The early chapter of the Book of Acts uses different terminology to refer to God’s Spirit coming upon people, it is called, the promise, the gift, the baptism, the power and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They are different aspects of the Spirits coming upon believers.  They were already believers. Jesus had breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit. In Acts were the power is emphasised it was for the disciples to go into all the world with the gospel.  They were told to wait for the Spirit because if they had gone out on their own strength nothing would have happened.   Nobody would have been saved at Pentecost if the Holy Spirit had not blessed Peters preaching. They would have laughed at him and mocked him. He would have been frightened as he had been when the little girl pointed him at as being a follower of Christ, he denied Christ. No matter how well a man is educated or how many theology degree’s he has he will make no impact if he is not filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God Hovering Over the Water

Genesis 1:1-2

The Holy Spirit was not skimming over the waters  but it was Gods dynamic wind of His breath, His creative power. He breathed life into creation.  In Genesis 2:7 “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”  Man was just dust, dead mater. But God breathed divine breath in him and he beame a living soul.

The Spirit Came Upon Bezeleel

It says in Exodus 31:2-3 “I have called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri . . . . and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.” It includes others in Verse 6 the Holy Spirit came on them, “In the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded them.” Also: “Then hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work of the engraver and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer in blue and in purple and in scarlet and in fine linen of the weaver, even of them that do any work and of these that devise cunning work.” (Exodus 35:35).

Samson the Spirit came upon Samson.

Elijah’s received a double portion of the Spirit

Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple, it is said: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.” (Zech. 4:6).

Our Lord was born of the Spirit, walked in the Spirit, but the Spirit came upon him at His baptism for service. Jesus Himself was a perfect child.  He lived a spotless manhood.  He was holy and undefiled in His life.  Yet even Jesus, before He began His messianic ministry, must first be anointed with the Holy Spirit from God.  And that happened at His baptism, when the Holy Ghost came down in the form of a dove, and abode, lighted, upon Him (Matthew 3:16).

The disciples were followers of Christ, he breathed on them the Holy Spirit but told them to wait in Jerusalem until the received power to go out into all  the world and breath the gospel.  Jesus Himself was a perfect child.  He lived a spotless manhood.  He was holy and undefiled in His life.  Yet even Jesus, before He began His messianic ministry, must first be anointed with the Holy Spirit from God.  And that happened at His baptism, when the Holy Ghost came down in the form of a dove, and abode, lighted, upon Him [Matthew 3:16]. Prayer

In Acts 1:14- 15 it says, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.”   “The number of names together were about an hundred and twenty…These all continued,” it says  In Acts 2 the Pentecostal chapter begins, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”  And verse 4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”

What kind of men turned the world upside down?

Was it Peter who cowered and denied his Lord when a little girl pointed him out as a follower of Jesus Chris? Was it doubting Thomas who did not believe his Lord was rised from the dead?  Was it the disciples who ran away in the Garden when their Lord was being taken a prisoner?  Was it the disciples of Jesus who were in the Upper Room hidden from the public praying and waiting for the Promise of the Father (Acts 1:4), that is, the outpouring of the ascension gift of Christ, waiting for the promised power of the Spirit of Jesus.

God is with us, and the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon us today.  God is for us He does not God work against us.  Life may be hectic, there may be many discouragements, but, “In all things God works together for good, to them who love the Lord, to them who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28.

However we at Agape wait another outpouring of the Spirit, and for the joy, the power that come along with it and the effect it will have on our community.  We are continually calling on Him to come on that capacity.

Being assembled together with them, the Lord said, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). Peter said, “This is that which was spoken by Joel the prophet” (Acts 2:16) the whole assembly prayed for him to come. We long for, we desire an outpouring. He has promised to do it in his word.

The Preparation for Pentecost.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-3). God wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:28

Joel was written when disaster came upon Israel. A plague of locusts came and destroyed every green thing on the land. It brought destruction to the land and the people were in a life and death situation. Joel prophesied everything would get worse, greater judgement was to come in the future. However he went on to say great blessing would come in the latter days. God would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh. That’s what Peter preached in his first sermon  and then God added unto the church those who were being saved.  It was a clear and powerful preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Joel said, “And those days have come to pass.  They are fulfilled in our time, in our generation, in this dispensation and day of grace.  The Lord said to these apostles, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you” (Acts 1:8).  And in the epistles, the apostle Paul wrote by inspiration, in Ephesians 5:18, “Plerouste.”  Pleroo means “to be filled.” Plerouste is an imperative.  It’s a command, “pleruste, be ye filled.”  God has poured out the fullness of His Spirit, and it is His will for us to be filled with the Spirit of God.  It is to be alive for God. It is to be enthusiastic for the things of God. It is to have more interest in God than sport, music, entertainment, TV, computers. It is the will of God that we be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:18. It is to be continuous.

Psalm 23:6

Constant Love and Care

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

Many people cannot enjoy life because they are constantly worried about what tomorrow might bring. They worry about their job, about their health, will the doctor tell me I have cancer. When our life is not going well we begin to question God’s care.  Our natural reaction to trials is fear, worry and to ask “why?” We begin to think He really doesn’t know what He is doing with me. We get tempted to panic and want to run from His care. We get the idea we can survive better on our own

When our health breaks down, someone is taken from us in death, we lose our security, we cannot meet our bills or our kids are going in the wrong direction we can wonder where God is. But His goodness is pursuing you.

Many people live in fear of tomorrow But Jesus aid, “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” When you know that the Lord is your Shepherd, you know, “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” This brings peace and confidence. The Hebrew text indicates that the goodness and mercy pursue us.

