Thursday, April 16, 2026

It's Only Yellow

Romans 15:4 (NIV)  4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:6-7, 11-13 (NLT)  6These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7or worship idols as some of them did. ... 11These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. 12If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Psalm 119:10-11, 18 (NIV)  10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. ... 18Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

As I have so often written, the Bible is first and foremost a book about God. It reveals Creator God and his desire for his creation. It tells of the sin, rebellion, and fallen nature of his creation. It speaks of God’s redemptive plan through his only begotten Son,  Jesus Christ. And it gives us the Blessed Hope of resurrection and life in God’s new and pure Kingdom soon to come.

The Bible is not a book about us. Yet through the careful reading and the diligent studying of God’s Word, we can understand Him better; and when we understand Him better, we can see the flaws and failures in our own life more clearly. When we read the expectations God had for his chosen people in Old Testament times, and we read of their failures; we understand more clearly God’s expectations for his people—all Christians—today. Things that were written so long ago alert us to pitfalls and temptations in the fallen world in which we live today.

The yellow light of a traffic light seems to be the most abused of all three lights. The intention of the yellow light is to warn the light will soon change to red, and you must stop. Every single one of us knows the failure of so many drivers to recognize and obey the yellow light. Yet that is so very much how Christians treat their Bible, It’s Only Yellow, I’ve still got time.” We eagerly read the “green” scriptures and we ignore the “red” scriptures completely... and we excuse the “yellow” scriptures as a reason to put off study for a later time. Perhaps it is time to consider Paul’s admonition, “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us...”

Gracious Heavenly Father

What a privilege we have of unlimited access to Your Word. Forgive our neglect to read and study the Scriptures You have provided. Open our eyes to all the blessings and cautions it contains.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  It’s Only Yellow appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The Start of Every New Day

Psalm 143:8-10 (NIV) 8Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. 9Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you. 10Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

There are times when it is simply good to sit back and hit the “reset” button on life. Remember the great and compassionate love God has for you. Remind yourself that you have placed your trust in Him. Take confidence that God will lead you and guide you in the ways that you should go; but also know this carries the responsibility for you to spend time in God’s Word. It’s pretty hard for you to ask God to “teach you” when your Bible remains closed on the shelf collecting dust.

You may not have as many physical enemies as the Psalmist had; but there are times when each of us feels inundated with the cares, stresses, challenges, and worries of the day—yield those to your Heavenly Father and trust his care. And always offer prayers of thanksgiving for God’s Holy Spirit who daily guides, directs, and comforts us.

Let this morning be the fresh start you need. And henceforth decide that The Start of Every New Day will now begin with your Heavenly Father.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

How easily we get wrapped up in the details of everyday. How easily we allow our calendars to fill beyond capacity. How easily we succumb to daily cares, stresses, and challenges—our thoughts wander in a myriad of directions. Help us to reset our day with our focus on You. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit to guide us and comfort us. And thank you for the privilege of having free and unlimited access to your Word.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The Start of Every New Day appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Loving, Forgiving, Merciful, and Compassionate

Exodus 34:5-7 (NIV)  5Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Lamentations 3:31-33 (NIV)  31For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. 32Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. 33For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)  18Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? 19You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

The Bible is first and foremost a book about God, who He is, and what he desires for His people. And today we see the compassion...yes, the justice too, for he will not allow sin to go unpunished...but even with consequences which may possibly affect generations, God is merciful and compassionate. His love and faithfulness also abound for generations. He never abandons us. And it is not his will or desire that any should suffer; but suffering does exist in our fallen and tainted world. And the consequences of our failure to follow God do exist in our fallen and tainted world. Yet through it all, our God is loving, forgiving, merciful, and compassionate.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Today we pray for awareness of any way in which we have strayed from You, either in thought, word, or deed. We humbly ask your forgiveness. We thank you for your love, your faithfulness, your mercy, and your compassion.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, April 13, 2026

Never Alone

Genesis 16:13 (NIV)  [from the life of Hagar, Sarai’s maid] 13She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Genesis 28:15-16 (NIV)  [from the life of Jacob] 15 “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

Joshua 1:5, 9 (NIV)  [from the life of Joshua] 5... “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you”. ... 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I have been blessed to reach my senior years, and I recognize that the majority of my readers also fall into the “Senior” category. Along with the accumulation of birthdays comes new concerns, new challenges, new worries. Truth be told, probably topping the list are worries about finances, health, and particularly being left alone.

