Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 7, 2014
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.” 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. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. James 4:13-15
I like feeling in control at work and home. It gives me peace and a sense of security. If everything is in its place and everyone is where they are supposed to be, I can rest. The issue with my well intended thinking is that I am really not in control. I think I can arrange my life in a way I want things, but then life happens. A person I thought was committed to me, shifted their loyalty somewhere else. A job I thought was long term, lost funding and strategic value. I am learning it is futile to chase a feeling of control–like a blanket of snow, it eventually melts away.
Moreover, seeking to be in control can control us. It feeds our pride and causes us to think we are causing things to happen. In reality, we are God’s ambassador to be used by Him to facilitate His outcomes. Humility holds an open hand and trusts the hand of God to open doors of opportunity. If we have to be in control, we give up the Lord’s wisdom in exchange for our own very limited understanding. We see this in a child who eagerly wants to protect their stuff, with no one’s interference. Defending our kingdom seems wise, but God’s kingdom truly is secure.
“Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength” (1 Chronicles 29:12, Living Bible).
Leaders this is true at work–influence not intimidation is a valuable asset. If we are wise, we will treat team members as volunteers and not seek to control them like children. When given choices, the right person will make the right decisions., As we encourage and support individual ownership of outcomes, we build a healthy culture of trust and respect. Parents, we can’t control our adult children, but we can empower them to make wise choices. Thus, we invest in the relationship with our daughter or son, expecting nothing in return. We love them and trust Christ is in control.
Furthermore, a humble heart makes plans in submission to God’s will. When we align with His plan, we are at peace. When we trust Jesus wholeheartedly, we focus on the gift of today and do not obsess over tomorrow’s uncontrollable circumstances. The Lord’s will is both clear and cloudy. It’s clear He wants us to live in the moment: Christ top mind. It’s cloudy: where does the curvy road of His will take us in the future. We make plans and then accept: God’s in control!
“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the grace and faith to let go of control and trust Christ is in control.
Related Readings: Job 37:15; 1 Kings 8:36; Psalm 119:3; John 15:5; Ephesians 1:11
Post/Tweet today: A humble heart makes plans in submission to God’s will. When we align with His plan, we are at peace. #wisdomhunters
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Hi there! I just tried to listen to the 4 min. song God is in Control and it goes to Agarwal Matramony (spelling?) Just want to let ya know…I will check it out on You Tube! I wanted to let you know that this Friday I will be putting the Vision the Lord gave me 10 years ago into the first party to share it with my sister’s in Christ from my church! Please pray for God’s will….It if is not right still to close the door but if it is to swing open the doors needed to RUN! The Holy Spirit has given me the name and Slogan….Finally Free Fondue…..Where friends come for Free Fondue and leave Finally Free!!! Think of a Tastefully Simple party template but in every area add Jesus! I can’t wait till he spreads this across the world like only he can do!!!!! :0) Love and Faith….Judy
I clicked on this and did not find a 4 min video song- God is in Control. It is the first time I have noticed or tried to use the “Additional Resource” and was quite disappointed. Did I misunderstand what I would find?
Additional Resource: 4 minute video song- God is in Control: http://tinyurl.com/o3j57q6
Dear Edna~
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to us about our video link. It seems that our video link was “hacked” into and we have taken the wrong one down. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. We appreciate you “looking out for us” and letting us know about this. Unfortunately, several of our Wisdom Hunter’s family were confused by this. Again, accept our apologies for the confusion.
However, we do hope you were blessed by the devotional “Feeling in Control”. Please let us hear from you again and we thank you for your due diligence in letting us know about the link. We appreciate your commitment to Wisdom Hunters! Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
Dear Judy~
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We always enjoy hearing from our Wisdom Hunter’s family! We appreciate you letting us know about the video link. Unfortunately, our link appears to have been “hacked into”. We are so sorry about any inconvenience and confusion this may have been to you and our other fellow wisdom hunters.
On a happier note, thank you for telling us about your vision from the Lord 10 years ago and what you are doing with that vision. Please keep us posted on your mission with “Finally Free Fondue”. It will be a blessing to see where God takes you with this!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Judy, we look forward to hearing from you again.
Blessings,
Gwynne
Please send me the free devotional book. Thank You! Vicki
Dear Vicki~
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We do not have a free devotional book but our website is free and it has a daily devotional that you will enjoy. We do have Wisdom Hunters devotional books that you can look over when you get to our website http://www.wisdomhunters.com. Click on the bookstore link and take a look. Please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings to you and yours,
Gwynne
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.” Psalms 91:1,2