“Surely” No guess work, no doubts, no wondering, no hesitation, no question marks, It is not I hope it will, or “I think it will” or “maybe” or “perhaps”, goodness will follow me, but David is certain and has absolutely no doubt about it he says, “Surely!” David believes and expects God’s goodness and mercy to follow him every day of his life. God is always at work even when we do not comprehend what is happening. We don’t always understand His infinite wisdom. God’s promise assures me that He is covering all areas of my life; He misses nothing, He knows all possible outcomes. Surely means it is a certainty. When we go through times of confusion, discouragement and depression we can be sure that means we can be secure. We only become insecure when we forget how much God loves us. When the Lord is your shepherd He is for you. Psalm 56:9 When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.

Since the Lord is our Shepherd, we need not let fear and or let worry rob us of joy. We can take refuge in His goodness and mercy. Like David, we can be confident, even though we do not deserve it, He will take care of us always.

Goodness – Loving-kindness

God’s goodness means God blesses us with what we don’t deserve. Goodness blesses us with heaven; mercy keeps us out of hell. We deserve judgement but his goodness protects us from it. Goodness heals us when we are sick. The goodness of God means we can look forward to good things from him. We can look to the future with hope. Psalm100:5 “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”

God always does us good to make us a better person. When we ask for something sometimes he says yes, sometimes no and sometimes wait. Sometimes things will do us more harm than good so he says no. David has needed his soul restored, direction, help with fear and assurance of God’s presence.

Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Even in our toughest times God moulds us into the people He wants us to be.

Those things which would prove to be detrimental to our good have been kept from us. God takes all the positive and the negatives and works them together for “good.” God arranges and controls all things in order to make it work together for good for his child. Everything in the life of the Christian is designed for accomplishing the “good” God has planned for us.

Sometimes it takes time to see the “good” which God purposes for us. We don’t see the future He does. It will involve being tested perhaps by suffering, as the “good.” For our holiness.

God makes “all things” work together for our ultimate good this includes difficulties, obnoxious people, the things people say about us, bad circumstances, hardship, it includes our failures and our sins, our innocent suffering, our stupidity.

When Satan’s attacks and seeks to harm us God bring good out of it and we grow in faith. God makes, “all things” even the smallest things as well as the major decisions and actions, work together for our good because he is a good God.

God causes all things to work together for our good, for Joseph, for Moses, for David, for Jesus, and he will for you. He will bring good out of bad.

When our life is not going well we begin to question God’s care.  Our natural reaction to trials is fear, worry and to ask “why?” We begin to think He really doesn’t know what He is doing with me. We get tempted to panic and want to run from His care. We get the idea we can survive better on our own

When our health breaks down, someone is taken from us in death, our job folds, we cannot meet our bills or our kids are going in the wrong direction we can wonder where God is…. But His goodness is not far behind!

Mercy – lovingkindness.

God’s mercy means He shows us His lovingkindness. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Mercy is God holding back the judgment we do deserve because Jesus experienced it in our place. Mercy is letting us free and forgiving us because Christ bore our sin and judgment on Calvary. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s his mercy in action. God loves you unconditionally, just as you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay as you are. He wants to change you, make you a better person. He loves you. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. This is love, this is mercy beyond words.

I Timothy 1:15-16 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life”. That’s mercy.

His mercy is not just in the past and the present mercy also follows us all the days of our lives. He will be merciful to us in the future. It pursues us always. He is a merciful God.

David says, goodness, mercy,   loving-kindness and abundant provisions follow us daily. God cares for his sheep, He anticipates our needs, has provision for them before we ask. The  Lord’s sheep are pursued by His two sheepdogs, goodness and mercy.

Both the goodness and mercy of the Lord manifest his love toward us. While these two principles are closely related, their operation is along different lines. David knew the Great Shepherd was caring for him, David that he would not suffer want, that he would experience no need, when he needed green pastures, and still waters, when he needed the restoration of his soul, and led in paths of righteousness. He knew God’s presence in the valley of the shadow of death, the provision of the table in the wilderness, the rod to beat away the enemies and the staff to comfort him. He knew God would anoint his head, to protect him in the heat of the day and refresh him with His Spirit. David  had confidence that this would be true all the days of his life. That’s God’s mercy. He also does the same for us. He pursues us he same way. We can say with David, and with equal confidence, “I shall not want.”

 “Follow me ll the days of my life”

Heb 13:5 Be content with what you have; for God Himself has said, “I will never, never let go your hand: I will never never forsake you.”

God does not give up on us. He never lets us go. His goodness and mercy follow us because He loves us. Even when we doubt or are fearful, even when we make mistakes or are discouraged, He follows us with goodness and mercy. He even pursues the back-sliden and cold Christian, because he is good and merciful. He draws them back to Himself. Nothing in life or death, no trouble, no heartache, no disaster, no demons not even Satan can separate us from His love. In good days and bad His goodness and mercy pursue us. David say they pursue us today tomorrow and in the future. Whatever David faced he chose to have complete confidence in God. He was confident that goodness and mercy followed him even when he could not see them.

