Plan Put Into Action

Plan Put Into Action

Hebrews 1: In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. ³ He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power.

 

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Wanting a merit badge, I sought out places to plant seeds. I cleared away overgrown weeds, removed trash and found areas of dirt that I could plant seeds. I planted tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. After all the hard work, I just needed to sit back and watch everything grow.

 

• I finished the hard work and now I had to wait.
• I still had work to do, but it was minimal.
• I was excited when the fruit of my labor grew and I watched as the harvest got ready.

 

Paul is the assumed writer of this letter, though it varies from his usual style of mentioning his name. The letter goes right into the detail of JESUS being GOD and how HE achieved forgiveness for the sins of all human beings. After doing so, HE sat down.

 

My Observations

• JESUS was chosen to possess all things at the end of time.
• JESUS reflects the brightness of GOD’s glory that no darkness can remain.
• JESUS achieved forgiveness that I could not grant myself.

 

Sitting and waiting for something to happen can be hard at times. I mean, when I have done the hard work, I want to do more for some reason. In the case of my garden, there were times when I wanted the plants to grow faster, so I overwatered them, causing them to die.

 

GOD planted the seed of belief and sent the right people to provide me with words of encouragement. HE also sent people to me to provide just what I needed, when I needed it. HE sits because HE has already done the hard work. HE knows the wonderful plan HE has for my life and cannot wait for the fruit to bear out of my life.  I am so grateful JESUS cared for me to do the hard work.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer say GOD communicates with HIS people?
• Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is?
• Will you consider that JESUS has already done the hard work for your life and is sitting down to watch you grow into HIS wonderful fruit HE planted in your heart?

Unstoppable Plan

 

Unstoppable Plan

Acts 28: Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. ² The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. ³ Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. ⁴ When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” ⁵ But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. ⁶ The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

 

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When I saw the agenda, I was disappointed. My name was no longer on the list. I sat in the audience prepared to listen. I couldn’t help thinking, “Why I was bumped from the agenda?”

 

I noticed a couple of people, who were at odds with me, were suddenly on the agenda. “Oh well.” I thought. A person in the audience asked for me to be put back on the agenda. I did not have to fight.

 

• There have been snakes of temptation in my life that have bit me.
• There have been people in my life who were against me.
• There have been situations in my life that seemed to go wrong but didn’t.

 

Paul and the crew were warmly welcomed by the islanders. Paul, unfortunately was bit by a venomous viper. The islanders saw this and thought he was a murderer who received justice. They believed in gods. Paul shook of the snake and stayed healthy. They were amazed, BUT GOD knew this would happen.

 

• GOD knows the enemy wants to come against me.
• GOD knows Satan wants to ruin HIS plan HE has for me.
• GOD knows HIS plan for me cannot be stopped.

 

By simply living, I have a rival. I mean, just by being alive, the enemy wants me to fall to temptation, make mistakes with other humans, lie, cheat and steal, like him. BUT GOD’s plan of salvation is unstoppable for me.

 

There is nothing that can separate me from GOD. Even my own sin can no longer keep me from HIS love. HE said “It is finished” when HE was on the cross. This means nothing else has to happen. The plan is complete. I am grateful JESUS included me in HIS unstoppable plan.

 

• Are people trying to stop you from mentioning JESUS?
• Are strange barriers arising, seemingly out of nowhere?
• Will you continue to live for GOD, knowing HIS plan for you is unstoppable?

Part of the Plan

 

Part of the Plan

Acts 27: ³⁹ When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. ⁴⁰ Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. ⁴¹ But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.

 

⁴² The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. ⁴³ But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. ⁴⁴ The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely

 

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When I got in the camper, I was excited to meet the driver, although he drove a bit slow. We finally crossed the border. The next day I expected to leave on time, but we left two and a half hours late and got lost for another hour and a half. Now, four hours late, we could not do the things we planned, to tell people about CHRIST in this neighborhood. GOD brought people out anyway.

 

• Sometimes my plan includes impatience.
• Sometimes my plan only includes what could go right.
• Sometimes my plan does not include a promise GOD made.

 

Land was so close, everyone could see it. They devised another plan to get aground safely, probably so they could continue using the ship later. That plan was met with problem after problem. The entire trip seemed like a disaster from the time they left. Eventually, everyone made it to land alive, but the ship was lost. GOD’s plan to deliver Paul to Rome was still in action.

 

• GOD wants me to see HIS plan in the middle of things going wrong.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS plan when problem after problem comes.
• GOD wants me to know HIS plan cannot be stopped, even when trials arise.

 

“How could this possibly be for good?” I have asked GOD on many occasion. I mean, it seems pretty bad right now, I would think while the problem was happening. BUT GOD’s plan is never like my plan.

 

HE knew the problem would occur and uses the trial to bring good I cannot always see. Many hearts turn to GOD when trouble occurs, mine included. HE then strengthens me to trust HIM more as HE delivers me from problem after problem. I am glad GOD knows how to grow me.

 

• Are your plans going wrong?
• Did you do or say something that seemed to turn into a disaster?
• Will you place your trust in GOD today so HE can complete the great plan HE has for you?

 

Time to Grow

Isaiah 28: ¹⁶ So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
    a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
    will never be stricken with panic.

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²³ Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.
²⁴ When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?
    Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil?
²⁵ When he has leveled the surface,
    does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place,
    barley in its plot,
    and spelt in its field?
²⁶ His God instructs him
    and teaches him the right way.

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²⁹ All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
    whose plan is wonderful,
    whose wisdom is magnificent.

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It didn’t hit me until I was driving and the radio station faded out. The morning sun was shining in my face and I was headed to my new residence with bright aspirations. I finally realized this is not a drill. I was now about to embark on my career journey. Was I ready? Did I know enough? What if I fail?

• There are times when I get nervous.
• There are times when I am stricken with panic.
• There are times when I have fear that causes me to race around lose sleep.

Being unsure of myself has popped in and out of my life numerous times. Sometimes I look at my abilities and shutter. Can I do the thing that I am facing?

• GOD says to me “I have laid a precious tested, cornerstone as your foundation.”
• GOD says to me “I will be your instructor and teach you the right way.”
• GOD says to me “I have a wonderful plan for you.”

I should be unsure of myself because in life I am way in over my head. BUT GOD has “magnificent wisdom” and a “wonderful plan” for me. I must place my trust in HIS strength and let HIM fight my battles. HE is the one who prepares me and HE is the one who tells me when I am ready to grow. HE wants me to turn from preparation and go into planting seeds of encouragement. GOD is truly magnificent!

• Are you nervous about your abilities?
• Are you scared to try something new and more difficult?
• Can you stop relying on your abilities and start relying on GOD’s “precious and tested” foundation?
• Will you believe that HE has a better plan for you than your plan?