The Will Of God - Colossians 1:1

 "Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God...

God has His own will and plan for our lives.  As we learn to walk with Him, we will learn to fulfill the desires He has for us.  

The problem is that sometimes we are so focused on what we think is suitable for our lives that we miss what God wants to do.  Think about Balaam.  He loved money.  He got excited when he was offered a large amount to curse Israel.  He went to God - there is no indication that he knew God in the redemptive sense but simply as a great spiritual power - to obtain permission to do what he already wanted to do.  But God refused.  He obeyed because he knew he was powerless to curse unless some spiritual force was behind him.  But then Balak sent messengers with greater rewards!  

So he went back again - even though he already knew the will of God.  This time God let him have his way.  How often do we beg and plead with God to get what we want, only to discover later that we missed something better?  Of course, there is nothing wrong with going to God and asking for what we want.  Our Father likes it when we do that.  But is our heart set on our will above God's will?

A wise prayer would be, "Lord, please never give me what I ask for if it goes against Your perfect will for my life."

Sent By God - Colossians 1:1

"Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God...

An apostle is one who is sent on a mission.  Paul was sent.  The first thing that comes to mind is that Paul did not choose this for himself.  If you remember his story, he was doing the exact opposite.  He was on a self-imposed, legalistic mission to destroy the church.  He thought he was serving God.

I wonder how many of us are on self-imposed missions that we think are serving God and His kingdom.  I wonder how much damage we do because we think we are right.  Will God have to knock us off our donkeys?  That is a painful way to learn the Truth.  

A better plan would be to sit in silence for a while and wait for God to speak.  God has a purpose and mission for each one of His children.  The primary purpose is the life-long goal of learning to know God better.  After we settle into that, there are many other things He has designed for us to do...if we will but listen and obey.

 SITE UPDATE

I just want everyone to know that over the next week or so I will be expanding this site.  I will be adding recommended fiction and non-fiction author's pages where you will also be able to give your own recommendations.  I will be adding Quotes from favourite authors.  You will be able to share these on Facebook and other social media.  They will be listed both by author and subject.  Plus I will be adding sample chapters for my El Empire fiction books.  So check back often and don't forget to share your favourite books with us!  Glenn