What is God's will for my life? Good question, Keith

[@jeffhein7275]

Your 'balance beam' is my new ringtone. :)

[@yulianataalendo5617]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@donmorrissey1453]

Since going to a Lutheran church it's like I've got these new lenses and feel so free and knowing God and scripture the proper way

[@SolitaireZeta]

Thank you for this. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, and the "pray and wait for God's answer before you even sneeze" mentality was drilled into me. In retrospect, it was quite the damaging worldview to have. You also hit the nail on the head, portraying it as essentially pagan divination with a Christian coat of paint. This is quite the paradigm shift that's going to take some time to get used to and fully comprehend and implement, but I thank you heartily for this. God Bless you.

[@jalapeno.tabasco]

it's mysticism, it's basically gnostic

[@MissionZer0]

"Commit your efforts to the Lord and He will help you fulfill your dreams." I was one of those trying to divine His purpose until the weight of this Proverb really hit me. Great, great answer brother!

[@beckycary7074]

We have an interim pastor right now and his sermon was about what our purpose is…. I really enjoy your talks on this channel, they are always encouraging!

[@clairelaskey5592]

I was being gossiped about at work. God was teaching me to guard my heart. I so didn’t get it. God heard and saw things I didn’t. He showed me who they were. I still didn’t get it. After I prayed & prayed on it. I was blessed with a supervisor who taught me how to shut down the gossip eaters. I now stick up for anyone they try to gossip about and corrupt people corrupt others. I give them space , not my friends. I pray for and forgive them . It was a hard lesson.

[@marianneb5457]

I wish someone had taken the time to explain this to me when I was younger. Maybe people did, and I just wouldn't hear it. I like the idea of the balance beam in the dark. I myself pictured it as God having a map, with the path I was supposed to follow marked out on it, but I wasn't allowed to see it, and had to sort of feel my way though, never knowing if I'd strayed from the path or not, or how far off I was. If God seemed distant, I assumed I must have veered off course, missed out on God's "best." Ultimately I believed that "sin" encompassed more than just transgressing the 10 Commandments, but also being "disobedient" by going off-course. I tell ya what, when I encountered the Lutheran doctrine of Vocation...oh what a sweet relief!! "Really? It's that simple?!" (and I like the less-choppy videos, personally. Fisk's videos are great, and it works well for them...but the drive-home format loses something, I think. It takes away from the every-day, real-life-y-ness, maybe, which I think is their strength.)

[@PastorBryanWolfmueller]

Thank you! It took forever to edit, so there won't be much of this style in the future!

[@thekynologist155]

The faithful content is worth watching with shattered glass in my eyes! The drive-home format is the most familiar realism for meaningful convos…perfect! Thank you, P Bryan!

[@DS-uo5ie]

GODs will is that we believe in Him!

[@johnooley6454]

What a power message Pastor Wolfmueller, for so long I have been stuck in this self implied fear of wanting to do the Lords will that I became my own stumbling block in doing his will in my life. I have studied many protestant churches, Orthodox and Catholic church, but it was in learning more on the Lutheran Evangelical Church that I have been able to truly see the Grace of God through the Gospel really light my path in joy and faith, repentance and worship of the One Triune God. Looking forward to learning more of the Lutheran Church. Hoping to purchase the Book of Conchord at some point. God bless you. In Christ,

[@brenmanock]

Excellent. Will share this.

[@MrGassemann]

Visual effects reaching another level on this one! Give God the glory with what you do in your life. Thanks!

[@matthewsalge4425]

I want to start out by saying I think I get what you mean. And I've heard many Lutheran pastors say similar things. I get the problem with thinking God has every step mapped out and we're to figure out the secret of what those steps are. But I often hear pastors say things like, "God doesn't care what you do for a living, who you marry, where you work, etc., etc." What bothers me is it's "God doesn't care what you do for a living... Well, unless you're a pastor. Then the Spirit called you to that. But if you're a layman, He doesn't care." In so many ways, even in the LCMS, well-meaning pastors give us the strong impression that the Holy Spirit is the sole property of the clergy, or the Holy Spirit constantly guides the clergy, but doesn't talk to the laymen. I'm struggling right now with the problem of feeling very strongly like I'm being called to something on the one hand, but not seeing how it would be possible on the other. I'm not looking for guidance for every step of my life, but trying to understand why I feel like there's this strong call and whether or not it's legitimate. It seems almost insulting when instead of offering any insight into why I might be having this struggle, I'm simply reminded that I'm a layman and the Holy Spirit doesn't talk to laymen like he does to pastors.

