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NASB | Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. [Rom 1:20] |
Bible Question: Thanks for your answer. I understand that all scripture is for my instruction but I guess my question is this - I hear people I admire teach that prayer should be a two way coversation with God, as though God gives them specific direction. I hear others refer to seeking the will of God in this or that. I don't believe that I have ever had this kind of communication from God. Does this indicate that I am missing something or that I am not in His will? Does He have a particular intent for my life which I must somehow discover? |
Bible Answer: Not at all, 1949. Don't let that kind of thing bother you. People say all kinds of things, and our day is full of folks who want -- or claim to have -- mysterious and supernatural things in their lives. (Frankly, the most incredible supernatural event ever is the saving of my soul. I don't understand why people aren't just blown away by that. If He never did anything else, why would I ever complain?) I, personally, doubt that God is concerned with my putting on a blue shirt versus a green shirt in the morning. He gave me a mind and even a sense of style. (Although I'm certain He gifted a lot of other people with a better sense of style than He gave me!) Simply focus on doing the things that He has shown you that you should do. And, frankly, I do very seriously mean that the scripture is specifically for you. It is far more personal than any experience you will ever have, even if you were to hear a voice thundering from heaven or something! God prepared His Word with you in mind. Think about it. The scripture says that man lives by every word of God. Now, if He were off talking to people all over the world, we'd need those words! We'd be running around gathering them together, because we live by EVERY word of God. But He hasn't done that. He's given us His every word right there in the canon of scripture. Now, I'm not talking about people who say, "God showed me..." or "God told me..." and by that they mean that something from scripture became clear to them. I'm talking about the folks that want us to believe they have an intimacy that is superior to what other people have, such that God gives special orders to them. Christ was very clear on this point. We're all in the same boat. No one has a corner on the "Godliness Market." We don't have gurus, masters, guides, priests, holy men, etc. etc. Christ is all these things to us! We are all sinners saved by grace. If we look for supernatural stuff, there is one that will happily provide it for us, but it won't be godly in any way! Day by day pray to the Lord and spend time in His word. He'll become sweeter and sweeter. The sense of His presence will grow and grow. But it will be far greater than anything that these other folks talk about. It will be a deeper closeness than something as simple as hearing or feeling stuff. With regard to specific direction, remember that God is in control. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. God does not miss one single situation or one single circumstance but that He uses it to conform us to the image of His son. So relax, 1949, He is the author and finisher of our faith. He started a good work in you and He will bring it conclusion. He didn't spare His own son, so be assured He'll give you everything else you need! He's too smart to make a mistake. He's too powerful to be thwarted by anything. He's too good to intend anything but goodness for you. Just trust and obey. |