Our Future Home

Vs 6 “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

John 14:1-3 Jesus said to his disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” The heart is the mind. He says don’t start worrying. He does not want us to be troubled, or worried or agitated. The disciples are already allready perplexed. Their emotions are all over the place. That’s what happens when you worry or are deeply troubled. Everything seems to be falling apart. Life is in an upheaval. Fear, depression and gloom can set in. The prospect of Jesus Christ dying and leaving, left alone troubled them deeply. They had been confused they thought Jesus was going to establish the kingdom of God then but now he talks about dyeing. Their hopes dreams were shattered. He still offers them this comfort.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions”. When God created the heavens and the magnificent galaxies, the amazing stars there were none good enough for his sheep. Modern man spends billions of money to try and find a star that we can inhabit. He is looking for another home. He has not found one. The Lord Jesus comforts his disciples and tells them of a special place he is building for his people. There is nowhere else in the universe like it.   This promise is comforting. Jesus is saying no planet, no galaxy, no universe is good enough for my people, I will make them a special place, just tailored for them. I will design it and build it. The conditions will be perfect. That is our destination, HOME.

His goodness and mercy have pursued us all the way, to bring us to the Father. It is beyond words, beyond our dreams. All our labours and trials will then be over—no more sorrow, no more sighing, no more tears. But there will be work to do.  The Good Shepherd will lead us to the fold, the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.—Matt. 25:34

“My Father’s house.”

Verse 2, “In My Father’s house are many mansions (dwelling places.) If it were not so I would have told you so.”  I am not lying to you. You can trust me. Jesus came from there to reveal the Father to us. Heaven is a place of “MANSIONS” it is a lasting, permanent, and eternal dwellings. We live here in temporary bodies or tents, that change and decay, that will corrupt and die. Heaven is our eternal dwelling place. “Here we have no continuing city.” (Heb. 13:14.) Jesus said, I promise you I will come again and take you there.

The word home is sweet to all of us. Heaven is “a Father’s house,” Jesus says, “I go to my Father, and your Father.” It is HOME, the home of Christ and Christians. Home is the place where we are loved and wanted and cared for. A place we love to be and we are always welcome. This is one idea of heaven. Believers are in a strange land, and at school, in this life. In the life to come they will be at home.

We love to go home after a hard day. The soldier loves to come home from the war, the sailor can’t wait until his ship docks so that he can go home to be with his family. It brings tears of joy to their eyes. Big men cry.
Home is not a building it is where those we love are. It may be one bedroom and one living room but it’s where our loved ones are.  The father’s house is where our brothers and sisters are. It is called the Fathers house or heaven. It is a family of millions who dwell there along with God and the angels. It is the family of God. A great home awaits us.
There are “many mansions.” Heaven is very spacious. It has multitudes of redeemed people there, millions of angels which no man can number. There is plenty of room!
“Where I am, ye shall be also.” It is where Jesus is. We will be in His presence.
After his resurrection, He spent forty days among his disciples, the could see the evidence. His body is real. We also will see him, we will hear him, we will see our loved ones.
And He will come again when we die, or in his Second Advent, “to receive us” to Himself. Then our hearts will not be troubled. It is “far better” than the best that earth could offer.

“My Father’s house”  is heaven. Heaven is called a country, emphasizing its vastness. Heaven is also called a city, because of the large number of inhabitants. Heaven is called a kingdom because it’s a structured ordered thing. And heaven is also called a paradise because of its beauty. It’s called a country, a city, a kingdom, and a paradise. It is called our home, “My Father’s house.”

Vs 3 “And if I go and prepare a special place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also.”  “I go to PREPARE a place for you.” Heaven is a prepared place for a peculiar (special) people, a place Christ is making ready for His “bride” the church. It’s a place of rest, a place to relax. A place without wars. A place of many dwelling places. A place for all of us. There is enough for everybody. Rev. 21:16, “And the city lieth foursquare and the length is as large as the breadth and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” Now that’s 1500 miles approximately, 1500 miles in every direction of a cube. Two million, two hundred and fifty thousand square miles. It  could hold thirty times the population of our world right now and still have plenty of room to spare. .

Revelation 21: 1-2, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea.” “And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven say, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men.'” God is living with man and that is in the Father’s house, we’re all there. “And He will dwell the house of the Lord forever” Gods people will be with Him. God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away.” In the Father’s house He takes care of all the hurts and the needs of the children, He eternally drives them away. Jesus went up there just to get it ready for us.

Rev 21:18, “And the building of the wall of heaven was of jasper and the city was pure gold like clear glass.” This is a new material that he makes.  “And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation is sapphire, jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls.” Each one of the gates was one pearl, giant pearls. This is an amazing city built for us. It is a city, a golden, transparent, diamond city with diamond walls and light from the Lamb’s glory flashing through the coloured jewels and forming a spectacle of dazzling beauty and no defile and glory all over the place.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you.”  That’s one of the things our Lord is doing now, he’s praying for the saints, he’s acting as their advocate, and he’s preparing a place for them.  Jesus is just getting it ready for us. He says, “If it were not so I would have told you.” That’s so good. “Trust Me, I’ve always told you the truth.”

“Where I am, ye shall be also.”

We shall see his face, and be for ever with Him. The Good Shepherd will bring us home. The past life is over but the future holds wonderful things. Christ as a real visible person in the glory of Divine manhood.
The Good Shepherd knows the Way Home.

Vs 6, “Jesus saith unto them, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Follow me I am the way.  I’m coming to get you and take you there. Don’t worry about how to get up there.

You could be a follower of Jesus Christ but not a true disciple. Far more important is not the length of your life but the depth of your life. True Christianity is total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. God wants you to be completely sold out to Christ. He wants us not to turn a deaf ear to Jesus Christ. I want to ask you what dominates your life today, is it business, work, family. Why is it that most church members do not attend church today? Why is it that Christians don’t really believe in a real heaven and a real Hell, and go after the lost? Why is it we prefer to be entertained and neglect the Masters command to go into all the world? The answer is we do not take our commitment to Christ serious. The Saviour is looking for men and women who will follow Him with their whole heart, who will serve Him with their talents and whole being, a living sacrifice, holding nothing back, to be totally His and at His disposal. He seeks center place in their lives. He set the supreme example of sacrificial, unconditional surrender by His sacrifice at Calvary. He asks the same of His followers.

