WHEN PEOPLE DO YOU BAD

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬ ESV)

For the most part of my life, people have been really good to me. Even most non-Christians have a sense of good within them.  However, there have been some people in life, Christian and non-Christian, who have done evil and bad things to me.  I shudder even as I think of those moments.

Joseph had been wronged by his brothers in a terrible way.  They beat him up and placed him in a pit and sold him into slavery.  16+ years later he is rescued by God and placed in a position of authority.  As famine spread across the land, Joseph's brothers come face to face with Joseph in order to get food for their family.  As Joseph's identity is revealed they become afraid for the evil they inflicted on Joseph.  Joseph's response is classic - "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."

Wouldn't it be wonderful to share that response about all the bad and evil that people have been brought our way.

The key: Joseph forgave his brothers and put the evil done to him into God's hands.

Too often, because of certain events of bad and evil we hold onto those offenses and keep a ledger of the wrongs done to us.  Our goal, consciously or unconsciously, is that someday we will get revenge for all the hurt that has come our way.

This only causes more pain and suffering.

When I first started pastoring, my dad flew up from California to visit me in Washington.  We sat in my office as he asked me how I was doing.  I took out a little notebook with a ledger of all the wrong people had done to me.  The look of dismay in my dad's eyes immediately told me that I was in trouble.

He immediately explained, "Bill, that is the worse thing you do.  Destroy that list.  Get rid of it and never do it again."

In front of my dad, I shredded that piece of paper and threw it away - becoming a better man as a result.

He then took me to the scriptures and explained again the principles of forgiveness.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ESV)

When we fail to see God's grace in our lives and the lives of those offending us - a root of bitterness springs up causing us trouble.  Ultimately, it defiles us.

Someone once said, "The first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest, and the first to forget is the happiest."  So true.

Look at what Jesus teaches from the Book of Matthew...

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭14-15‬ ESV)

It is true, that while we live on this earth, we will be offended and hurt and wounded.  It will happen to you at sometime or another.  However, it is how you handle that hurt and offence that will determine your present happiness.  We can handle it "our way" or we can handle it "God's way." 

Our response should always be what Joseph's was "you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."

The sooner that we realize that God has the ability to turn those things around for us - the better we will be.  Allow His sovereignty to take control and allow Him to put the pieces of your puzzle so that you might be mightily used by God.

BLESSING OTHERS

Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence. (‭Genesis‬ ‭47‬:‭10‬ NIV)

This is a remarkable passage of scripture that is often overlooked in our Bible study.  In the Egyptian religion, Pharaoh was thought to be a god. They considered Pharaoh the human embodiment of Ra, the sun god. Basically, he was not a Christian.  He was an unbeliever. This means that it was remarkable that he allowed Israel to bestow a blessing on him.

This got me thinking about the people who surround my life that are not Christians and my response to them.  My response should be that of "blessing" them and to be a blessing to them.  Whether they believe or not - we should always be thought of in these ways: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, temperance, etc. (The fruit of the spirit).

This was not only an act of civility (he paid him respect and returned him thanks for his kindness), but an act of piety as he prayed for him, as one having the authority of a prophet and a patriarch.

When it came to worldly wealth - Pharaoh was the greater. Yet, when it came to God, Jacob was the greater; he was God's anointed, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” (‭Psalm‬ ‭105‬:‭15‬ NIV).

This is a good reminder to us as connect with people on a daily basis - we are God's anointed!  We are chosen by God and God is with us.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ NIV).

Gen. 47:7 states that Joseph blessed Pharaoh when he first met him and in v.10 - he blessed him as he left.

This is my prayer for my life - let me be a blessing to all I come in contact with.

I used to serve as a Police Chaplain with the police department in Bremerton Washington.  I suppose that you could call this "friendship evangelism."  Whenever I showed up to ride with the police officers they would "bump" the reserve officer that was riding with them just so I could be with them.  They always felt to have me with them was a "blessing" and even a "protection" for them.  They enjoyed my company and I ended up doing many of their weddings and funerals in their families.  (And...  by the way, I was able to beat all of them in racquetball.)  I never wavered in my faith and I was able to lovingly bless them and witness to them while we were together.  Many of those officers gave their hearts to Christ during that season and many of them considered me their pastor.  When I moved from that city I was given "The Key To The City" as a way of saying "thank you for blessing us."

We all have a circle of friends that surround us that are not believers.  May I encourage you to live your life as it to be a "blessing" in your comings and in your goings.

Here's a story that I think you will like and relate to:

A century ago, a band of brave souls became known as one-way missionaries. They purchased single tickets to the mission field without the return half. And instead of suitcases, they packed their few earthly belongings into coffins. As they sailed out of port, they waved good-bye to everyone they loved, everything they knew. They knew they'd never return home.

A.W. Milne was one of those missionaries. He set sail for the New Hebrides in the South Pacific, knowing full well that the headhunters who lived there had martyred every missionary before him. Milne did not fear for his life because he had already died to himself. His coffin was packed. For thirty-five years, he lived among that tribe and loved them. When he died, tribe members buried him in the middle of their village and inscribed this epitaph on his tombstone.

When he came there was no light.
When he left there was no darkness.

May that be the story of each of our lives also.

WHY IS WAITING SO HARD?

And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭38-40‬ NKJV)

Have you ever held on to a promise from God that has taken months and even years to come to pass?  I know I have... many times over.

Joseph was man who had a similar experience in that he had to wait for 16 years for the promises of God to come to fruition.

Look at the events of Joseph's life.

There is lots of information about Joseph in Genesis chapters 40-41. For instance we know...

• He was 17 when he was sold into Egypt
• He was 30 when he was made overseer
• He was 39 when his brothers first came to Egypt (second year of the famine, or nine years after being made overseer)
• He was probably 41 or so when the brothers came a second time and Jacob comes to Egypt
• He was 110 when he died

In Genesis 41:46 we learn that Joseph was 30 when he was made overseer to the king of Egypt. Since he was 17 when he was sold into Egypt, that means he spent 13 years total in Potiphar's house and in prison. So he lived in Potiphar’s house 11 years or less and was in prison 2 or more years. We know Joseph was in prison at least 2 years because chapter 40 tells us about the servants of the king whose dreams Joseph interpreted. The first verse of chapter 41 tells us that 2 years passed after that event before the king had his dreams that Joseph was called to interpret.

That's 16+ years!

Eventually, Joseph interprets the dreams for Pharaoh who then places him as 2nd in command over Egypt.

That's a lot of waiting.

My wife has told me often that I was a Joseph in life.  Many promises had been spoken over me throughout my younger years.  I would whine and whine that God was not coming through and I was not seeing what God had promised us.  I would look at others around me and wonder why they were being promoted faster than myself.

I remember complaining to my dad one day and he looked at me and said, "It is simple, God is not allowing you to take shortcuts.  He is allowing it to be hard and difficult so that you can build up character."  He went on to say, "Your fruit will be long-lasting and have a generational impact."

Yes, waiting is hard but so worth it.  When God's plan come together, we look back and say - "God knew what was best for my life."

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14 NIV)

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:5, 6 NIV)

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1 NIV)

Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. (Psalm 38:15 NIV)

Don't give up today, don't allow your heart to be dismayed.  Ask God to strengthen your life in the waiting season.  Your time will come and your wait will be over.  It will be worth it - guaranteed.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ NKJV)   

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS?

Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭35‬:‭3‬ ESV)

Where do you go when you are in distress?  What do you do when life has turned upside down?  Who do you go to?  This is something that we all have to deal with at one time or another as life doesn't always go as planned.

In this passage - Jacob had just gone through a traumatic experience as his daughter Tamar had just been raped and his sons then murdered those responsible.  He then expresses his dismay in Genesis 34:30 - Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land...

That's a lot to deal with.  Trouble is piled upon trouble.

