The Sound Mind Principle, Part 2

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed . . . (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT).
Dear Friends,
My previous message described "the sound mind principle" of Scripture for finding God's will for your life and I briefly explained how to make it work.
But I must include this a note of caution: The sound mind principle is not valid unless certain factors exist.
First, there must be no unconfessed sin in your life. Be sure you have applied I John 1:9, " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (NIV).
Second, your life must be fully dedicated to Christ according to Romans 12:1-2, and you must be filled with the Holy Spirit in obedience to the command of Ephesians 5:18. As in the case of our salvation, we are filled and controlled by the Spirit through faith, as we claim the promise of I John 5:14-15, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him" (NIV).
Remember, just as the turning of the steering wheel of an automobile does not alter its direction unless it is moving, so God cannot direct our lives unless we are moving for Him. I challenge you to begin employing the sound mind principle today. Apply it to the investment of your time, your talents and your treasure. This principle applies to everything you do in this life.
When you have applied this principle, confirmation of a decision may come in various ways. Usually, the confirmation is a quiet, peaceful assurance that you are doing what God wants you to do, with an expectancy that God will use you to bear fruit.
There is an urgent need for millions of dedicated, Spirit-controlled men and women to give most of their time, talent and treasure to helping reach our nation and the world for Christ -- now. Apart from such total commitment on the part of millions of Christians immediately, especially within the next few years, the opportunity to worship and serve our Lord may be lost to this generation and to many generations to come. Let us be about "redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16, NIV).
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright