1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
So
from this first verse God makes it clear that we should live our entire
lives as thankful. We should be thankful for everything, even the bad
things! A good way to start in this is to take appreciation in beauty.
Eventually this will expand to include other things. Eventually you'll
find that every moment you'll feel grateful for something. Try it.
2. Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal
covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will,
working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
This
passage, despite it's length in explanation is saying something very
basic. Many ask the question: What is God's will for my life? Well he's
telling us right here in this passage. That through the sacrifice of
Jesus and the gift of the holy spirit God will equip us with what we
need to do works which please him. It also says that this is made
possible "through Jesus Christ." The end of the passage instructs us to
give all glory to him, forever. We often instructed to end our prayers
"through Jesus Christ." All things, all possibilities come through
Christ entering our lives. So what is God's will? It's that we use the
holy spirit through Christ to do his good works daily.
3. John 2:16-17
For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires
of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from
the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but
whoever does the will of God abides forever.
This passage
from John is telling us what not to do. It tells us that the desires of
the flesh, for things like food, sexual gratification, and such
temporary wants are not of the kingdom of God. The things we covet with
our eyes will not last. Our pride in the feeble things we own is not
right with God. This passage makes it clear that the world is very
temporary. It is "passing away along with it's desires." This verse
tells us that in the next life we will not necessarily even want for the
things we desired in this one. The last sentence talks about doing the
will of God. And it says that the one who does it abides forever. This
means that those who do the good works and live the Christ-like life
will live forever.
4. Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of
your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
It would be
wonderful if more Christians adhered to this passage from Romans! Do not
be conformed to this world! That's just how it sounds. Do NOT conform
to the practices of this world, conform this world to the practices of
God. There is no room for half measures in a Christian life. There is no
room for letting little things slip by. This opens the door for bigger
sins to slip by. This passage tells us also that we may test to discern
what is the will of God. This I take as meaning if one is uncertain only
pray on what to do, and it will be revealed. Also, rest assured that
God will let us know in some way when we are sinning.
5. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This passage from Matthew is incredibly powerful in it's simplicity
and grace. It's so simple, yet says so much we can browse right over it
and miss the clear powerful instruction of God himself! First seek the
kingdom of God. For me, this meant always putting my search for
spirituality first in my life. This was something I did easily, because I
was extremely curious. Once you have found Christ and been saved, seek
the righteousness of a Christian life. This is an incredible promise
from God right here. He promises that should we seek honestly for these
things they WILL be added to us! Isn't that incredible? That if we are
diligent in our search, God will make us into proper Christian spiritual
beings. It's amazing.
What is truth? Who is God? What is the meaning of life? On this blog we explore the interactions between Christianity and topics like culture, politics and philosophy. The word says we must love God and love others. Jesus Christ is God come to us; He is alive. God will call all of us to give an explanation of how we lived. Trust in Jesus and receive forgiveness; a new life. Stand for the truth. Glorify Christ in how you live. A new world awaits.