Ephesians 2:10 - Created in Christ Jesus To Do Good Works.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are Gods
masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so
we can do the good things he planned for us
long ago.
COMMENTARY PEARL
It seems like everyone either is a life
coach or has a life coach. If I had more time and
money, I'd love to have some savvy visionary
inspiring me, coaxing me to create and stick with a
plan, and cheering me on. One can find a coach for
just about anything, and coaching courses and
certifications abound.
My husband, Ray, an addictions counselor,
is a Florida-certified recovery coach. He's
explained to me that one of the principles of coaching
is to support clients in their own approaches.
In fact, even life coaches often just support
you in your pursuit of your goals. I have a
coach at my new teaching job, and while she does
share some helpful tips and tools, she mostly just
supports me as I find my way. Herein lies a potential
downside of coaching. Looking back on my life, I see
that at least some of my goals have been
self-serving or otherwise misguided.
But wait just a minute - in today's verse
Paul assures me that I have the ultimate Life
Coach! One who not only knows me intimately but
actually created me (Psalm 139:13) with a perfect and
specific plan in mind (Jeremiah 29:11).
In fact, God can and does give us
aspirations and desires according to His purpose for our
lives. We can discern them through our close
relationship with Him, cultivated through Bible study,
fellowship with Him, healthy friendships and -
especially for me personally - time spent earnestly
seeking Him. This is no complimentary one-hour
consultation; this is an intimate, ongoing, and sometimes
messy personal relationship with Jesus, the
perfect Life Coach. Isabella Yosuico
Faith Step: Do you have a dream or goal
you're longing to achieve? How can you let Jesus
coach you into realizing it? [Mornings With Jesus
2021 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
Imagine being God's masterpiece, his
priceless work of art, unlike any other. That's your
value: priceless. Your value doesn't come from the
clothes you wear, a number on a scale, your career,
or your success with a health plan on any given
day. You are of immense value because God made
you. If that's not enough, Jesus died for you and
the Holy Spirit lives in you. As unbelievable as
it sounds, doubting your value is actually
unbelief in his Word. What would you do differently
if you were sure you were of immense value?
Doing good deeds and making good choices
doesn't make you more valuable to God. Instead,
doing good things flows out of the value you
already have. God made you to do things that only
you could do. If you don't know what those good
things are, start with what you know. Offer to do
something at your church or in your community. Reach
out to a friend. Ask God to show you the good
things you were made to do.
Only you can make the contribution to
this world for which God has uniquely and
wonderfully made you. [The Daniel Plan 365-Day
Devotional]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Linger in My presence a while. Rein in your
impulses to plunge into the day's activities.
Beginning your day alone with Me is essential
preparation for success. A great athlete takes time to
prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him
before he moves a muscle. Similarly, your time of
being still in My Presence equips you for the day
ahead of you. Only I know what will happen to you
this day. I have arranged the events you will
encounter as you go along your way. If you are not
adequately equipped for the journey, you will grow
weary and lose heart. Relax with Me while I ready
you for action. (Eph. 2:10; Heb. 12:3) [Jesus
Calling by Sarah Young]
ONE LINERS
The Bible says we are not saved BY good
works but FOR good works, and without good works
there is no evidence of salvation. [Meade
MacGuire of Amazing Facts]
If the love of God flows through us, we will
find ourselves sharing that love with those
around us, for God is love, and that love is bigger
than its container, the Christian, so it must
overflow. [Time with God SB mod.] re Luke 12:35
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
Matthew 5:14-16 - Shining for Jesus!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210130-1057.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
