WEBVTT 00:04.805 --> 00:13.029 [SPEAKER_00]: In today's verse fifteen, we're launching a brand new series, looking at various promises our Heavenly Father makes toward us. 00:13.869 --> 00:18.771 [SPEAKER_00]: And we'll be creating space to take hold of them a little bit more every day. 00:19.831 --> 00:29.896 [SPEAKER_00]: Today, we're looking at how God promises us as well and how we can live our lives in connection to His desires and plans for us. 00:31.056 --> 00:45.443 [SPEAKER_00]: May God serve our hearts to surrender anything that isn't best for us and may He empower us to take hold of His passion and His desires that we might align our lives with His will. 00:46.303 --> 00:48.564 [SPEAKER_00]: Welcome to the first fifteen podcast. 01:17.288 --> 01:26.860 [SPEAKER_00]: Our scripture for today comes from Ephesians chapter one verses nine and ten scripture says 01:28.159 --> 01:45.368 [SPEAKER_00]: making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 01:49.495 --> 01:50.637 [SPEAKER_00]: in the life of Jesus. 01:51.438 --> 02:05.499 [SPEAKER_00]: God illustrated not only His nearness to us, but His desire to co-labor with us in His plans of redemption for all peoples, all generations, and all of creation. 02:07.031 --> 02:14.054 [SPEAKER_00]: And within God's desire to partner with us on earth, lies an incredible promise He makes to His people. 02:15.355 --> 02:19.417 [SPEAKER_00]: God promises to share with us the knowledge of His will. 02:20.758 --> 02:29.242 [SPEAKER_00]: An incredible example of God sharing His will with His people is displayed in Ephesians chapter one, verses seven through twelve. 02:30.302 --> 02:35.285 [SPEAKER_00]: Scripture says, in Him, we have redemption through His blood. 02:36.185 --> 02:52.622 [SPEAKER_00]: The forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of His will according to His purpose. 02:53.463 --> 03:04.937 [SPEAKER_00]: which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 03:05.518 --> 03:08.802 [SPEAKER_00]: In him, we have obtained an inheritance. 03:09.703 --> 03:25.097 [SPEAKER_00]: Having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 03:29.183 --> 03:37.109 [SPEAKER_00]: Paul tells us that God threw the death of Jesus, revealed the mystery of his will to his people. 03:38.470 --> 03:46.075 [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus' death tells us of God's incredible plan to reconcile everything around us to himself. 03:47.656 --> 03:53.140 [SPEAKER_00]: God's plan set throughout the ages revealed itself in Jesus' actions. 03:54.741 --> 04:00.770 [SPEAKER_00]: However, scripture doesn't only describe a single time, God revealed the mystery of his well. 04:01.812 --> 04:07.861 [SPEAKER_00]: The Bible is clear that God desires for his people to continually know his well. 04:09.385 --> 04:27.112 [SPEAKER_00]: Romans chapter twelve, verses one and two says, I appeal to you therefore brothers by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 04:28.372 --> 04:34.515 [SPEAKER_00]: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. 04:35.576 --> 04:44.172 [SPEAKER_00]: that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 04:46.522 --> 04:49.145 [SPEAKER_00]: in the renewing of your mind to God's truth. 04:49.985 --> 04:56.892 [SPEAKER_00]: You position yourself to continually discern the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 04:57.933 --> 04:58.794 [SPEAKER_00]: How amazing! 04:59.494 --> 05:08.383 [SPEAKER_00]: Not only does God want you to know His will, but He's given you an incredible tool to do so in the renewing of your mind. 05:10.651 --> 05:21.958 [SPEAKER_00]: take time today to seek his well through Scripture listening to the Holy Spirit and seeking counsel from those who are in tune with God's heart. 05:23.739 --> 05:27.801 [SPEAKER_00]: Allow him to reveal his will in whatever way he desires. 05:29.605 --> 05:34.870 [SPEAKER_00]: spend time in his presence, letting him reveal the desires of his heart. 05:34.890 --> 05:43.578 [SPEAKER_00]: And align yourself with his unceasing faithfulness as he speaks and leads you throughout your day. 05:45.059 --> 05:53.287 [SPEAKER_00]: May you discern the good and acceptable and perfect will of God today as you spend time in God's prayer. 06:22.779 --> 06:29.785 [SPEAKER_00]: As we begin, meditate on God's desire to share with you the knowledge of His will. 06:31.600 --> 06:54.037 [SPEAKER_00]: Ephesians chapter one verses nine and ten says, making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 07:36.704 --> 07:37.204 [SPEAKER_00]: and next. 07:38.465 --> 07:41.727 [SPEAKER_00]: Where in your life do you need God's guidance? 07:43.047 --> 07:44.628 [SPEAKER_00]: Where do you need direction? 08:26.769 --> 08:27.349 [SPEAKER_00]: and last. 08:28.570 --> 08:31.692 [SPEAKER_00]: Ask God to give you the knowledge of His will. 08:33.213 --> 08:35.774 [SPEAKER_00]: Listen for Him to direct you right now. 08:37.595 --> 08:40.277 [SPEAKER_00]: Pay attention to any scriptures that come to mind. 08:41.657 --> 08:46.260 [SPEAKER_00]: Trust that God speaks and wants you to know His will. 08:47.741 --> 08:51.083 [SPEAKER_00]: Romans chapter twelve verses one and two says, 08:52.280 --> 08:59.728 [SPEAKER_00]: I appeal to you therefore brothers by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice. 09:00.508 --> 09:04.993 [SPEAKER_00]: Holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 09:06.310 --> 09:12.673 [SPEAKER_00]: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. 09:13.593 --> 09:21.957 [SPEAKER_00]: That by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 10:03.538 --> 10:09.699 [SPEAKER_00]: God wants to speak to you throughout your day, influencing the various decisions you make. 10:11.099 --> 10:13.320 [SPEAKER_00]: Your heavenly Father loves you. 10:14.400 --> 10:22.181 [SPEAKER_00]: As a good Father, He belongs to share with you what's best for you, and help do so in the best way possible. 10:23.422 --> 10:31.103 [SPEAKER_00]: Trust and listen today, and live your life and response to the life-giving knowledge of God's will. 10:47.804 --> 10:50.006 [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for listening to today's podcast. 10:50.407 --> 10:54.691 [SPEAKER_00]: The first in our week long series, looking at the promises of God. 10:55.792 --> 10:59.476 [SPEAKER_00]: Taking hold of God's promises can be really challenging. 11:00.196 --> 11:04.360 [SPEAKER_00]: Especially if there's been a time where we felt like God didn't come through for us. 11:05.509 --> 11:19.318 [SPEAKER_00]: So if you feel like your heart is blocked up at all this week, as we focus on God's promises, I want to encourage you before you press play on this podcast to take a moment and ask for God's healing. 11:20.259 --> 11:29.565 [SPEAKER_00]: Sometimes, just as a mirrorless, a revelation of his goodness can help soften those parts of our hearts that have become hardened over time. 11:31.026 --> 11:32.971 [SPEAKER_00]: I'm Josh Miller with first fifteen. 11:33.492 --> 11:37.901 [SPEAKER_00]: Have a wonderful rest of your day and may God bless you as you seek him.