DCLM Higher Everyday 14 April 2024 — Planning By God’s Permission
Topic: Planning By God’s Permission
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9
5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Key Verse: “For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit” (1 Corinthians 16: 7).
Message
Some people live as if they own their own lives. However, there is very little a Christian can do in life without the permission and guidance of God. Hence in our text, we see how careful Paul was in considering the permission of God before taking a step on a matter as simple as spending some time with the brethren. In Acts 16:6-7, the Holy Spirit did not also permit Paul and his team to preach in some places. As Christians, we should always seek God’s approval in our endeavours. Remember, even in the Old Testament times, the people of God acted on God’s permission. An example is David who sought the will of God on various major decisions (See 1 Samuel 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1-4).
Friend, you need to have a vision, and set goals and plans for its realization. However, if you commit your ways into God’s hand, the vision, goals and plans will all be influenced by the Holy Spirit. And you will not labour tediously and eventually perform below expectation. God is the Master Planner. Seek Him for success (Proverbs 19: 21).
Quote: God is the Master Planner
Challenge: You should always seek God’s approval.
Prayer for today: Holy Father, help me to always seek your permission, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
