There’s Always More Part 2
WHAT IS MY PART?
We never have to worry about God’s word, his promises, his blessings and that he will do what he said. But it can be difficult for us to be consistent or faithful in difficult moments. We are studying the plans and what happened with the promises God gave his chosen people. It took years to see the fulfilment and books were written on the details. But the leader had to keep leading and being obedient to the voice of God. It has never changed; God gives us a plan and promises throughout his book, and we have our part to listen and obey. These principles I am giving today are part of that plan.
These steps that I am sharing will keep the “more coming”. Every day we make choices “good or bad”. There’s only one way, and that is forward and taking some discipled steps to see “there’s always more!”
1. KEEP PRAYING. GOD KEEPS GIVING ANSWERS.
Develop your relationship with our greatest Friend through prayer. Joshua had learned this in the tabernacle – how to talk to God. Moses had been a wonderful example of walking, talking, and being in God’s presence.
A. Prayer becomes your energy time, your learning time, your time of worship and praise and it becomes so sweet!
What do we miss out on because we don’t keep praying and keep seeing his answers?
Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. V 7 And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
B. The more we pray, the more passionate we become. Our convictions grow stronger, and our dreams grow bigger. We pray like it depends on God and work as if it depends on us. Then we can see “there’s more.”
2. KEEP LISTENING. GOD KEEPS SPEAKING.
A. When we listen, we hear. We make this too hard.
B. We hear through the impression or nudge of our spirit, through prayer, through the Word of God and through God’s people. It can be audible or a still voice.
Why should He speak in so many ways if we don’t listen to what He has said through inspired writers of these 66 books? This book is life; it is our source of everything.
C. Be aware and listen even to the small thoughts – Life changers.
One small thought can change (for better or worse) a family, a school, a church or anything. A small thought can grow bigger! One small step is like a baby taking his first step. To run is a potential. I have Gods words he gave to me in my heart and mind forever.
3. KEEP MAKING STEPS. TIME TO ACT.
I have learned there is time to make new steps and act (just not pray). I love the specific instructions for Joshua: It was time for action – moving ahead.
Sometimes we feel God is late and my answers are never coming! We live by schedules, but God created Time. He knows exactly what to do and when to do it!
James 1:22 – "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
We can talk about a project (maybe in your home or work) all of our lives and never act upon it.
We can talk about taking a trip and never go there.
We know there are new steps we must take to receive “the more.”
When the word of God is conceived in our hearts, we must act on it. We need to get our feet wet; maybe we haven’t seen God part the water because we are staying on dry ground.
What have you felt for a long time; I need to take that step? Maybe talking to someone and asking forgiveness. Maybe giving your 10 percent at each paycheck. Maybe it is witnessing to someone – at work, your neighbor, maybe a family member. It could be anything in our lives. Are you ready to act? We wait and wait for God, and He is waiting on us!
4. KEEP BEING THANKFUL. HAVE A HEART OF GRATITUDE.
A. Start looking at your miracles.
We can look around us and the miracles cannot be counted. Being alive is where to start.
Psalms 145: "I will exalt you, my God the King: I will praise your name for ever and ever. V 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. V 3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. V 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts."
B. Build memorials.
C. Talk to your children about what God has done.
God is bigger than we think, God is closer than we realize, God is bigger than we imagine. God is most high; God is most nigh, and God is most good.
4. KEEP CHECKING YOUR PRIORITIES.
Joshua had a new beginning! There’s more.
A. Life continues to change.
We cannot change the past, but we can change the present and the future. We continually must check God’s plan and our priorities – what is important?
B. How you start is not nearly as important as how you finish.
C. Evaluate where you are – what is most important to me, my spouse, my children, my friends, and my walk with God?
Are we making an eternal difference in our world?
I have had to make some adjustments many times. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who lets us know when we get off course. He is faithful.
Conclusion:
These actions and steps we have shared is not what “I have to do” but “I get to do”. There is always a blessing and reward when we do what is right. Discipline, yes, but “we can do all things through our Lord’s strength and power.”
Keep praying, listening, taking that next step, being thankful and checking your priorities. These work.
I pray for those who read and study my lessons. And God is watching over to help you see “there’s so much more,” He has for you.
Live today as though there will be no tomorrow but plan and expect God’s best.
It is always a heart issue. If we are breathing; we can expect our God has MORE for us! I am ready Lord.
Reflect:
Have you set a time to pray and listen? If not, start where you are.
Which steps can be “lost” at times as you get busy in your walk?
Has God spoken to you about making the next step? What is holding you back?
Are you always thankful? In what ways do you show gratitude?