We humans make plans, but the Lord has the final word. (Proverbs 15:1, GNB) As Christians, we need plans for the new year 2020. Yes, we may make our plans, but God has the last say. (Proverbs 16:1) “We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” (Proverbs 16:9) Read all of Proverbs 8. But for now know and realize that, from the beginning, Jesus was. (Proverbs 8:22) At the very first, the Lord gave life to Jesus. Jesus was right beside the Lord helping Him plan and build (v. 30) …
This same Jesus waits for each of us to come to him daily. (v. 34) Life is a moment by moment experience with Father God and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. If you want to live, give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps. (Proverbs 9:6)
We need to repent and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of wisdom. (v. 10) Father, help us to seek you daily in 2020 and move in the Holy Spirit’s strength, wisdom, and sound judgement. Help us always to speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie. (Proverbs 8:7)
Jesus finished what He started. He lived a God’s life. He never did or said anything He had not seen or heard the Father say or do. This year we need to meet daily with God, spend time with Him, and put away foolish thinking and ways. Recall that Jesus did this in garden of Gethsemane. He chose to obey and do – to mature. If we are to be like Jesus, we should not get off into doing our own thing, making our own plans, and expecting God to do as we say. As verse 9 & 10 indicate in Proverbs 8, we need to be well informed and choose God’s instructions instead of silver, gold, and material goods. God is working on me, teaching me that without a plan – a decision to do – we do nothing!
All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. ~Margaret Mead
“He is watching us, whether we do good or evil.” (Proverbs 15:3) “The Lord is pleased when a good man prays.” He wants us to make our plans in His presence, waiting before Him to determine clearly the direction to go. It will be different for each of us due to our individual gifts. Wait with and before Him until His plan for your life is clear. Write it down! Pray! It is usually one step at a time. Some correction will most likely be needed. We will need to ask for advice from others wiser than we are. (Proverbs 15:12) We will need balance to keep us out of self will and selfishness.
If we don’t plan to succeed, we’ve chosen to fail. It will take hard work and the Holy Spirit’s leading, moment by moment. God does not say money is evil but that the love of money causes evil. We need to respond to God’s love by helping others and providing for ministry. We need to be loyal and faithful to His call and our plans made together with Him during our alone time with God.
Disappointments are inevitable but discouragement is a choice. God has a unique plan for your life. Never become a victim of your feelings. Choose to look to God, listen, learn, and then, move AHEAD to the New Year!
