James 4 - What's the plan?

DAY 4 DEVOTIONAL

Think back to some of your favorite memories, places you have been, things you have done.  God was there and enjoyed those moments just as much as you (they are likely on His Instagram feed).  Thank Him for being with you in the past and for His presence with you now.

Personal reflection- Take some time to work through the following questions

What is something you are looking forward to this weekend, this month, this year?

What are five bucket list items you would like do in your lifetime?

If you could do anything knowing you wouldn’t fail, what would you do?

What do you think God’s hope for your life is?

Bible reflection- Use the following passage to help you with the next questions:

James 4:13-17

Is it wrong to make plans? 

Is God against us planning ahead or having desires for the future?

What does it mean to boast about your own plans?

Knowing what you should do and not doing it is a sin.  Does God have a plan for you that is ok think about over your own plans?

Do you think that God cares about your bucket list and the things you would like to accomplish? 

Andreas Thoughts

Ok…I don’t think the issue in this passage is about not making plans.  Throughout the Old Testament there is stories of how the people were to prepare for the next upcoming festivals.  Even their weekly rhythm involved planning ahead for the next Sabbath day.  I believe the passage is more about when our plans become the priority.  That we feel like we dictate what happens in our life. Remember the people of Israel when they were wandering in the desert.  They were without food and needed something to eat.  They were told to grab enough manna for the day and not gather more beyond that.  If they took more then their daily need it would rot before the next day.  When we start to plan ahead and know what we "need" for the next day rather then trusting God for our daily need then it becomes an issue.  So what's your plan?  Are you making plans for the future or are you trusting God to be in control. 

Prayer and response-

Ok…I don’t think the issue in this passage is about not making plans…it is more about when our plans become the priority.  That we feel like we dictate what happens in our life. 

This coming day….what does it look like for you to be fully present in the moment?  Not thinking about what is coming ahead, dreaming of where you would rather be.   Be fully where you are because God has placed you there in that moment for a reason.  Maybe its for the sake of others or for your sake.  Maybe it is so you can see Him and His goodness. 

Ask God to help you to know what to do (and who to be) in each moment and then to do that well.  May His kingdom come and His will be done in your life today.