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Lining Up with God: How to Come into Alignment with God

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

In a previous post we looked at what Proverbs 3:5-8 teaches us about what lining up with God means and why it matters. We need help to maintain such a dependence on Him that we wholeheartedly yield to His ways instead of relying on our own thoughts and pursuing our own agendas.

3 Resources We Have for Learning How to Come into Alignment with God

God isn’t going to command us to trust Him with our whole heart and fail to show us how. Here are three resources He provides for us.

1) Congruence with the Word of God

We have a written, authoritative, reliable Textbook.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:9-11)

Since God knows more than we do and since His ways are best, it only makes sense to line up with what He says. In addition, lining up with God by adhering to His Word comes with PROMISED RESULTS.

The precepts and principles in the Bible provide a grid through which all else must be filtered because of whose Word it is and the life-changing potential it brings.

Lining up with God by living congruent with His Word makes it all worthwhile because we know He will use it in some way.

2) Consistency with the Character of God

We have a living Example to follow who is our sure foundation.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. (Is. 26:3-4)

We can’t always find a specific verse that addresses every situation in life or every decision we must make. Sometimes we must look at principles in His Word. Sometimes we must look at God Himself … His attributes. God will never ask us to do anything inconsistent with His character. When we keep focused on God, we are PROMISED PEACE.

When we make decisions or respond in ways consistent with the character of God, we are standing on a solid foundation (Ps. 40:2-3).

Lining up with a God who is all we need, and not simply submitting to a set of commands, provides a confidence that takes us to a higher level.

3) Controlled by the Spirit of God

We have a Helper within us to teach us and guide us.

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:15-18)

Where are we going to get the wisdom we need to make the most of every opportunity? The Holy Spirit came to live within us as our Counselor (Jn. 14:16, 26). Where are we going to get the power we need to do what we know we should do? The Holy Spirit came to live within us as our Power source (Acts 1:8; Eph. 3:16; Gal. 5:16).

As wine can take over and control a person, so we need to be filled with the Spirit of God (Eph. 5:18). Our part is to walk with, or live by, the Spirit, to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25). When we do, we get what we need — PROMISED PERSPECTIVE AND POWER.

Lining up with God seems possible because we know we are not on our own.

So, “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him …” (Prov. 3:5-6). He makes lining up with Him not only worthwhile but also possible. He promises to give us what we need to do so.

Lining Up with God: What It Means, Why It Matters

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a good reminder of lining up with God and not relying on ourselves or human wisdom.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

What Lining Up with God Means

If we break down the above verses, we can better grasp what’s required to align with God.

1) Trust in the Lord.

We need to see God for the Great God He is. We’re not going to line up with someone we don’t hold to be true, right, and worthy of following.

2) Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

We can’t be on again and off again in our pursuit and expect to remain in alignment with Him. God is a worthy standard to follow all of the time and in every way. Consequently, there isn’t any area to withhold our trust in Him. He won’t let us down so we’re safe to wholeheartedly pursue His ways.

3) Lean not on your own understanding.

We trust Him as One with unlimited understanding, who is always right. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isa. 55:9) so it’s foolish to “be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7). We have limited understanding and we can be wrong.

4) In all your ways submit to him.

Even when we don’t understand God’s ways, we still align with Him. We don’t pick and choose which of His ways to follow.

Why Alignment with God Matters

To know why it’s important to line up with God, look at the results in Proverbs 3:6-8.

1) He will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:6)

We have sure footing.

2) This will bring health to your body … (Prov. 3:8)

We find strength and stability.

3) This will bring … nourishment to your bones. (Prov. 3:8)

We have the sustenance needed to remain strong.

We’ve considered what it means to line up with God and why it matters. Look at the next post for how to come into alignment with Him.

Compliments to God

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

A compliment is “an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration” (Merriam-Webster). Hence, when we give compliments to God, we’re honoring Him for who He is and what He’s done. Biblically we might say that we are:

ascribing to God the glory due His name (Ps. 29:2; 96:7-8)
expressing His worth (Rev. 4:11; 5:11-14)
exalting Him, lifting Him up (Ps. 99:5, 9)

We might also use terms like praising and worshiping God. In essence, we’re telling God how great He is. We’re attributing the glory to Him, praising Him for who He is, and giving Him credit for what He’s done.

God Doesn’t Need Our Compliments

God is worthy whether we acknowledge it or not. Who He is, isn’t based on our recognition of Him. He is who He is. Our compliments, or lack of praise, doesn’t affect His significance and worth.

Through the generations there have been people who have failed to acknowledge Him as the Source (Rom. 1:20-25). Some defiantly turn their backs on Him, disbelieving He could really be great enough to do all Scripture says He did and will do. But a day will come when “every knee will bow” before Him and “every tongue will acknowledge God” (Rom. 14:11).

Compliments to God Show Our Appreciation, Thankfulness, Respect, and Admiration

We express appreciation and thankfulness when we compliment people. God has done, and will continue to do, more for us than all the people combined in our lives.

Think of His wonderful and thorough work of salvation. Who else will love us enough to come and die in our place, or be able to take on the punishment our sin deserves? Certainly such a merciful, gracious, loving, and holy God deserves our compliments.

Think of His Written Word. Who else could compose such a consistent body of truth over the span of nearly 2000 years, dynamic and sufficient to thoroughly equip and teach us, that could stand the test of time and attacks of enemies? Without doubt, we owe such a wise, all-knowing, powerful, and righteous God our compliments.

