You Are God's Masterpiece Because of the Power of His Plan
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Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
A Masterpiece is defined as: a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. An artist's or craftsman's best piece of work.
A masterpiece does not happen by accident. It is not the result of something random. A masterpiece is the result of an inspired plan. We usually relate a masterpiece to artwork or some other work of an artist, whether literary, or music or architecture. Basically, a masterpiece is anyone’s best work. Not “best” in relation to someone else’s work, but only in relation to your work and potential.
It has been said that the new birth (being created “anew” in Christ) is the greatest miracle we’ll ever experience. There is no underestimating the importance of new life in Christ, especially when considering the power of God’s plan and what Jesus sacrificed to make it happen for us.
According to the Apostle Paul, believers in Christ are God’s masterpiece. Every person, including non-believers, has great value and dignity because every person is made in God’s image and likeness. However, the idea of being God’s “masterpiece” is related exclusively to our re-creation or re-birth in Christ. There is no masterpiece lifestyle without the life of Christ.
I marvel at some manmade masterpieces I’ve seen such as the art of Michelangelo, the Hoover Dam, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London (completed 1708), the music of Mozart, the writings of Maya Angelou, and more. Here in Indianapolis, the Soldiers and Sailor’s monument downtown on the "circle" is a masterpiece of sculpture and architecture from 1891.
A masterpiece makes one say, “How did they do that?” There is no underestimating what inspired people can do when they have an exceptional plan.
Masterpiece works come from a plan, extraordinary effort, as well as “suffering” to stay with the plan amid challenges. There is nothing easy about producing masterpieces.
What Jesus did for you and me was extraordinary! You are a masterpiece because of His work!
All great plans, including God’s plans, begin with purposes and promises. Reading and hearing plans builds hope, faith, and high expectations. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Many centuries ago, when God wanted to build the hopes and faith of his people who were captives in Babylon, He instructed Jeremiah to write a letter:
Jeremiah 29:1 Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar...4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
This letter, like other writings in the Bible, are designed by God to impart hope, instruction for victorious living, and faith to do God’s will.
This is the POWER of God’s plan for your life! Develop a "Masterpiece Mindset" and your best work!
~ Bryan Hudson
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Read this excellent article by John Maxwell, "Without a Plan, You're Growing Nowhere"
~ Bryan Hudson
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Read this excellent article by John Maxwell, "Without a Plan, You're Growing Nowhere"
