SEPTEMBER 22
Welcome back!
One of the questions that comes up in so many of my conversations with Jesus’ followers is: “How do I know what God wants me to do?”
The age-old question of God’s will is one that followers of Jesus have struggled with for a long time. That’s probably why Paul wrote about God’s will on multiple different occasions.
The desire to know God’s will usually comes from a good place in our hearts, but sometimes we can try to squeeze out all of the uncertainty and mystery in our journey with God. Just read through the gospels and see how many times Jesus left people confused and wondering.
So why would we think it would be different for any one of us?
There are so many times over the last 6 months that I have wondered God’s will. How would Jesus lead differently if He were the Pastor of Echo? How would Jesus live differently if He were in my shoes as a husband to Stacie and a father to Caedmon, Sammy and Karis?
I would like to focus on this passage where we can be certain of God’s will, and instead of asking God to show us His will this time, I would like for us to ask The Holy Spirit to help us live His will today according to the scriptures.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Today, let’s pray for help to live according to these things personally and as a church. Let’s ask for the Holy Spirit to make us more joyful and more grateful today.
You might pray something like this…
“Holy Spirit, just as there is great joy in The Father’s heart, I pray today that you would fill me with joy. I pray that you would help me laugh more throughout the day. Help me to live with gratitude.
I choose to enter into your gates with thanksgiving today, and I give you praise. Lord Jesus, you are worthy of praise! I give you ALL my worship today. Help me to think about you throughout the day. Help me pray without ceasing!
I also pray that you would bless our church. Pour out your favor on this region. Help there be a joy in the hearts of the Echo family in such a way that many thousands of people are drawn to you! Use us today!!
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
Have a great day! Remember: The Holy Spirit is with you.
With love,
Pastor Andy
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I’m always grateful for the Joy that God shares into my life. So often, when I’m finding myself in a challenging place, I can lean into that and feel lifted up. And I am so often inspired by the Joy that I see in other Christians who’s walk with Christ is the center point of their lives. However, I do struggle with the idea of feeling “joyful” all the time simply because my moods fluctuate. I often wonder if being “joyful in the Lord” is like being “fearful in the Lord” – The meaning is both reverence, loving an cautionary. I wonder if joyfulness is something similar?
I sure needed this scripture and devotional today! Fighting for joy in this season… Meaning into the Holy Spirit to produce this fruit in my life. Thank you!
Thank you. I do need joy. Thank you ??
Will Pray for you
??? So good! Thank you for this reminder to such a common and relatable question. Jesus, would you help us trust you and walk with you even in uncertainty.
The will of God is like a very large winding road that goes in one main general direction… the salvation of men to the glory of God. The choices are many and so are the opportunities. We can choose to be on any side of that road. Just make sure you stay on the road.
Sometimes though, the road narrows to a very small trail or passage. Listen to His voice! This passage, we want to make sure we undertake. It is God’s specific will. Trust and obey, it is the path to a greater joy of knowing Him.