What is God Like and What Does He Want Me to Do?

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Introduction:

Moment of silence for the Florida school shootings

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

(1) What is God like?

(a) He is “the LORD”

- I am who I am, I shall be what I shall be - consistent, unchanging, the one who has spoken to men and women. The one who has revealed himself to those who truly seek Him. The one who helps, and rescues, and strengthens, and comforts, and loves those who want to follow Him.

(b) He’s able to straighten out your life

(c) He wants to make you successful

Success: 2 hours in traffic or 25 minutes by train?

- the best coaches I ever had were (fill in the blank). the best boss I ever had was (fill in the blank) the best spouse I ever had

Success:

Isaiah 28:

Isaiah 28:16 ESV

therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

(d) He is demanding

- the best coaches I ever had were (fill in the blank). the best boss I ever had was (fill in the blank) the best spouse I ever had

(2) What does He want us to do?

(a) He wants you to take one step in His direction

I will trust and

Isaiah 30:15

Isaiah 30:15 ESV

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,

Let’s go to the beach:

I’m willing to look at the weather

I’m willing to drive to the beach

I’m willing to sit on the shore

I’m willing to walk along the shore

I’m willing to tip my toes in the water

I’m willing to go in up to my knees

I’m willing to dunk my head

I’m willing to dive in

(b) He wants you to open your mind to a better way

(b) He wants you open your mind to a better way

The scary days of being a new parent with no one to lean on

The learning curve of a new job and a manager too busy to train you

The frustration of not knowing if the auto shop is telling you the truth

A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still

(c) He wants you to be all in

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal - He wasn’t all in

with all your heart

in all your ways

(d) He wants you to choose His version of success

Loving people not things

Being faithful

Becoming a person of character

Being there for your spouse

Loving your children and raising children of character and integrity - not the same as spending time with your children

Serving in your community

Becoming a genuine follower of Jesus, and trusting him for your salvation