"For I know the plans I have for you..."
Jeremiah 29:11
The New Year is here as we all are well aware of. Maybe 2008 was the BEST you've ever experienced, then maybe not. Do you have HUGE plans for 2009? I've never been much of a 'resolution guy,' but I do have a few goals of my own...
* I would love to be able to train our Australian Shepherd, 'Bandit', to respond to the
command "to come here." (he mostly ignores me)
* I would love to lose about 25 pounds. (I hide the extra well)
* I would love to be in the Bahamas next week to scuba dive(maybe I'll get a
church position down there as "Director of Scuba Ministries!!")
* I would love to retire next year.
All good goals I guess...but the truth is that I find that my prayers really aren't quite that specific this time of year. The fact is, we really don't know what God has in store for us in 2009. We have our goals and dreams, but what we must accept is the truth that it's ultimately up to God what doors He opens and which ones He leaves closed. I've got to learn to trust Him in that. He's in control of my life. In the end, we have very little control over very few things.
How can we hang on to trust in God this New Year?
1. Remember that God sees the big picture.
Yes that new job or promotion with the big salary, company car, and the new DELL laptop seems to be exactly what you need. But God slams that door shut because He can see so much more and so much farther down the road than we can. Most of all, God created us and therefore He knows our heart and what's best for us. My scope of life and MY life is so limited. He simply knows that at times we don't need THAT job. He's got something else for us that's better. Just remember that it may not include a company car and DELL laptop.
2. God must plan your plans.
Make the commitment now that you want only what God wants for you. And if you don't know what that is at this time, then keep praying, keep listening, and keep waiting on God(be patient). God always answers and He always works, even if we can't see it at every moment. Read Proverbs 19:21. God will show us in time His plans and way for us.
3. Don't listen to the world.
The world thinks it's got the plan for you. But believe me it doesn't. God's thoughts, ways, and will have nothing to do with the world, except that we are to go into the world and represent Christ and point the world to Him. I think a huge portion of Christian's struggle is related to who they listen to. Always listen to God and His Word. You will never go wrong there.
4. Don't settle for second best.
Anything other than God's plans for us is settling for second best in our lives. Why would we reach out and choose a rock instead of a diamond? That is kind of what we do when we choose anything other than what God wants for us. It's just not worth it. It might sparkle and look really good at first, but in the end there will be regret.
So this year, my basic plan will be to seek God and His plan for my life. And I will try and obey Him...even if my dog won't obey me.
Blessings,
Bro. Eric
Jeremiah 29:11
The New Year is here as we all are well aware of. Maybe 2008 was the BEST you've ever experienced, then maybe not. Do you have HUGE plans for 2009? I've never been much of a 'resolution guy,' but I do have a few goals of my own...
* I would love to be able to train our Australian Shepherd, 'Bandit', to respond to the
command "to come here." (he mostly ignores me)
* I would love to lose about 25 pounds. (I hide the extra well)
* I would love to be in the Bahamas next week to scuba dive(maybe I'll get a
church position down there as "Director of Scuba Ministries!!")
* I would love to retire next year.
All good goals I guess...but the truth is that I find that my prayers really aren't quite that specific this time of year. The fact is, we really don't know what God has in store for us in 2009. We have our goals and dreams, but what we must accept is the truth that it's ultimately up to God what doors He opens and which ones He leaves closed. I've got to learn to trust Him in that. He's in control of my life. In the end, we have very little control over very few things.
How can we hang on to trust in God this New Year?
1. Remember that God sees the big picture.
Yes that new job or promotion with the big salary, company car, and the new DELL laptop seems to be exactly what you need. But God slams that door shut because He can see so much more and so much farther down the road than we can. Most of all, God created us and therefore He knows our heart and what's best for us. My scope of life and MY life is so limited. He simply knows that at times we don't need THAT job. He's got something else for us that's better. Just remember that it may not include a company car and DELL laptop.
2. God must plan your plans.
Make the commitment now that you want only what God wants for you. And if you don't know what that is at this time, then keep praying, keep listening, and keep waiting on God(be patient). God always answers and He always works, even if we can't see it at every moment. Read Proverbs 19:21. God will show us in time His plans and way for us.
3. Don't listen to the world.
The world thinks it's got the plan for you. But believe me it doesn't. God's thoughts, ways, and will have nothing to do with the world, except that we are to go into the world and represent Christ and point the world to Him. I think a huge portion of Christian's struggle is related to who they listen to. Always listen to God and His Word. You will never go wrong there.
4. Don't settle for second best.
Anything other than God's plans for us is settling for second best in our lives. Why would we reach out and choose a rock instead of a diamond? That is kind of what we do when we choose anything other than what God wants for us. It's just not worth it. It might sparkle and look really good at first, but in the end there will be regret.
So this year, my basic plan will be to seek God and His plan for my life. And I will try and obey Him...even if my dog won't obey me.
Blessings,
Bro. Eric
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