Goals and God

Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Seminars on achievement. success and goal setting are held very regularly throughout the world.  All of them are intended to be motivational and intentionally directive in accomplishing results.  These seminars can be helpful and well-intended, but how many include the thought —- remember, place God at the center and always include the wise thought of accomplishing God’s will in all you do and His success with you is guaranteed, and you will flourish.  That thought should always be included in your and my plans.

Important committment

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” What a promise!  Do any of us not like guarantees?  How about guaranteed success?  This proverb gives you and me a guaranteed plan for success.  Place your Heavenly Father at the center of all you do, let His influence guide you and your life will unfold as a beautiful flower.  Why do anything less?

Why?

Proverbs 16:3 “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” Why do I do what I do?  Answer: So I look good to others and happy on social media?  So I can have as many toys as I desire?  So my life is filled with whatever it is that I desire?  So that I am a faithful disciple and child of my Heavenly Father?  What is it that motivates me? That is what God cares about and THAT is what you and I should care about. Have a great weekend. 

Respect and humility

Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Recognizing every superlative in every language belongs to our God demands both extreme respect for our Heavenly Father as well as a humility which honors our God.  Man’s downfall comes when he places himself not only as an equal but even considers himself greater than God.  Seeming wealth and seeming popularity can easily generate such an attitude.  However, wisdom and humility will always gain the victory over anything this world places as a statue.

Wait and weight

Proverbs 15:28 “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” Wait before impetuously responding.  Sleep before concluding.  Be careful always with your Heavenly Father at your side.  The advice of our author carries wise counsel.

thoughts and God

Proverbs 15:26 “The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.” Many people place their thoughts, conclusions and therefore actions as equal or even more valuable than the absolute truth of God and His Word.  How could God do anything other than shake His head and express His abhorrence for the blasphemous thinking of those which He defines as wicked.  Your and my thinking has to always carry the thought–what is God thinking about my thinking?