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Praise the Lord and God bless each and every one of you. Welcome to another exciting episode of Doers of the Word Ministries broadcast on the Marketplace Network channel. My name is Bishop Reginald Given and I am the senior pastor of the Word of Truth Community Worship Center. Our mailing address is 75 West New Road in the city of Paris, California, Sweet E342 92571. And we're just delighted and excited to be able to come to you once again to share a word from the Lord.
I have a very special message that I want to share with you today. The title of this message is called understanding what the will of God is for your life. Amen. A lot of people don't understand what God's will is. And unfortunately, a lot of people don't even know what God's will is. >> Amen. But we're going to go through the word of God today and we're going to pull out some things that's going to help you to understand what the will of God is for your life. >> Amen. >> Go with me to the book of First John 5 11 through 15. 1 John 5 11- 15. First John actually is the 23rd book of the New Testament and it was written by the apostle John uh written between 90 and 95 AD. And there are two important and very unmistakable aspects that the Holy Spirit impressed upon the mind of the apostle John as he wrote down this dictation. >> All right.
Number one, John wanted the people to know that love is the most important thing of all. >> Amen. >> Amen. In our relationship to God and in our relationship to our fellow man. Because love not only comes from God, but the Bible also emphatically declares that God is love. >> Amen. And when we feel this love, this is how we know that God is near. >> John, put your thumb in first John and just kind of go to St. John 13:34-35. Jesus is speaking to his disciples and he says these words. He says, "A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another." Now, there's all kinds of different ways you can love someone, but Jesus wanted them to understand how he wanted us to love each other. >> He said, "A new commandment give I unto you that you love one another." >> How? As I have loved you. >> Amen. Even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. >> Amen. That's a great love. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son as I have loved you that you also love one another. And the reasoning for this command is that verse 35, by this shall all men know that you are my disciples, >> that you have love or if you have love one to another. >> See, you can have love for someone and they can never receive it. >> But if you have love to someone, you you you you give it unto them. >> Amen. Amen. And they they feel it. >> Loving others as Christ so loved you is in all actuality the badge of disciplehip. >> This is what distinguishes the children of God from all others. >> As children of God, we are all redeemed by the same blood. We are all going to the same heaven. We befriend and comfort each other feel uh others feelings and reputations. Uh and we promote one another's welfare above our own. >> This is how men and women of the world know that we are the sons of God. Not just because of the love but through our demonstration of the love of God. So therefore, John wanted the people to understand the importance of love.
Number two, John also wanted the people to know the importance of not listening to nor giving heed to false teachers. The Bible predicted that in these last days in which we are living in as I speak to you today that there would be an abundance of people who would supposedly teach the word of God, >> but it would only be to make merchandise of you to trick you into giving them your money. And one of the ways you spot a false teacher is that one thing they will not do is teach you the truth of what the will of God is for your life. Out of all the great accomplishments in this world that that man has done, there is no greater accomplishment than to do and complete the will of God for your life. Amen.
Now, back to First John chapter 5, beginning at verse 11- 15. It says and this is the record that God has given to us eternal life and this life is in his son. This is the sum total of the testimony which God has given in respects to Christ that eternal life is only obtained by and through him and him alone. Verse 12, he that has the Son has life, and he that has not the Son of God hath not life. >> Self-explanatory. >> These things have I written unto you. And when he says, I've written these things unto you, he's not writing to everyone. It's a specific group of people that he is writing to. the group of people that he is writing to as you continue to read. These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the son of God, >> that you may know that you have eternal life. >> Salvation is not a hope. It's not a maybe so. >> It's not a mighto. >> Salvation is a noso. You must know that you have eternal life and that you may be able by self-examination to determine whether you possess it or not. And it goes on to say, "And that you may believe on the name of the Son of God." >> Tell someone sitting next to you, there's something about that name. >> There's something about that name. >> Amen. There is something about that name.
In verse 14, it says, "And this is the confidence." And when we mention the word confidence, we're saying the assurance, the evidential proof. >> This is it right here. This is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask anything according to his will, amen, he hears us. We're going to come back to that in a minute. The apostle does not say that this is the only thing in respect of which there is to be confidence in him but that it is one which is worthy of special consideration. The sense is that one of the effects of believing in the Lord Jesus is that we have the assurance that our prayers will be answered. And if we know, verse 15, and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Amen.
