Watch How God Will Open Doors

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Watch How God Will Open Doors

Have you ever felt like you're standing in front of a closed door, wondering if it will ever open? Maybe you've been praying for a new opportunity, a fresh start, or a breakthrough in a challenging situation.

As believers, we can trust that God is always working behind the scenes, opening doors and making a way for us. In this post, we'll explore what it means to watch how God will open doors, and how we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

The Faith to See the Unseen

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This verse reminds us that faith is not just about seeing the tangible, but also about trusting in the invisible.

When we face closed doors, it's easy to lose sight of God's plan. But Hebrews 11:1 encourages us to have faith in what we hope for, even when we can't see it. We must trust that God is working, even when the door seems shut.

God's Plan to Prosper

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse reminds us that God's plan for us is always good.

When we face closed doors, it's tempting to doubt God's goodness. But Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God's plan is to prosper us, not to harm us. We can trust that He is working everything out for our good, even when the door seems shut.

Watching for God's Open Doors

So, how can we watch for God's open doors? Here are a few practical steps:

Pray for guidance: Ask God to show you the way and to open doors that align with His plan.
Trust in God's sovereignty: Remember that God is in control, and He is working everything out for your good.
Look for opportunities: Keep your eyes open for opportunities that align with God's plan, and be willing to take steps of faith.
Wait patiently: Trust that God's timing is perfect, and wait patiently for Him to open doors.

Conclusion

Watching how God will open doors requires faith, trust, and patience. We must trust that God is working behind the scenes, opening doors and making a way for us.

As we wait for God to open doors, let's remember that His plan is always good, and He is working everything out for our good. May we have the faith to see the unseen, and may we trust in God's sovereignty as we watch for His open doors.

Reflection Questions:

What are some areas of your life where you're waiting for God to open doors?
How can you trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when the door seems shut?
What practical steps can you take to watch for God's open doors?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to trust in Your sovereignty and goodness, even when the door seems shut. Give us the faith to see the unseen, and help us to watch for Your open doors. May we wait patiently, knowing that Your timing is perfect, and Your plan is always good. Amen

Start Listening to God

 A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

"Start Listening to God"

Do you ever feel like you're not hearing from God? Like you're praying and praying, but not getting any answers? The truth is, God is always speaking to us, but we need to learn to listen.

Jesus' Example of Humility and Obedience

In John 13:3-8, we read:

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

Jesus' actions here demonstrate His humility and obedience to the Father. He knew that He had come to serve, not to be served.

Our High Priest Who Sympathizes with Us

In Hebrews 4:15, we read:

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."

This verse reminds us that Jesus is our High Priest who sympathizes with us. He understands our weaknesses and struggles.

God's Unfailing Love and Covenant

In Isaiah 54:10, we read:

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

This verse reminds us of God's unfailing love and covenant with us. His love is not based on our performance, but on His character.

God's Mercies Are New Every Morning

In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read:

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

This verse reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning. We can start each day with a clean slate, knowing that God's love and compassion are available to us.

Blessing the Lord

In Psalm 103:1-2, we read:

"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

This psalm reminds us to bless the Lord and remember His benefits. When we focus on God's goodness and faithfulness, we are more likely to hear His voice.

Listening to God

So how can we start listening to God? Here are a few practical tips:

Create space for silence: In our busy world, it's easy to get distracted. Create space for silence and solitude, where you can focus on hearing God's voice.
Read the Bible: The Bible is God's Word, and it's a great way to hear His voice. Take time to read the Bible each day, and ask God to speak to you through His Word.
Pray: Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. Take time to pray each day, and listen for God's response.

Conclusion

Listening to God is not always easy, but it's essential for living a life that honors Him. By creating space for silence, reading the Bible, and praying, we can start listening to God and living a life that is guided by His wisdom.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways you can create space for silence in your life?
How can you use the Bible to hear God's voice?
What are some things you can pray about, and how can you listen for God's response?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to listen to Your voice. Give us ears to hear and hearts to obey. We want to live a life that honors You, and we know that starts with listening to Your voice. In Jesus' name, Amen

Stop Worrying

 Stop Worrying

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Worrying is a natural human response to uncertainty and fear. But as believers, we're called to live a life of faith, not fear. When we worry, we're essentially saying that God is not big enough or powerful enough to handle our problems.

Encouragement to Stop Worrying

In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul writes:

"And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

Paul encourages us to warn, encourage, help, and be patient with one another. But he doesn't mention worrying. Instead, he reminds us to focus on building each other up in faith.

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes:

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

God has not given us a spirit of fear or worry. Instead, He's given us a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. When we worry, we're not living in the power and love that God has given us.

Be Still and Know That I Am God

In Psalm 46:10, we read:

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

This verse is a powerful reminder to stop worrying and start trusting. When we're still and quiet before God, we can know that He is God, and that He is in control.

Conclusion

Worrying is not of God. It's a natural human response, but it's not how God wants us to live. Instead, He wants us to live a life of faith, trusting in His power and love. So let's stop worrying and start trusting. Let's be still and know that He is God.

Reflection Questions

What are you worrying about today?
How can you trust in God's power and love instead of worrying?
What does it mean to you to be still and know that God is God?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to stop worrying and start trusting. May we be still and know that You are God, and may we live a life of faith, trusting in Your power and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.