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God's Perfect Plan

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 Psalm 119 stresses some aspect of God's Word in every verse. It is important that we read and study His Word. The Bible portrays God's plan for mankind. From the creation in the Book of Genesis to the New Earth described in Revelation, we see that plan unfolding. In the Old Testament we follow God's dealings with His chosen people, Israel. They were abundantly blessed and yet repeatedly, they turned to pagan gods. His patience and longsuffering delivered them. They served Him again for a time, then soon returned to their idol worship. Throughout it all, we know that God was in control and was working out His perfect plan. The New Testament begins with Jesus coming to earth to bring the plan of salvation not only to the Jews but to all nations, which had always been His plan. In the Gospels we learn about Jesus' life on earth, and His death, burial, and resurrection. His ascension into heaven left a promise that He would return. The writings of the Apostles and other early Christians teach us how we are to live to be ready for that event. II Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." The Book of Revelation reveals some of what will happen as God's plan comes to completion. What a hope we have! Eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ and with the saints who have gone on before us. No tears, pain, or sickness. God's plan of salvation is offered freely to all who will accept it. The choice we make to accept or reject it will determine our destiny. His Word gives us all we need to know to make the right decision. Psalm 119:11"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Thought For Today: Things that are happening in our world today, remind us that the time of Christ's return is near. We need to ensure that we are ready. Devotion by: Anne Johnston

Questioning God's Plan

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7 Last week we had a severe storm in our area. For almost three hours, we had thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain and even hail. It caused a lot of problems as streets filled with water and basements flooded. Power was cut for safety reasons. What a relief when the rain ended. The story of Noah is a familiar one. God was disappointed in the people who lived on earth at that time. Noah was the only one who had not followed the wicked ways of others. So God said that He was going to destroy the world, but that He would save Noah and his family. Specific instructions were given to build the Ark. Think about it. Noah did not possess power tools. He could not go to Home Depot and purchase all the materials he would need. YouTube was not available, to find instructions for the task. Noah had probably never even built a small boat, let alone one large enough to fit God's plan. To the natural mind, the plan did not make sense. The task was large. But God's plan was explicit, and Noah's faith was strong. God gave Noah the abilities that were needed to build. Can you imagine the opposition he faced as he and his sons worked on the boat. Rain had never fallen before so no one believed him. Yet, he completed the task God had given him. II Peter 2:5 "And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly." The Lord may never ask us to do something as demanding as what He asked of Noah. But there may be times when He speaks to us to do something that to us does not make sense. We may question whether it is really the Lord speaking. But as we walk in faith and do our best to obey, He will provide the necessary talent and ability. All He asks, is that we be willing to trust, He knows what He is doing. Thought For Today: Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;" Devotion by: Anne Johnston

Obeying God's Plan

"And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount." Exodus 25:40 When God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness, specific instructions were given for every part of it. He told them what kind of wood and what materials should be used in the coverings. He gave him dimensions for each piece of furniture and specified the type of metal they were to be made from. Craftsmen were provided who were able to create the different articles. And he told Moses to follow the pattern exactly. Why was the Lord so detailed about every part? Because the tabernacle was to be a type and foreshadowing of the plan of salvation to be revealed later to the world. It is interesting to note that every article involved in the Tabernacle directs us to Jesus and His plan for mankind. Every sacrifice offered on the alter points us to Calvary. Jesus coming to earth and giving His life on Calvary, changed everything. When He died, the veil in the temple was rent in two and access opened to the presence of God. There would no longer be a need for animal sacrifices. God's new plan brings grace and salvation to all who will accept Jesus as their Saviour. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Hebrews 4:16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Just as Moses was told to follow the pattern God had given for the Tabernacle, so there are instructions for us to follow. When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, the people asked him what they should do. His answer still works: Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." God's plan for us is perfect. We each must decide to accept His plan and obey the instructions He has given in His Word. Thought For Today: Have you accepted God's plan and obeyed Acts 2:38? Devotion by: Anne Johnston

God's Plan For Our World

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." Revelation 21:1 The early chapters of Genesis record the story of God's creation of the earth as we know it. If you look at the order in which He created everything, we see that when He created man, His final creation, everything that he would need to survive was already in place. God had a perfect plan, and He knew from the beginning how long earth would exist in the way He made it. Here in this final book of the Bible, we read of this earth passing away, as God's plan has been completed and He is bringing in something better. In the early chapters of Revelation, we read of a lot of things that will happen before that day comes. Today we are constantly being reminded of climate change. Places in our world are experiencing times of severe heat and drought. There are earthquakes, tornadoes and other things that have people living in fear. We are constantly being reminded to do our part to change our world. If everybody would drive an electric car, that would eliminate the escalation of climate change. I remember a few years ago, we were advised to quit using paper bags and save our trees. Plastic was to be used instead. Now we are being told to get rid of the plastic. Last week my groceries were delivered in the same type of paper bags that we used when I was a child. We need to use the resources we have been given wisely, but we need not live in fear. So,I believe climate change is not a surprise to God. It is all part of His plan. And we as His children, know that all these things that are happening in our world are still in His control. His plan from the beginning was perfect, and He will determine the time and the circumstances that bring it to fruition. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Daniel 2:20-21 "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his And he changeth the times and the seasons." Thought For Today: No matter what this world is telling us, God is in control. Devotion by: Anne Johnston

Confidence In His Plan

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 This week I had a birthday. Normally my daughter makes plans well ahead of time. If she cannot be with me, she makes sure I have a gift early. This year was different. She hadn't said anything to me, and I was beginning to wonder why. Then I received a phone call the night before from a friend, telling me that she had my daughter's gift and asked me to go out for lunch with her and she would bring it. When she picked me up at the church, she had another friend with her. Then to my surprise there were two others waiting at the restaurant. The table was set for six and they told me there was still one more to come. A few minutes later, my daughter appeared. What a beautiful surprise. I am so blessed. My daughter always plans ahead. Even though it looked like she was not going to be with me on my birthday, I knew deep in my heart that she had something planned. I know her well and I trust her completely. I am so thinkful for the family the Lord entrusted me with. They are always there for me. My boys are too far away to be with me on special occasions, but they both phoned me and let me know they remembered my birthday and that they loved me. Their love is not something I take for granted. They have my best interest at heart and desire to make me feel loved and appreciated. How much more can we trust our Heavenly Father to always give His best to us. He loved us before we were even born. He knew what would happen every year, every day of our lives. Everything that we face in life, passes through Him first. As I look back over my life, I can see where He was leading and guiding me each step of the way. Like the captives in Babylon, we can claim the promise that the Lord gave in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Psalm 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Thought For Today: "for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5