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      • Unknown Future

      Resource Details

      A Faith for Facing an Uncertain Future

      Rick Warren | August 16, 2020

      If there’s any single truth that this pandemic has reminded us of, it’s this: None of us know the future. And when you don’t know your future, it can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. In this message, Pastor Rick Warren continues our study through the Book of James by pointing to three common mistakes we make about the future, and the solution for each one.

      Message Action Plan

      Message Action Plan

      Three Essential Questions
      After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.

      • What did you hear? What point in this message was most impactful for you?
      • What do you think? How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
      • What will you do? How will you put into practice what you've learned today?

      "No one knows what will happen in the future and there is no one who can tell us." Eccl. 8:7
                                                       
      "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to a certain city and we will stay there a year. We will open up a business there and we will make a profit.' But you don't even know what will happen tomorrow! And your life is as brief and uncertain as the mist of a morning fog. It's here a little while, but then it disappears! So instead, what you ought to say is, 'IF it is the Lord's will, we will live long enough to do this or that.' Otherwise you are just boasting and bragging about yourself, and that kind of pride is wrong and evil. But remember, anytime you know the right and good thing to do, but you don't do it, then you sin."   James 4:13-17 

      3 MISTAKES WE MAKE ABOUT THE FUTURE
      AND THE SOLUTION FOR EACH ONE

      • WE MAKE PLANS WITHOUT ASKING GOD

       "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to a certain
       city and we will stay there a year. We will open up a business there
       and we will make a profit.'" James 4:13

      • To have God's blessing, INVOLVE HIM IN MY PLANNING
      • KEY 1: PRAY AS I PLAN MY LIFE

       "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own
       understanding. In all your plans acknowledge him, and he will direct
       your paths."  Prov. 3:5-6 

       "If you want to know what God wants you to do, just ask him, and he will
       gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a generous supply of wisdom
       to all who ask him." James 1:5 (LB)

       David prayed: "I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me
       how."            Ps. 119:32 (Mes)

      ACTION PLAN:  Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 this week.  Be able to recite it from your heart and mind as you follow the steps listed in the THIS WEEK section below for prayerful planning.

      • WE PRESUME THAT WE'LL HAVE TOMORROW

      "But you don't even know what will happen tomorrow! And your life is as
        brief and uncertain as the mist of a morning fog. It's here a little while, but
        then it disappears! So instead, what you ought to say is, 'IF it is the Lord's
        will, we will live to do this or that.' Otherwise you are just boasting and
        bragging about yourself, and that kind of pride is wrong and evil."   James 4:14-16

      • KEY 2:LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME AND MAKE IT COUNT

       Jesus: "Don't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will have its own
        worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own!"            Matt. 6:34 (LB)

       "Don't brashly brag about what you're going to do tomorrow because you
       don't know the first thing about tomorrow!"            Prov. 27:1 (Mes)

      ACTION PLAN:  What simple act of selfless love can you demonstrate today for a family member, neighbor, or co-worker? Take 5 minutes to think of some thoughtful ways to accomplish it. Reach out and meet that practical needs of someone today.   

      • WE PUT OFF DOING WHAT'S RIGHT AND GOOD

      "But remember, anytime you know the right and good thing to do,
        but you don't do it, then you sin."        James 4:17

      Homework Questions to Consider

      1.  What is the next step of spiritual growth and obedience I need to take?          

      • Complete our spiritual growth classes? (101, 201, 301, 401)

      Sunday is SUPER CLASS SUNDAY. Go online!

      • Be baptized next weekend?
      • Sign up for a place to serve? (Your ministry)

      2.  What do I know God wants me to do, but I'm still putting off?

      3.  What excuse have I been hiding behind?

      WHATEVER IT IS . . . DO IT NOW!

      "We can be sure we know ChristIF we obey his commands. The one who says, 'I know him,' but doesn't do what he commands is a liar."   1 John 2:3-4

      THIS WEEK: Take 30 minutes to prayerfully write down your plan for the rest of this year. Pray: Father, what do YOU want me to do during this time?
      (Personal Growth, Family, Services, Finances, etc.)

      "We should make plans – counting on God to direct us."  Prov. 16:9 (LB)

      Every Service Action Steps
      We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com

      We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him.
      Your generosity online is feeding tens of thousands of out-of-work families
      and serving many other needs. Give at Saddleback.com/give
       
      Listen to our podcasts "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn

      More from this series

      More from this series

      A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t
      March 15 - November 8, 2020
      • When Your Plan Doesn’t Match God’s Plan
        November 8, 2020
      • Having The Mind Of Christ During An Election
        November 1, 2020
      • A Faith That Can Heal Illnesses
        October 25, 2020
      • A Faith That Can Transform Weaknesses
        October 18, 2020
      • A Faith Known For Integrity
        October 11, 2020
      • A Faith That Helps Me See The Truth
        October 4, 2020
      • A Faith That Handles Wealth Wisely
        September 27, 2020
      • A Faith That Doesn’t Need To Hoard
        September 20, 2020
      • A Faith That Knows The End Of The Story
        September 13, 2020
      • A Faith That Passes The Tests Of Life
        September 6, 2020
      • A Faith That Doesn't Hold On To Hurt
        August 30, 2020
      • A Faith That Reduces Quarreling
        August 23, 2020
      • A Faith for Facing an Uncertain Future
        August 16, 2020
      • A Faith That Keeps Me From Playing God In The Lives Of Others
        August 9, 2020
      • A Faith That Keeps Me Hopeful
        August 2, 2020
      • A Faith That Makes Me More Merciful & Less Judgmental
        July 26, 2020
      • A Faith That Helps Me Filter What I Say
        July 19, 2020
      • A Faith That Handles Delays Patiently
        June 27, 2020
      • A Faith That De-Escalates Conflict
        June 21, 2020
      • A Faith That Plants Seeds Of Peace
        June 7, 2020
      • Real Faith Versus Fake Faith
        May 31, 2020
      • A Faith That Loves My Neighbor As Myself
        May 24, 2020
      • A Faith That Leads To Emotional Health: Part 2
        May 10, 2020
      • A Faith That Leads To Emotional Health: Part 1
        May 3, 2020
      • A Faith That Anchors Me In Storms
        April 19, 2020
      • A Faith That Counters My Bad Habits
        April 5, 2020
      • A Faith That Makes Tough Choices Easier
        March 29, 2020
      • A Faith That Isn’t Troubled by Troubles
        March 22, 2020
      • A Faith That Walks Through the Valley of Virus
        March 15, 2020
      Back To Top

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