How can we discern God's work for us in our daily lives? Setting the Scene: The Call of the Day “ We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4) What “day” and “night” remind us of • Day = the God-given window of opportunity we have right now • Night = the inevitable end of earthly opportunity—death or Christ’s return • “We must” = cooperative urgency; the Father’s mission involves every follower of Jesus Why Discernment Matters • We can waste daylight through distraction or drift • God has specific, prepared tasks (Ephesians 2:10) • Eternal rewards hinge on faithful stewardship (1 Corinthians 3:14) Guidelines for Recognizing God’s Daily Assignments 1. Stay Close to the Sender – Ongoing communion keeps our hearts tuned (John 15:4–5) 2. Saturate Your Mind with Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Truth sharpens perception and guards from counterfeit “works” 3. Trust and Acknowledge Him in Every Choice – “Trust in the LORD…He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 4. Present Yourself for Service Each Morning – “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” (Romans 12:1) 5. Let Renewal Shape Your Decisions – “Be transformed…then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) 6. Observe Providential Open Doors – People in need, sudden opportunities, recurring burdens—often God’s gentle nudges 7. Consider Your Gifts and Season of Life – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) 8. Seek Affirmation from the Body of Christ – Wise counsel confirms direction (Proverbs 11:14) 9. Walk in Step with the Spirit – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) 10. Act Quickly but Prayerfully – Delayed obedience shrinks daylight; rushed presumption can miss His cue Practical Daily Checkpoints • Start with a surrendered “Yes, Lord—what’s on Your agenda?” • Read a portion of Scripture, asking, “Is there an assignment implied here?” • Note circumstances that align with biblical priorities (service, witness, compassion). • Evaluate feelings through truth: peace that aligns with Scripture is different from fleeting emotion. • End the day with review: Where did I cooperate? Where did I hesitate? Commit any unfinished obedience to tomorrow’s daylight. Scriptural Snapshots of Discerned Work • Joseph—interpreted dreams and managed famine relief exactly when God timed it (Genesis 41). • Esther—recognized her “such a time as this” moment to save her people (Esther 4:14). • Paul—changed travel plans by the Spirit’s check and a Macedonian vision (Acts 16:6-10). Living the Verse: Doing the Works While It Is Day • Every task, from changing diapers to drafting budgets, can be “the works of Him” when done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Our remaining daylight is unknown; faithful, moment-by-moment obedience turns ordinary minutes into eternal impact. Finish Strong Before Night Falls God supplies the will and the power (Philippians 2:13). Our part is to stay alert, stay yielded, and stay moving—so that when the sun sets, we can echo Jesus’ own words: “I have glorified You on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” (John 17:4). |
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