Have you ever felt that way?  You take 1step forward only to take 2 back.  Just as you get back on your feet, something happens to knock you down again.

I like Jacob's response - "Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭35‬:‭3‬ ESV)

He immediately took it to God.  He built an altar to the most High God and turned it over to God.  The experiences of his life led him during this very dark season.

I have had plenty days of distress. There are some that I've handled well and others I would as soon forget and I failed miserably.

Yet, I know this: God has always been there for me - even when I didn't turn to Him in the first place.

When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬ NKJV)

In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears. (‭II Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭7‬ NKJV)

Stress brings out what is really inside of  you.  When I was studying about personality types with the Myers-Briggs personality test, I found this out: When we are in distress - we will often go to the very opposite of our God-given gifting.  We end up going to the most negative, dark side.  

That is why it is so important to have a plan for (an escape route built into your life).  When stress comes - you then go on auto-pilot because you've trained yourself to do so.What do you need to do, who do you need to talk to, where do you need to go?  

Here's a hard fact: It's a little hard how to figure out what to do while you are in the distress situation.

Look at how King Ahaz handled the stress in his own life... Now in the time of his distress King Ahaz became increasingly unfaithful to the LORD. (‭II Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭22‬ NKJV)

I am told that pilots learn to fly airplanes with a shield over their vision.  The reason: so when they face the storms - they already know how to use the instruments on their plane.  

We need to be instrument rated Christians - knowing how to function when the storms arrive.  We need to learn how to act in the dark what has been taught to us in the light.

I called on the LORD in distress; The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭5-6‬ NKJV)

In my distress I cried to the LORD, And He heard me. (‭Psalms‬ ‭120‬:‭1‬ NKJV)

There is so much to be said about this topic.  From my own experience, the best place to go is to our Heavenly Father for He knows what is best for your life.  As John expresses:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ NKJV)

May God give you great peace as you bring your troubles and distress and lay them at His feet!

WRESTLING WITH GOD

The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. (‭Genesis‬ ‭32‬:‭22-25‬ ESV)

There comes a time in everyone's journey where they end up wrestling with God.  It is usually over some correction or direction that the Lord intends to bring into our lives.  To be honest, it is during these times that life is plain difficult.  Everywhere you turn - God is pursuing you. Every  thought you have goes right back to you and God and what He's asking of you.

I've had many wrestling moments with God - over major decisions in life to even the smallest thing like apologizing to someone for some wrong I've done.  None of it is pleasant.

Psalm 119 helps us in understand how God works with us during this season of life.  Over and over David uses the word "affliction" as a method for God to get our attention.  Look at these verses with me.  Study them slowly and see the lessons that God is bringing your way.

Psalm 119:49-50 - Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

Affliction brings hope and life to a person who goes through it.

Psalm 119:67 - Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Do you remember as a child getting a spanking for some wrong you did?  I certainly do.  I got plenty. It became constant reminder of what was in store for me down the road if I continued in that sin.

Psalm 119:71 - It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

I've never thought affliction was a good thing - especially when I'm going through the disciplinary process.  But it is during those times that I learn what God desires and wants in my life.

Psalm 119:75 - I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

God disciplines me because He loves me.

Psalm 119:92-94 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.

The affliction ultimately brings life to me.

Psalm 119:107 - I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!

Severely afflicted!  Really?  Yep.  There are times that God will go to great measures to get our attention.

Psalm 119:153-154 - Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!

God is always there.  He's just waiting for you to call on Him.

Here's the reality - GOD ALWAYS WINS!  You will never win.  Either you choose to live in your misery (the longer you resist - the longer you will be miserable) or you finally choose to surrender to the perfect will of God.

As a seasoned person in the faith, I tell you all of this by experience - mine and that of observing others.  I see the choices people make and the sins they choose to participate in.  I often just shake my head thinking, "They could have had so much more in life.  Why do they continue go around and around that tree over and and over again."

