GOD'S WAYS

Isaiah 55:7-9, "Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. 'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" There is only one way to live that is pleasing to God: to walk in His ways. We have been exposed to so many ideas and teachings about how God operates, but the only way God operates is according to His holiness and love. His holiness requires righteousness and judgment. As a result, God's expectations for those who follow Him must walk in righteousness, and those who choose not to walk in His ways will be judged righteously. God's love does not tolerate sin, but gives a way for forgiveness. God wants us to walk according to His ways. 

The Bible is the standard by which we can know the ways of God. From Genesis to Revelation, God's holiness, love, mercy, grace, and judgment are evident in God's ways. The danger that many people get into is that they describe God according to their worldly standards, and not according to the truth of the Bible. They only accept portions of the Bible, and twist the meaning so that it can support their ideas. We need to accept the whole counsel of God's word. We cannot pick and choose what we believe. When we do not understand a part of the Bible, let us not dismiss it, but seek to understand it. I suggest listening to good Bible teachers on the Radio or online. Pray for understanding and have an open heart to receive and learn from God. God provided us men and women who have a gift of teaching and wisdom so that they can help us to understand God's Word. We must practice what God is teaching us from His Word. Let us walk away from sin and walk in God's righteousness. Living in sin is not the way to live. If we want God's blessings and abundant life, we need to walk with God. 

God does not want people to go through His judgment, and this is the reason God wants us to turn away from our sins and walk according to His ways. God wants us to repent of our sins and do the right thing. Our Lord Jesus already paved the way for us for our forgiveness with His life. We must believe and surrender our lives to our Lord Jesus and let Him guide us so that we may have life, forgiveness, peace, and joy. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How do I get to know God's ways? Why is it important for me to know God's ways and walk in them? Am I living according to God's ways right now? If I am not, what should I do to return to God's ways?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, Your ways are far beyond anything I could imagine. Your ways lead to forgiveness, righteousness, and life. Please help me not to stray from Your ways. Please help me to continue to know You through Your Word. Please grant me wisdom and understanding to know Your Word and apply the lessons You are teaching me through it. Please help me to turn away from my sinful ways and do the right thing so that I may walk in Your ways that lead to glorifying You and to an abundant life. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.