[@tomjubell5749]

I think your looking to deep into certain figures of speech here, such as " God doesn't care", if you'll forgive me for saying so. I like to think of God as being everywhere, in every second, at the same time. No matter where you look or where you go, God is there. God gave us the freedom to choose any path we wish. There are as many paths as there are choices in life. Some paths hold true to the commandments some do not. What ever it is that makes you happy in life, that also adheres to the commandments, is a good choice. God does care and is simply waiting for you to choose him.

[@marianweigh6411]

The Spirit speaks to our spirit through everything that serves others and humbles us, that makes us better and more earnest, more loving and self-giving. He is in everything that brings goodness, beauty, and truth to our lives and others. Be bold, be creative, do what brings joy without sinning, let life surprise you. Do not be afraid, don't seek to save it, but tread courageously into the light. God is ready to meet us wherever we reach higher and kinder, deeper and wiser. And never forget: he believes in you.

[@ho8464]

This answers so many of my questions

[@rb5]

Thank you again, Pastor, for your dedication to enlightening us that God will work through all things for good for the called according to His purpose Godspeed in your ministry

[@MrCelticml1223]

Your talks/beliefs help me make more sense for my life.

[@chipthompsondesign1135]

Cocoa Puffs IS a God thing for sure!

[@run4cmt]

When I have been with Evangelicals I find they fall into this trap of God having some secret plan or they seem to think the plan has to be church work. I totally agree with you that God gives us a great deal of freedom. We should pray for wisdom to walk in God's ways. The rest will fall into place.

[@williamgammeter5113]

As you go through your life and into the World, baptise and teach others all I have commanded and I will be with you through the ages. That is what Jesus told us.

[@checkplz6626]

👍👍👍I think many people decide that it must be God's will for their life when they get a special physical/emotional/ecstatic sort of feeling - and say it's the Holy Spirit (but really it's their human emotions or conscience). Also I hear the phrase "God is good!" a lot, and only when something temporally good has happened....like recovery from an illness, close-call avoidance of an accident, surprising positive test results, a safe flight in bad weather, etc.

[@atholwhitten3868]

If I could request what God has in store for me it would simply be salvation, then I can live the rest of my time with my awesome creator

[@elainejan]

FABULOUS MESSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you

[@plattevilleclarks]

I'm glad I'm not the only one perplexed by "it's a God thing". That Job fellow sure does pop up with regularity.

[@rb5]

Frederick Clark yep, Job is the ultimate example of bearing the Cross for us in our Christian lives. Between him and Joseph, we know what we must do where we are, to follow God's plan no matter what, and trust in Him alone He will bring us through it, and work for good even in all things in our lives

[@mechengineer]

Very nicely stated as always. I'm just glad that wasn't an Avalanche hat. -Andy, from Detroit

[@spikedrusilla]

Wow, love it. Always great teaching brother!

[@jeffdavis5176]

Fisky! Hahaha. Seriously, thank you for this message.

[@craigmorton7027]

Thank you.

[@Faithchannel45]

Such an interesting topic. I wonder about the call to be a pastor, since no one can take this honour to himself, but Jesus is the one who appoints someone into the office. In this case God did have a ‘specific will’, and I think many people wonder if that thought that never leaves them to pursue pastoral ministry is God or just there own assumption. Ps love I your stuff, it’s very good👌

[@rukusfan1387]

The will of God is for us to know Him.

[@schellfamily9837]

This is really good! Thank you!

[@DCEJosh]

As a Sporting KC fan, I don’t like your hat. But nobody here is perfect. 😂

[@dalicampos7379]

Thank you! This is a good talk.

[@lbrown8167]

Nice to see you repping our burgundy boys! 7:30 this is the dizziness of freedom.

[@56MightyMike]

I just explained this (not divining the will of God) but able to look backwards & see how God has blessed it to a Pentecostal friend. He asked about “setting out the fleece” or praying that God would open a door or shut a different one to give guidance on choices one might have & if that should happen, considering that God responding. What do you think of this idea? And related, don’t we Lutherans talk exactly like this when we describe a pastor’s deliberating two calls, or a congregation deciding who to call from the call list?

