Pondering the Prepositions: In and With

by David Chadwick

Every good English teacher knows and teaches the importance of prepositions. Do you remember learning them as a child? They are the connecting words that describe the relationship between a noun or pronoun and the other words in a sentence.

Over the next week, I want us to ponder five-plus prepositions that will strengthen how we pray and also ponder Jesus’s love for us.

Today’s prepositions are the words “in” and “with.”

John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Friends, as we abide in Jesus and his Word abides in us, we can ask him anything. Peace in the midst of a storm. Hope in the midst of despair. Courage in the midst of fire. If you are a Christian, Jesus Christ is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Not only is he in you, he is also with you. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says that he will be with us always, to the end of the age.

As you face today, remember that the Lord of the universe is in you and with you. His power is your power. His strength is your strength. His presence is your protection. He stands in you and with you no matter what you face.

Whether there is a Goliath you are facing, a mountain (Mark 11:22-25), or a mulberry bush that needs to be uprooted and thrown into the heart of the sea (Luke 17:5-6), all you need is a mustard seed of faith. Plant that seed of faith in your heart and watch it grow. Jesus lives IN you and is WITH you. This truth should strengthen your prayer life and prompt you to pray with confidence and assurance.

Because of Jesus, and the truth of these simple words of “in” and “with” you, you have all the power and authority you will ever need to face anything and everything!

The Place of Works: Created for Good Works

by David Chadwick

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Pause for a moment and think about this. BEFORE the world was ever created, God had a design with you in mind. What an amazing thought!

This truth comes after Ephesians 2:8-9, which says that it is by grace we have saved, not a result of works. Paul goes on to say that each of us who has received the gift of eternal life by grace through faith is seen as God’s trophy! You are his child. He looks at you as his pride and joy. He has placed on you his celestial mantle to be lovingly gazed upon by him at regular intervals.

According to Paul, God has certain works that are uniquely assigned to us. Think about that throughout your day. That truth should really make you feel special. Now, think of how that can be lived out in your family, with your friends, in your neighborhood, in your city, and throughout the world.

You live where you live by God’s sovereign design. There are certain tasks that God has designed for you to accomplish in your unique location for the glory of God.

Here is one final thought: these works God has designed solely for you to do were chosen by God for you to do in eternity, not just before the world was ever created, but before you were even created. You are so special to the Lord. He loves you so much.

Pray. Seek the Lord. Ask him for greater insight into who you are and how he has made you. As my father used to say, “Son, what do you love to do? And what does the world need most? At the intersection of those two things lies your calling.”

I pray that each one of you will recognize what God has called you to and walk in it!

The Place of Works: Small Works Count Too

by David Chadwick

There is a place for works in the life of a believer. We have been saved by grace through faith, but because of that salvation, we have now been called to good works.

Even the smallest acts of kindness and the tiniest displays of obedience are noticed by Jesus and will be rewarded in heaven one day. Jesus clearly taught this in Matthew 10:42. He said, “And whoever gives one of these littles ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Take note of Jesus’s heart for “the little ones.” He certainly had such a heart for those young in their faith, but especially loved the young children! To put it even more bluntly, he was really ticked off at his disciples for trying to prevent kids from getting to him because the kingdom of heaven belonged to them (Matthew 19:14).

In Jesus’s economy, the smallest act of kindness - something as simple as a cup of cold water - yields an eternal reward.

Always remember that Jesus sees everything we do. Even small acts of kindness are seen, noted, and will eventually be rewarded in heaven. The rewards will come at the bema seat in heaven after we die. The bema seat is also referred to as the judgement seat.

Knowing that we will give an account for our works should motivate all of us to do more good works. As you hear me say so often, “Be the church! Just go!” It doesn't have to be complicated. Just do something!

The message of Jesus certainly is rooted in grace. But the Bible says that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). So as you lean on the grace and mercy of Jesus, cultivate the fear of the Lord as well. None of us should want to sit at the bema judgment seat one day without any rewards, even small ones.

Today, look for ways throughout your day to give a moment of hope to someone. Maybe it’s with your words, or a kind gesture, or just a simple smile. Each time, remember that there is a place for works and that one day you will be rewarded.