Plans

“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.” “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain”

 

Malachi 1:4
If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the LORD of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.’”

Matthew 12:30
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Isaiah 10:15
Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!

Lamentations 3:37
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?

Proverbs 21:30
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.

Psalms 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Job 9:4
He is wise in heart and mighty in strength —who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?

Job 12:14
If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open.

Job 34:29
When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?

The thoughts of man are aways looking for reasons and answers apart from God.  Our plans many times do not even give a nod in God’s direction.  We use our wisdom and experience and move forward without a thought to what God would have us do.  I speak from experience on this.  Having a great idea does not mean it is in line with God’s plan and purpose.  “Unless the Lord builds the house, the house is build in vain”.  There is one thing I do know and that is if it is God’s plan and purpose you will have peace no matter what troubles or issues arise.  And if not, you will not have peace in your heart.  Why do we move down paths without seeking God?  Why do we think our plan is better?  Why do we move down a path and then somewhere along it we invite God to come rather than making sure we are in line with His purpose?  Our plans may have the purest of intention but if we do not seek God we miss opportunity to see His hand and sovereign control and guidance.  We have opportunity to thank Him and praise Him for what we see Him doing from beginning to end.  We also have rest knowing He is in control when things seem to be going sideways. Stay in His word, seek Him each day, live for Him, and talk to Him about your plans, keep your ears open to His leading and your eyes open for the path He is guiding you to.

Seek, Ask, Obey

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Judges 1:1
After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them

1 Samuel 22:9
and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions

2 Samuel 5:19
And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines

Philippians 4:5
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

 

It is important for us to remember to seek God and ask Him for guidance.  How are we to know what God has planned for us in the situations we find ourselves?  If we blindly follow what we think is right – what is it that guides our decision one way or another?  Is it scripture or is it the culture we live in?  Little time spent in His word leaves us void of faith, hope, and trust.  This will leave us being tossed around and asking “Why” when the true course of action would be to seek God, listen for His voice speaking to our heart, and then through faith/trust obeying His leading.  God is just and when we ask in line with His word with a heart and mind desire to yield to His leading, He will most certainly lead us down a path that brings honor and glory to Him!

Treasures

I wonder what treasures I truly seek.  Are they treasures that are offered by this world?  Are they treasures for eternity? How can a person know?  If we search what our heart’s desire is this will give us a good understanding of the treasures we seek.  A very good place to start is captured in the 139th Psalm – Search me, oh God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting.

Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field

Proverbs 2:1
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding

Philippians 3:7
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Isaiah 55:2
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant.

Do Not Be Anxious

How many times do we fret and worry about that which we have little control over?  Much of our worry can be left in our Fathers hands.  When looking at ourselves in the mirror where do we turn first – to worry and being anxious or to God? I wonder what life would be like if we turned to God first.   These are a few verses from a song  “First” by Lauren Dangle:

Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms

Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
And seek You

Before I speak a word
Let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain
Let me feel Your joy

Before I speak a word
I will bring my heart
And seek You

Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life

6:27
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

6:31
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat? ’ or ‘What shall we drink? ’ or ‘What shall we wear? ’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you

6:8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him

Philippians 4:6
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus