FACING THE FUTURE

Good morning everyone.

 

Here is today's Bible lesson:

 

FACING THE FUTURE

 

READ:

James 4:13-17

 

If the LORD wills, we shall

live and do this or that.

-James 4:15

 

While going through some old files, I came across a 1992 special issue of TIME magazine titled "Beyond the year 2002:  What To Expect in the New Millennium."  It was fascinating to read the predictions made 2 decades ago about what the future would hold.  Some general observations were on target, but no one foresaw many of the events and innovations that have radically changed our lives.  The most telling statement to me was, ""The first rule of forecasting should be that the unforeseen keeps making the future unforeseeable." 

 

James reminds us that any view of the future that omits God is foolish and proud.  "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow...Instead you ought to say, 'If the LORD wills, we shall live and do this or that'" (James 4:13-15).

 

Many people used to begin their statement of plans with, "LORD willing."  The phrase may have become trite, but the acknowledgment of God's overruling hand is not.

 

As we look ahead with God firmly in view, we can face the future with confidence in His loving plan. - David McCasland

 

God holds the future in His hands

With grace sufficient day by day,

Through good or ill He gently leads,

If we but let Him have His way. -Rohrs

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Those who know Christ as Savior

can face the future with joy.

 

INSIGHT

One of the most practical sections of the New Testament regarding how we as Christians are to view our tomorrows is found in James' letter.  The apostle James has written an inspired letter filled with wisdom to help us navigate our way through life effectively.  In fact, this letter is so filled with practical wisdom that many Bible scholars refer to it as the "Proverbs of the New Testament."  That advice ranges from our own need for wisdom (1:5), the nature of temptation (v.13), the essence of wise responses to life (v.19), the danger of self-deception (v.24), and the characteristics of pure relgion (v.27).  All that and more-just in chapter one.

 

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator's Love Always

Unity & Peace