Now, the actual key from all those verses that I just read, the actual key here is back in verse 14. Let me read it to you again. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask anything according to his will. >> Amen. >> To his will, he hears us. And it is this right here where a lot of Christians unfort unfortunately live in uncertainty >> because often times they may not know what God's will truly is uh in a given situation for their life. So that's why I entitled this message understanding the will of God for your life. >> Amen.
Bible-based prayer that is effective is receiving by faith from God based on what he has already said and based on what he has already done >> and not just asking God merely to do something for us. >> Therefore, we should look for verses of scripture in the Bible that promises what we require and what we desire. and then present it to God in prayer. Amen. And then trust that we will receive from him the very thing that we ask for. Take for instance this scripture Mark 11 24. It says, "Therefore I say unto you, what things soever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. Jesus tells us that we must believe we will receive our response when we pray. Not when we get back to our seats. Not when we get home. Not next week or next month. When we pray. When we pray. Rather than waiting until we see it. And see, we've we've gotten so caught up in the world's philosophy of I'll believe it when I see it. the word. Yes. >> Jesus said in St. John 20 29, he said, Jesus said unto him, speaking to Thomas, he said, Thomas, because you have seen me, >> now you believe. He said, blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed. Amen. >> The problem with us is that without proof, no one can really trust what they're what they're told. Our proof as Christians is the written word of God. That's our proof. It is settled in heaven. Amen. And it shall not change. When we truly ask the father for something, we must have the faith that our request will be granted while we are praying. Amen. The item hoped for will eventually appear if we act as though we already have it. >> Amen. It's already mine. It's already done. >> And that is where most people find in acting like you already have it, which is really merely a matter of faith. >> Amen. However, we need to pray according to God's will because if it conflicts with his will, then we cannot just believe for something and expect to experience it if it is not his will. Amen. >> There are three aspects that we must take into consideration when praying to God for something. Number one, yes, it is my will. Number two, no, it's not my will. And number three, just hold on. I got a better plan. Amen. Sometimes God just says, "Hold on for a minute and let me work it out." Yours isn't that bad, but I got a better plan. >> Amen.
In Mark 11 chapter 24 in the message Bible and I kind of like the message Bible because it says uh a little bit more and gives a little bit more accentuation on on explanation. It says that's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything. absolutely everything ranging from the smallest to the largest request. Include everything as you embrace this God life and you'll get God's everything. >> Amen. >> And as the Bible declares unto us that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God, >> God's will is in his word. Can you say amen? >> Amen. >> And in order for us to know his will, we have to get into his word. You see how that works? >> No knowledge of his word, no knowledge of his will. Amen. So, let's get back to the will. God's will is all throughout the Bible for the believer. If we are spending time with him on a daily basis, then he is continually pointing out to us what his will is for us. >> In Ephesians chapter 5 verse, well, not five, but Ephesians chapters 5 and 6, you can find a great summary for the will of God for your life. And here's something to calm you down. Amen. And a lot of people got to calm people down because you don't need to struggle with the will of God. A lot of people they they're afraid to ask God, "What do you want me to do?" Cuz they don't want God to say, "Well, if I'll send you over to Timbuktu, you know," and they said, "That's not what I want to hear." So they they struggle with asking God what his will is. >> But God's will is real simple. It's real simple. Just find out what it is. Do what he says and he will guide you right where he wants you to be. Simple. Ephesians 5:1 17 it says, and this is a very powerful scripture. It says, "Wherefore be ye not unwise," watch this, "but understanding what the will of the Lord is." God wants you to understand his will. He wants you to understand him. >> Amen. And we may not be able to uh understand God in his totality because he is so infinite and so vast. But God wants you to understand what his will is for your life. >> If you read the Bible, you're reading his testament and his testament is his will.
So here are some steps to help you understand what the will of God is for your life. You might want to write these down.
Number one, be a follower of God. Amen. And how do you do this? You get in his word every day and see what he tells you to do. Because when you read the Bible, the Bible is, as they say, B I B L E, basic instructions before leaving earth. >> Amen. As you read it, God will tell you what he wants you to do. And if you do what he tells you, that makes you a follower of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. Number uh and then as you ask him what he wants you to do, ask him to show you his way and his path >> because the Bible tells us there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. And we're also admonished to not lean to our own understanding, but to acknowledge him in all of our ways, and he will give us direction.
