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