After wrestling with God all night, the angel dislocated Jacob's hip - a reminder of the night he wrestled with God.  It was a reminder to him for the rest of his life that he fought with God and lost.

Are you wrestling with God right now?  Are you experiencing the "discipline of the Lord through affliction?  Do you have handicaps or scars from the past that remind you of that time you and God had it out?  I think we all do.  And here's the rub, It will happen again and again during our journey on earth.  None of us are perfect and will all need a good beating every once in a while to bring us under His dominion and rule in our lives.  I pray that you would get and receive this lesson today and surrender to what God is seeking for in your life.  Quit wrestling with the one who loves you the most and knows what is best for you now and for the future.

THE CRY OF EVERY PERSON

When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged. (‭Genesis‬ ‭27‬:‭34‬ NLT)

The Bible teaches about a set of twin brothers - Esau, the older and Jacob, the younger.  One day Esau comes home so hungry that he sells his birthright to his brother Jacob.  (It was customary for the oldest to get the lions share of the inheritance).  Later on in life, as the father of the two boys was about to die - he prepared himself to formally give his blessings to the two sons.  And through trickery, Jacob deceives his father and receives the abundant blessing from his father.  His brother, Esau, finds out that he gets the lesser blessing cries out saying, "Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too! he begged."

This is what every man, woman, boy and girl is seeking in their life - the blessing of the father.

Gary Smalley and John Trent have written a book called THE BLESSING.

It's premise is that children of every age long for the gift of “the blessing” — the unconditional love and approval that come from a healthy relationship with their parents. This life-changing gift is essential for instilling a deep sense of self-worth and unshakable emotional well-being in our children.

The book is broken up into 3 sections - 1- Why the blessing is so importanat, 2- Understanding the blessing and 3- When the blessing doesn't happen.

I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

The book contains five essential elements necessary for children to feel "blessed:"

1- Meaningful touch to each of our children (the hand is used for blessing and the rod is used for discipline

2- A spoken message to them

3- Attaching high value to our children

4- Picturing a special future for them

5- And an active commitment to them

When we don't bring the blessing to our  children - they start looking for it in all the wrong places - work-a-holics, multiple sexual sexual relationships, doing things to get our attention, etc.

Many of the counseling situations that I find myself in stem right back to this dilemma - People want have the blessing of their parents -  be loved and know that they are loved.

Perhaps you didn't receive love and blessing as a child or perhaps you haven't been able to give it out to your children or grandchildren. You can turn this around.  As one who didn't receive this type of love - you must come to your "Heavenly Father" who will extend his hand of blessing to your life.  In turn, you can then give away that blessing to those entrusted to your care.

It is interesting, that in Jewish culture, children would come to their "Abba" (earthly father) every day and receive a daily blessing before going to school or out for the day.  We have missed that in our society.  I contend that we can change culture by coming under the blessing umbrella of God and that we can in turn bring it to our kids and grandkids to make them to be healthy emotionally and spiritually in today's world.

Go bless someone today!

DO YOU HAVE A JOB OR A MINISTRY?

And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy. He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants, so that the Philistines envied him. (‭Genesis‬ ‭26‬:‭12-14‬ ESV)

Isaac reaped a hundredfold.  Not 30 or 40 or even 50 but 100!  Wouldn't you like to have that type of increase in your life?  But as you read this - there is something that is said that is often overlooked.  It is this - "And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundrefold."

Did you get that?  Isaac "sowed in the land."  He worked and he worked hard.

Too often we pray for the blessings of God but aren't willing to put the "sweat and toil" which is our part of the equation.  That all boils down to hard work.  Whether it is the "fasting and prayer" or the actual physical labor that is required of us - it is often difficult and it is often labor intensive.

Ecclesiastes teaches us that whatever we do in life - do with all your might.