[@PETERKASILO]

I dont know but I love your sense of humor! Funny but still holly 😂😂😂

[@dnzswithwombats]

That picture with your hands up on either side of your head made me think of the scene in the movie where a character says with great intensity... "Ta-Tonk-ah!" Obscure movie references - you either know the scene or not.

[@brianbannon6746]

1 Thessalonians 5:18

[@isabellanagel7539]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@jesus.christis.lord.foreve899]

6:19 the balance beam

[@mattpatton8887]

Interestingly, I am a Lutheran, but I do not believe in free will. There is nuance to my argument which I have neither the time nor desire to type it out in a KZbin comment on my phone, but it was quite comforting to know (when Iran was shooting ballistic missiles at the base I live on in Iraq) to know that whatever happened was supposed to happen. I thought I was going to die - which thankfully and obviously didnt happen - and it enabled me to face what I thought were my final moments with dignity. I do not purport to KNOW if we do or do not have free will, as we certainly have the illusion of it, but I do not necessarily believe in it.

[@rb5]

Perhaps this may help: We do have free will when it comes to doing evil, but not when it comes to doing good . . . The last two who has true free will were our parents in the garden, Adam and Eve, and from that choice we've been born into sin. So, while humanity can always choose to hurt or kill or steal, only God working in us can do good. I'm thankful that He can do that through us, because that means He has truly saved me, a lost and condemned man, from the pit And so when I, or anyone else, sin God says He will work it for good on the end. I just pray that He would work only good through me, and reading His Word, meditating on it and following the Ten Commandments is a great place to stay, in that case Hope this helps, sir, and Godspeed

[@prayunceasingly2029]

AAAAAH!! WHEEEEEWWW!! the balancing beam

[@judithtaylor6713]

You give the impression of not liking liberals much. Nor do I. Thank you for this.

[@logicaredux5205]

I’ve never seen the pick-up truck before.

[@tomdix5167]

Amen, thank you. Now for becoming an angel?

[@KirbyFever]

I know this video is a year old I hope you answer but is God’s will doing the Ten Commandments and having wisdom and living life the right way??? Please answer if it’s not correct or if it’s not only that

[@heidigusset8479]

Thank you! I forwarded your message to my sons. We are to obey God - what we know is right as we make decisions and act on them. As Christians God commands us to marry Christians, correct? Do not be unequally yoked, correct?

[@rb5]

God does not command us to marry Christians alone, remember through marriage and children we can also sanctify our spouses and children. It might be good for some men to marry Christian women, but God can work through all things. Spouses can become Christian after marriage, and this is truly wonderful for the kingdom of heaven But I've also seen others marry without, and it was not a good thing for their faith, not for their children's faith. It can be a very difficult path or decision

[@kevinmcnally273]

I think im to late all has gone GOD bless all

[@markray7328]

Boundaries of the ten comandments? Have at it ? A God thing? Do you know the gospel?

[@supersmart671]

I have been searching for twenty years now. Still not clear what God wants me to do. I have suffered so much..

[@Quisl]

""" He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. """ Micah 6:8

[@supersmart671]

@@Quisl True, how about the specifics?

[@villarrealmarta6103]

Romans 8:28-29

[@christinepalola5148]

Sorry but I think Gods will for our lives is greater & more complex than just keeping the 10 Commandments. That’s an over simplification of His immenseness for all of his billions of unique children.

[@rb5]

Unfortunately therein lies the trap of the Devil in all this. As he continues to tempt us to think that God is hiding something from us and try some aspect of witchcraft to "figure it out" because God won't tell us God's will is that all come to be with Him in heaven, so following the Ten Commandments in all things is what He has given us to do. True, He also gives us directives like Jesus regularly giving us the true Body and Blood in the Lord's Supper, and that way He does save us eternally But overall it's the best for us to follow God's clear directions for our lives and love our neighbours, where we are, and trust in God to work for our good even when people do evil to us. Like for Joseph So this is exactly what Pastor us talking about in this video, as the Ten Commandments are all we really ever need. Yes, it would be nice sometimes for us to have a "manual for life" issued to every person that described the breakfast we should have on a particular day, but we have been given His Word and that's more than enough wisdom for many lifetimes Godspeed and I hope this helps

