What Will You Have Me Do?
by Ernest Angley
November 2019
“Lord, what will you have me do today?” is a very important question to ask yourself every morning. Then you must add, “I am willing to do whatever you want.” But it does no good to ask that question if you aren’t going to follow through with God’s answer. If every person on Earth would ask the Lord what He wanted them to do each day and be willing to follow through, every person who needed to hear the Gospel would hear it; and every honest-hearted, lost soul would be saved. Every person who needed the Holy Ghost would be filled, and then the Lord would come.
While it is true that the Lord will come, not everyone is ready or willing for that to happen; so children of God have much work to do. Jesus said, And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14).
The problem today is that many people do not know the Lord because the Gospel has not been preached to them. How can they believe if they don’t know what to believe in? The Bible says, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Romans 10:14,15)!
How can people seek to receive the Holy Ghost when they have never heard about Him? This was a concern in Paul’s day, too. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost (Acts 19:1,2).
Paul went on to tell them about the baptism, and when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:6).
The willingness to do God’s will has to start with those who know the Lord. If we are obedient, we won’t miss the souls who are reaching out for the fullness of God. We may not know how God is going to work or use us that day, but He will make things unfold the way He wants them to; and we must be willing to do whatever He wants.
Follow God’s Directions
A Gentile named Cornelius wanted to do God’s will, and so did Peter, a Jew; and the Lord was able to use both their lives to bring the fullness of the Gospel to Cornelius and his house. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter (Acts 10:1-5).
Cornelius did as the Lord had told him to; and while the men were on their way, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance (Acts 10:9,10). The Lord went on to show Peter a vison of animals that were considered to be unclean according to Jewish law, and He told him to eat; but Peter was reluctant because he had never eaten anything that was considered unclean. But the Lord said, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common (Acts 10:15).
While Peter was trying to figure out what the vision meant, Cornelius’ men were at his gate; and since Peter was willing to do what God wanted him to, the Lord gave him instructions. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit [the Holy Ghost] said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them (Acts 10:19,20).
It was not the usual practice for Jews to keep company with the Gentiles, but Peter obeyed God and went on to the house of Cornelius anyway. Then as he started to share the Gospel with Cornelius and his household, the Holy Ghost fell on them. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days (Acts 10:44-48).
That whole incident was something new and different for both Peter and Cornelius, but God made it miraculous. That is why it is so important to ask the Lord every day, “What would you have me do today?”
God Holds Tomorrow
The Lord knows things you may know nothing about, and He sees things you cannot see; so you can’t get up in the morning and plan your own day. You have to ask the Lord what He wants you to do and then be willing to do it His way. It may be something you were not expecting or aren’t used to doing, but God knows what you should do and how to make it work.
We can all get in the habit of doing things a certain way, and it is hard to change—that is human nature. That is why you must earnestly seek the Lord’s plan for your days. He knows what is best for you and what it will take for you to do the most good, and you must be willing to take His plan.
You can only guess about your tomorrows, but God knows what each one holds. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that (James 4:14,15).
Our lives are just like a puff of smoke that lasts only for a little while and then fades away. That is why you must let God direct you and trust His direction. He is God of all. For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me…My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure (Isaiah 46:9,10).
The time children of God have left on Earth is so limited, and the devil is going to fight you in every way He can to keep you from saying and doing what God wants; but you must resist him. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
God needs you. He is always looking for a willing heart and two more hands to use, and you must make every day count. Your heart must beat in rhythm with God’s heart at all times.
Let God’s Will Be Done
The Bible says you cannot properly direct your own steps, so you must ask the Lord to direct them. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23). You cannot please God on your own either; you have to be directed by the Holy Ghost. Jesus directed the disciples when He was here; but after He left, He sent the Holy Ghost to lead them. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13).
The Lord wants to enlarge your steps. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip (Psalm 18:36). When your plans seem to be failing, and God is moving in a way that is different from what you are used to, remember that God’s ways are not our ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). God will work all things out for your good, but you have to allow Him to do that.
God is searching the Earth for those He can work through His way and for those who will bring glory to Him. He needs those who will say to the Father as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but thine be done.”
Jesus was going through so much agony in the garden that night, yet He bowed to God’s will. And he [Jesus] went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt (Matthew 26:39).
