Am I on the wrong path?

Posted on August 10, 2011 by valerie

A question we often have in life, is how do I know what my gifts and talents are
and how do I know what God’s will is for my life.

As we study God’s word, we see patterns and examples of how God
took ordinary people and used them to fulfill amazing things
and bring people to faith in Jesus.

They were not always highly educated, but gave their lives fully to the LORD
and trusted he would guide and direct their path.

In the church at Antioch, there were certain prophets and teachers;
among whom were named Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen (Herod’s
foster brother), and Saul.

One day after they had prayed and fasted, the Holy Ghost said…

Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2

They laid hands on them, prayed and sent them away.

They were led by the Holy Ghost to Seleucia and from there they
sailed to Cyprus.

When they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God
in the synagogues of the Jews and John was with them.

When they went to the island of Paphos, there was a sorcerer,
who was a false prophet and Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus.

He was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, who
because he was prudent man…sent for Saul and Barnabas
asking to hear the word of God.

Bar-jesus whose name is interpret Elymas, tried to stop them
from seeing Sergius Paulus, so he would not hear the true words
of God.

Saul (whose name means destroyer) was renamed Paul
(which means worker). Paul was filled with the Holy
Ghost and looked Bar-jesus in the eyes and said to him…

You are full of subtlety and mischief…a child of the devil,
and an enemy of all things righteous…

Will you not stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?

The hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind,
and not see the sun for a season.

Immediately his sight was taken from him and he had
to be led away by the hand.

When the deputy saw what was done, he believed and
was amazed at hearing the words of the Lord.

Paul and his companions left Paphos and went to Perga, and John
returned to Jerusalem to carry on their ministries as the Spirit directed them.

This story shows us that often, if we are to be led by the Holy Spirit,
we must separate from family or friendships that have, for a long
time, felt comfortable.

The Holy Ghost led Paul and Barnabas in one direction, and the
other apostles to different regions, to effectively preach.

Too often today, when we hear God calling us into deeper
waters, we listen to our friends or family urging us to stay
in the group…but God often asks us to separate.
Birds fly in flocks…but eagles fly alone.

Often the times of solitude and separation, are when
God powerfully speaks his will to us.

Saul was no longer a destroyer, but a worker for the Lord Jesus.
His old name and life style, no longer fit him.

When we are born again, God takes us and begins to transform
us into new living epistles, to shine the light of his love to others.
We must close the door to old thoughts, friendships and desires…
and never go back there again.

Paul was bold in his faith and stopped a false prophet from
perverting the Lord’s words.

We must carefully examine all the words we hear as well, to
be sure they line up with the true words of God.

Solomon was considered one of the wisest men in the world.
He left us the book of Proverbs which contains 31 chapters,
filled with knowledge and wisdom. One for each day of the month.

God spoke through him, with these words to remember…

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst
of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them,
and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22

God’s words are like medicine to our souls. They bring life and health
and peace to us…

They have the ability to save us from a life of pain, caused by disobedience.

The world around is searching for an answer to the violence
and suffering in the world. God’s word has the answers…

Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment
shall be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt
find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee,
even in the later days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
For the LORD thy God is a merciful God; he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee,
nor forget the covenant of they father which he sware unto them. Deuteronomy 4:29-31

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not
the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36

Let us feed our souls with the fuel of God’s word, to sustain our faith…

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:12

Heavenly Father,
Holy is Your name…

Thank you for the gift of this beautiful new day which you have
created and for providing all we need for this body and life.

Forgive my sins, and the sins of all people on this earth.
We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have
not always loved our neighbors as our selves. Each
sin of greed and rebellion caused pain for my beloved Jesus.
Thank you for taking shame, my guilt, my sinful heart, and nailing it
to the cross. Be merciful to us and help us to turn from our
sins and lead a life that is pleasing and holy…for You are holy.

Fill us with wisdom and knowledge to know and do You will.
Turn our eyes and thoughts from worthless things that
pull us away from worship and prayer.

Help us to study to be quiet, mind our own business, and work
with our own hands…the work You have commanded us to do.
We trust You to provide us with the words, the courage, the open
doors, and the resources to carry the message of the Gospel
to all nations of the world. Pour out the Holy Spirit upon us.
Give strength to Your people, and bless us with peace.

Widen our borders to reach all people on earth, so that no
one will die without having the chance to repent.
Open the eyes and hearts of all who do not know
Jesus as their Savior. Send someone to share his love
with them today.

Add to our family of God, daily those you have chosen.
Teach us to do your will, for you are good and your
mercy endures forever.

We lift up prayer to you for all who are suffering
from sickness, disease or afflictions of any kind. Cast out the pain
and spirits of evil from them. Fill their hearts with love and your
perfect peace. Reach down with your healing hand and bring
relief to your servants. You alone can make us whole.
Help us to be patient and wait expectantly for your deliverance.
With You, all things are possible.

Father we ask for wisdom for the leaders of the world and for all those
in financial adversity. Many have lost jobs, homes, and are drowning in
debt and fearful of the future. We know you hold all power in heaven
and in earth. We thank you for lowering the gas prices and trust you
to lower costs for heating, food, clothing, and energy. Bring employment
to all who are in need of work and protect our homes and investments.
Teach us how to spend, save, give, and save wisely. All we have is
yours and we want to be good stewards of all you have entrusted to
our care. We plead the blood of Jesus over this ministry, our schools,
homes, finances, health, and future. Your word says the fervent prayer
of a righteous man or woman avails much. NO weapon formed against
us shall prosper. Every tongue that rises against us in judgment, you
will condemn, this is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and
our righteousness is from you. If you are for us, no one can stand
against us. Transfer the wealth of the wicked to your children
and provide for all our needs.

Father we ask you to take control of all who govern our world.
Take out of power the wicked, and raise up godly leaders to rule over us.
Bless our leaders and show them your will for our
nation and how to bring peace and prosperity to our world. Your
word says, Blessed is the nation, whose God is the LORD and the
people you have chosen for your inheritance.

We give thanks to you God for you are good and your mercy
endures forever!

In Jesus’ name we pray…

Amen

Only Jesus Understands…

When the storms of life come crashing down
And there’s no peace with you found,
As tears are flowing down like rain.
Remember, that’s why Jesus came…

To calm your heart and quiet your fears
so you will know, he’s always near.
Just fix your eyes upon the cross…
Whenever you fell pain or lost.

For only Jesus understands…
He’ll help you carry your cross and stand.
Trust his promises to anchor your faith.
His arms alone, can make you feel safe.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau