Matthew Dowling, preaching minister at the Plymouth Church of Christ, preached a message titled "How to Know God's Will" from Acts 9 and various scriptures. The January sermon series is "Your Spiritual How-To Manual."
Here is a 5-day devotional based on this sermon:
Day 1: Discovering God's Sovereign WillBible Reading: Proverbs 19:21 (NIV), "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."Devotional: Reflect on the reality that God has a sovereign plan that transcends our own desires and designs. His purposes are ultimate and will come to pass, regardless of human intention. As we navigate our daily lives, we can find comfort in the truth that God is in control, guiding the course of history and our personal journeys. Today, consider areas of your life where you need to surrender your plans to God’s sovereign will. Trust that He is working out His perfect plan for you.Question for Reflection: What plans have you been holding onto that you need to surrender to God's greater purpose?Day 2: Embracing God's Moral WillBible Reading: Micah 6:8 (NIV) "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."Devotional: God's moral will provides us with a clear standard for how we are to live – with justice, mercy, and humility. This verse calls us to reflect on how our actions and decisions align with these timeless principles. Let us commit to living out God’s moral will in our everyday interactions and choices, seeking to reflect His character in all that we do.Question for Reflection: How can you actively practice justice, mercy, and humility in your interactions today?Day 3: Hearing God’s Gentle WhisperBible Reading: 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV) "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."Devotional: Today’s reading invites us to find God in the quiet moments, beyond the dramatic and sensational. God often speaks in a still, small voice, calling us to listen intently and be attentive to His gentle whisper. Take time to quiet your heart and mind, creating space to hear from God amidst the noise of life.Question for Reflection: What might God be whispering to your heart, and how can you make more space to listen?Day 4: Seeking God’s Guidance through PrayerBible Reading: James 1:5 (NIV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."Devotional: God promises to give us wisdom when we ask Him in faith. Prayer is not only a means of presenting our requests to God but also a practice of aligning our will with His. Today, approach God with confidence, seeking His wisdom for the decisions you face. Trust that He is ready to guide you with His generous wisdom.
Question for Reflection: In what situation do you need God’s wisdom today, and how can you seek it through prayer?Day 5: Aligning with God’s Particular Will for Your LifeBible Reading: Acts 9:15-16 (NIV) "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'"Devotional: In the Sermon on Saul's conversion, we see that God had a unique mission for him, just as He has a specific calling for each of us. Reflect on your own life and consider the unique gifts, opportunities, and circumstances God has given you. Seek to understand how God might be using these aspects of your life to fulfill His particular will for you.Question for Reflection: What unique elements of your life might God be using to direct you toward His purpose?