[@robertfinch8900]

I have a question I've been confused by for a while. It's actually a question that drove me to the scriptures really hard, converting me to Lutheranism, but my question still isn't answered, as i am told in multiple directions multiple answers, and i would love for this to be clarified Scripturally. Whenever we die as Christians, I've been told that our souls go to paradise, and then during the Resurrection, our bodies will meet our souls in heaven. In the same way, whenever a non-believer dies, their soul goes to Hades until their bodies meet with their souls in Hell. Is this what Biblical? If so, where? Thank you!

[@weston028]

What is the LCMS stance on the Institute for Creation Research?

[@hayleysimons6807]

Is there a separate distinction in regards to the will of God when men are called to be Pastors?

[@rb5]

Hayley Simons I don't think there is a distinction in God's Will, but the vocation of Pastor (or missionary) is distinct from others, as it's tied to Mt 28. We're all called to spread the Gospel, but the Apostles and now the Pastors and missionaries, are to be ordained accordingly So it's more a question of the calling men receive, if it's specifically for the Ministry

[@ChristianTravelers]

9:00 minutes. James 1:5. Ask God for Wisdom. Easier said than done. Two months ago, Ray, a WELS lay minister, received 2 Divine Calls (he was coming off inactive status). Very hard. Prayed our faces off (unceasingly) as to which. Perhaps God got tired of the lack of our wisdom or indecisiveness, and one call was taken off the table by circumstances that seemed like a "sign". How do you decide on a call?

[@steverentfrow2415]

St. Paul tried to go to Asia, but was forbidden by the Holy Spirit. Take the call that most appeals to you. If the Holy Spirit forbids you or you have a vision... then factor that in.

[@ChristianTravelers]

@@steverentfrow2415 Thank You for your words. Excellent thoughts about Paul and the Holy Spirit interaction on his Asia Minor "call". I'm not thinking that I'm getting a vision so I'd better be more reliant on the Holy Spirit!

[@steverentfrow2415]

@@ChristianTravelers , Of course it was said tongue-in-cheek. The Holy Spirit can make it clear by whatever means He wills where you ought not go. And of course you could have a vision, but I would not encourage asking for one. But I would encourage you, as a believer, that your steps are ordered of the Lord. A grape vine need not struggle to bear a grape. The Lord has ordained you to bare fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Elijah left the brook Cherith to go to Zarephath where The Lord has commanded a widow woman to take care of Elijah. The widow woman did not seem to know that she was thus commanded, but we, the readers, see looking in from the outside that she provided as she was so commanded. The Lord has commanded your steps. Even Jonah trying to disobey the Lord going the opposite direction was going where the Lord wanted him to go. He was used of the Lord in every step of the way; and Jonah, in repentance, can do no other than to obey that command. If you walk in repentance you can't stray. It doesn't mean all will go well. Paul preached and the people were ready to sacrifice to him, but the judaizers came in and turned the people to Stone him, leaving him for dead. What a waste of time, would be my thought. But it was the Lord's will. When is The Lord's will not done? Can you pray thy will be done..., and it not be done as He wills? Joseph said to his brothers, "You did it for evil; but God did it for good, to save many people alive. Did PW dare to say that? Those evil things you did, they were a God thing! He upholds all things by the word of his power. It's all a God thing.

[@rb5]

Steve Rentfrow yes! Hallelu Jah!!! And that is the punch line, as it were, in this whole discussion God works through all things for the good of His people, who are called according to His purpose. And again glad you included Joseph here, as it is one of the clearest and best examples for us of trusting in God for all good things I agree thinking "what a waste of time" in my own life and my own considerations, but who am I to question the mind of God? I asked forgiveness for this and more as I hopefully will trust in all times that He will work it for good and not just mine, but good for all humanity in all times And that I could follow His precepts better than ever before so as to help God rule my life until the last trumpet Thank you also for your words

[@josephgoodroad5928]

You mentioned God's sovereignty, and I thought that was more of a reformed idea (with God causing people to sin etc). What is the Lutheran understanding of God's sovereignty?

