Steps in Seeking God's Will

I got a new Bible for Christmas. It's the Life Application Study Bible, and I love it! I was just browsing through the topics in the concordance and found some verses on seeking God's will. I randomly chose verse, Acts 16:6 "They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia."

Okay, that didn't say much to me. At first I thought I was reading the wrong verse. And then I read the commentary below which explained the verse in depth. It reads:

We don't know how the Holy Spirit told Paul that he and his companions should not go into
Asia. It may have been through a prophet, a vision, an inner conviction, or some other circumstance. To know God's will does not mean we must hear his voice. He leads in different ways.

When seeking God's will:
(1) Make sure your plan is in harmony with God's Word.
(2) Ask mature Christians for their advice.
(3) Check your own motives - are you seeking to do what you want or what you think God wants?
(4) Pray for God to open and close the doors as he desires.

I like that! Easy to follow. Unfortunately God does does not usually speak to us in an audible voice telling us which direction to turn at every intersection. But if we make our decisions by following those four steps listed - I think we will make wise choices - Godly choices.

This is just a beginning for me. I'll be digging DEEPER on this topic!!

It's as simple as...

Hope, Peace, Love.

In my previous blog I was obviously feeling anxious & unsettled. I want a focus. I feel God's calling on my life, but for what?? I'm praying for a clear direction. So a couple of days ago I went for a run in my neighborhood, and I kept hearing these three words in my head, "Hope, Peace, Love. Hope, Peace Love." Yes! That's what Christ was sent here for! To proclaim freedom for the captives (Hope), bind up the broken-hearted (Love), and release prisoners from their darkness (Peace). And as Christians (followers of Christ), we are called to do the same.

Maybe God will call me to a specific mission, a specific group of people or cause. Until my direction has been made clear - my purpose is to spread the Good News. There IS Hope! We CAN experience a Peace regardless of our circumstances! And because God loves you, and I love you - let me share with you what Christ has done in my life. He can do the same in yours - and more!

It's as simple as that. The ultimate purpose for my life is to spread Hope, Peace & Love. The message is the same to the poor, destitute and deprived as well as the rich, powerful and famous.

More to this life...

Have you ever been so anxious about something that you can't sit still...but you're not sure why you're feeling so anxious?? Have you felt like sitting down is wasting time - there's so much else to do!?

I was off work for over a week for the holidays. Today was my first day back. For the majority of the day I was very busy catching up on things, but by 3:00 I was done. Checked out. Done working. Had it. I stood up and looked at my desk...took a walk into the copier room...walked back to my desk & stared at my chair. I don't want to sit there ANYMORE!!!! But I work until 5:00. That's two hours that I could be reading about something - learning about something! Two hours of cleaning that could get done. Two hours of writing! Two hours of making a difference in my life, in my kids' life, in this world??!!

I have a great job. No complaints, really. My boss is wonderful to me. I love the girls I work with - I consider them my friends. The pay is decent. The schedule isn't bad - it's actually extremely good compared to many jobs. But is it where my passion lies? No. Does that matter? I don't know. I think it does though. There's more to this life than punching the clock and looking forward to the weekend!

I've decided that as long as I am working - at this job and anywhere else for that matter - I will open my eyes to opportunities God will place before me. Maybe a patient needs an encouraging word - or a simple smile. Maybe a co-worker needs Godly advice or just someone who will listen & love them. I will look for opportunities to serve people.

God, use me! Show me where I am needed to advance your kingdom here on earth! Let me be a light in this dark world - a light people are drawn to because of You! Give me the strength to step through my fear and out of my comfort zone. I know your favor rests on me. Remind me of this every day! You called me to do your work - and my heart's desire is to please you and give you glory & honor. I want to impact lives around me - I want to be in business with You, changing lives. Giving people hope. Showing them how to experience peace in all circumstances. Empowering them with the Truth. And this I am incapable of without you, Father. I am your vessel - work through me. Use me. Bring kingdom purpose to my life. Lord, I am willing.