(Pastor Larry used an outline. The bolded, underlined words are the ones filled in during the message.)

"Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NLT)

Introduction:

Most people are directionally challenged. We don't like having directions. We don't like following directions. Naturally, these tendencies are not an issue, but spiritually they are disasterous.

God knows what's best.

• Right attitude
• Right person
• Right heart
• Right actions
• Right words

I. Listen to the right things.

A. The power of words - Historically, we know it is true that words are powerful.

1. Lincoln at Gettysburg: Ultimate sacrifice.

2. Churchill during WWII: Fight on the beaches.

3. Ronald Reagan: Tear down this wall.

All of these were words, which mobilized millions.

B. As powerful as they are, they do not match God's word.

1. Lasting.

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." (Matthew 24:35) NLT

2. Life giving.

"The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoiken to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63) NLT

3. Laser focused.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful, it is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." (Hebrews 4:12) NLT

II. God's word is important.

A. It transforms us.

"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my tachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32) NLT

B. It keeps us.

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat agianst that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." (Matthew 7:24-27) NLT

C. It profits us.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" 2 Timothy 3:16) NLT

III. Our response.

A. Listen to it seriously.

"Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise." (Proverbs 1:23) NLT

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body." (Paroberbs 4:20-22) NLT

B. Value what you hear.

"Then he added. "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more." (Mark 4:24) NLT

C. Do what you know.

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." (James 1:22) NLT

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (James 4:17) NLT

Outline from Pastor Bjorklund's January 31, 2010 message