Intentions

January 3rd – Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3

As a new year begins, many of us start with fresh resolutions, good intentions, and a determined heart to do better than before. We promise ourselves that this will be the year we finally change, grow, and follow through. Yet statistics tell us that nearly 80% of those resolutions fade just a few months into the year. And not because we don’t care, but because we try to carry them on our own. Proverbs 16:3 gently reminds us that our plans were never meant to stand apart from God. When we make plans without seeking Him, even the best intentions can fall apart. But when we commit our work, our goals, and our desires to the Lord, He aligns our steps with His purpose. God doesn’t ask us to give up our plans. Instead, He asks us to surrender it. Plans rooted in His will don’t crumble with time or hardship, they are established by His faithfulness. As we move forward into this year, may our greatest resolution be to place every plan into God’s hands and trust Him to lead the way.

Reflection Question:
What plans or resolutions have you been trying to carry on your own, and how might committing them fully to God change the way you move forward this year?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, I bring my plans, goals, and hopes before You today. Help me release the ones that are rooted in my own strength and align my heart with Your will. Establish my steps, guide my decisions, and teach me to trust You with every part of this year. Amen.

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July 29th – Proverbs 28:1

Proverbs 28:1

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks,” is a famous line from the Shakespeare play, Hamlet. And now it’s used when we think someone is excessive in defending themselves. For no one looks more guilty than when they are trying to convince us otherwise. Because those who are truly blameless don’t need to resort to such passionate protests. And as Christians, we needn’t defend ourselves at all. For we have the greatest Defender we will ever need in God. In times of adversity, when the world may question our intentions and actions, we can find peace knowing when we lives of obedience to His will, the Lord will wrap us in His love and protection. And when we place our trust in His divine plan, we can let go of our fears and insecurities. Instead allowing God to take the lead in our defense. So Instead of protesting and battling to prove our worth, we can surrender. Surrender to the guidance and mercy of the Lord. Recognizing that true strength lies in embracing humility and placing our faith in the divine Orchestrator of our lives.

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July 23rd – Proverbs 16:1

Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Man plans and God laughs.” But although a funny way to describe the unpredictability of life, it’s hardly the truth. Because nowhere in the Bible does God tells us not to plan ahead. In fact it would be rather foolish to live life by the seat of our pants. And if He didn’t want us to make plans, God wouldn’t have given us the gift of free will to make choices and decisions for ourselves. A free will which allows us to take responsibility for our actions, learn from our experiences, and grow on our spiritual journey. Our Father understands that we each have our own intentions and desires. But for our good, it’s essential to surrender them to the wisdom and will of the Lord. To be open to His guidance, and trust in the path He chooses. For He knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us beyond measure, and wants only the best for our lives. And in Jeremiah 29:11 God gives us His beautiful promise that the wonderful plans He has for us include, “a future and a hope.”

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