Reminders
Human thoughts and ways are typically based on shortsighted evaluation of our circumstances, a knee-jerk reaction to our perceptions. It is this quick and emotional response that is the beginning and/or the intensifying of our trouble. Develop the habit of pausing, asking the deeper question, stopping to consider the underlying cause of a situation. This hesitation of response allows the Holy Spirit within you the opportunity to intercede, to reveal a more spiritual interpretation, and guide you to a more appropriate and loving response. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:23). Resist the human temptation to judge or make decisions from the midst of a worldly situation. “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own: it is not for a man to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
- Points to Keep in Mind in Establishing a Purposeful Vision for Living out God’s Plan for Your Life
Living in a broken world: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
No immunity to sin: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”(1 Peter 5:8).
No impunity to sin: “Nathan replied, ‘the Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die’” (2 Samuel 12:13-14).
Worldly inheritance: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your forefathers” (1 Peter 1:18).
Mankind’s sinful nature: “All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3).
Thinking/reasoning: “All a man’s ways seem right to him” (Proverbs 21:2).
Discipline: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet” (Jeremiah 14:10).
Motivation: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Planning: “God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes” (Ecclesiates 7:29). “Many are the plans in a man’s heart” (Proverbs 19:21).
Human thoughts and ways are typically based on shortsighted evaluation of our circumstances, a knee-jerk reaction to our perceptions. It is this quick and emotional response that is the beginning and/or the intensifying of our trouble. Develop the habit of pausing, asking the deeper question, stopping to consider the underlying cause of a situation. This hesitation of response allows the Holy Spirit within you the opportunity to intercede, to reveal a more spiritual interpretation, and guide you to a more appropriate and loving response. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:23). Resist the human temptation to judge or make decisions from the midst of a worldly situation. “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own: it is not for a man to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
- Points to Keep in Mind in Establishing a Purposeful Vision for Living out God’s Plan for Your Life
Living in a broken world: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
No immunity to sin: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”
(1 Peter 5:8).
No impunity to sin: “Nathan replied, ‘the Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die’”
(2 Samuel 12:13-14).
Worldly inheritance: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your forefathers”
(1 Peter 1:18).
Mankind’s sinful nature: “All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one”
(Psalm 14:3).
Thinking/reasoning: “All a man’s ways seem right to him” (Proverbs 21:2).
Discipline: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet” (Jeremiah 14:10).
Motivation: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Planning: “God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes” (Ecclesiates 7:29).
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart” (Proverbs 19:21).