Our God is eternal. He is ageless. He is timeless. His presence is everywhere at all times and in all places. We are never alone. Human companionship may come and go; relationships wax and wane; but our loving Heavenly Father is ever-present. He is the God who sees us. He is with us and will watch over us, whether we are aware of his presence or not. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. The LORD our God is with us wherever we go, and He is with us wherever we stay.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You know every thought of our hearts, and as we age, you know the worries and concerns that pull us away from you. Restore peace in our minds and hearts. Thank you for your tender and compassionate watch-care over us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, April 10, 2026

As Many Times as It Takes

This week during our devotional time together we explored Easter Resurrection Day and the days immediately following through the perspectives of people present at the original event. And now we come to the story of Peter, but even here, I would like to find some small piece of the story that may have been overlooked or under-emphasized in the past.

The story of Peter’s denial is found in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:54-62; and John 18:15-27. How quick we are to note someone else’s flaws. Of the four, only John records the redemption and restoration of Peter, John 21:15-17.

Countless sermons and devotionals connect Peter’s three denials with Jesus’ questions given three times, Peter, do you love me? But I remember a similar conversation between Peter and Jesus that took place on an earlier occasion.

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)  21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

How often should we forgive others? As many times as it takes. How often will our Heavenly Father forgive us? As many times as it takes.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your love and mercy. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection. Thank you for continued forgiveness for the many times we fall short of your glory and purpose. Create in us a heart of compassion and forgiveness for others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  As Many Times as It Takes appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Thursday, April 9, 2026

What Am I Missing?

Of the four Gospels, only John mentions the absence of Thomas at that first Post-Resurrection gathering of the disciples.

John 20:24-25 (NIV)  24Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

Thomas must have been asking himself, What am I missing? The answer; We have seen the Lord! That was the very first thing Thomas was missing. He was never guaranteed another opportunity to see his Risen Savior in person; only by God’s grace and mercy did he receive a second chance that next week.

John 20:26 (NIV) 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them.

The truth is, we are never told why Thomas missed that first gathering. We can suppose; we can assume; but we cannot know for sure. It occurs to me the reason for Thomas’ absence is not the focus; the consequence is. Actions have consequences, and so do inactions. Because of his absence, Thomas had to wrestle with his doubts and skepticism for another week. Because of his absence, Thomas missed the comfort and encouragement the disciples offered each other in the wake of tragedy. Because of his absence, Thomas missed being overjoyed with his fellow disciples at the sight of their Risen Lord (c.f., v.20), at least for a time.

The question falls even to us, today; What am I missing? The church pews are full on Easter Sunday, or for that matter on Christmas Sunday, too. But what about after Easter? What am I missing? When we are missing church, we are missing the presence of our Heavenly Father and the opportunity to know Him better. When we are missing church, we are missing the opportunity to bring peace to our doubts and skepticisms, our challenges and difficulties. When we are missing church, we are missing the comfort and encouragement of our fellow Christians. When we are missing church, we are missing the joy and fellowship of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Psalm 84:10 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV) For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)  23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Online services are wonderful for those who are unable to attend in person. There are many who are elderly, sick, and homebound. Online services provide a much-needed benefit for many. But what about the rest of us? When our pew is empty, we must ask ourselves; What am I missing?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the joy and privilege of meeting with fellow Christians. Thank you for the comfort and encouragement of others during our times of challenge or distress. Most of all, thank you for Your presence in our hearts.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  What Am I Missing? appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Are You the Only One Who Doesn't Know?

Today we continue our exploration of Resurrection Easter and the days immediately following. The four Gospels record several different encounters between groups of disciples and the Resurrected Jesus. But it is Luke who records the happenings on the road to Emmaus. Here we find Cleopas and another disciple heading out of Jerusalem for the nearly 7-mile trek to Emmaus.

Luke 24:13-16 (NIV) 13Now that day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.

