Bird's Eye View Of Your Day
Proverbs 16:1-2
(NIV) To humans belong
the plans of the heart, but from the
Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
(MSG) Mortals make
elaborate plans, but God has the last word.
2 Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.
(NASB) The plans
of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is
from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
but the Lord weighs the[a]motives.
(NLT)
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives
the right answer. 2 People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their motives.
I love using these four versions of the bible to see how verses
are translated. It is so interesting how sometimes just using a thesaurus makes
such a big difference. It would probable help a TON if I understood Greek and
or Hebrew too – but for now, I get the true meaning of verses by looking at
different translations, like this.
So. Motives. What an interesting few verses to think of today. What
struck me is that we can make all the plans in the world we want, but God does
have the last word. I mean, if it is His will, then all of our plans will find
a way of happening. However, the main focus of our goals, is our true motive.
Our inner heart for doing it. Are we wanting to bring glory to God? Are we
trying to lead others to Jesus? Are we being an example of His child? Are we
looking to bless others? OR Are we seeking to gain notoriety? Are we seeking to
be famous? Are we seeking to have others work for us, and we become lazy? Are
we doing something out of revenge? Could it be, that we are just ‘living’ and
have nothing in mind? Walking around doing what needs to be done, but for no purpose
at all? Well, these are questions we need to ask ourselves when we are “doing
things”. Yes, it may start out as something to glorify God, and or the Church –
but then somehow, in the middle – WE get in the mix. I believe it is so
important to keep ourselves in ‘check’ but more importantly to keep asking God
to keep us in ‘check’.
How do we keep ourselves in check? Well, by having others around
us in our life that follow God in all things and seek His wisdom. We need people
that are willing to be honest, true, and genuine with us. Perhaps, even a bit
harsh when we are straying off in a different direction of selfish ambitions. The
bible is FULL of men and women of God that have trusted advisors around them.
It is how we are made and wired to be.
Today let’s think of the things we are doing. Why are we doing
them? Do we have goals that we have set? Did we ask God to be the Board of Director
when we sat down and made these “plans”? Perhaps we need to look at our “to do”
list and see where our hearts desire really is. Yes, sometimes the things we do
and want to do come easy. Sometimes they take time. However, if we keep God as
the center focus, it doesn’t matter the time it takes – He will allow it to
happen. I pray that today, you are able to have a bit of God’s ‘birds eye view’
of your life and the plans and goals you have set before you. Examine your
heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you truth in your plans. If there is
anything that God is wanting to work on or change, He will reveal it to you.
Trust that He DOES know best – and it will all work out in the long run. I’m
praying for you and this time of reflection that needs to go deep inside. Be
well, be safe, and today – be blessed!!
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