Faith and Following

The question on my mind today is how we walk in the Spirit: do we listen in our heart for his direction and not move until we find it, or do we figure whatever we have peace or enthusiasm about is his will? Or do we read the Bible, figure out the key of why God said what he did in those circumstances and apply it to our own?

We don't feel led or called to any particular church body. We don't sense a forbidding about it either. I can't find a Biblical mandate to do anything other than hold to sound doctrine and not forsake the gathering of the saints. So, we could pray for wisdom (a prayer God promises to grant), and make a choice, and be certain we are in God's will.

Good works. The Bible says we get rewards in heaven for faithful productivity. (1 Cor 3:13+ among others.) So, how do we pick what good works to do? Best if they are sneaky, reward-wise. If we are rewarded or praised for our giving or good works now, we won't be later. How do we figure out what the good works are that he has prepared in advance for us to do? Is it just whatever we can find, or should we wait for a word from him to move us? Can we just do whatever nice stuff we'd like, or is "everything that does not come from faith is sin. " (Rom 14:23)? What about giving to horrible causes (like TV preachers) with a clean heart--is that rewarded the same as giving to care for widows and orphans? Does it matter what happens to the money we give, or do we get bonuses for making sure we supporting things we think God wants? While I would tend to want good stuff done if I give up money, when God told the Israelites to "dedicate" something to him in the old testament, he sometimes meant utterly destroying it for any use whatsoever. I don't think I can construct a principle about being productive when you give. I am back with listening to the Holy Spirit.

This question seems to lead back to the definition of faith. Faith is walking as though what is inperceptible but real was really true. For instance, praying for wisdom, and then being confident that God has granted it for your decision, even if you don't feel a glow of genius.Faithlessness would be deciding that God isn't near you because you can't feel him, and comforting yourself with computer time, stuff, pleasure, etc.

I think this is a messy question.