One powerful “Sip” today! – The incredible power of God’s word!
“The word of God is alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart! Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13 NIV)
I just read a wonderful Proverb this morning in the Bible… So very true, and a healthy reminder…
“In their hearts humans plan the course of action for their lives, but it is the Lord that establishes their steps!” (Proverbs 16.9)
Are you a planner – a person who lives with a sense of mission, casts vision for the future, and then develops strategies to achieve your goals? Most of us admire that kind of person and attempt to be like them to some degree. They’re goal oriented people who do more than just talk about what they’d like to do it life – they take concrete steps to achieve their goals.
And then there are the other folks… they don’t have a clue! Every day for them is just getting up in the morning, putting in the hours, and attempting to react to whatever happens. The scope of their planning rarely moves beyond the next hour or the 24-hour period immediately before them. Planning a week ahead? That’s really pushing it!!
I have to say, I really want to be more like the first kind of person!!
As we get older, my wife and I have engaged in some serious conversations about plans for the next couple of years. We’ve come up with some conclusions about things we were going to plan and do – and the steps we’re going to take to fulfill those goals and plans… And then I get up this morning and read Proverbs 16.9!!!
I think before we do a final “sign off” of the strategies Sharon and I have agreed upon, we should probably do what the Bible says, and remember “it is the Lord that establishes our steps!” Seems to me I recall a few verses in James (more or less the “Proverbs” of the New Testament) that are important here… “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.’“ (James 4.13-15)
I heard someone say these words one time about another person in a very frustrated voice… “They won’t listen to anyone! Why waste your breath!” What a sad and tragic assessment of a person! I was reminded of that this morning as I read these words from Proverbs…
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you’ll grow in understanding. The fear of the LORD (i.e. “reverence”) teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” (From Proverbs 15:31-33 NLT)
My prayer today? Lord may I always be willing to listen to constructive criticism and correction! And may I especially exhibit humility rooted in my reverence for You!! I never want to anyone (including You) to say of me, “Why waste your breath… they won’t listen to anyone!”
Coffee With The Lord 