Are you willful? In what way? When and how?

To reach a destination, one must willfully choose a particular direction. Using God’s GPS however, we let the Divine decide the direction and the destination, but we have to willfully decide to listen for and follow God's directions. Most of us may wish that prayer were as straight forward as Google Maps - God just telling us when to go right, left, u-turn or merge. But we know that’s seldom the case, and, if we are honest, we might admit that sometimes we wonder if God is even speaking at all. God speaks through scripture, others, and even silence, though.

Personally, I love how Kristine Miller puts it, "Prayerful willingness does not require perfection or total and complete belief. Doubt does not disqualify you from prayerful willingness. You can begin like the father in Mark 9:23 with a simple prayer, 'Lord, I want to believe. In the midst of my doubts, help me to believe you care, you listen and you speak…even to me.'"

Building off this prayer, in this sermon we will explore how we willfully listen for and slowly discern God’s guidance for each aspect of our lives. So read the Scriptures and ponder Paul's vivid description of a vital prayer life (Colossians 4:2-6, 12) as well as Abraham's willful following of God’s voice (Genesis 12:1-4). Then come to this sermon ready to open our ears to hear God speaking "even to us" about not only our own lives but the paths of generosity and service we can travel with and for others.

Also, to prepare, take just 5 minutes to sit in silent prayer just listening. When your mind drifts, willfully come back to focus on the heart of God.

"Gratitude" and "Joy" - these are two words often tossed about when describing ways to happiness and peace. But I also find them to be used without much substance.

How does God define them? And are they guides to true life and peace? Come to this sermon (a part of our sermon series God's GPS) to consider these questions with these Scriptures (Luke 17:11-19 and Colossians 2:1-7) as guidance.