Continuing to flesh out Sunday’s sermon (Every Lasting Change) from our current series in Nehemiah we need to look at what it means to make changes on the basis of a preferred future. Preferred means something better and more desirable than what you have now. In this case, we’re talking God’s highest and best for your life. Future, obviously, means not now, but could be down the road. What is God’s highest and best for you down the road? When you know the answer to that question then you can begin to partner with the Holy Spirit in the present in working toward that preferred future.
I wish I could tell you exactly what your preferred future will look like, but I can’t. I also wish I could say that whatever your heart desires or some other country music disney promise phrase is the right path, but I can’t do that either. All I can tell is your sure is that God’s will, his preferred future for your life, involves three things:
Be joyful always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Joy. Prayer. Thanksgiving.
With these in mind it wouldn’t hurt to ask ourselves, “How can I become a more joyful person?; How can i become a more prayerful person? How can I become a more thankful person?” Remember, your answer must be based in reality and things you have control over. So if your joy is dependent open winning the lottery there’s not must chance you’ll ever be joyful. Once you begin to recognize ways to de these things start making steps toward them. I know no other to discern the will of God clearer than being joyful, prayerful and thankful. Any lasting change you make will need to be based in a preferred future of joy, prayer, and thanksgiving.
georgekking 