So you got the Bible and you know it says a bunch of stuff, but how do you know when to apply it?  Just cause the Bible says to evangelize, it doesn’t mean we’re supposed to do evangelize all the time, to everyone, including babies and puppies.

So when trying to discern God’s will, many times we are really asking the question, “When do I carry out one of the particular commands found in scripture?” Remember our equation for doing God’s Will? Knowing God’s Word + Believing God’s Word + Having the Heart of God’s Word = Doing God’s Will

The Bible says to take care of the poor.  So if I see a commercial with starving people in Africa does that mean God wants me to go over there and feed them?

What you are seeing are opportunities.  But just because you see an opportunity doesn’t mean that you’re the one to take it. Why is that?  Because you have other opportunities you’re supposed to be taking.

So now you have all these opportunities in front of you.  How did they get there?  You have to ask yourself, “Did God create them just for me?” No. There are two other reasons for opportunities:

Coincidence: Some of these opportunities are simply unrelated to you.  Just because they’re running a sale on assault rifles doesn’t mean that God wants you to buy guns. And guess who else can create opportunities? 

And guess who else can create opportunities? 

Satan:  And what do we call it when he creates opportunities? Temptation. Just because someone forgot their wallet, doesn’t mean God is giving you their money.  Just because someone likes you, doesn’t mean you’re supposed to have an affair.  Just because someone gave you a gift card to Applebee’s doesn’t mean you should eat there.  Those temptations are doors opened by Satan.

So what do we do?

We need to first realize that there are opportunities all around us to apply Scripture. Especially if you apply God’s top overarching command to Love God and Love Others (Matt 22:36-40). Many of these opportunities totally obvious.  You see your friend crying – go and minister to them.  You see your mom washing the dishes – help her.  You see your brother listening to a James Taylor album – burn it, bury the ashes, then curse the ground.

It’s a mindset that you have to develop over time.  Being aware.  Thinking proactively. 

It’s a little easier to think about when you’re talking about people.  As you interact with your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors… listen… watch.    What are they saying?  Do they need help?  Will we notice the opportunities to do God’s will? And of course, start with your family. 

And of course, start with your family. Do they need encouragement?  Do they need help with their chores?  Are they stressed out about anything? Opportunities to show love exist pretty much every moment of the day.

If you can notice doors with your family, hopefully, you’ll start seeing these doors elsewhere.

Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Today’s Fruit of the Spirit: Love.  Viewing people with love will help you notice the open doors of God’s Will much more.

Take time to pray: Ask God to help you listen and watch events with His Will in mind so that when He opens a door you’ll be able to notice it and go through it.