The Lord Jesus demands that we don’t get caught up in the affairs of this world, not to be ruled by materialism, not to set our sights on this world were moth can corrupt but have our focus on heaven. Some of the Lords people are caught up in entertainment, in partying down here, or in sport, in movies, in TV, in acquiring things. Getting all the toys right now and enjoy them. They give little thought to those who are going to hell.

Islamic extremists give their lives for their false prophet Mohammad, political extremists give their lives for what they believe, we see many in Egypt and Syria at present willing to give their lives for their political cause, soldiers give their lives for patriotic reasons; communists still give their lives for political reasons. How many Christians are serious enough to follow Christ, how many truly give their lives to Him, how many are serious about being his disciple?

Many churches are lowering the commitment level to attract attenders. They’re afraid that if they preach against sin, talk about hell, they might offend some folks, so they focus on the positive and speak avoid confrontation. They don’t want to deal with doctrines that offend because people in our culture want to be tolerant and non-judgmental. They wouldn’t dream of practicing church discipline! Their focus is on being positive and make everyone feel good about themselves and feel loved and accepted no matter what their lifestyle is. Millions of churchgoers who call themselves Christians, but are not fully committed to Jesus Christ and the gospel. The majority who profess Christianity do not know basic Christian teachings and do not act differently because of their Christian experience.

Excuses for not being a fully Committed Disciple

Luke 9:57-62

Two verses later He laments that the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few (10:2).

Jesus requires that you devote everything that you are and have to Him or nothing at all. “There’s a difference between interest and commitment There are many who think that following Jesus is important, but not the most important thing in life.

These three men unnamed men came face to face with Jesus, they all thought that following Jesus was a good thing to do but it wasn’t the most important thing. They permitted something else to come between their souls and complete dedication to Him. It is easy to find reason for turning back. It may be people, or circumstance, or laziness, or selfishness, or worldliness.

The First Man and the love of earthly comforts.

The first man said, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” I will go anywhere you want me, I will do anything you ask me. Jesus said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (9:58). Jesus said in 9:23, that to follow Him requires a life of self-denial. He wanted him to understand it was not going to be easy, there was a battle to be fought, and a race to be run. It would take hard work and determination. He had the devil to contend with, the world and the flesh to fight.  Following Jesus is more important than our personal comfort.

Are you willing to do without the material comforts of life? Will you sacrifice the security of a home to follow Him? This man fades out of view. His love for earthly conveniences was greater than his dedication to Christ!

The Second Man put his job and duty before following Christ.

He refused the Lord outright. He was interested in the Lord but something else took first place. He said, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” Marx uses to tell his followers in the revolution of the 19th century they must reject all past illusions and instead build a modern revolution with a new system. Marx is calling upon them to follow the new revolution and follow it.

“let the dead bury the dead”

or “After my father is gone, I will follow You.” if your

commitment to family is greater than our commitment to Jesus Christ and His kingdom, you’ve got it wrong. Some have strayed from the Lord because of their children. Their children or family are more important than God and keep them from God. This man’s father was in no immediate danger he may have had many more years to live. This was an excuse for not leaving all. Jesus said, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Only a believer can preach the gospel. The price was too great for him.

 The Third Man put family ties first.

He used those contradictory words, “Lord,…me first…” They all said the same thing – Me Frist. He said, “Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.” He was first. Following Jesus was important, but not important enough to let go of the old relationships and ways. He wasn’t willing to make a clean break with the old contacts and way of life. You can’t keep one foot in the world and one in the Kingdom. Following Jesus is not just an important thing—it’s the most important thing in life. It’s not a part of your life but all of your life. Jesus is the centre of everything. My family, may career, my business is centred on following Jesus Christ and serving Him.

The Lord Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” He asks for all or nothing. To follow Him with all your heart requires:

Forsaking All

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). To be a disciple of the Lord Jesus, one must forsake all. The Lord Jesus was clear about what He was saying. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24). He asks for self denial it means complete submission to the lordship of Christ He has all the rights to your life.  To “take up his cross” is to deliberately chose the cross and spend your life following Him. It means continuing in his Word, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31).   He means for you to abandon all you have for Him, serve Him work hard for Him, endevour to please Him. He means have a passion for Him. Invests everything in the work of the Lord and leaves the future with God. God assures you when you seek first the kingdom of heaven you will never lack food and clothing. He wants you not to focus on building up treasure on earth.

A Call to Commitment Romans 12:1-2

Many believer today are not making more of an impact in our society is that many church members made a decision about Christ, but have not made a commitment to Christ. This is something that is completely up to you. I want to challenge you this morning to give yourself to Christ. God desires a total sacrifice.

I urge you- God is pleading with you to give yourself totally to Christ. It is not negotiable. God wants total allegiance to Christ and His cause.

By the mercies of God– Because of God’s love, Gods grave, Gods mercy, Gods provision. Because of the gift of Jesus Christ. The motivation is to be, “the mercies of God.”  Think of what God has done for you for your life. You owe him everything.

It is our “reasonable service.” It is a logical, calculated decision that we would commit ourselves to God.

A “living sacrifices” Under the sacrificial system the animal to be sacrificed was committed to the priest, was killed and consumed on the altar. In the book of Malachi the priests were bringing their sacrifices to God. They were bringing the poor quality of lambs, the blind, the deaf the poorest quality. God told them to give that to their fathers it was not acceptable to Him. Malachi 1:13-14.

They were bringing the poor quality of lambs, the blind, the deaf the poorest quality. God told them to give that to their fathers it was not acceptable to Him. Paul is saying don’t offer God a partial sacrifice or a partial commitment.  He wants 100% commitment.  You are either committed or you are not committed. It is not possible to be a partial sacrifice. To commit ourselves to God means that we are to yield ourselves to him, surrender to him, give your all to Him your mind, don’t accept things into it He would not accept, what comes into your mind affects your heart, what comes into your heart affects your will and decisions in life, your eyes what you watch or see, he wants your ears what you hear, he wants you hands, He wants your body an life to serve Him before anyone else. He wants you to place yourself at his disposal.

He requires a supreme love for Himself. “If any man come to me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). This means that our love to Christ should be so great that all other loves are hatred by comparison.

The Results of Total Commitment

Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…” Do not follow the schemes of this world.  Don’t adopt the fashion of this world, to let it force you into its mold.

But be, “transformed.” We get the English word “metamorphosis” from it.  This is an inner change, that is seen outwardly. Do people see a change in you? You present yourself and the Holy Spirit does the changes. You will be transformed. He wants you to take action. Then you will “prove,” what is the will of God. It all begins with commitment. Commitment to Christ, then commitment to the local church. Some criticize all that is wrong with the church or comment or complain.  The church gathers for worship, teaching and fellowship and prayer. The brother or sister who “forsakes the assembling together” (Heb 10:25) misses out on these. You need to attend church regularly. There is a place for you in church. Be loyal to the local church. Be involved in the work of the church, in Sunday schools, bring your children to hear about God, be involved in our youth and children’s activities, contribute to our worship, be involved in the life of the church. Invite family friends and neighbours.  Come and serve us, use your gifts, “we have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”  come and help us.

Will you make a commitment today. Will you commit yourself to Christ today, give him your life completely? Will you commit this local church today? We need you.

Psalm 23:4 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” The words are in the present tense, it deals with now, living and dying today. We need protection and help today.

The “valley of the shadow of death” could be a dark, deep ravine with sharp cliffs that cast shadows. The shepherd would know there were better pastures ahead but in order to get to them he would have to lead the sheep through these dark ravines. There may be danger ahead from the cliffs themselves or from animals hiding and waiting for their prey.

As we journey along the Christian path we may find ourselves going through dark and dangerous places, and difficult times.  Life can take a turn for the worst, our circumstances may look grim. King David had days like that. His life was threatened, he had to hide out from his enemies, king Saul was hunting him down to kill him. He faced wild beasts that threatened to kill his sheep. He would use his rod and staff often to defend the sheep from danger. God is our shield, our fortress, our rock to protect us from danger. He is watching over us every day. Anything that happens to us must first be filtered through His fingers, He must permit it because he is nothing can separate us from Christ. Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Paul says, “Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ…” (Rom.8:8-39), including death, disaster, circumstances, and even Satan himself, absolutely nothing. He takes all the bad things that happen to us as well as the good things and works them together for His own good will.  (Rom. 8:28). He is all wise and only permits what is for your ultimate good. You can trust Him with your life. God will take care of you.

Walk with the Good Shepherd through the Valleys, the difficult times (Ps 23:4-5).

The Good Shepherd’s presence is with you in times of trials. David’s languages changes in this verse he speaks directly to God about times of trial, He leans on his relationship with God and says, “You”. He draws near to God, he need his direct help.  There are fearful and difficult circumstances in “the valley of the shadow of death”.

He will protect you in the valley, He will feed you in the dark place, He will give you water to drink from the steams of water there, He will protect you from the dangers that lurk there. This is often the time we get closer to God, in difficult times and when circumstances are against us.  It is often the place he revives and refreshes us. We come out of the valley having walked closer to God than we do on the mountain top.  It is His presence that takes away our fear. He protects us with his rod and staff. He uses His rod of authority to chase away the predators. He disciplines wayward sheep with it also. He uses His staff to lift us out of a hole we have fallen into or to guide us on the right path. These two pieces of equipment bring help and comfort to the sheep.

Yea, though I walk, there is no panic here, the believer is not to panic at the valley experience they are to keep on walking in the Spirit, even in the most difficult times like severe illness and death. Walking is a step by step process. Keep on walking with God. Keep on going forward with him regardless what is happening all around. He knows the path ahead, it is safe to walk with him. There is grace for living, for times of trial and grace for dying. We don’t go through it on our own, He goes with us.

through We walk through the valley we don’t stay in it. We go through trials and difficulties we don’t stay in them. Even death is something we don’t stay in we go through it to the other side and be with Jesus for ever and ever. We close our eyes here in death but open our eyes  in Heaven. Death is a shadow we pass through. We can have peace and assurance in the valley.

The God of the Valleys

“And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD .” (1 Kings 20:28)

He is not only the God of the hills but also the God of the valleys. The Syrians who were enemies of  Israel spoke  these words. Israel had fallen away from God. The Syrians had been defeated by Israel. They said “God of the hills” at the first victory (v.23) and the second victory proved that He was the “God of the valleys”.

Many of us have proved him on the hilltop experience. We have had those happy and glorious days, days when it seemed nothing could go wrong. We felt good, we believed we could slay any giant. Everything was going well.  These are wonderful times.

On our way to heaven we will pass through a valley, a time of trouble, a difficult experience. Our circumstances may suddenly change and we are not on the mountain top. Some valleys are very deep but the God of the valleys will bring you through. He who begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6.

“the valley of the shadow of death,” it is not “the valley of death, “but the valley of the shadow of death, there is no sun there, it is only the shadow. This is a valley with high walls as eight hundred feet very close together so that at the bottom of the valley the sun hardly penetrates it, it is a dark valley.  It is also a very dangerous place for sheep. This is the place where the wolves, the lions and the bears were found. Some of you are going the valley today, it may be circumstances with your health, your parents, your children, at your job or a death. We will all go through it in the future. At that time you need to know God is with you he does not leave or abandon you, He does not forsake you, He stays with you in times of trouble , in the valley. “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…” Isa. 43:1-3).

A shadow comes because there light shining. Paul said, “Oh death where is thy sting..” Jesus took the sting of death for us. We don’t have to fear “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Heb, 2:14-15). Death has been conquered by Jesus.  When it comes our time He will bring us through it. He is our light that chases away the shadows. The shadow of a lion cannot kill, the shadow of a snake cannot strike, the shadow of death cannot destroy us.

The valley may be death.

The Good Shepherd knows what it is to loose someone He loved to death, his friend Lazarus went through it, He himself passed through that dark valley, but God was with him. Angels ministered to him. He defeated death, sin and Satan. Death puts its cold icy hands on everyone, it casts a shadow over humanity. Jesus fought and defeated death and Satan in the valley of the Shadow of Death. He fought Satan and defeated him. This wonderful verse has brought great comfort to many on their death . It has given hope and consolation and comfort.

The valley may be a time of depression

Your heart is cast down within you and you are walking through dark experiences. “The valley of the shadow of death.” Is a dark, gloomy place, a depressing place.  The Valley of gloom, the valley of tears. Are you going through the valley of depression? Is your heart heavy? Have you lost your song in the night? Someone may say, “You should not be depressed.” But we sometimes are. It may be because of over tiredness, it may be because of circumstances, You try to put on a brave face. Let these words comfort you “I will be with you.” They will give you comfort and strength to go on. God’s people suffer of darkness than others. My grandmother rejoiced on her deathbed and had a vision of Jesus coming for her.

The Valley of Baca (Psalm 84:5-6)

The valley may be  trials, of the unknown, of weeping. This is when life is hard and you feel you cant go on. You feel the Lord is far from you.The Man of Sorrows will comfort you. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools”  “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the word.” “..we have peace with God and glory in tribulation.”  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:1-5

The valley may be any peculiar trials.

When we go through great trials and feel unable to cope. When we are in that valley experience and all seems hopeless or lost. Remember He is with you.   The Shepherd will take care of you. Do not fear.  The Good Shepherd will guide you through. “When you pass through the waters I will be with you…” When you become perplexed and troubled in your soul you must go to God and dwell in his peace and have confidence and faith that he is with you through it all. He will lead you with his rod and Your staff, they comfort me!. It may be a dangerous valley. Robbers may be waiting to attack and rob you. Your life may be in danger. Enemies may attack you and wound you. But He will come to your rescue. “Yea, though I walk” David doesn’t walk alone he walks with the shepherd, He is with the sheep. People may forsake you but he won’t. All the saints go into the valley but they went through, they did not stay in. David said, “Why art thy downcast o my soul? Awake thee and praise the Lord.”

 The valley may be severe illness.

God sometimes leads his people through sorrow and pain.  He is there with you in that hospital, in that sick room. Trust Him.

The valley may be times of conflict

“…in the presence of mine enemies”.  Every person who followed God in history has had times of conflict. You have enemies, the world, the flesh, the devil as well as some people, you cannot escape it.  Nobody likes or wants conflict

In all these there is comfort, “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” .He will use his rod to protect you and drive back your enemy you are to lean upon his staff to get strength in the darkest hour.

The Valley of Elah – of Satanic Attack

“And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel , were in the valley of Elah , fighting with the Philistines “ (1 Sam. 17:1, 17)

It was here that Goliath harassed the people of Israel. They were full of fear. Satan often threatens us and harasses us. He is like a roaring lion, a dragon, an old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan. He is a powerful enemy Jude 9, “Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee”. Do you have a Goliath in the valley today? God will defeat him through Christ.  Jesus, who has met the enemy and defeated him, spoiled principalities and powers, now at God’s right hand with all power in heaven and earth given to Him.

I will fear no evil. The evil will not frighten him. Jesus won the victory over evil. He takes away the fear of those shadows of evil. Many times evil is in our minds and we fear for nothing. Some Christians fear the evil of sickness or death, or unemployment, or heartache Jesus can deal with our fears, our phobias. I will not fear Satan or his demons Jesus has won the victory over them.

For thou art with me. My Creator Father is with me every day, I shall not fear. Here the sheep turn their eyes away from the dangers to the shepherd and his business was to deal with adversaries and foes, the grievous wolves. If sheep are in danger their safety is found in the shepherd. Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” And “I will be with you to the end of the age.”

Thy rod and thy staff. They guide and rule my life. They protect me from dangers and let me know He is in control.

they comfort me. It is wonderful to know there they are there for our for our protection.  They give me a sense of belonging to the great God of the Universe is my Father, that comforts me.

One day we will see Him. Some of us will die”, Paul said, “To die is gain”, and “departing to be with Christ, which is far better.”  But those who are alive at His coming “shall be caught up together with the Lord in the air”.  The living saints on earth will experience this when He comes for His Church. Paul says this is our hope, our comfort at the prospect of death.

Yes in the present life there are valleys, but when we are in the presence of Jesus, the Light , all shadows will disappear. “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. You, O Lord, are with me! Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” David was very much alive when he wrote this Psalm. He knew the Good Shepherd in his daily experience. He is lying down in green pastures and following his Lord by still waters. He knows he will be protected from any danger. He believes goodness and mercy to follow him through all his days. This Psalm is for us today not when we die.