"...in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭9-10‬ ESV)

This is one of my favorite Bible verses on employment because Solomon says that whatever our job is you are to “do it with [all of] your might.”  Wherever God has placed us, it is a holy vocation and not just a job.  We work for God and not just our employer. Ultimately, God will reward us, if not in this life, surely in the life to come.  For those who hate their job, realize that where you are is no accident.  You work for God and so we should do our jobs the very best that we can because we are an example to those outside of the household of faith.  We can make a good impression for the Lord or we can bring shame to the cause of Christ so we ought to “obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Col 3:22).  In other words, don’t just start looking busy when the boss is watching but even when he isn’t, for God is always watching everything you do.

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭22-24‬ ESV)

Once more, the theme of doing the best that we can where we can is doing it for God.  Here we are specifically told that we “are serving the Lord Christ” and not just our employers.  The Lord is the one who will reward us in the end, not the employer.  I am not saying that our employer won’t reward us for our hard work and diligence but that financial reward cannot be brought with us to heaven.  What God rewards us for is for all eternity and can be enjoyed in the Kingdom of Heaven.  That is our inheritance, not what we gain while on earth. We do it “for the Lord and not for men.”  

I worked many jobs in a serving capacity before I was able to work in ministry oriented jobs - but I tried to make it an offering up to the Lord and for His glory.  Whatever I did, I did for Him and not for my boss.  That should be your frame of mind, no matter what job you have.  

Somebody once said that there is no job below our dignity as long as it is honest work. May I encourage you to look at what your doing and your attitude toward it.  Are you working just for aa paycheck or are you working for God?  Ask God to help you to become a servant of God in whatever you are doing in life and you will find at the end of the day that you are a person blessed of God.

33 BLESSINGS FROM GOD

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. (Genesis 24:1 ESV)

I was struck by this morning's readings about Abraham and the fact that "the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things."

Think about that - in every area of his life - he was blessed. I then GOOGLED "Blessings In The Bible" and came up with this list of 33 Blessings From God.  The scriptures are worth the read.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalms 20:4

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, Exodus 23:25

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalms 34:8

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Psalms 31:19

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalms 23:1-2

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philemon 1:25

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philippians 4:23

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.Psalms 119:2

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.1 Peter 3:9

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Deuteronomy 28:1

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. Psalms 1:1

May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him. Psalms 67:7

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:21

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body  and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8

The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. Proverbs 10:7

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalms 3:8

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:6

Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. 1 Kings 2:3

HOW CAN YOU KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE?

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. (‭Job‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬ ESV)

I have spent a good portion of my life listening to and hearing the voice of God.  It is an ongoing journey. There have been times that I was able to get it exactly right and then there were times that I "missed" His voice and leadings which led me into much turmoil and suffering.  Often, when we miss God's will, we end up losing time, money and energy.

So how do we know that we've heard from God?  How do we know that we are in God's will?  I've always used a three-part approach 1- God's Word 2- Inward Response, and 3- Outward Circumstances.

When these three are in alignment, I then know that I'm in God's perfect will.

1- God's Word

What does God's Word have to say about this?  Does what I want to line up with scriptures?  Is there anything in scriptures that forbid me to do what I'm about to do?

2- Inward Response

What do I feel in my gut?  Do I feel ok about what is before me?  Does my wife feel ok about it?  Are we in agreement?  Also, when it is a very important decision - how do the church elders and pastors feel about this?

3- Outward circumstances.  

This is really important.  Am I trying force the door open?  Am I trying to make something happen?  Or, are the doors opening naturally and without difficulty?

I've always like this story and I think you will also...

A terrible storm came into a town and local officials sent out an emergency warning that the riverbanks would soon overflow and flood the nearby homes. They ordered everyone in the town to evacuate immediately.

A faithful Christian man heard the warning and decided to stay, saying to himself, “I will trust God and if I am in danger, then God will send a divine miracle to save me.”

The neighbors came by his house and said to him, “We’re leaving and there is room for you in our car, please come with us!” But the man declined. “I have faith that God will save me.”

