Living by God's Will

 

“Come now, you who say, “today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit, ¹⁴yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:13-14)

How many of us have repeated this saying: "If God wills, or If the Lord wills..."? Many times, when we say this saying, we don't think about the profound and true meaning of these words. Why? Because in reality, our entire life—every day, every hour, every minute of it—depends on God's will.

These three simple words carry within them a universe of meaning that we often overlook in our hurried daily existence. When we calmly say, "If God wills," we're acknowledging, perhaps without realizing it, one of the most fundamental truths of human existence: we are not the ultimate authors of our own story. Yet how often do we live as if we were?

James asks a critical question for us to reflect on: What is our life? Have you thought about the answer to that question? It's a question that stops us in our tracks, forcing us to confront the reality of our existence beyond the noise of our daily routines, our plans, and our carefully built schedules.

The answer James gives us is also significant: “We are like a mist that appears and disappears in a short time”. In other words, our lives are temporary. This metaphor is both humbling and beautiful. Think of morning mist rising from a lake or a mountain, present one moment and gone the next. There's something almost poetic about this comparison, yet it carries a sobering truth. Our lives, no matter how significant they may seem to us, are but a brief moment in the grand tapestry of eternity.

Nothing and no one guarantees that you will live another day. This isn't meant to instill fear, but rather to awaken us to the preciousness of each moment we're given. Every sunrise is a gift, every breath an act of divine grace. It is only by God's will that we live, that our hearts continue to beat, that our lungs continue to draw air.

We often live lives out of control, outside of God's will. How easy it is to fall into this pattern! We wake up each morning assuming the day belongs to us, making plans as if we were guaranteed tomorrow, pursuing goals as if our strength and wisdom alone would secure them. We schedule our lives down to the minute, fill our calendars with appointments and commitments, and rarely pause to ask, "Lord, what would You have me do today?"

We often want to use this saying to justify our behavior or the decisions we make, as if God's will be for us not to obey Him. This is perhaps one of our greatest spiritual deceptions—using God's sovereignty as an excuse for our disobedience or laziness. We might say, "Well, if God wills it, it will happen," while neglecting the very responsibilities and callings He has placed before us.

James commends us to think differently. Instead of seeing the Christian life as just another commitment in life, we must understand that everything we do, we do to serve the Lord. My plans are His plans. This shift in perspective changes everything. Suddenly, our work becomes worship, our relationships become ministry opportunities, and our challenges become chances to demonstrate faith.

The story goes that the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach, upon finishing each of his compositions, would write the letters SDG. These letters stand for Soli Deo Gloria, to God Alone be the Glory. This was Bach's way of reminding himself that his music wasn't a way to do a job, it was a way to honor God. Bach understood that his extraordinary talent was not his own achievement, but a gift from the Creator to be used for the Creator's glory.

Imagine if we approached every task, every conversation, every decision with Bach's mindset. What if we ended our workdays, our parenting moments, our acts of service with the same dedication: "To God alone be the glory"? How different would our lives look if we truly believed that our abilities, our opportunities, and our very existence are gifts to be stewarded for His purposes?

We must learn to depend on God's self-sufficiency and understand that His will for our lives is to give us His best. This doesn't mean life will be easy or that all our desires will be fulfilled according to our timeline. Rather, it means trusting that the One who created us knows what we truly need for abundant life, both now and in eternity.

We, too, must honor God by giving Him our best. Not our leftovers, not our second efforts, not what remains after we've served our interests first. Our best energy, our finest gifts, our deepest devotion belong to Him who gave us life itself.

May God bless you and keep you, and may these words renew your spirit as you surrender each moment to His perfect will.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

“Come, Follow Me" – The Call to Be Fishers of Men

 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once, they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18-20)

The scene is simple, yet powerful. Jesus, walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sees two ordinary men at work—Simon and Andrew, casting their nets, engaged in their daily task as fishermen. But in an instant, everything changes. With just one sentence, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, Jesus radically redefines their purpose.

This invitation was not just for Peter and Andrew. It is extended to each of us today. Jesus calls you and me to follow Him, to walk in His steps, and to become fishers of men, people who, by God’s grace, lead others into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be a Fisher of Men?

To be a fisher of men is to be someone who reaches out to others with the good news of Jesus. It is a call to live on mission, not merely attending church or reading the Bible for personal benefit, but allowing Christ to use us to draw others into His kingdom. When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t offer them comfort, clarity, or control. He gave them a mission. He promised transformation; “I will make you…”—and purpose.