“Why art thy downcast o my soul? Awake thee and praise the Lord.”

Psalm 23:3

Most people in the world are looking for guidance. Satan has some paths also. Some go to astrology and seek it from the stars. Some go and have their tea cups or palms tread hoping to find out the future. Some go to a medium and seek the dead. All this is occult or trickery to get people to follow them, get power or money. God warns against them, “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” (Isa. 8:19);  And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. (Deut. 4:19.)

There are those who think life is a chance happening. Jacques Monod said “For some time now, the unpleasant idea has been dawning on mankind that it may owe its existence to nothing but a roll of some cosmological set of dice.”  In other words it is mere chance that all the molecule, and atoms in their complexity came together to bring order out of chaos. This is absurd. There is order in the human body, order in the universe. There is the invisible guiding hand of God ordering it all.

We all need guidance to know how to live in this confusing world. There is no one shot decision that is ever going to do anything special for you. Your life must be made up of thousands and thousands of decisions. Some of these decisions will be compatible with your spiritual gift.

Some seek guidance about a boyfriend or girlfriend, a husband or wife, a job, what college we should apply for what university course should they follow. People need guidance in financial affairs, in what home to buy, where to live. It is endless. Most of the time we can get direction from the Word of God He guides us what paths to go down. God’s Word tells us, “Go this way! Don’t go that way!” Things that are not as clear can be helped by using Biblical principles. His paths are paths of righteousness. The Good Shepherd will only guide in paths of righteousness. To continue in sin will take us of the path. “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness” (2 Tim. 2:19). God’s name is bound up with our walk as believers. He has chosen to identify His holy name with us. If we live just like the world, we cause His name to be blasphemed. For His name’s sake, He guides us in paths of righteousness.

Life is active, we cannot always lie down in the fold. Sheep are on the move and need direction. The believer has to go out to work or school or college or into the community. We rest in order to move out the next day to work or do our duties.

The Good Shepherd provides spiritual guidance.

David led his father’s sheep along to greener paths to on a daily basis. He would lead them to paths he knew before hand, paths he approved of. They may lead up through mountain passes, or ravines, or over the barren wilderness of the desert. The shepherd was well acquainted with these paths, he knew the ones to avoid and the ones that were good and safe. They sheep were safe and secure if they follow him. He would lead them to a safe place.

Our Lord, our Good Shepherd; knows the dangers in this world we live in, He is aware of the pitfalls and dangers that lie ahead. When we follow Him He will lead us through the mountain path, through the desert places and bring us to a safe place. We Christians have chosen the narrow way that leads to life, we have gone through the door and now we follow that way. Sometimes it seems too narrow for us, or that it is too rugged and uphill. But He knows where He is taking us. We must keep focused on the Good Shepherd and depend upon His wisdom and knowledge of the terrain and have confidence that He will get us to the destination.

We need to see where we are going and Receive Instruction and Teaching.

“He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). This is a picture of a person walking along a difficult and dangerous path or road on a dark night. If he had a torch, a lantern he could see where he was going and avoid any pitfalls or danger before him. Peter in the New Testament says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). The world is the “dark place” and Gods Word, is “light” to guide us. God’s Word cannot be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path unless we know His Word.

Psalm 32:8- 9 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” God says He will instruct and teach you in the way which thou shalt go. He has a plan for you, a way, a path for you to go. He says, “I will guide thee with Mine eye.” He does not want you to go your own way, or say “I done it my way”. Nor does he want you to be stubborn like a mule and fight against the way He has chosen for us. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof (are) the ways of death” Proverbs 14:12.   God has a plan, a way for each one of us to go. He will guide us and reveal through His Word.

God’s eternal plan for you includes His providence, “The ways of a man are in his heart but God directs his footsteps.” Proverbs 16:9. The people you meet the situations you come across are no accident but a divine appointment for you. As believers we make thousands of decisions each day so it is good to commit our way unto Him and ask for wisdom to make the right choices.  We don’t make just one decision and it’s over. You have to make thousands of them. Some of Gods sheep have a difficult path to travel seem not to have too many problems in life. But He will bring us all home.

False Shepherds

Some people have been led astray through false teachers or wrong understanding of the Word. We must understand what the Bible says about a subject. Peter warns Christians of all ages: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways” (2 Peter 2:1,2). Christ said: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). False teachers are false not only in doctrine but also in their appearance. They pretend to be something they are not. On the inside they are vicious wolves who kill and scatter the sheep. But they wear a sheepskin to trick the sheep. What does God think about false teachers? “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” (Jeremiah 23:1). They will be punished for their evil deeds: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings” (Jeremiah 23:2). Shame on the shepherds who let my sheep scatter and be lost! says the Lord. Those who pastor and lead God’s people have a great responsibility. They must teach the truth and be a good example to the people and lead them into a relationship with God. God sees those who misuse their authority as shameful.

With leadership comes heavy responsibility.  The Lord holds accountable those who have spiritual authority over the people of God.

In verses 9 and 10 Jeremiah laments the terrible state of the land “because of the prophets.” “For both prophet and priest are profane” (verse 11). Profane means ‘secular’, ‘not holy’. The prophets and priests were supposed to be spiritual and holy. Instead, they were secular.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. The Christian wants to obey in love to the Good Shepherd because He lovingly leads us. They know God’s Word is the most important thing for their guidance and they follow its directions. You cannot neglect it or pick and choose what pleases you.

