God’s Will

May 20th – 1 John 2:17

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1 John 2:17

When we put our hope and faith into worldly things, we’ll end up disappointed every time. Because the desires and pursuits of the world are fleeting. Material possessions, earthly achievements, and worldly pleasures will eventually fade away. That’s why the only One who is worthy of our hope and faith is God. He will never forsake, abandon, nor disappoint us. His love, truth, and promises are forever. And when we seek His will above all else, we can have confidence in the hope of eternal life. The riches we want, the only ones that matter, are the ones we store up in heaven. And I can’t imagine anything of greater value than spending eternity by the side of the Lord. So John encourages us to focus on the goal of seeking God and His will rather than being consumed by worldly pursuits. The choices we make and the actions we take based on God’s will have eternal consequences. That’s why we need to prioritize the pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else.

May 20th – 1 John 2:17 Read More »

April 23rd – 2 Timothy 1:9

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2 Timothy 1:9

Whenever I would hear people talk about how they found God’s purpose for their lives, I felt jealous. I didn’t understand why God made their paths straight and clear while mine was crooked and murky. Did they have some special phone line to Heaven that I didn’t? Why were they part of the “it” crowd while I remained on the outside looking in? I was so caught up in finding out what God had planned for me, that I forgot what His calling is truly about. It isn’t what I can do for God, but rather what God can do both for me and through me for others. God has personally set each of us apart to have a close personal relationship with Himself. And He desires hearts that earnestly seek His will above all else. Those who joyfully spend time daily with Him and in His Word, and are open to being used by Him. Answering God’s call means submitting every area of our lives to the Lord and being obedient to the direction of His Spirit’s leading. Knowing that there is no greater calling than bringing  glory to His name!

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April 14th – Proverbs 19:2

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Proverbs 19:2

Missionary Jim Elliot once said, “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.” Even the best of us fall victim to making choices in haste and without first seeking God. And more times than not, these choices lead to mistakes which in turn lead to unpleasant consequences. That’s why Solomon warns that having strong desires or ambitions without having knowledge or understanding isn’t a good thing. This means that it’s not enough to just  want something. We also need the know how and understanding necessary to make good and wise decisions that line up with the will of God. Because rushing or acting too quickly can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. So to stay on the right path, and avoid the mistakes of life, we need to check everything with God first. Through prayer, reading His Word, and following the prompting of the Holy Spirt, we can rest assured we are making the right choices.

April 14th – Proverbs 19:2 Read More »

April 2nd – 2 Corinthians 4:16

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2 Corinthians 4:16

Being personally chosen by Jesus to live and work with Him in His ministry was truly an honor. But it also came with it’s own dangers. Paul experienced beatings, imprisonment, scorn, and hate. Yet despite it all, Paul never gave in to despair. And he encourages us all to do the same. Even though Paul suffered physically for sharing the gospel, spiritually, he grew stronger everyday. How? Because of the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, as they seek to follow God’s will and live according to his commandments. From the moment we are born, our physical bodies begin to decay. But even though those bodies may age and deteriorate over time, our spiritual selves can continue to grow and develop as we deepen our relationship with God. We can be like Paul who encourages us to persevere in our faith despite the challenges and hardships we may face in life.

 

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March 21st – 1 Corinthians 1:26

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1 Corinthians 1:26

Do you feel unusable by God? Think you’re too broken, dirty, and wicked to accomplish any good for the Lord? God’s not looking for perfect people to accomplish His goals. In fact, He doesn’t need our help at all. Instead He gives us the blessing of being used by Him. And whether we are given a small purpose like volunteering at church, or being a friend to someone in need, or a large purpose like leading His people or rebuilding His temple, being used by God is a wonderful thing! The Lord loves to use the weak, the simple, the unexpected, and the flawed. And there isn’t a single one of us who isn’t flawed. But it’s said that God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. So no matter who you are or how imperfect you feel, when it comes to accomplishing His will the Lord can and will use anyone or anything. And that includes you and me!

