How do I know if God wants me to do something or the devil is trying to decieve me. I being told by what I think is my own thoughts that I have to read a book in the bible so that God will want to hear what I ask in prayer and forgive me of my sins. I think that might go against Ephesians 2:8-9 but I'm not really sure.
As I can only speak of myself and my experiences after the Lord coming to me. Maybe someone else will have a better reply than I can give on this.
First off when we are saved, or receive the Holy Spirit, this does not mean everything is going to be easy. Especially at first. Again from my own experience right after coming to the Lord, satan began to tempt and trick me into thinking it was ok to keep sinning. Not ever hearing voices before I did not know it was satan. Numerous things were said to me that basically broke my heart as I was praying to God.
What truly helped me to learn that what was being said to me was not from God was that I kept reading the Bible and was lead to answers that showed me this. The Holy Bible is truly our food and it is so vast that the Lord can lead you to many answers of questions. It truly is the living Word of God. So if something is in you telling you to read the Bible I would say definitely do it. Satan does not want us in the Bible because this is where we get our food from the Lord which makes us stronger Spiritually and brings us closer to the Lord.
Now of coarse we are not saved by works and by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. Though good works are what makes God happy and shows our faith and that we are saved. A new creature that lives for God being pleased to do good whenever possible. As in James 2:17. Read the whole book of James as it is not that long.
Some people may think this is in contrary to what Paul wrote but it is not. We must read the Bible as a whole and not just cleave to one verse. As good works does not mean you have to go out and evangelize, or be a preacher, etc. Maybe read Galatians 5:22-23. Just being kind to someone, helping them, stay meek etc. What ever God puts in your path retain the Lord in your thinking and what would make Him happy.
I hope that helps you a little. God Bless you on your journey.
As I can only speak of myself and my experiences after the Lord coming to me. Maybe someone else will have a better reply than I can give on this.
First off when we are saved, or receive the Holy Spirit, this does not mean everything is going to be easy. Especially at first. Again from my own experience right after coming to the Lord, satan began to tempt and trick me into thinking it was ok to keep sinning. Not ever hearing voices before I did not know it was satan. Numerous things were said to me that basically broke my heart as I was praying to God.
What truly helped me to learn that what was being said to me was not from God was that I kept reading the Bible and was lead to answers that showed me this. The Holy Bible is truly our food and it is so vast that the Lord can lead you to many answers of questions. It truly is the living Word of God. So if something is in you telling you to read the Bible I would say definitely do it. Satan does not want us in the Bible because this is where we get our food from the Lord which makes us stronger Spiritually and brings us closer to the Lord.
Now of coarse we are not saved by works and by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. Though good works are what makes God happy and shows our faith and that we are saved. A new creature that lives for God being pleased to do good whenever possible. As in James 2:17. Read the whole book of James as it is not that long.
Some people may think this is in contrary to what Paul wrote but it is not. We must read the Bible as a whole and not just cleave to one verse. As good works does not mean you have to go out and evangelize, or be a preacher, etc. Maybe read Galatians 5:22-23. Just being kind to someone, helping them, stay meek etc. What ever God puts in your path retain the Lord in your thinking and what would make Him happy.
I hope that helps you a little. God Bless you on your journey.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?