 “Paths” is in the plural, “the paths of righteousness.” The plural, suggests divine leadings in all the individual ways of our lives. The Christian life is described as being narrow. The Lord leads his individual sheep through one experience after another, overruling each one for his eternal good. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6). First trust or lean upon and have full confidence in the Lord. You can count upon Him in every emergency, to look to Him for the supply of every need, to say with the Psalmist “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psa. 23:1). It means that we cast all our cares upon Him, we trust Him every day for our needs. We rely upon His ability, His wisdom, His knowledge and grace.  We trust Him like a little child trusts their parent. We believe He will do as He says.

Then it says, “and lean not unto thine own understanding,” we are not to trust in our own wisdom or human reason. Many of God’s ways are “past finding out,” you cannot solve the mysteries of Providence or His Infinite wisdom.

Fourthly, “in all thy ways acknowledge Him.” We acknowledge He is in control. We seek His guidance in every thing we do “ALL THY WAYS”. Paul says “In every thing by prayer and supplication” (Phil. 4:6). And, “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

We desire Gods blessings on our lives. We seek His glory.

Lastly, “And He shall direct thy paths”: When we obey the whole verse he will do this. Sheep are prone to stray or wander. Bur the Good Shepherd will “direct” or “make straight” our paths. The world has lost its way, it is mixed up and confused. Wickedness and deceit are all around. We need Him to “direct our paths.”  We need to follow Gods will.

As we move out and about in our daily lives we need direction and the wisdom what path to choose and where will it lead us. It should lead us to righteousness or the right place. The wilderness, or desert there are no tracks or roads that run alongside each other. There are many paths one could take in this world.  As we have many choices or paths to take each day it is important to make the right choices, there are consequences for making the wrong ones. But whatever we do it should be “for his name’s sake.”

Ver. 3. Paths of righteousness. The path may be narrow and so full of ruts, we need His help to get through them. They are right paths, He will never lead us into wrong paths or to paths that are contrary to His Word. He will not lead you down the path of error or false teaching or to follow false teachers or prophets. They are “paths of righteousness” and  the Great Shepherd knows his way around, He will lead us safely through each day.  Sometimes the paths go through the wilderness “My Lord knows the way through the wilderness all I have to is follow.” He knows where there are difficulties, exposures and every danger.

Ver. 3. For his name’s sake. “Whatever we do we should do for the glory of God.” Good sheep will give a good name to the Good Shepherd bad sheep will bring derision upon Him. .

The Christian is in full time service for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Spirit will lead you to have a life of fruitfulness (Gal. 5:22-23), Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. Our gift is a help in guiding us what way to go, how to serve him.  It helps us follow His directions.  Your path may be a mother, a wife, a husband, a teacher, a children’s worker, a bus driver, a computer expert, or using your gifts to minister in music, in prayer etc. You have to make many every day. The Spirit will never lead you away from holiness, , many decisions in line with the will of God and with the Word of God. You use your will to make decisions.

Vs 8 “I will guide thee with Mine eye.” Gods way is not a mystery, He doesn’t hide from you. He reveals it to you

Led by the Spirit Gal.5:17-18

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. (Gal.5:17-18)

To be led by the Spirit is the same as walking by Him (vv. 16, 25, Romans 8:3-4). He guides us.  Walking by the Spirit is a step at a time. It is keeping in step with the Spirit. Not running ahead of Him or behind Him. When we are children we to learn to walk. The apostle Peter says we need the milk of the Word to help us walk spiritually. The milk strengthens strengthen us as we read it study it are taught it.

You will have difficult times and a variety of circumstances as you walk your path, you may be confused or when the flesh tempts and seduce you. He will never lead you into a lie, into error, for He is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13-15), He will lead you to pray (Ephesians 2:18), He gives you assurance (Romans 8:16), He will enable you to witness (Acts 1:8). He will showus that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4)

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:4. The Spirit of God leads the people of God. Don’t resist Him, don’t grieve Him, follow His directions. He will lead you to live right and do right. He will not bring you into bondage or legalism to the law, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.”  “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” We are to “Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set us free and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage”. Galatians 5:1.

Don’t Be Ignorant About Gods Will

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

God wants us to use our brain and a sanctified common sense and Godly conscience to follow  and serve Him. He wants us to be enlightened by the Word and convicted by the Spirit. Believers need instructed by His Word. He wants to lead us to His paths and be acquainted with His ways. God will reveal His will for us. He says “Lean not unto thine own understanding!” (Prov. 3:5). He says “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” (Psa. 146:3.) God makes something good out of the messes we make of our lives. He knows the hidden things and leads His sheep step-by-step. We follow our shepherd through the divine wisdom and helps us make the best possible decisions (James 1:5;). We are not to lean on our own understanding but trust in the Lord (Prov. 3:5, 6).

His direct will. God’s Will of Decree, or Sovereign Will

The “will of God” He is sovereign and in control of all that comes to pass. Jesus said in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matt. 26:29. Gods plan would be accomplished. Acts 4:27-28. The “will of God” was that Jesus must die. He decreed and nothing could change it.

Gods permissive will was that he permitted sinful men like, Herod, Pilate, the soldiers, the Jewish leaders to fulfill God’s will that his Son be crucified (Isa. 53:10). .

Gods overruling will. Paul tells us, “In him [Christ] we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” Eph. 1:11.

His will

Romans 12:1-2 God wants all that we do to be “spiritual worship.” Verse 1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Gods will is to use your minds, hearts and bodies to worship Him. That’s the way he will lead us. Our minds are to transformed to think his way.  Verse 2  “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”  This will effect the way we follow the Good shepherd and how we live.