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April 5, 2022

James 4:13-17

13 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.” 14 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. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

New International Version (NIV)

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” A famous newscaster reportedly said that after he found out he had cancer. Honestly, I doubt that God laughs at our plans, but I do believe he is working out his plan in our lives. How meticulous are God’s plans? Is there room for us to make decisions as well? Are our lives completely determined or do we have free will?

Presuming is perilous. James writes to the presumptuous who have it all figured out. They tell everyone they are going at a specific time to a specific place to spend a specific amount of time working and making money. The problem is we don’t always know what will happen tomorrow. Our lives here are fragile. Nothing is guaranteed. We must not presume or arrogantly boast about our plans. Instead, we start the sentence with God. “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” This amounts to a declaration of dependence.

What do we know for sure? There is a God. He is working. He loves us. God has prepared good things for us to do. When he shows us the good we ought to do, we should definitely do it. God is not laughing at us. But all of heaven will rejoice with us when we locate ourselves in the center of God’s plan for our lives.

We are here to help others today. Meanwhile God redeems all he allows to happen in our lives. God is always working. He is working all things together. He is working all things together for good. Love him today. Answer his call when he shows you what to do. And laugh along with God at the life he gives you.

Pray with me:
Father, thank you for the joy of walking in your will today. Give us the grace to set aside our presumption. What appointments have you set for us today? Help us to see you at work in the interruptions which alter our plans. We declare our dependence on you. Remind us that apart from you we can do nothing. Show us the good you want us to do. Let us live in the center of your will and the fullness of your joy this day and always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Our 2022 Every Day with Jesus readings will cover the whole Bible in one year. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2022 Reading Plan

We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible this year. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. As we journal together this year, Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.

Joyfully,
Duane

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Houston, TX | 77024 US

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