Skip to main content

“God, indeed, does have a plan for all of us.”

A thought by Larry Osborne, (2009-04-04) from his book, Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe (p. 70). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is a tremendous fact for each one of us, God has a game plan for each one of us.  That can be a life changing fact for us to realize.

But Larry says, “there are some fundamental parts of his game plan that we have to master in order to experience it. These fundamentals are made up of the clear, black-and-white commands of Scripture. They tell us explicitly what God wants us to do or not do in any situation— things like tell the truth, be kind, and always repay good for evil. No matter how deep the weeds or how difficult a decision or dilemma may be, the fundamentals can be counted on to steer us in the right direction. The most basic of all are the passages that go so far as to specifically state, ‘This is what God wants’ or ‘This is God's will.’ They are a great place to start. For instance, we're told that God wants everyone to come to the point of repentance (a spiritual turnaround that results in following Jesus).  So it's probably not worth asking him to show us his will for a major decision if we're not willing to follow his Son on a daily basis.”

He goes on to say, “it really makes no sense to ask God if I should apply for a promotion when I'm failing to show respect to my current boss, to ask what college he wants me to go to when I'm messing around with my girlfriend, to seek his direction and help when I resist the words of the Spirit in Scripture or the whisper of the Spirit in my heart.”

We must put first things first but as Larry says, “God, indeed, does have a plan for all of us. But it's a game plan with lots of freedom, not a blueprint with every detail spelled out. Our job is not so much to find something; it's to become someone— a reflection of his image and character no matter where we find ourselves.” 


So how are we doing on the fundamentals?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"Jesus comes in the midst of the torrent."

  A thought by Max Lucado from his book,  You Are Never Alone  (p. 60). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)   We all have storms in our lives, don't we? Max says, "No one gets through life scot-free. At one point or another the sky will darken, the winds will rage, and we will find ourselves in a modern-day version of the Galilean gusher." John 6:16–18 (NIV) says, "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough." Max goes on, "The hearts of the followers began to sink as their boat was certain to do. Their skin was soaked, throats hoarse, eyes wide. They searched the sky for a break in the clouds. They gripped the boat for fear of the waves. They screamed their prayers for help. But they heard nothing. "If only Jesu

“When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 57). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. To realize that from God’s perspective life is a test goes a long way in determining how you handle your life.   It is important to see that in testing your character is both developed and revealed.   Rick goes on to say that “even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.” So there is a God purpose behind each situation in your life.   Even the bad ones are there to strengthen you and develop you.   You see those bad situations are really good ones because they are there for your good. I start each day with a reminder that God is good.   Not every situation that is going to come in my day is good but because God is good He will use e

“What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 35). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Rick posed this question at the end of his chapter, You Are Not an Accident.   In this chapter he deals with the fact that God created you the way you are with a purpose.   In other words you are not an accident.   I am also reading the Apostle John’s view of Jesus and what He said and did while He was here on earth.   In the beginning of Chapter 9 there is a story about a blind man.   And the disciples who were with Him asked Him a good question, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind? ”   Have you ever asked the same thing about something in you that you don’t like?   Like that characteristic is a curse or something.   Society has set a standard that is not a standard of God.   Remember, He created you and you are not an accident. Jesus did answer the question about the blind