out this year?
I am on the same page as you in this article. I posted it as one of my resolutions in my New Year’s resolution post on my blog. http://dindeelionshouse.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-new-years-resolution.html I have been thinking about how I can serve my church members and community this year. I would like to start a sewing circle that will benefit the members of our immediate community. I would love to hear what others have thought about doing.
Thanks so much Sue for your encouragement. The sewing circle sounds great – wish I could join, but I think travelling from New Zealand would be a bit of a distance
I love your heart in seeking to please the Lord, and have commented on your blog…God bless you!
Tehila, I LOVE this! (& am a little convicted by it)
I am reading James right now- faith w/o works is dead! I love what you said- They should be the natural outworking of the love, gratitude, and desire in your heart to serve the King of Kings. Such true words!
Thanks for writing such a great thought provoking post.
xoxo
Thanks so much Kelli! You are RIGHT! (and so is James!
) Faith without works IS dead… so glad you were blessed by the post. God bless you!!!
A good post. Reminders He is first before our works, not only in salvation, but even our daily priorities. Thanks for the challenge?
Amen Brenda! Thanks for your comment…
What a thoughtful post! This my dear, will not get you on my resolution list as people to pray for. Instead, you will be on there as, people to be thankful for! How “oh so true” were your careful words! Our good works IS the fruit of our salvation (if only we could get everyone to agree)! Many of our brother’s and sister’s in the Lord are led to think that only a “tithe” will show their good works and conforming to Christ is not needed! Thank you for standing up for the Word of the Lord for it is right and true (weather we like it or not lol). I always make it my duty to have good fruit because if I’m not then how could the Holy Spirit guiding me ~hummmmm…….. that’s a thinker right~ So, I said ALL that (sorry, I’m a talker) to say this. Having good fruit is not part of my resolution list because those tend to get broken. Instead, it’s become a part of who I am, who I stand for and what I believe, BUT I will agree….a resolution is not a bad place to start, but it should become a natural habit! May God Bless you my sister, for your words of wisdom will truly relight the fire in someone.
Hey there! Thank you SO much for this post! I know that it’s not an easy message to hear from some, and I truly, truly, truly appreciated your encouragement. You are right, good works should be naturally flowing out of each one of us who is saved by God’s grace, but I guess if we are being lazy about them, or don’t have our eyes peeled for opportunities to do good works, the new year is as good a time as any to get this right
May God bless you as you abide in His life-giving Word!
You are thinking like me!! I found the verse this morning in Matthew 5:16 and wrote it out and thought, “That would make a good post!!”
Thanks for sharing this post over at WholeHearted Home. I have enjoyed getting to know you, Tahila.
That’s amazing, Judith! Well, what can I say? Great minds think alike ;P Blessings to you and loving getting to know you as well my sister!
I think in light of the Sandy Hook Shooting, its all we should be thinking to do to rise above the evil that has seemingly overtaken the world. If we can conquer it back with doing “good works” than evil doesn’t win. Great post.
I see your point, Heather. Doing good works is a start, but without being a true believer in Jesus, the Bible says in Isaiah, that our good works are filthy rags before the Lord. The most important is to repent of our sins, and trust in the saving work of His Son in our lives. Good works will naturally flow out of that, and that is how evil will be won… I so much appreciated your comment… more than you know… God bless you!
Funny how I’ve been reminded lately of several people that I would just like to encourage this year…a simple card or note, anything really. Thank you for your words and encouragement to follow through with those plans
That’s great, Marty! I love the way God brings things to our attention over and over, to make sure we are listening
God bless you in your plans 
…
Good–and convicting–question! I want to have a servant’s heart,and one broken by what breaks His heart.
That’s precious… thanks Ginger!
Thanks for this terrific dare! I’m going to be thinking and praying about the specifics, but it definitely resonated with my heart as something I should be seeking in new ways this year. Good works are good things!
Yes, they are my friend! It’s a continual challenge in my life too, as I can at times be quite self-absorbed in my own family. It’s healthy to look outwards and always a blessing too! With love to you…
Amen! May we live out that agenda fully.
May we indeed, Jennifer… God bless you as you abide in our Lord and His Word!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!
Stephanie
http://www.year-roundgiving.com
So glad! Thanks Stephanie… God bless you always!
Thanks for sharing this fabulous post at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy – I just tweeted it for you!
You’re a darling! Thank you so much, I pray that it would bless others too through your tweet. God bless you!
