REMEMBER

Romans 15:25-27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Paul’s Travel Plans

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.


There is a phrase I remember hearing as I grew up in my family. Remember those who brought you over. It is used in the context of honor given to your parents, elders or ancestors. We should never forget the sacrifices made by them on our behalf.

The Apostle Paul was participating in this practice as he returned to Jerusalem with a gift for the believers there.

Who was responsible for bringing you the Good News? What have you done to say thank you to them? Remember those who brought you over.

TRUST GOD

Isaiah 30:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Judah’s Worthless Treaty with Egypt

1 “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,”
says the LORD.
“You make plans that are contrary to mine.
You make alliances not directed by my Spirit,
thus piling up your sins.
2 For without consulting me,
you have gone down to Egypt for help.
You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection.
You have tried to hide in his shade.
3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,
and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.

Living, planning, setting goals without consulting God is a strategy doomed to failure. God must be the foundation upon which you build your plans and the first consideration in the development of your life purpose.

The wisdom writer put it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

PLANNING FOR ETERNITY

Proverbs 6:6-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Lessons for Daily Life

6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
7 Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
8 they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.


The wisdom writer and other Bible passages show us examples from the animal kingdom which would be good for we humans to follow. In daily living, it is good to be prepared for a rainy day. They will surely come.

It is even more important that we plan and act now in preparation for the days we will spend in eternity. Unlike daily living where we may have a tomorrow to adjust our plan, catch up on our rainy day preparation, we won’t have another chance when we face eternity. Do it now!

THE PLAN OF GOD

Isaiah 37:26
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Isaiah Predicts Judah’s Deliverance

26 “But have you not heard?
I decided this long ago.
Long ago I planned it,
and now I am making it happen.
I planned for you to crush fortified cities
into heaps of rubble.


Although the people of Israel often looked at their circumstances and questioned whether the Lord knew what He was doing, God affirmed through His prophets that He knew exactly what He was doing. God’s involvement in our lives is not reactive but purposeful and deliberate. His timing is perfect and His purpose cannot be thwarted. God’s sovereign intentions exceed the boundaries of time and are consistent with the perfection of His character.

The Father’s plan is best!