Number two, walk in love. >> Amen. If Christ so loved us, if he so forgave us, if he so restored us, >> then so should we love one another. That's what he said in his word. A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you. >> Amen.
Number three, live a clean and a holy life. Don't let fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, or justesting be connected to your name, not even one time. Amen. Flee these things. Live a clean and a holy life. As it states to us in First Peter, I believe, "Be ye holy, for I am holy, sayaith the Lord.
Number four, be thankful. Be thankful. Are you a person of thankfulness? God delivered a great number of people out of the land of Egypt. And he brought them out with a mighty hand of deliverance. He even parted the Red Sea so that they can walk across on dry land. And when Pharaoh tried to pursue them, God closed the ocean up on them and their enemies were destroyed. God did so many great things for them. But when they got out in the wilderness, all they could do is murmur, grumble, and complain. They were not thankful. And and and this angered God. >> And all throughout the Old Testament, you'll hear God say, "Don't you remember how I brought you out?" Amen. But the children of Israel were stiff necked. They were hard-hearted. They they they they they were not thankful. Amen. The Bible tells us in the New Testament, give thanks >> for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. We may not have we may not be able to give thanks to God for for everything, but in the midst of whatever it is that you're going through, you can still find something >> to be thankful for. >> Amen.
Number five, don't be deceived. Amen. Don't let anyone deceive you with their vain words, and don't be partakers with them. because you are no longer in darkness but instead you belong to the light of the world which is Jesus Christ. So walk as a child of the light. When you walk into a room people ought to take notice when you walk into a room. I remember I walked into a room one day and and and the conversation just went to a hush >> and I said, "What y'all talking about?" And somebody said, "Nothing we can talk about around you." >> I said, "Okay, what what that was was an indication that they've been watching me and they've been observing my life." And when I walked in, praise God, the light was shining and they said, "We can't we can't continue this conversation in front of him." Um, I think one of the greatest compliments that any Christian can be given is when people say, "I know he didn't finish school. I know he might not be skilled in this, >> but I can tell he's been with Jesus." >> Amen. Mhm. >>
Number six, keep the right company. That is so important. Keep the right company. Don't fellowship with those who work the works of darkness, but instead, as the Bible says, reprove them. The Bible says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the in the uh nor siteth in the seat of scorners." M >> uh uh what's what's the rest of it? Standeth in the way of sinners. >> For his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. Keep the right company. Amen. It is often true that we may not hang out with those who work the works of darkness, but how often do we rebuke them? >> How often when we see something that is not of God, do we rebuke it? >> Wow. Yes. >> Do we keep silent or do we say something against it? Do we correct it? >> You're right. >> Amen. Something to think about. >>
Number seven, talk about godly things. Amen. Do not talk about things that you used to do while you were in darkness. Why are we bragging about how much dope we used to sell, >> how many how many women we used to run, h uh how how bad a gang banger we were. Why are we talk about all that stuff that we used to do? >> Wow. >> When there's so much better stuff we can talk about. The Bible says, "If any man be in Christ, he's a new creature. Old things pass away, and behold, all things become new." >> Amen. Paul even said, "Leaving those things which are behind." >> Amen. There's a lot of things we just need to just leave behind. >> I like I like to liken it as I don't know if I'm dating myself, but there used to be a toy called Etch a Sketch. >> Oh, yeah. >> And you would turn these knobs and you would make your little design and everything and then all of a sudden when you finish, you turn it over and shake it >> and it's gone. >> Wow. I really would love to be able to just turn my life over sometime and just shake it. >> Amen. >> Turn and get a fresh new start. Amen. Just just just get a fresh new start. But you can do that. Amen. >> You got to ask yourself, what do I center my conversations around these days? What what do I talk about the most? Is my talk about the Lord Jesus or is it always about something else? Just something to consider. >>
Number eight, ask for daily revival in your heart. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepeth, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Amen.
Number nine, this is a very important one. Use your time wisely. Use your time wisely. Remember, life goes by so quickly. >> Amen. >> It does. There used to be a saying, here today, gone tomorrow. >> Has accelerated to here today, gone today. >> Amen. Life goes by. so quickly. So be careful where and how your time is spent each day because once it is spent, you cannot get it back. >> The Bible says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time." >> Wow. >> Because the days are evil. >> Amen.