If you want glory for yourself, just keep doing things your own way; but if you want God to get the glory, you must be willing to do things His way. Jesus is our example in everything; and He said, He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal (John 12:25).
Jesus knew He would have to give His life for the redemption of mankind, yet He was willing; and He wanted His Father to be glorified. He said for all those around Him to hear, Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again (John 12:28). Are you willing to give all so that God’s name can be glorified?
God Must Be in Control
God wants to use you for His purpose. He wants to change the direction of your life so He can get more glory out of it. He wants you to surrender everything to Him so He can bless you and bless others through you.
The devil can’t do anything with you when you want God’s will completely. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). But as long as you want your will in anything, God is limited. He doesn’t have freedom to bless you or use you, and you will be the loser. The Lord can only work in a life that says yes to Him. Then He will perform His work in you until Jesus comes. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ [Rapture Day] (Philippians 1:6).
When you walk this journey with the Lord, He will deal with you about certain matters along the way. Perhaps the Holy Ghost is urging you to go deeper and give up something that is holding you back, or He may be drawing you to use your talents in a greater way for the Lord. Will you say, “I don’t think I can,” or “I don’t think I am willing to make that sacrifice”? As long as you hold back anything from the Lord, He can’t do His perfect work in you.
Not wanting to do what God wants comes from trusting in self, fearing failure or depending on your own human strength; but once you completely deny yourself, it gives Him liberty to work for you and through you. You must say, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).
When you answer God’s call, He will anoint you to do what He has called you to do. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24). God will not promise to go with you and then leave you. For he [God] hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). God will even tell you what to say when you need Him to. Jesus said, Take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you (Matthew 10:19,20).
God wants to be everything to you. As God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (II Corinthians 6:16). Are you willing to let God live in you and direct you? You may answer, “Yes, I want Him to”; but wanting isn’t enough. The weaknesses and fears of the flesh can hide behind your words. You have to step out in divine faith and say, “I will let Him live in me, and I will do what He wants.” Until you say, “I will,” God can’t do His perfect work in you. The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).
Surrender Your Heart
If you truly want to go God’s way, have His promises fulfilled in your life and receive all He has for you, you must first give your life to Him. Jesus died for you, and He wants to save you right now; and He will if you will yield and pray this prayer: Oh, God, save my soul! I know that Jesus died for me, and I know there is power in His shed blood to wash away all my sins. I am so sorry, Lord, that I sinned against you. Come into my heart, Jesus; come on in! I want to be just like you.
Receive a Miracle
If you really accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are now ready to be made whole. When Jesus was here, He said, Wilt thou be made whole (John 5:6)? Lord, I bring the people to you. Through your Word and obedience to your truth, I bring them before you. Heal them today of AIDS, cancer, diabetes, heart trouble, lung trouble, paralysis and leprosy. You will heal them of all sicknesses and diseases in their bodies. Make the little, deformed babies whole. We know you can do anything because you are Lord God Almighty; and you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Heal! in the blood name of Jesus! Heal! in the all-powerful, blood name!
God’s healing power is now flowing to you. Feel His holy presence conquering the death that was working in your body or in the body of your loved one. Believe with no doubt that the miracle is yours. Then you must serve the Lord. He doesn’t heal people so they can go out and serve the devil; He heals them so they will honor and glorify Him. Jesus came to take away sin and sickness, so let His blood power move for you.
This is the time to stand in the place God has prepared for you and give Him complete liberty so He can perform the miraculous in this final hour. The story of Gideon and his 300 men is a great example of this.
God made Gideon the head of His army and told him to prepare for battle, so Gideon gathered 32,000 men. Then God told Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me (Judges 7:2).
God wanted the glory out of the victory to come, so He put the 32,000 men to a test. He told Gideon to tell those men, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand (Judges 7:3).
God declared that there were still too many men for Him to bring victory, so the test continued. So he [Gideon] brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Everyone that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water (Judges 7:5,6).
The 300 men who took up water with their hands to drink were selfless, alert and watching for the enemy. Those who put their faces to the water were only considering their own thirst and giving no thought to the enemy in the land. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place (Judges 7:7).