[@-_--_-7460]

Perhaps Pr. Wolfmeuller will answer more thoroughly, but the Lutheran understanding is that (in the realm of justification) God chooses us and after this brings us to good works (the New Obedience), but we are able to resist both of these things. So our salvation is 100% God's work, but condemnation is 100% on us. It's somewhat of a paradox. So we reject Calvin's double predestination in favor of single predestination (IE the elect are predestined, but the reprobate have condemned themselves). Again, this is a paradox, yet we believe it to be accurate to the scriptures. Hope that helps!

[@lrm52283]

@@-_--_-7460 regardless of whether I agree or not, this is the best I've ever heard this viewpoint stated.... Thank you!

[@josephgoodroad5928]

@@-_--_-7460 I appreciate the answer on the Crux Theologorum, but I was more thinking about how he said "everything is a God thing" i.e. the idea that everything that happens is ordained/done by God. I have always been curious about this and I never hear anyone talk about it. We often hear about how everything works to God's plan, but we also confess that God tempts no one (SC Lord's Prayer 6), even though "everything" would include sin.

[@rb5]

Joseph Goodroad yes and so God can work through all things. Not that He would work evil for us, but if people do evil things to us (since they're definitely free to do evil) then somehow God can make something good come from their sin So I do also believe that even if bad things happen to me, from other people, God is allowing their decisions to work evil, but He'll help me through it and ensure it works out best for me in the end. Because I cling to Him and Him alone Not sure if this helps but hopefully it gives some clarity or illumination

[@margaretrucker3075]

Can you help me understand Revelation 13?

[@ChristianTravelers]

12:10 minutes. We get Keith on his statement "it's a God thing". Mark 10:17-18/Luke 18:18-19. Good Teacher. Why do you call Me Good? Only God is Good. // As ONLY God = good, then can someone apart from God do good except by one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which is "goodness"? Galatians 5:22. We get Keith on the "it's a God (good) thing". But, Pastor, drifting back onto your part of the island, the problem is what is a good thing in our daily life? Something may SEEM to be good (from a pietistic viewpoint), but is it? Perhaps, but we can't ACTUALLY KNOW what is good apart from the WORD. So, your thought turns to God's Sovereignty as to what is a God thing, which is helpful, because Cocoa Puffs can then be a God thing, as they are not really a good thing!

[@rb5]

But even though others are working evil for me now (I won't go into it), God will still triumph He will bring to shame all the schemes of the plotters, and maintains His absolute saving Grace for the entirety of humanity, as He wishes all to come be with Him in heaven And so remember that God's Will is going to continue, especially for us where we are, so cling to His promises and pray for guidance but also pray for strength to endure the Cross we've been given. And He who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion in the day of our LORD Jesus Christ! What a wonderful thing to remember Godspeed in your struggles

[@villarrealmarta6103]

1Thessalonians 4:11

[@caelachyt]

Christ said what God's will is. John 6:40 "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

[@uncledaveyfromthenavy5452]

I think our choices determine how we end up where we are in life. Thinking that God is the pilot is comforting but in reality it's not true. It's sad but liberating to find out we don't need to pray for a wife, a career, good health and everything but matters of faith.

[@christinepalola5148]

Everything is a God thing? Even pure evil? Hmmm ... I think oversimplifying can be dangerous. Also would appreciate exact scriptural references to back up what you are stating.

[@steverentfrow2415]

"God's will for your life is that you keep the 10 commandments." And yet you confess you always break the law in thought, word, and deed. Are you sure that the 10 commandments are not rather God's will against you? Are you sure that's not God's will to shut our mouths, stop our boastings, our self-justifications, our self-righteousness? Can you explain, please? Thanks!

[@CrossingFist]

Fisky sort of thing 🤣🤣🤣

[@terryouimet5895]

It seems that you have a presupposition that the Christian church of non-Lutherans are looking for a “secret revelation from God” as to His will for our lives. You, Bryan, assume that we non-Lutherans disagree with you. But we don’t! simply asking for wisdom from God for our futures like you say: from God’s word, Christian friends etc. we aren’t asking for a lightening bolt from heaven as you assume of us silly non-Lutherans. We are simply asking for His wisdom for next steps. Maybe your message would be better received from non-Lutherans if you didn’t make such gross assumptions.