Bible Study & Devotional 224
written by: Torrie Slaughter
Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 21:5 ‘The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. ‘
🔴It Just Works
I’ve operated in multiple settings, and one I find particularly frustrating is the plan to keep planning environment. Before I begin to sound ‘self-righteous,’ I am flawed and don’t always confer with God. In short, I am not perfect. What I do know is that our God is one of order, and He is very detailed.
Imagine being Noah and building an ark without God’s direction. Or Moses in the wilderness constructing the tabernacle. It would be a nightmare of chaos and confusion.
While most of us are not constructing an ark, we do create our work environment. Whether at home, school, church, or business, we play a role in sharing information and building a support system. Just like God told Noah and many characters in the Bible story, God instructs us as well.
Steps
What does it mean to plan with God? Well, He gives us a list with details and the resources to achieve a goal. Our Lord sets actionable steps so that we remain encouraged and hopeful that we will complete the task. Being diligent in pursuing God’s will helps us easily navigate meetings, conversations, and essential correspondence. If you work in a team setting, you know good communication is critical.
So how do you know if you’re leading others in the way of the Lord?
First, ask yourself if your actions communicate love, thoughtfulness, and consideration. You can take a few moments to pray and ask God for the key players concerning your idea. Not only will you develop a system, but also relationships.
Second, when you think of profit, it will align with glorifying God and not increasing your wealth. We are valuable to the kingdom, and we can trust God to grow our bank account. The Word of God isn’t anti-capital gain, but it is against the worship of money (Psalm 62:10). If we think of our time as a precious commodity, we will be careful how we spend others. Be profitable in fellowship with neighbors and partner with those who seek to reverence God.
Lastly, as we pray and seek God’s guidance, we will not hastily move ahead. That means actively enjoying the process while working with God. Making beneficial decisions, coordinating groups, and communicating well is a choice. If we are praying the Lord will send help, we should ask Him to prepare us to receive it.
How You Work
Think about what operates well in your family, church, school, or business as you read today’s passages. Identify the things that are going well and give thanks to God. Ask Him what needs improving and submit yourself to the refining process. It’s never too late to realign with God.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
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