\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWoe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, \u2018Who sees us?\u2019 and, \u2018Who knows us?\u2019\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 Isaiah 29:15<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nBlessed be the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome, dear reader, to reflect with us upon the words of life.<\/p>\n
Here, the Lord gives a serious warning to all who think they can live independently from Him \u2014 those who believe they can manage their lives without God\u2019s involvement. Many say in their hearts, \u201cThere\u2019s no need to pray about this; I can handle it myself.\u201d<\/em> Though we may not say it aloud, we often live as if God has no part in our decisions.<\/p>\n
IGNORING GOD IN OUR DAILY PLANS<\/h3>\n
You may say, \u201cI want to marry \u2014 why should I pray about finding a good partner? I\u2019ll simply choose whoever pleases my eyes.\u201d Or, \u201cI\u2019m starting a business \u2014 I don\u2019t need to ask God for direction.\u201d
Others think, \u201cI\u2019ve got a new job; why bother bringing a thanksgiving offering to church?\u201d or \u201cWhy should I tithe from my income? What difference will that make to me? These pastors just want our money anyway.\u201d<\/p>\nSuch reasoning exposes a heart that believes it can hide its plans from God. You wake up in the morning and all you think about is your own agenda<\/em> \u2014 not God\u2019s will. Yet, when sickness or danger comes, you are quick to call upon Him for help.<\/p>\n
But friend, don\u2019t forget \u2014 we are but a vapor.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCome now, you who say, \u2018Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit\u2019; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 James 4:13\u201314<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nGOD SEES THE HIDDEN THINGS<\/h3>\n
To live as if God does not matter is dangerous. When you mock or joke about the Word of God, you are actually mocking your own soul.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cShall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 Job 40:2<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nBecause God appears silent, many assume He doesn\u2019t see or care. But the Scripture says:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels.\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 Psalm 81:12<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nWhen God allows a person to continue in darkness and pride, that is not freedom \u2014 it is judgment.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBecause they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord\u2026 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way.\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 Proverbs 1:29\u201331<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nSUBMIT YOUR PLANS TO GOD<\/h3>\n
Dear friend, there is still grace. Many of us once lived like that \u2014 planning our own way, despising the voice of God \u2014 until we realized life without Christ is an empty cloth, a vanity. But when we surrendered our ways to Him, He gave us life and peace.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCommit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 Proverbs 16:3<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nWe are now living in the final days. The Lord Jesus is at the door. Turn to Him while there is time. Do not hide your plans or your life from God. Let Him be your first counselor in every matter.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters\u2026 and will not fear when heat comes.\u201d<\/em>
\u2014 Jeremiah 17:7\u20138<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nMay the Lord help you to walk in His counsel and not your own.<\/p>\n
Shalom.<\/p>\n