Plan Ahead

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 18, 2015

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6–8

Wisdom works hard now but is wise about planning for the future. There is an innate discipline about planners. Imminently urgent matters do not distract them as they stay focused on important issues. Their discipline determines the choices they make during the day because they are always keenly aware that their actions affect their future. The best planners take the time to process assumptions and the implications of best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Self-motivated and disciplined planners do not require rigid management and control. They thrive in autonomy but still submit to the accountability of authority. Wise planners save time and money. There is a decision-making filter in place that results in more nos than yeses to good opportunities. The Holy Spirit works through a prayerfully crafted plan to guide you into God’s best; so stay aligned with the plan.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

Ants are small in stature but the unified effort of many is large in results. A clearly defined, well-executed plan brings your team together and produces an outstanding outcome. A plan creates credibility and gives courage to those who implement it. So be sensitive to your season of strategic service. If you are in the preparation phase, be patient and focused on the plan.

If you are in the execution phase, remain diligent and focused on the task at hand. As you harvest success, make sure to save for the future. Abundance is not meant to be spent all at once but to be saved for the downtimes. Use your church, business, or home as a platform of provision for others in need. You plan ahead so you can be an ambassador for almighty God.

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Timothy 6:18–19 NASB).

Prayer: What opportunities do I need to put on hold so I can focus on implementing the current strategic plan with excellence?

Related Readings: Genesis 41:28–43; Job 12:7–8; Luke 14:28; Hebrews 6:12

Post/Tweet this today: The Holy Spirit works through a prayerfully crafted plan to guide you into God’s best. #plan #wisdomhunters

Taken from Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)

Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Gaither’s: It is Well With My Soul

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