Plan With Purpose

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – (Proverbs 19:21, NLT)

People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen. – (Proverbs 19:21, ERV)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. – (Proverbs 19:21, MSG)

 

This is an interesting paradox, as God gives us intellect and free will, yet a heart to seek and serve Him. There are things that are abundantly clear as to what we are meant to do, and others, where it seems that we must brainstorm, make plans, and move forward using our best judgement. It is in these spaces that I think it is good to remember that if our heart is for Him, we need not worry, as His purpose will prevail. Even when we begin in a seemingly misguided direction, twists and turns, hills and valleys become a part of the journey, and our route ends up at an incredible destination. Perhaps God’s ultimate plan and purpose is for the learning and growth that takes place along the way, as we end up on a seeming round-about adventure. May we seek the Lord in all that we do, and ever move forward in the direction to which feel we are called.

 

God grants us a mind, 

To know and make plans;

Let us seek His will,

With purpose, we stand.

Despite all our plans,

God’s will shall prevail;

For what the Lord says,

Will not ever fail.

Let us choose rise up,

In awe, seek His ways;

Trust the Lord to lead,

For all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your purpose ultimately prevails. Thank You that though we make plans and seek to do the right thing, You always know best, and lead us to the place where You intend for us to go. Forgive us for planning without seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would ask You and listen for Your leading, rather than attempt to plan out the entire path of our lives. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates faith and gratitude for the grace that You so generously give. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your plans and purposes for our life, both now and forevermore. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

 

Grace Unearned

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is – free and undeserved. – (Romans 11:6, NLT)

And if He chose them by grace, then it is not what they have done that made them His people. If they could be made His people by what they did, His gift of grace would not really be a gift. – (Romans 11:6, ERV)

Grace is central in God’s action here, and it has nothing to do with deeds prescribed by the law. If it did, grace would not be grace. – (Romans 11:6, VOICE)

 

God’s grace at first glance, seems to be a paradox, as how could He possibly give such undeserved goodness and love to a sinner, such as myself. That is the amazing thing about His grace, He gives to the undeserving, and loves without limits. Each time I am made aware of His goodness and grace, I recognize just how incredible His love is for me, despite all of my flaws and failures. Yes, I love Him and long to serve Him, but I am a work in progress, and am far from having “arrived“. Perhaps that is the point. As we recognize our own shortcomings and see how His goodness is complete, we are ever aware of our need for Him in our lives. May we rise up in thanksgiving for God’s goodness and grace, and give Him thanks for the gifts that we’re given, though we deserve them not.

 

We cannot earn grace, 

For God freely gives;

Because He is kind,

We have life to live.

Every good thing,

That comes unto us;

Is thanks to the Lord,

And His Son, Jesus.

There’s nothing we’ll do,

And no words we’ll say;

That can earn His grace,

Or take it away.

All thanks be to God,

For kindness and love;

It is undeserved,

These gifts from above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your kindness to us. Thank You that it is not given for good works that we do to somehow earn it, but rather You give grace out of the abundance of Your love for us. Thank You that it is free and undeserved, reminding us that You are God and we are not. Forgive us for the times that we either take Your grace for granted, or try to somehow earn our way into a good space before You. Teach us to trust You more, so that all that we say and do is motivated by our love for You. Show us how to love those around us with kindness and grace, so that they too, will long to seek Your face. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive the grace that You freely give, and praise You for who You are. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5