**Holy Noes and Holy Goes: Trusting God's Guidance in Our Lives**

On September 14, 2025, Pastor TJ Joyner delivered a  sermon at Walnut Springs Baptist Church, encouraging us to seek God’s direction in our lives. Using the title "Holy Noes and Holy Goes," he emphasized the importance of listening to God’s guidance, even when it leads us down unexpected paths.

Pastor Joyner began by referencing Acts chapter 16, where Paul and Silas are led by the Holy Spirit. He pointed out that the term "noes" symbolizes the negative responses to our desires or plans, while "go" represents the divine call to action. The key takeaway was that we must remain obedient to God, whether He says no or go.

Reflecting on the journey of Paul and Barnabas, Pastor Joyner highlighted their passion for sharing the gospel with Gentiles. They faced challenges in determining how to guide new believers without the burden of Jewish customs. Yet, their commitment to following God's wisdom allowed them to navigate these challenges effectively.

One pivotal moment in the sermon was when Pastor Joyner discussed how Paul and Silas were initially forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia. This raises the question: Why would God restrict their mission? The answer lies in the belief that God has a perfect timing and plan for each of us. When the time was right, Paul received a vision calling him to Macedonia, illustrating how God opens doors when we remain faithful.

As believers, we are encouraged to cultivate a heart of worship and obedience. Pastor Joyner emphasized that our priority should be to honor and glorify God, leading others to do the same. This requires both passion and the right personnel. He reminded us that when God says no, we must obey, as ignoring His guidance leads to unnecessary consequences.

The sermon also touched on the transformative power of the gospel. Pastor Joyner shared the story of Lydia, whose heart was opened to the message Paul preached, resulting in her and her household's baptism. This illustrates that when we heed God's call, lives can be changed, and many can come to know Christ.

However, following God doesn't always lead to comfort and ease. Pastor Joyner recounted how Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their faith despite their obedience. This serves as a reminder that the Christian journey may include suffering, yet we can trust in God’s goodness even in difficult times.

In closing, Pastor Joyner urged the congregation to trust God’s wisdom and timing. He encouraged us to reflect on our willingness to obey when God tells us no and to step out in faith when He calls us to go. Ultimately, he reminded us that God desires to lead us to life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

As we continue our journey of faith, let us strive to be faithful worshipers, ready to respond to God's guidance with open hearts and obedience. May we embrace both the holy noes and holy geos in our lives, trusting that God knows what is best for us.

(Blog post created with an AI assistant using transcript from Pastor Joyner's sermon)