As the man stood on his porch watching the water rise up the steps, a man in a canoe paddled by and called to him, “Hurry and come into my canoe, the waters are rising quickly!” But the man again said, “No thanks, God will save me.”

The floodwaters rose higher pouring water into his living room and the man had to retreat to the second floor. A police motorboat came by and saw him at the window. “We will come up and rescue you!” they shouted. But the man refused, waving them off saying, “Use your time to save someone else! I have faith that God will save me!”

The flood waters rose higher and higher and the man had to climb up to his rooftop.

A helicopter spotted him and dropped a rope ladder. A rescue officer came down the ladder and pleaded with the man, "Grab my hand and I will pull you up!" But the man STILL refused, folding his arms tightly to his body. “No thank you! God will save me!”

Shortly after, the house broke up and the floodwaters swept the man away and he drowned.

When in Heaven, the man stood before God and asked, “I put all of my faith in You. Why didn’t You come and save me?”

And God said, “Son, I sent you a warning. I sent you a car. I sent you a canoe. I sent you a motorboat. I sent you a helicopter. What more were you looking for.

May God give you perfect understanding about what His perfect will is in your life.  May you be a student of God's ways and His leadings in all aspects.  May you have perfect peace on your journey ahead.

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. (‭Job‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬ ESV)

I have spent a good portion of my life listening to and hearing the voice of God.  It is an ongoing journey.  There have been times that I was able to get it exactly right and then there were times that I "missed" His voice and leadings,which led me into much turmoil and suffering.  Often, when we miss God's will, we end up losing time, money and energy.

So how do we know that we've heard from God?  How do we know that we are in God's will?  I've always used a three-part approach 1- God's Word 2- Inward Response, and 3- Outward Circumstances.

When these three are in alignment, I then know that I'm in God's perfect will.

1- God's Word

What does God's Word have to say about this?  Does what I want to line up with scriptures?  Is there anything in scriptures that forbid me to do what I'm about to do?

2- Inward Response and

What do I feel in my gut?  Do I feel ok about what is before me?  Does my wife feel ok about it?  Are we in agreement?  Also, when it is a very important decision - how do the church elders and pastors feel about this?

3- Outward circumstances.  

This is really important.  Am I trying force the door open?  Am I trying to make something happen?  Or, are the doors opening naturally and without difficulty?

I've always like this story and I think you will also...

A terrible storm came into a town and local officials sent out an emergency warning that the riverbanks would soon overflow and flood the nearby homes. They ordered everyone in the town to evacuate immediately.

A faithful Christian man heard the warning and decided to stay, saying to himself, “I will trust God and if I am in danger, then God will send a divine miracle to save me.”

The neighbors came by his house and said to him, “We’re leaving and there is room for you in our car, please come with us!” But the man declined. “I have faith that God will save me.”

As the man stood on his porch watching the water rise up the steps, a man in a canoe paddled by and called to him, “Hurry and come into my canoe, the waters are rising quickly!” But the man again said, “No thanks, God will save me.”

The floodwaters rose higher pouring water into his living room and the man had to retreat to the second floor. A police motorboat came by and saw him at the window. “We will come up and rescue you!” they shouted. But the man refused, waving them off saying, “Use your time to save someone else! I have faith that God will save me!”

The flood waters rose higher and higher and the man had to climb up to his rooftop.

A helicopter spotted him and dropped a rope ladder. A rescue officer came down the ladder and pleaded with the man, "Grab my hand and I will pull you up!" But the man STILL refused, folding his arms tightly to his body. “No thank you! God will save me!”

Shortly after, the house broke up and the floodwaters swept the man away and he drowned.

When in Heaven, the man stood before God and asked, “I put all of my faith in You. Why didn’t You come and save me?”

And God said, “Son, I sent you a warning. I sent you a car. I sent you a canoe. I sent you a motorboat. I sent you a helicopter. What more were you looking for.

May God give you perfect understanding about what His perfect will is in your life.  May you be a student of God's ways and His leadings in all aspects.  May you have perfect peace on your journey ahead.