"For I know the plans I have for you."

Praise the LORD!!!

   "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,(Jere. 29:11)

   Many times we have no idea why things are happening the way they are within our lives! We imagine that it has to do with things we've done wrong, or it is the direct hand of the adversary disrupting them. But we must realize that our lives, though we have total control over them, has a lot to do with the will of GOD for us.

   I'm writing this with my back brace on this morning. I've had few devotionals posted as of late and have had the time, but not the inspiration to do so. Why??? LORD only knows! One thing I am sure of though, is that it is GOD's will for it to happen just as it is happening. Yes, I have had control over my actions during this time, but it is GOD, WHO has brought each and every event into alignment in HIS time frame.

   Too many people like to think that all the events of their lives are under their control, which they are and aren't. One of the great paradoxes that govern our lives. Especially the lives of Christians. Now as usual, I'm stepping on some theological toes and really don't care if I do. For I state that which I'm led to write, in the manor led. Not of the man, but of the spirit as led by the SPIRIT!!!
  
   Too many people these days think that they can control what GOD does within their lives. We need to remember WHO it is we're talking about controlling here. How can we control the very one that created us, in HIS very likeness? HE planned ever moment of our short lives, before the beginning of time, to be just as HE willed for them to be! Too many times we want to place GOD in a box. Thinking that we're more in control then we really are. That what we do has direct control over the very outcome of our lives. When it doesn't.

   The truth is, GOD has set all things in motion. HE has ordered every detail of time to conform to HIS plan. All the details are firmly set in place and even when we change things a bit, the outcome will remain the same in the end. Life as we know it is meant to bring glory to GOD and will happen just as HE has set it to be. Theology, is the study of GOD, reflecting the mere evidence( a very limited evidence) that we have of GOD. It presumes that HE is limited to that which we think of HIM. When in all rights we can't even begin to comprehend the greatness of GOD(Job 36:26)!!! Think about the "omni"  statements we make about GOD. Omnipotent (all powerful and controlling), omnipresent(present in all places at all times), and omniscient(having infinite awareness, understanding and incite). If GOD fulfills all of these(which HE does and even greater then we can imagine), how can we place limitations on HIS control over every aspect of existence?

   As I said earlier, "I'm stepping on some theological toes and don't care." We all need to examine our thoughts about GOD. What we think HE is and isn't. What HE can do and can't. What control over things HE has and hasn't. Ultimately to understand these to the greatest possible extent, we must depend on the HOLY SPIRIT to lead us and guide us into a perfect understanding and relationship of and with  'HE that has made us as we are'!!!

   There are many verse that could be placed here, but let me suggest that you read the Book of Job, especially chapter 38 and onward. My prayer is that GOD may grant us wisdom and understanding, and draw us into a more perfect relationship with HIM.

 Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org 

GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth

Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

Vine Ministerial Network International