 

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January 5th – Psalm 31:14-15

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Psalm 31:14-15

Sadly, as long as there is sin there will be suffering. And this side of heaven we may not understand the reason behind God letting it in our lives. But like David, we can trust that no matter what we endure, God always has a purpose for our pain. I think of Jesus. Satan appeared before Him in the wilderness and offered Christ the crown without the Cross. (Matthew 4:8) Jesus could have walked away from the cup of agony He was about to drink. But instead He chose to His Father’s will done, no matter the cost. And because of what Jesus endured, we are now blessed with the gift of eternal life. We will all have painful times. But our future is held securely in the hands of the One who controls the storms. And God will be there as our impenetrable fortress every step of the way. So trust in His perfect wisdom. And cling to His beautiful promise to, “Comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness.” (Is. 61:3)

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October 29th – 1 Peter 5:10

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1 Peter 5:10

God’s Promise – “I have called you to My eternal glory in Jesus Christ.”

Peter makes it clear that there are no ifs, ands, or buts. As long as we are here on this earth, we will experience suffering. While Christians aren’t immune to trials and pain, we can find peace knowing God is always in control. And from His unending grace, our loving Father never lets us suffer in vain. For there is always a purpose for our pain, with no storm lasting longer than God allows. About suffering pastor Paul Chappell says, “Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done.” Although we must suffer a little while, one day soon God will call us home. And never again will we know anything but joy, gladness, and peace. But until that glorious day we can trust that with each trial, God establishes, strengthens, perfects, and matures us. Walking side by side with His children until they dwell with Him in eternity!

 

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September 13th – Acts 23:11

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Acts 23:11

Facing a crowd demanding his death Paul, appealed to have his case heard in Rome before Caesar. Not in an attempt to save his life, but to fulfill the will of the Lord. Paul’s request would indeed get him to Rome. But the passage there thrust him straight into a raging storm so full of fury, if not for God, the life of Paul and all with him would have been lost. Have you ever faced such a storm? As believers in Christ no matter what we face, we are never called to go it alone. Especially when we set out to do God’s will. Because He is with us every step of the way. For as God told Joshua, “Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9) By first seeking the Lord and trusting in His perfect will, we can weather any storm. His Word is a mighty ship so strong, no roaring wind can blow off course. And when we walk in complete obedience to Him, like Paul we too can trust in God’s promise to bring us through any storm and safely to shore.

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June 20th – Revelation 16:11

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Revelation 16:11

Throughout the book of revelation you see a people with a hardened heart against God. Those who choose suffering over joy, death over eternal life, and judgement over blessing. And as I reflect on my own heart, I see how at times I have had an unrepentant heart. One wanting it’s own will instead of God’s. How I’ve turned my back on Him, choosing instead to walk in sin. And how I too have cried out against the Lord when I haven’t gotten my own. But speaking from experience, I can tell you the path of rebellion leads to nothing but despair, loneliness, sorrow, and regret. Yet when you choose to walk in faith and obedience to His will, God will bless you beyond imagining, take you places your heart couldn’t dare hope for, and protect you from the wrath to come.

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May 31st – Romans 13:1

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Romans 13:1

With the midterm elections coming up, tragic mass shootings, inflation, and gas prices, our country is in political turmoil more than ever. So how are we as Christian’s to respond? When it comes to our leaders, the apostle Paul tells us we are to submit. Because those in power are put there by the power of God. And honoring the Lord means living in submission to the authority He has placed over us. Yet that doesn’t mean we are always to obey. When the apostles were commanded by the Council in Jerusalem to stop preaching the gospel they refused saying, “We must obey God rather than man,”  (Acts 5:27-29) The Bible is clear. We are to be law abiding citizens, unless those in authority want us to go against God’s will. And always be praying that our leaders make decisions based on the will of God.

May 31st – Romans 13:1 Read More »