Standing Brings Victory
Jesus declared, Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). Only the chosen are ready and willing to stand in the place God has prepared for them, and Gideon’s 300 were ready. That enabled God to go into action immediately on their behalf. And they [Gideon’s 300] stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host [of the Midianites] ran, and cried, and fled (Judges 7:21). God caused there to be great confusion, fear and strife in the midst of the enemy’s camp; and they all rose up and fled for their lives. Gideon and his 300 simply looked on without having to raise a hand against them in battle.
God cannot use just anybody to perform His miraculous works; He has to test and try His people to sift the worthless chaff from the precious wheat just as He did with Gideon’s 300. But even after God had set aside the men He needed to bring victory, He did not go into action until every one of the 300 stood in their place.
Moses Was Made Ready
Moses stood in his place before God at the burning bush. The angel of the LORD appeared unto him [Moses] in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I (Exodus 3:2,4).
It took God many years to prepare Moses to be used to bring the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage; but finally, Moses was ready, and he stood in his place before God with a rod in his hand. Then the Lord anointed and ordained him to go forth into Egypt to stand against the ruler of the most powerful nation on Earth. In the name of the Lord, he lifted his rod again and again; and the judgments of God rained down until Egypt was brought to its knees. In just a matter of weeks, the nation of Israel was free from 400 years of bondage.
Elisha Would Not Be Moved
Elisha stood in his place at his master Elijah’s side because he wanted to receive his mantle and a double portion of God’s power that would come with it. Because of his dedication and determination, Elisha saw Elijah go up to Heaven alive in a chariot of fire. Then he saw Elijah’s mantle that he had requested floating down to the Earth. And it came to pass, as they [Elijah and Elisha] still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven₀and he [Elisha] saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him (II Kings 2:11-13). Because Elisha had remained in his place, his petition was granted.
Elisha was able to make such a request because, like Elijah, he had been tried and tested and proven worthy. For many days, Elisha followed hard after Elijah when others would not. The sons of the prophets were full of doubt and unbelief; and they tried to discourage Elisha saying, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head today? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace (II Kings 2:5). Elisha paid them no mind and was undeterred.
At times, even Elijah had tried to persuade Elisha, his servant, to leave his side; but Elisha would not. And Elijah said unto him [Elisha], Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on (II Kings 2:6). When the testing was over, both Elijah and Elisha stood on Rapture ground.
Many people today are full of doubt and unbelief, and they seek to discourage others from following the Holy Spirit to Rapture ground. Others are lazy, selfish and negligent concerning God and His power; and they are unwilling to find their place in the Lord and stay in step with the person of the Holy Spirit. They will never make it to Rapture ground.
Esther Risked Her Life
Queen Esther stood in her place and became the savior of her people. As a young virgin, she was chosen by the king to be the queen of Persia; however, she kept her Jewish heritage a secret. Later, an evil but influential member of the king’s court named Haman deceived the king into making a law that would have the Jews throughout the Persian kingdom put to death.
When Queen Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, heard about the law, he revealed to her the will of God concerning the matter—that she must go before the king to intercede for her people. Queen Esther was reluctant to do that because she knew that for her to go into the throne room before the king without receiving an invitation would mean death₀unless the king held out his golden scepter and gave her favor.
At that time, Esther had not been summoned by the king in 30 days; but Mordecai would not let Esther use that as an excuse. He told her, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this (Esther 4:13,14)?
Esther stood in her place and fasted for three days and nights. Then she put her life on the line and went in before the king, and she did obtain great favor with him. Then she uncovered Haman’s deceit and interceded for her people.
Jesus Taught His Disciples to Stand
After Jesus had died on the Cross and was resurrected, He appeared unto His followers again and again. In fact, Paul told of a time when He appeared to 500 people at once. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once (I Corinthians 15:3-6).
Jesus spent many days teaching and preparing His followers to start His Church. Then just before He ascended into Heaven, He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:4,5).
So many saw Jesus after His resurrection, heard Him give that commandment and watched Him ascend into Heaven; but only about 120 of them obeyed and were in their place in one mind and one accord on the Day of Pentecost. Then suddenly, the Early Rain of the Spirit began to pour down; and the dispensation of the Holy Ghost began. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).
How Do You Stand?