One of the commentaries has noted that the verbs “talked and discussed” bears the connotation of debate or intense scrutiny. Whatever the case may be, one thing seems certain, the disciples were fully engaged in trying to make sense of all the events that had just occurred. Jesus joins them. He asks a simple question, “What are you discussing... (c.f., v. 17). Cleopas responds, basically saying: Are you the only one who doesn’t know? How ironic. Standing in the midst of the Risen Lord, their eyes cannot see the very One about whom their discussion is focused. Perhaps their eyes were prevented from seeing Jesus for good reason...did they really know who He was? I encourage you to read Luke 24:19-24 and pay attention to some of the excerpted details:

Luke 24:19-24 (NIV)excerpts  19 “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.  ... 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”

He was. We had hoped. Notice the past tense. It is easy for us today because we (the ones reading the story) can see what they (the ones doing the walking and talking) could not. They wonder if Jesus has a clue as to what is going on; Jesus knows they do not. So the Resurrected Jesus uses the seven-mile trek to explain things to them.

Luke 24:27 (NIV)  27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

For us today, we too, can know who Christ is through the Scriptures. Most sermons and lessons about the events of Emmaus focus upon the revelation through the sharing at the table...four verbs:

Luke 24:30-31 (NIV) 30...he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Luke 22:19 (NIV) (Jesus’ words spoken at the Last Supper) 19 “...do this in remembrance of me”

Yes, this was a most amazing event. Yes, we remember our Resurrected Lord through the partaking of communion. But do we know Him? Do we study our Bibles to know Him through the Scriptures? Does the Resurrected Jesus live in our past tense of who He was, or does He reign in our present tense of who He is?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I bow my head and feel as if Cleopas was speaking to me as if I am the only one who doesn’t know. And yet I know beyond doubt that Jesus Christ is real. Jesus Christ is alive. Thank you for the guidance of your Holy Spirit who gives the wisdom to understand your Word; to understand who Christ is.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Are You the Only One Who Doesn’t Know? appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Do You See What I See?

As we continue our thoughts this week concerning Easter Resurrection Day and the days immediately following, let’s take a glimpse at the guards. Did they know about the Resurrection? Of course, they knew! The phrase, scared to death comes to mind.

Matthew 28:2-4 (NIV) 2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

I find it interesting that the written record does not mention the angel speaking to the guards, only speaking directly to the women (c.f., v. 5)...the guards, however, witnessed it all. They knew. They knew it all. In fact, we next see them running to tell the chief priests. Why would they run to tell the chief priests? We discover the answer first by backing up in Scriptures just a bit:

Matthew 27:62-66 (NIV) 62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

The body is buried. The tomb is sealed. The guard is posted. Earthquake. Do you see what I see?

Matthew 28:2 and 28:6 (NIV) 2...for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven...  [Notice—the angel speaks directly to the women, but the guards hear every word] 6“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

They knew. They knew the truth. They knew it all. Their story continues:

Matthew 28:11-15 (NIV) 11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

History tells us the penalty for falling asleep while on duty was severe, and often fatal. It is completely understandable the guards would be concerned about using the excuse of falling asleep. But the bonus money, and the promise from the chief priests don’t worry, we’ve got your back was enough for them. Do you see what I see? now becomes This is how it all went down. In today’s terms we would call this Revisionist History.

Matthew’s Gospel is interesting for immediately following this account, Matthew closes his writings with what we refer to as The Great Commission. Given by Resurrected Jesus to his disciples, and still important for us today:

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Do you see what I see? The guards knew the truth of the Resurrection back then; and we know the truth of the Resurrection now. The guards chose the path of Revisionist History; what will we choose?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for limiting Christ’s Resurrection Day to a single Easter Sunday, for it should be the foundation of our life as a Christian. Embolden us to proclaim the message of salvation including the resurrection truth to others, both in our spoken words and in the life we live.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Do You See What I See? appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, April 6, 2026

What Happens After Easter?

What happens after Easter? Eggs have been hunted and found. Chocolate bunnies have been consumed. Easter programs have been sung. Families have gathered for Easter dinners and dishes have been washed and put away. Family pictures have been taken. Easter clothes have been tucked into closets. It occurs to me that we tuck Easter away as quickly as Christmas or any other holiday.

This week, in our brief devotional time together, I would like to pause and take a look at what happened the few days that followed Easter, from the perspective of people present at the original event. We will look at Mary Magdalene, the Guards, the Disciples, Thomas, and Peter. Perhaps through their eyes we will find a fresh way to respond to the question, What happens after Easter?

The four Gospels offer a slight variation in the account of the women who went to the tomb. Luke simply identifies them as “the women who accompanied Jesus from Galilee,” (c.f., Luke 23:55) while Mark gives a more specific roll call of  Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome,” (c.f., Mark 15:40). Matthew pairs Mary Magdalene with “the other Mary,” (c.f., Matthew 28:1). It is John who emphasizes the presence of Mary Magdalene, and we will explore the post-Easter days through her eyes.

What do we know about Mary Magdalene? We know that she had been healed by Jesus; she was cured of seven evil spirits, (c.f., Luke 8:1 and Mark 16:9).  We know she was present at the crucifixion of Christ, (c.f., Mark 15:40). We know she followed the body of her Savior as he was placed in the tomb, (c.f., Matthew 27:56). That tomb was now sealed with guards posted. That tomb holds the only One who ever considered her more than human refuse. To the Jewish culture of the day she was unclean, unlovable, and less than the least of humans. To the Jewish culture of the day, dogs had been considered more valuable than she. That is until Jesus reached out in compassion and healed her. To Jesus she was a woman of worth and value. Now, the unjust treatment of Jesus was clearly evident and she would make certain his death received proper care.

John 20:1 (NIV)  1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

How could this be? She had promised herself to care for the body of her dearly loved Savior; the only One to see her value and worth. And now, the body was gone. As I consider Mary Magdalene, I cannot even fathom the range of emotions running through her distraught mind. And then, oh but then... a familiar voice...

John 20:16 (NIV)  Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

One word. Her name. She knew in that moment she had not been abandoned. Her Savior, her Lord, her “Rabboni!” Teacher was alive!

John 20:18 (NIV) Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”

Now it is time for us to consider, What happens after Easter? Jesus suffered and died for us. But it is Easter, and He has risen! He is alive! How will we respond?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Words cannot express my gratitude for your mercy and love that provided for my salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of your Only Son, Jesus Christ. Through Mary Magadene’s experience written in your Word, I have seen the Lord! My heart sings with joy. Christ lives for me; now let me live my days for Him.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Friday, April 3, 2026

Plans for Making Plans

Proverbs 21:30 (NLT)  No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.

Psalm 33:11 (NLT)  But the LORD’s  plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

James 4:13-17 (NLT)  13Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

I have a lot of plans for this coming year and I cannot believe that the first three months of 2026 have already vanished. I’m pretty sure you have many plans as well. So, do these scriptures mean we shouldn’t be making any plans? Of course not. If you re-read the James passage, the author is clearly saying we should be doing what we know is right and good, because it is in failure to do what we know we ought to do that we err; it is in planning for our own self-promotion or self-gain that we err. The whole point of these verses, at least in my mind, is that when I make plans—daily, yearly, long range—I should be doing so with the clear understanding that God has ultimate control and his plans may differ from mine. What it tells me, is that before making any plans I should be prayerful and have confidence that what I plan to do is in line with those things that are right and good according to God’s word.

So how does all this work in the everyday nitty gritty of life? Well, I’m pretty sure God would want me to keep a clean home, and although I’m good at that, there is still plenty of room for improvement. When I make plans to spend time on cleaning projects, that’s the right thing to do. I’m confident God has given me a small talent for writing and when I make plans to spend time in that activity, I’m sure I’m making a good choice. I know beyond doubt that God wants us to encourage one another, so making plans to write or call someone (or visit when we are able) is also something that is a good plan. God wants me to take care of myself, so I know plans for future medical appointments is part of that good plan.

Most of us have calendars of some type, and it seems today most people use their phones to keep important dates. Yet as we pack the dates of whatever calendar we use, remember God has plans for your life, too! Those things we want to do need to be in line with what we know to be good and right according to God’s word through prayerful consideration. And even beyond that, we need to remember that God’s ways are greater than our ways, and his thoughts far beyond our own. Finally, we need to be ready and willing to obey when our plans are interrupted by some plan or opportunity God places before us. Perhaps it is time to browse through our calendars and appointments...are the things that pack our daily schedules in line with what we know in our heart honors God?

Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)  Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us clear instructions in your Word. We know in our heart those things which are good and right and those things to which we should be making plans. Now, remind us that what you have planned for us comes first over any of our own plans. Grant us a ready and willing, obedient spirit to seek you first in all that we think, say, and do, and to complete the tasks and opportunities you provide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.