3/30/2023 0 Comments Bible verse of the day![]() When we surrender our plans to Him, we can be sure that He will guide us in the right direction. He knows which path we should take, how to use our gifts and talents, and when to take a risk. God is sovereign and all-knowing, and He knows what is best for us. Jesus, Himself told the parable of the rich man who excluded God from plans as he tore down his barn to build bigger barns, and was rebuked by God: "You fool! This very night your soul is required of you and now who will own what you have prepared?"Īcknowledging the supremacy of God in our lives is essential, but it is also vitally important to have faith in His plans for us. He is concerned such a prideful attitude excludes God entirely from our lives, which demonstrates a total lack of reliance upon Him. What troubles him is stating we WILL do this or that and we WILL go here and there with no regard for the Lord. He is not discouraging us from making prudent plans. James is not suggesting that we should not make wise plans for the future. James also reminds us that our lives are fragile and unpredictable – something we can easily forget as we make our plans to "go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." The truth is, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and instead of making plans solely based on our own desires and ambitions, we should be saying, 'If this is in line with God's plans and purpose for our lives, then we will go to so and so and do such and such.' The Lord upholds all things by the word of His power, and we live, and move, and have our being at God's direction and only as His sovereign will permits. We should never forget the fragility of our mortal existence, nor underestimate our own human limitations. We all want to live our lives with purpose and to the fullest, but oftentimes we forget the importance of surrendering our plans to God and forge ahead with boastful, arrogant planning, which too often excludes an awareness that our times are in His hands. We should never forget that God holds the future and that His plans and purposes for our lives are far greater than ours and far beyond our control. We may think we know what our future holds, but James is warning us against developing an attitude of independence that excludes God. But is that all we should do? James chapter 4 reminds us that our plans are nothing compared to God's plans. We plan, we dream, and we envision the days to come. ![]() We make plans for our future, for our careers, for our families, for our finances, for our education, for our vacations, for our businesses, and so much more. Throughout our life, we make many different types of plans. We need to end every plan and plan-making process with the words: "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." We must seek His will in all we do, and if it's not in line with His will, we must be willing to change our plans. We may make the best plans for our lives, but if we don't check in with God's will, then our plans may not be His plans. He blooms like a flower of the field, but when the wind passes over it, it simply vanishes and is remembered no more." We don't know what tomorrow holds, so why do we make plans as if we do? It's important to remember that our plans are just that - ours. Psalm 103 reminds us: "As for man, his days are like grass. He uses the image of a vapour which quickly appears and then vanishes away, to illustrate this point. We may plan to go on a trip or embark on a business venture, but none of us knows what the future holds. James tells us to consider the brevity of life, and how quickly our plans can change. In James 4:15 we are reminded of the importance of submitting our plans and desires to God’s will. info under CC BY 3.The book of James is filled with wisdom, providing us with much-needed insight into how to live our lives in a God-honouring way. Some scripture references/categories courtesy of Open Bible. If a verse or topic does not belong, please contact us. Topics and verses are auto-generated from user searches. Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Hebrews 3:7 - Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, James 4:13-15 - Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (Read More.) ![]() Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ![]() Matthew 6:34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Psalms 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made we will rejoice and be glad in it. Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. ![]()
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