Point of View:
So, I’m sure that you have probably planned out a fun event or weekend before, right? Maybe it was a vacation, seeing a movie with some friends, going to the beach, or even something big like what college to go to. All these things take planning. When we start making plans, we normally start checking with people to make sure it's okay and check what their availability is, right? However, we often forget one big person important to our plans though; God! We ignorantly make plans, thinking that we are guaranteed tomorrow! What’s up with that? I think James was asking himself the same question when he was writing verses 13-17 in chapter 4. James says; “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” James makes a good point here; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow! We should be making our plans this way: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” We aren’t guaranteed our next step, breath, or thought. We are graciously given all these things by our Father in Heaven, God. Don’t take for granted God’s gracious gift of life. Everyday, the Lord gives us opportunities to glorify Him, whether on a vacation or at home, He is worthy of our praise. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to make plans that are not centered on you, but centered on God. Instead of ignorantly making plans, let’s stop and pray. Ask for God’s will to be played out instead of our own. Remember this: Everyday is a good day to praise God. So, no matter what place or time, center your life, plans, and friends around Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us life today. May we glorify Him today and always.
• Ask for guidance as you make plans. It’s easy to be selfish when you’re the only one planning, so tag team!
• Pray for understanding. It's time to understand that we shouldn't try to put God into our plans but realize that we are in His.
The Word:
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. - James 4:13-17
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