I'm certain you have wondered where on Earth I have been hiding for the past few weeks. Well, ask Microsoft who closed down our computer because of a glitch in their works. Since the writing of my last blog it took Microsoft three weeks or more to get things back together. If it also happened to your computer, I am sorry. If not, cheers, and I hope it never does happen to you. But on with things.......
My morning readings these days include Proverbs, a great learning experience. My past learning about God's way did not include the depth of learning one can get from reading Proverbs. That came much later. It's a wonderful book.
Proverbs, Chapter 16, verse one, says, "To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue." What does this mean? Demonstration: Let's say, "I'll make a plan." God says, "Go ahead." When the plan is made, I step out on my decision. God says, "Go ahead." OR God says, "No, you don't!" The last part of the reading says, "From the Lord comes the reply of the tongue!!" (Exclamation marks, mine.) The final decision, the OK of my plan, is up to God.
Now, God wants us to plan. He likes us to plan, thinking ahead. It's important that we know this. But, you may say, if God wants His own way, why should we plan at all?
God wants us to be in partnership with him. He wants our efforts, but keeps His control. But be glad about that! You see, God wants us to show effort in our planning. Have we sought the advice of others? Are we using our minds in our planning? Are we being inclusive or are we being selfish? Planning helps us act God's way, so we have a better chance of being approved.
As you live for him, ask for guidance as you plan, and then act on your plan trusting in Him. Whether He gives a yea or nay, trusting God is the only way. Our trust in Him is essential.
A partnership with God in carrying out any kind of plan or decision is imperative. For instance, we sold the same house three times, but it fell through each time at the last minute.. Finally, the fourth time, the deal went through. When that deal finally went through, that is when we should have bought the new house. But guess when we did buy it! You guessed it! Right after we got the first offer for our old house. Uh huh. We learned the hard way! We jumped the gun without the Lord's final yes or no. I'm certain, If we had asked God abut our plan, "Is this the time to buy the new house?" He would have given a resounding "no!"
God wants us to plan ahead. He does not want us to go willhy-nilly through life without plans. But He wants us to have made our plans considering Him and His ways. Our partnership with God is what He wants... and what we need... desperately.
The following questions are from the Study Bible I have come to rely upon: "Ask yourself: 1) Is this plan in harmony with God's truth" 2) Will it work under real-life conditions? 3) Is my attitude pleasing to God?" These three questions will test your plan and mine. Then, we must trust in God to carry it out...or show us another way.
Thanks for your patience and love during this long absence.
Loved you all while we were apart.
Jo in MN