We express respect and admiration for traits in people we think are commendable. God consistently demonstrates admirable qualities because He is perfect in every way, something we could never say about ourselves or any other human being. Compliments go to Someone we can always depend on to be faithful and true in what He says and does because He can’t deny Himself. He always was and always will be who He is.

Take time today to express compliments to God not just for what He does but also for who He is. He deserves our appreciation, thankfulness, respect, and admiration!

For More About Our God: Theology Resources

Pointers on How to Pray

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Often people want steps on “how to” do various tasks or a pattern for how to do it. The same holds true with prayer. Though Jesus did give a pattern for how we might pray in what’s been called “The Lord’s Prayer” (Lk. 11:1-4), He put more emphasis on what goes on inside than the actual words or action of praying.

Pointers Jesus Gave on How to Pray

Throughout the Gospels Jesus spoke about prayer as an attitude of the heart. He modeled prayer that focused more on God than His own needs.

1) Be authentic when you pray.

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matt. 6:5-8)

2) Be eternally minded in prayer.

Jesus prayed, Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. (Lk. 22:40-46)

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. … I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (Jn. 17:20-23)

3) Be full of faith when you pray.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matt. 21:22)

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mk. 11:24)

4) Be persistent in praying.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. … (Lk. 18:1-8)

You’ll find these pointers Jesus gave on how to pray from the Gospels, plus six more points about how to pray found elsewhere in Scripture, listed in the Church Purpose Ministry Manual which looks at prayer as one of the ways we fulfill our purpose to love God.

Hindrances to Worship

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

We acknowledge that God certainly deserves our praise but sometimes we struggle to make worship a priority in our lives. We have access to much teaching and writing on worship to help us. (See: Worship Resources) Still, we sometimes let hindrances to worship keep us from truly worshiping “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). Why don’t we always worship as we should?

List of Hindrances to Worship

Hindrances to Worship in The Truth About Worship Discussion Guides

A session in The Truth About Worship Discussion Guides looks at the hindrances listed below. It provides some Scripture and questions to reflect on the effect of these hindrances on us worshiping God.

Self

We can let our own needs, convenience, and preferences come above God Himself.

Concept of God

A misrepresentation of who God is will cause us to misplace our worship.

False Gods

Anything we prioritize above God will pull us away from worshiping the one true God.

Our Culture

When we conform to the world around us we lose sight of God.

Service

We can get so busy serving that we neglect the God we serve.

Unreconciled Relationships

Mistreatment or lack of forgiveness in our relationships with others affects our walk with God.

Traditions

Man-made or self-styled worship rather than that which God desires can keep us from truly worshiping.

Worship “Props”

When we let forms, styles, facilities, or worship leaders become what worship is about, rather than aid us in worship, they hinder it.

God is so worthy of my complete and undistracted devotion and love expressed through worship! Let’s rise above these hindrances and worship God in spirit and truth.

A Walk with God That Makes a Difference

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

If people look at us as followers of Jesus Christ, do they see something worthwhile? Do we have a walk with God that makes a difference?

Or, do our lives seem empty and without meaning? Do we fall apart when life gets tough? Do we live more in line with what’s comfortable or convenient to us than to the benefit of others? Do we fail to look like the One we claim to follow?

An Acrostic of Essential Characteristics Needed in a Walk with God That Makes a Difference

Walk with God That Makes a Difference
Here is the kind of walk that will tend to catch people’s attention and give them a reason to trust in our God. It’s a walk that lives out the fullness of the life Jesus came to give us, one that makes a difference.

Wisdom – a walk that makes life meaningful

Awareness – a walk that gives a mooring to hold onto

Love – a walk that provides motivation and purpose

Kenosis – a walk that is modeled

WISDOM: We can know all about God and His Word, but if we don’t see the practical implications or relevancy of that knowledge to our everyday living, we will struggle (Col. 1:9-10). We may still feel bound to the emptiness of life because we haven’t learned to walk in the freedom He provides. Contrary to what many people believe, His truth sets us free (Jn. 8:32). In Him we find wisdom for everyday life so we make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 4:5). — a walk that makes life meaningful

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Ps. 86:11)

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. (Ps. 119:45)

AWARENESS: What a difference it makes when we acknowledge the presence of an all-wise, all-powerful, totally righteous yet loving and gracious God in our lives. He promised to never leave or forsake us (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). Awareness of the presence of this kind of God leads to hope, comfort, peace, and confidence even in the most difficult circumstances. — a walk that gives a mooring to hold onto

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps. 23:4)

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. (Ps. 89:15)

LOVE: Jesus identified love as the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-40). Without love, our best efforts mean nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3). We can live a life of love and compassion for others because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). His love compels us to go the extra mile, even when it’s not convenient or comfortable. — a walk that provides motivation and purpose

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Eph. 5:2, KJV)

KENOSIS: When we’re asked to serve one another in love rather than living an empty life of self-indulgence (Gal. 5:13), we’re not left on our own to figure out how. Jesus showed us the way to live. This theological word, kenosis, describes how Jesus temporarily laid aside His glory in heaven and humbled Himself to come to earth for us as a servant (Phil. 2:5-11). To walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we must realize that this process was as much an attitude as it was an action. — a walk that is modeled

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil. 2:5-7)

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 Jn. 2:6)

Do these traits characterize your walk with God? If we’re being honest, we would have to admit a need to grow in our walk with Him. — “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phil. 3:12)

Click links below for help growing in your walk with God: