Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Plans for the Future
Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. {HDL 18.2} Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps. {HDL 18.3} Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will “keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. {HDL 19.1} Help in Daily Living
We are all pilgrims in our journey to God’s heavenly kingdom. We all have our work to do. Not all of us were blueprinted by God to be Pastors. Yet each one of us has been blueprinted to do a work for God. No matter what that may be, we have been blessed by God to serve Him with gladness. We are a family of God’s children, and together, under one accord, are capable of amazing things. There is no room for boasting or self-exultation, but always recognizing that all the glory belongs to God, and Him only. The work is God’s, and if we are to bless others, His plans must be followed. We must follow his directions and He will keep the feet of his saints. When I was growing up and while going to school, we were always taught to make plans, to plan for the future and that if you failed to plan that you were planning to fail. So, I made my plans and when they blew up in my face I’d get discouraged. But now, knowing what I know, when things don’t work out as I’d hoped, I know that it is only because God has a much better plan. Amen. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.
Now Dear Lord as we pray, take our hearts and minds far away. From the press of the world all around, to Your throne where Grace does abound. Our Father, God Almighty,
We thank You for this privilege of being able to come to Your throne in prayer. To come to You as Your people, Your children, Your saints. To be able to take our hearts and minds away from this world where we are merely pilgrims, on our way to Your heavenly kingdom. It is the road less frequently traveled, but we are so thankful for keeping us on the strait, narrow path. For leading us and guiding us in the way we should go as we do not have the wisdom to plan our own lives’. We pray that we can hear your voice from on high, that we may understand that which You are telling us. That you provide us instructions and directions, so that by faith, just like Abraham, we will go out, even though we do not know where we go. We accept all the plans that you have for us. We all have a different work to do. Whatever that may be, we will serve You with gladness. As with Christ, who made no plans for himself, we too put all our trust in You, that day by day, you will unfold Your plans to us. We all have a purpose in this life whereby we can do great things to glorify Your name. So, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to be co-workers with you in your plan of salvation, that you may use us to save souls for Your heavenly kingdom. But this infuriates the enemy. Satan wants to have us and sift us as wheat. We pray that You place a hedge around us all. Empower us with Your word, Your double-edged sword, so when Satan comes around we can speak to him as You did, get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Let us send Satan fleeing from us, and by the victory that Jesus won we rebuke Satan and everything he stands for, so leave us Satan, and take your legion with you. We pray that you bless every family, every individual, and all who hear this prayer. Keep us close to Your bosom and what you have joined together, let not man put asunder. If You are with us, who can be against us. Save us and forgive us of our sins, wash us clean in the blood of Christ. We thank you for all the blessings You have bestowed upon us. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, and if there is anything we have failed to ask, we pray that you will grant it to us according to Your will. All these things we ask and pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