Notice the sequence:

·       Come”– an invitation to a relationship.

·       Follow Me” – a call to trust and obedience.

·       “I will make you” – a promise of transformation.

·       “Fishers of men” – a purpose beyond themselves.

Jesus does not merely call us to follow without direction. He shapes us into who we are meant to be as we walk with Him.

Responding to the Call

1.     Accept His Invitation:

“Follow me” requires a step of faith. For Peter and Andrew, it meant leaving behind their nets—their livelihood, their security, and everything familiar. Following Jesus will cost something. It may mean letting go of comfort, status, or even certain relationships. But the reward is greater than anything we leave behind.

 Be Willing to Be Transformed:

“I will make you” speaks to a process. We are not instantly perfected. Jesus takes our raw potential and begins shaping us through the Holy Spirit, the Word, and our experiences. Discipleship is not passive; it requires surrender, growth, and continual learning. We must be teachable and open to change.

3.     Embrace the Mission:

To fish for men is to engage in the redemptive work of Christ. It’s not just about “catching” people and moving on—it’s about walking alongside them, discipling them, and helping them grow in Christ. Evangelism is only the beginning. True discipleship involves community, accountability, and spiritual investment.

 A Lifelong Commitment

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision; It’s a daily journey—a commitment to grow through worship, devotion, fellowship, and service. The call to discipleship is lifelong. It challenges our priorities and reorients our purpose. We grow as we read God’s Word, pray, gather with other believers, and obey His leading.

So, how will you respond? Jesus still walked by the shores of ordinary lives and extended the same invitation: “Come, follow me.” Will you follow Him? Will you allow Him to shape your heart, your purpose, and your path? Will you let Him make you a fisher of men?

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He renew your passion for Him and give you courage to step out in faith. The choice is yours. Will you follow?

Dr. Dimas Castillo

 

Pleasing God or Pleasing Man

 

Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Or do I try to please men? For if I still please men, would I not be a servant of Christ?” Galatians 1:10

What is most important in your life? To please God or to please men? In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul poses a profound question: "Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Or do I try to please men? For if I still pleased men, would I not be a servant of Christ?" This verse challenges all of us to examine our motivations and priorities in life, particularly in our spiritual journey. It invites a deeper reflection on whom we aim to please in our daily actions and decisions—humans or the divine.

At its core, this verse emphasizes the conflict between seeking human approval and dedicating oneself to God's will. Paul, who once sought the approval of men as a zealous Pharisee, experienced a dramatic transformation upon encountering Christ on the road to Damascus. This transformation shifted his focus from human accolades to divine purpose. Paul highlights that true servitude to Christ requires forsaking the pursuit of human validation. It is a call to prioritize God's approval over social acceptance.

The pursuit of human approval is a common struggle. Society often imposes expectations and standards that can lead individuals to compromise their values and beliefs to fit in or be liked. This is evident in various aspects of life, from social media influence to workplace dynamics. The desire for acceptance can drive people to conform to behaviors and attitudes that may not align with their true selves or spiritual convictions.

Paul's question serves as a reminder that the favor of God should be the ultimate goal for believers. Pleasing God involves living following His teachings and commandments, even when it means standing in opposition to popular opinion or facing criticism. It requires courage, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to faith. The Apostle Paul himself endured persecution and hardship for his unwavering dedication to Christ, yet he found comfort and purpose in serving God rather than seeking human approval.

Furthermore, this verse encourages reflection and self-assessment. It prompts all of us as believers to evaluate our actions and intentions. Are they driven by a genuine desire to honor God, or are they motivated by the need to gain recognition and acceptance from others? This self-examination is vital for spiritual growth and authenticity. It allows us to align our lives more closely with our faith and values, fostering a deeper connection with God.

The challenge to prioritize God's approval over human applause is as pertinent today as it was in the first century. Believers are called to be counter-cultural, to rise above the noise of societal pressures, and to anchor their identities in their relationship with God. Galatians 1:10 serves as a powerful reminder that being a servant of Christ means seeking to please God above all else. It is an invitation to live a life marked by integrity, faithfulness, and a deep commitment to divine principles.

Do you ever feel like you struggle to change? I wanted you to remember that the same God that transformed the life of Paul, is the same God that can transform yours. He wants to help you. He wants you to surrender to Him those areas of your life where you are struggling to change. How do you do that? By submitting everything to Him in prayer. He is waiting for you.

May God bless you and keep you and may God help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas