James 4:13-15
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. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
God should be a part of every plan that I make, every goal that I set. I have often not followed this scriptural wisdom. God should be involved in every step of the process. What goals do I need to set? Would these goals be pleasing to God? What should I do first? What is God communicating to me about this choice? We have a wise counselor in the Holy Spirit, we have a perfect example in Christ, and we have God the Father listening and guiding. Yet so often I bust out on my own, never stopping to pray.
Holy One, guide me and show me the most excellent way. Help me to feel your presence and know your will for me. Help me to set and pursue goals which are pleasing to you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Friday, December 5th, 2023
James 4:13-15
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
We have all gone on vacations for much needed rest and a separation from our every day routines. We may have loved it so much , we made plans to go to the same place for the next year. Maybe we should…
James 4:13-15
“Man plans—God laughs.” He laughs because we probably didn’t include him in our planning; we didn’t seek his advice in prayer.
“The best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray.” Again, all the careful planning in the world without seeking God’s help may not turn out as expected. I know I need to seek God’s advice when I have an idea for a project but I seldom do. I’m not sure why, but I can see by this verse that he wants me to so I will try going forward. (I do know I like to be in control)
Prayer: Gracious God, Help me to be more dependent upon you and seek your help and advice.…
James 4:13-15
”You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” These are stark and sobering words that being eternity into sharp focus. Whatever my plans may be, whether they are for tomorrow or next year, I can do nothing without God permitting my very next breath. This life on earth, as beautiful, maddening, sad and glorious as it is, is but a brief prelude to eternity. I cannot imagine making any other choice than to embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord and spend that eternity with the heavenly host rather than separated from God.
Prayer - Precious Lord, though I am but a mist that appears for a while then vanishes, I am Yours…
thank you for another timely perfect verse in a new beginning of the year!