James 4:13–17

Most of us probably have too much interest in what the future holds. We want to know what the year is going to bring to us. Some use conventional methods, but others use tea leaves, palm reading, or astrology to try to look into the future. There is nothing biblically wrong with trying to prepare for what is ahead. It can certainly surpass an “unconsidered life.” But many Christians seem to leave God out of the planning and preparation equation, and throw their faith to the wind.

Here in the New Testament book of James we see the story about a first-century wheeler-dealer, who was a boastful businessman, making plans for his future. There are many just like him in Georgia (and beyond) today.

We Must Be Careful with Self-Centered Planning

James 4:13 How foolish it is to say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into this town, and be there for a year and do business there and get wealth.” 14 Yet you are not certain what will take place tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist, which is seen for a little time and then is gone.

Do you plan when and where you will go?
Do you plan the procedure?
Do you plan the profit?

What is wrong with this? If you are like the man in James, you are leaving God out of your plans altogether. You are not consulting with God.

Where is God and His instructions in His Word in the continuum of our planning?

The key to all of this is verse 15. But the right thing to say would be: “If it is the Lord’s pleasure and if we are still living, we will do this and that.”

Do we ever ask, “Lord, what is Your will?”

How do we approach this from a church perspective? Do we say, “God, bless what I’m doing” rather than “Lord, help me to do what You’re blessing.” God wants to show you His will, as you look into your future.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go; I will guide you with mine eye.

To be guided with God’s eye means that you have a very close relationship with Him.

Isaiah 30:21: And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.

Are we willing to listen if God would guide us that way in the coming year?

John 16: Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.

Romans 8:14 As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

As long as we see God’s will and listen, when He speaks to us: We do not have to just flounder around and come to the end of our lives, regretting choices we have made! God has a plan for every area of our life, not just our church. He has plans for our education, our business, our marriage, our reactions, everything. God has a plan for our lives.

Here are some simple things to do in order to see God’s plan for our lives.
1. You must confess your sins.
You must deal with the sin in your life, what are you serving in your life rather than God? If you want to know God’s will for the future, make certain there is no unconfessed, unrepented of sin in your life. Than means you must examine your life and be honest about your sin and admit it. Then, make plans to stop the sin with Jesus help
2.You need to be consecrated.
That means start practicing in your life the right things you already know. Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Do you really want to know the will of God, or do you just want God to help you with the plans that you make without considering his will for you?
3. You need to concentrate, Listen to God.
The Holy Spirit is spoken of as a gentle dove, as a still, small voice. This is why you need that quiet time alone with God. God is speaking, are you listening? There is always music in the air waves, but you must have your radio tuned in to hear the music. God is always speaking to us, but we must tune in, in order to hear Him.

He is the portal to 20/20 vision and spiritual focus in 2020.

We Must Be Careful With Self-Confident Assurance

James 4:14: Yet you are not certain what will take place tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist, which is seen for a little time and then is gone.

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring forth.

As you make plans, do you ever say to God, “I don’t know what the future is, I don’t know how much more time I have. So, Lord, help me not to waste time. Help me to apply my days with wisdom. Lord, help me live out the rest of my days, whether they be few, or whether they be many, may they be used for You.”

We Must Be Careful with Self-Complacent Delay

How much time do we have? How long will we live? We simply don’t know that.

Luke 12:24 Thou fool, this night your soul shall be required.The farmer assumed he had many years, but God said, you will die tonight.

Here’s a man like us, who knew what he ought to do, but he didn’t do it. He was boasting in himself, and all that he’s done. He has become complacent. He is aware of God’s will, but he doesn’t want to do it. Procrastination may be the biggest problem that most of us have today. It’s a very deceptive sin.

Why is it a greater sin to fail to do what you ought to do than to do what you ought not to do? It is simple. If you’re doing what you ought to do, you are far less likely to do what you ought not to do.

Will we allow God to plan our lives in this New Year? Don’t miss the opportunity.