There are many ways to stand in your place before God, and some of the most important ones will be discussed here. As you continue to study this subject in the light of the Word, the Holy Spirit will teach you more about it.
Number 1: Stand in your place each day wearing the whole armor of God. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13). The various parts of the armor God has provided for His children are listed in Ephesians 6:14-17.
Number 2: Stand in your place without any fear or doubt. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).
Number 3: Stand in your place wearing spiritual garments that are uncontaminated by sin and the world. That he [Jesus] might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27).
Number 4: Stand in your place in one mind and one accord with the Holy Spirit. Then the person of the Holy Spirit will have the liberty to guide and direct you into your place in the body of Christ.
Number 5: Stand in your place in one mind and one accord with your brothers and sisters in Christ. When every member of the body of Christ is in place, they can function in harmony to do the whole will of God and bring in the end-time harvest. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him (I Corinthians 12:13,18).
Number 6: Stand in your place as a living sacrifice unto God, ready to do His whole will. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
Stand God’s Way
Number 7: Stand in your place before God being ready to use your talents for His honor and glory. You might think you have nothing to offer God, but you do. When God called Moses at the burning bush to go forth and deliver Israel, Moses felt he had nothing to offer; but God set him straight when He asked Moses, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod (Exodus 4:2). Moses believed it was just an ordinary staff; but God changed his thinking when He told him, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent (Exodus 4:3). God proved that He does not need much to perform the miraculous; He just needs a person who will stand in their place before Him.
What is in your hand today? It may not look like much to you or others; but if you give it to God, He will use it for His honor and glory. Give Him your talents, and He will increase them. Give Him your limited abilities, and He will multiply them. Give Him your will, and He will do miraculous things.
Number 8: Stand in your place before God with a heart of humility and a sober mind. God cannot work with ego or a frivolous mind. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12). Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:13).
Number 9: Stand in your place using the six spiritual senses. In this Jesus ministry, we are taught that there are five physical senses and six spiritual senses; and the sixth sense is faith. The Bible says, But without faith it is impossible to please him [God] (Hebrews 11:6). The Bible also says, The just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38). You must not be satisfied just using the spiritual senses; you must seek to live in them every day.
Number 10: Stand in your place before God in studying the scriptures, so you will be skillful in using the Word. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
Number 11: Stand in your place by tarrying in your prayer closet, so the Lord can reward you openly. Jesus said, But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:6).
Number 12: Stand in your place before God in Bible fasting. Jesus declared, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). This miraculous, delivering kind of power only comes forth through a human vessel who seeks the Lord in prayer and fasting.
Let Nothing Move You
It is not enough to be called of God and chosen by Him, and it is not enough to endure life’s tests and trials. You must stand in the place God has ordained for you, so He can work the miraculous in this final hour. Take heed when Jesus warned, Remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32). He said that because she was an example of what can happen when you don’t stand in your place.
The Bible tells us that God was about to rain down judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, and He sent two angels to lead Lot and his family out. As they were all on their way out, the angels commanded, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. But his [Lot’s] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17,26).
There is so much at stake in this final hour, and God must never look down and find you out of your place and out of His divine will. If He does, His hands will be tied in your life. He will not be able to use you and make you a blessing to His Kingdom, and you will become like worthless salt in God’s eyes.
The members of the Bride of Christ are being tried and tested in this final hour, so they will be ready to stand in their place before God at all times. No man, devil, selfish desire or trying circumstance will cause the Bride to step out of the place she has found in Him; and she will be a holy terror to Satan’s kingdom. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners (Song of Solomon 6:10)?
When all the members of the bridal company are in place, God will fight their battles against the enemy and do miraculous things. Suddenly, the impossible will become possible, and the unbelievable will happen before our eyes. Suddenly, our enemies will be defeated without us even lifting a finger, and the great harvest will be brought in. Christ’s unfinished work will finally be finished, and then He will take His Bride home to Heaven to live with Him for eternity.
November 2019 Vol. 64, No.11 The Power of the Holy Ghost (USPS 516-050) is published monthly by Grace Cathedral®, 2690 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223. Periodicals postage paid at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Power of the Holy Ghost, P.O. Box 1790, Akron, Ohio, 44309-1790.
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