Proverbs 16

-Reflecting-Proverbs 16:1-9

To man belong the plans of His heart,
but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.

All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

The Lord works out everything for His own ends,
even the wicked for the day of disaster.

The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished.

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for,
through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord,
He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

Better a little with righteousness
than much with injustice.

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.

God has definitely determined steps in my life that I could never have imagined. I am thankful beyond words that my life is not my own and that I every move I make is in the hands of my Creator. I pray that God continues to make a way and show me what steps to take. All my plans are continually committed to Him over and over again-I seem to have this ability to think I need to be in control in order for things to "work out", but let's be honest if I were actually in control, I would mess this life up pretty good.

Lord, thank you for the past twenty-five years of life with You. You have brought me through deep valleys and over high mountains. You have grieved with me and sometimes probably over me. You have rejoiced with me and covered me with a blanket of Your love. You turned Your own sons blood into my righteousness. You never leave me or forsake me. You have given Your Spirit to guide me in all my ways, give me courage to be obedient and follow You all the days of my life. Amen.

On my mind

Yesterday I received an e-mail from a friend who recently attended the Bethel Collage graduation ceremony and was very encouraged by three points the guest speaker made (sorry I don't know who it was).

1. Reflect More-think about where God has brought you to this point.
2. Risk More-be willing to step out in faith and obedience.
3. Invest your life in things that will out live you-things of eternity.

I have not completely thought through these ideas yet, but this is what's on my mind and soon to be on my blog in the next weeks.