Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about asking for His influence.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he should ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [that he will receive it]; for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
In this verse, we see crystal clear instructions that if we lack wisdom about a situation, we should ask God who in turn will provide generously. But, we must have faith in our ask.
This is absolutely true and is a fundamental aspect of our walk with God. When we seek to place our trust in Him, well, we must trust in Him. That does not mean 60% trust or 80% trust, it means 100% trust. Reaching 100% trust in God is a challenge for most of us because it goes against human nature. But, let us strive for 100% knowing we can also communicate to God the challenge with our trust and seek His grace.
If you had to measure your trust in God on a scale of 0 to 100%, what would it be? Does this number change depending on the situation? How can you learn more about trusting God?
Let’s have a look at another verse.
As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
This scripture reflects the nature of God. He is blameless, His word is refined, and He is a shield for all who take refuge.
In the perfection of God, we can rest knowing that the closer we lean into Him the more we are aligned with His perfect will.
Can you recall a time that you had to choose between what is written in God’s Word and what you wanted to do that was different? What did you choose and why?
Let’s look at one last verse.
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in positions of authority, so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of prayer] is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
In this verse, we see the importance of praying for all people, including those in authority. That means praying for everyone from your manager at work to your city’s mayor to the president of your country. We certainly must remember to not actively withhold prayer, especially from those who we feel may be doing evil in the sight of God. Let us have a heart of prayer for anyone and everyone so that they can be in a position to be aware of God’s influence.
When you pray, do you also pray for others who you do not directly know? If so, who? Who can you add to your prayer?
Today we have learned some practical ways to include God in our daily lives, no matter how simple or complex they may be. God seeks to know us intimately and share His love with all of the nations. Take time today to ask Him to influence your life, your heart, and your mind.
Thank you for taking the time to review these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you ask God for His influence.
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Have an amazing week, and we will catch you next time.
Bless you.