And number 10, put on the whole armor of God. This is so important. This is the only armor that will never fail. It will help us to stand against the devil's trickery. It will help us to stand in the evil day. And for sure, these are very evil days that we are living in right now. >> Amen. And so the whole armor of God consists of number one having your loins girdled about with truth. >> Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the father but by me. You shall know the truth >> and the truth shall make you free."
Number two, have on the breastplate of righteousness. And righteousness is merely right living. Live right. Live according to the dictates of what God is instructing you to live. As you read your Bible on a daily basis, God will instruct you how to live. Live right, >> righteousness.
Number three, have your feet shaw with the preparation of the gospel of peace. In other words, wherever you go, whether it's the laundry mat, the grocery store, the bank, school, on your job, wherever you go, be ready to give the gospel. Be ready to share your testimony of the goodness and the greatness of who God is. Amen.
Number four, take on the shield of faith. Amen. Because without faith, it is impossible to please God. He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.
Number five, take on the helmet of salvation. Make sure you're saved. Make sure you really know that you're saved. Because if you get out there and you're just shucking and jing, the devil knows. >> And one thing you don't want to hear is, "Jesus, I know, Paul, I know, but who are you?" >> See, the devil know who's saved and who's not. Make sure you're saved. >>
Then it says, "Take the sword of the spirit." The sword of the spirit is the word of God. It is what we use. Amen. It is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. Amen. And so, this is the only offensive weapon that we have against the enemy. Jesus used it against Satan in the wilderness while he was fasting. >> Satan came to Jesus and said, "I know you're hungry. Why don't you turn these stones into bread?" >> Jesus said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." He then took Jesus on a high pinnacle and said if you cast he said cast yourself down for it is written. See Satan thought he could use the word too. >> But Satan is a liar and anything that comes out of his mouth is a lie. For it is written he shall give his angels charge over you lest you dash your foot against the stone. Now that is an actual verse. That's in Psalms. But Jesus countered by saying it is also written thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Amen. Then Satan took him up on a a mountain and showed him all the glories of the world and said, "I'll give this all to you if you just bow down and worship me." >> Jesus said, "Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, thou shalt serve the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." >> And the Bible says that Satan left him >> for a season, but Satan left him. Now, my thing is this. If it was good enough for Jesus to use, it ought to be good enough for us to use. Amen. One of the main scriptures that helped keep me saved throughout high school was James 4:7. Submit yourself unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. >> Amen. Yeah. >>
Number seven, pray with all supplication for the saints. We got to pray one for another. The Bible says men ought to always pray and not faint. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. It means something to God when his people pray. >> Amen. So we need to pray with all supplication for the saints.
Number eight, we need to pray in his name.
Number nine, we need to learn his will and pray his will.
Number uh and number nine. I think I said number eight. Num. Yeah. Number 10. Watch for the coming of the Lord. >> I don't know about you, but I got a strong feeling that his coming is soon. >> The signs of the time are pointing to that. >> Uh wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes in diverse places, uh confusion everywhere, men's hearts failing them for fear. We see these things happening and they're unfolding right before our very eyes. Jesus said, "When you see these things begin to happen," he said, "Look up for your redemption drawth nigh." So watch for the coming of the Lord. And I say this to you, persevere. Don't ever give up. The Lord will be with you always.
And as I close, a songwriter wrote a song that said this. He said the safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God. >> Amen. And so let's find ourselves in his will, understanding what the will of God is for your life. Well, praise God. That's my message for today. I hope you enjoyed it. Understanding the will of God for your life. It is truly attainable because God wants you to know what his will is. Once again, my name is Reginald Given. I am the senior pastor of the Word of Truth Community Worship Center. We are located uh or our mailing address rather is PO Box West 75 New Road, Sweet E342 in the city of Paris, California 92571. We would love to ask that if you would if you could if you could send in a donation 10, 15, 20, $25, 50, 100 to help us to continue on on this station, it will greatly be appreciated. Amen. It would help us to stay on the air so that we can continue to bring you exciting messages like this on the marketplace network. So once again, hope that this message has blessed you. This is Doers of the Word Ministries broadcast and Lord willing, we hope to see you again real soon. God bless. [Music]