Understanding God's Will

Every New Year gives us an opportunity to redeem time (Ephesians 5:16). It is the only thing we can redeem---not with money, but with purpose. Purpose is the reason why you have been given time.

Ephesians 5:17 says: “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” This verse makes several things clear:
#1 - that God has a plan for us,
#2 - that He doesn’t want us in the dark concerning His plan (will),
#3 - that we can know what His plan (will) is.

The first place we must look when it comes to discovering God’s will for our lives is in His Word. His Word reveals His plans (will). And even when the Holy Spirit reveals specific things to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), it never negates God’s word (1 John 5:7).

Here are just a few of the things that are a part of God’s will for your life (as revealed in scripture).

• Love one another (John 13:34)
• Prefer one another (Romans 12:10)
• Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
• Receive one another (Romans 15:7)
• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
• Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
• Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
• Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)
• Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
• Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)
• Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)
• Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
• Edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)
• Consider one another (Hebrews 10:24)
• Stir up one another (Hebrews 10:24)
• Pray for one another (James 5:16)
• Have compassion for one another (1 Peter 3:18)
• Be hospitable to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
• Minister to one another (1 Peter 4:10)
• Have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)

If you ever feel like you don’t know what the will of the Lord is for 2009, this list is a good place to start. Get involved in doing these things. You will find yourself blessed as well as being a blessing to others and God’s plan would unfold in your life.