Beautifully written!
Yes! We were put on earth to make a contribution, and God designed us to make a difference with our life. Not only through our good works do we serve people, but through work we meet our own needs and we bring glory to our Father. 
Thanks for a beautifully inspired dare!
Blessings and love,
Denise
Do you realise what a joy your comment was for me to read!!! I really appreciate every single word that you wrote… Blessings and love to you too dear sister! Following your blog now…
Hi! Stopping by from Naptime Review blog hop and excited to be a new follower! I have a new Social Media Linky party that started today, I would love to have you link up!!
http://www.thetaylor-house.com/2013/01/08/keep-calm-party-on-social-media-linky-party-1.html
Thanks!
Chrissy
Thanks so much Chrissy. I’m delighted that you stopped by and coaxed me to go to your site! Following your blog too… Excited to read all of what our Lord does in your life… Blessings!
Wow! Good works appears 13 times in the Word! Great post! Thanks for linking such a thoughtful post to UNITE Blog hop today! So loved reading it!
Thanks Jen! You are always such an encouragement. God bless you my sis!
I think the key to carrying out good works is love. Love for God and love for others. If we truly have that, the good works will take care of themselves.
That’s an excellent point, Loren. And so true… God bless you and thanks so much for stopping by!
I love your banner- pretty and unique!
Thanks Kelly! Loved your comment
All so very true! What a wonderful resolution to have!
Glad you agree
God bless you as you abide in our Saviour!
I loved your frankness and honesty. I’m thankful you made the point of being more specific when deciding to do more “good works”. That would be helpful and much more practical! Thank you so much for throwing in your two cents… it’s invaluable.
First, I just want to say how excited I am to have found your blog. I “arrived” here nearly 30 minutes ago and have been swept away reading some of your posts. I love what you’re doing here and the encouragement and love I feel just reading along. I am DEFINITELY following now.
I also want to thank you for linking up with Tuesday’s Prayers and giving us the opportunity to pray for you. I immediately sense that He has great plans in store for you and I sincerely pray that He will continue to reveal Himself {and those plans} to you in this New Year. Thank you again for linking up with us. We would love to see you back next week.
Have a blessed week!
Trinity
Dearest Trinity… I am so incredibly humbled by your comment. I am truly blown away that you would spend so much time on this blog, and if it has indeed been an encouragement to you, I give all glory to our Lord, and thank Him for using my words…
You have BLESSED me big time! Thank you so much!
So thankful you shared this at WJIM’s Monday’s Musings link up. My daughter and I were just talking about works this afternoon after her Bible reading. What timing wouldn’t you say to read this? It’s a blessing that God calls us to do good works unto His glory. To serve Him by serving others. Thank you for the encouragement this evening. Blessings.
Hi Naomi! Wow, that is pretty amazing that you and your dear daughter were talking about this very subject earlier in the day, and then came across this post. So much appreciate your comment. YOU are the one who has encouraged ME!
Blessings to you (and your daughter!)…
I’m so glad I found your blog. Very inspiring and I can’t wait to read more.
So am I (glad you’re here)! Subscribed to your blog, and really looking forward to getting to know you through it too! :0)…
I LOVE this! So many times I’ve heard my husband say, “Faith WORKS!” So many people take Ephesians 2:8-9 out of context and think they’re sealed and have nothing left to do! Not only has the Lord called us to work to show His saving grace, but we should WANT to work!
Thanks for linking up with Tuesday’s Prayers this week! Let me know if you have any specific prayer requests and in the meantime, I’ll be praying for those New Year’s Resolutions!
Christie
http://www.satisfactionthroughchrist.com
Thanks so much for your encouragement, and I totally agree with you and your husband! Faith without works is Dead! Don’t know how folks can misinterpret that one… God bless you, as you are such a blessing to so many!
Great post!!! I just loved reading it and reminded me to always try to do “good works”…even small ones. Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome, Rachel! Small “good works” are often big in God’s eyes! Blessings to you…
This is so good and so necessary!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep speaking it loud and seasoned with grace; thank you!
Thank you, my sister! Appreciate that encouragement! Following your blog now, and look forward to reading your sound and blessed posts too
That’s an all-encompassing resolution – to do good works! Found you through Bloggy Moms.
Hey! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, there are lots of varied and creative ways to do “good works.” We need to be on the lookout for them. There is never a shortage of opportunities