DAY SEVEN - How Can I Know The Will Of God?
How to know the will of God-that's a big enough subject to rate
a book in itself. And it's important. After all, if Christ is now
your Master, and you want to obey Him, you must know what He wants
you to do.
WHEN IT'S A MATTER OF CONDUCT
It's obvious the Bible doesn't cover every detail of modern day
living. Matters of everyday activity now were unknown when the Bible
was written. But of one thing you can be sure: the Bible contains
principles which cover every situation. I'll mention some which
you will find helpful. Look for others and make a note of them.
- Some Can, Others Cannot.
- This does not refer to acts of sin, of course. But in matters
about which the Bible is silent, remember God deals with people
as individuals. Don't expect everyone to fit into your mold.
- Consider Others.
- Some things which you find acceptable might cause another
Christian to fail. Paul once said that if acting a certain
way would cause another Christian to stumble, he'd be willing
never to do it again, even though he saw no wrong in it himself.
- Is It Glorifying to God?
- You are now Jesus' representative in the world. You should
do nothing to bring shame or reproach upon your Lord or His
cause.
There are many principles, of course, but the most important
is to be guided by your
love for Jesus. Above all else, ask yourself,
"Will this be pleasing
to the Lord?" If you make that the
ruling question in your decisions, you won't go far wrong.
WHEN YOU MUST DECIDE WHICH WAY TO GO
There will be times when you just do not know which course of action
to follow. (We're talking about life decisions now, not matters
of conduct.) How can you decide?
- Be patient.
- A Bible verse states, "He that believeth shall not
make haste." Learn to wait on God until He indicates
His will to you. Time has a way of working things out. Don't be
rash. Don't make a move until the path is clear.
- Seek the Advice of Others.
- Don't be a "loner." Let your pastor or some other
mature Christian be your confidant. Be sure it is someone
who will keep your confidence. Someone who is not involved
in the problem can see the various angles of the problem more
clearly than you can.
- Commit the Matter to the Lord.
- A famous Christian used this method:
He would list the reasons for and against a certain course
of action and prayerfully consider the matter for a time.
Then he would decide to move in a certain direction. He would
remove from his mind as much of his own desires as possible,
then ask the Lord to block his path if it were not God's will.
Over a period of fifty years he found this approach successful,
judging by the way matters turned out.
GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS
Getting along with others is one of the most important aspects of
Christian living.
If you haven't learned this yet, you will soon discover that Christians
are not perfect. As in your case, God is trying to develop their
characters, to make them like Jesus.
Some people you will like instinctively; others will not be particularly
attractive to you. Just remember this: there are traits in you also
which may not be especially attractive to some.
The most important gift you can ask from God is
the gift of love-for God and for others. Love includes all
the other traits God wants to develop in you. Love will keep
you walking close to the Lord. Love for others will make you
considerate of them. Love will make you want to win others
to the Lord. God can even give you a love for the unlovely.
Well now, the first seven days are over. How did you do? Now, what about
the future? Let's reemphasize some points and give you some more tips.
- Bible Reading.
- Read the Bible every day and all the way through once a year.
It will take only 10-15 minutes a day. Read the Gospel of
John through two more times at least; then start at Matthew
and read through Acts. Now read the story portions of the
Old Testament, beginning with Genesis; then read the New Testament
all the way through. Finally, begin at Genesis and read through
the whole Bible.
- Prayer.
- Prayer is the lifeline of your spiritual life. In your private
times, make this a conversation with God. Think of Him as
a Great Friend you can confide in. Talk to Him about your
victories as well as your needs.
- The Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- Seek to be filled.
- lf You Fail.
- You don't have to fail, understand, but if you do, ask God
for forgiveness, just as you did the first time. He will never
give up on you. But determine by His help not to fail in the
same way again.
- Find a Church Home.
- Become a member of a good church and help in every way possible.
- Be Baptized in Water.
- The Lord has commanded water baptism. It is one of the ways you
can give a public testimony to your conversion.
- Become a Tither.
- Give ten cents out of every dollar you earn at the church you have
made your church home.
What Now?
It depends on you. If you follow these suggestions, you will
have the most wonderful, satisfying life possible.
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SCRIPTURE
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TODAY'S BIBLE READING:
John 19,20, and 21
BIBLE STUDY FOR DAY 5
(answer in your own words)
John 19:7,8
Why was Pilate afraid?
What phrase, repeated in
John 19:24,28 and 36
, shows that Jesus' death was planned?
John 20:7
What item did Peter notice particularly in the tomb?
John 20:31
Why was the Gospel of John written?
John 21:15
What important question did Jesus ask Peter?
John 21:22
How did Jesus answer Peter's curiosity?
GOOD VERSES TO MEMORIZE:
John 20:21
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