Weekly Newsletter

Pastor David’s Weekly Devotional
While God’s omniscient mind is infinitely greater than our finite human brains (Deut.29:29; Rom.11:33), much of God’s will is not mysterious or confusing at all.  Rather, it is clearly stated within the pages of sacred Scripture.  Why?  Because it is God’s will that you know God’s will!  God is not engaged in playing some cosmic game of hide-and-seek with His children.  He wants everyone to understand and live according to His will.  In fact, we can gather much of the biblical teaching on God’s will into six truths.

• 1.   It is God’s will that you are saved.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
• 2.   It is God’s will that you are Spirit-filled.  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.  18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17-18).
• 3.   It is God’s will that you are sanctified.  “It is God's will that you should be sanctified: 4that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God” (1Thess.4:3-5).
• 4.   It is God’s will that you are submissive.  “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men… 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:13-15; cf. Eph.5:21).
• 5.   It is God’s will that you are willing to suffer.  “So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Pet 4:19; cf. Phil.1:29; 2Tim.3:12).
• 6.   It is God’s will that you are thankful.  “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thes.5:18).

These are essential elements of the Christian life.  In fact, if we spend our time and energy seeking these truths, I am convinced that many of the questions concerning the will of God will be swallowed up in the wave of obedience, submission and worship that follows.  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom.12:1).

Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David

Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #19):
Exodus 21-24; 2 Samuel 10-14; Psalm 54-56; Job 37-38; Jeremiah 32-36; Luke 1-2; 2 Corinthians 6-8

Recommended Reading:
“God's Will: Finding Guidance for Everyday Decisions” by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom