Greetings to all in this first official business day in 2015. I trust everyone had a memorable Christmas and New Year celebration. Since this new year is still in it’s infant stage, I suppose that those of you who made resolutions or set goals for the year still have them fresh in your mind. As I’ve stated before, setting goals is a good thing. It gives our life more purpose and a more defined path to follow. Even so, having a vision is even better, although the one drawback with that is that oftentimes the vision that people have for their lives is not in tune with God’s will. It is like the Word of God. How often have we heard folks who say something like, “I’ve always believed this or that regarding a certain issue” when all the while God’s Word teaches something totally different? And this is not something new. Jeremiah wrote this about the false prophets in his time: “Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.” (Jer. 23:16)
Now, I’m pretty sure there are no false prophets or teachers reading this blog but I trust you can see that when we set goals, make resolutions, or have a vision for our future, we must ensure that our own heart is not deceiving us and that our plans are all according to God’s will. I know that many supposedly wise teachers and counselors ascribe to the “follow your heart” theory but the truth is that our own hearts can deceive us. Jeremiah also wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things and without cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9) I’m not suggesting that every time you follow your heart, you are going to fall flat on your face, but I do believe wholeheartedly that in order to be safe, we must acknowledge the Lord in all our decisions and seek His guidance and approval before we proceed.
I trust you will seek the Lord in prayer about your plans for the upcoming year. Once you are confident that He has given the blessing and approval, then you can move forward. If you do that, I believe this may be your most fruitful and meaningful year ever.
Memory verse for the week: (1 John 2:28) “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear , we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming.”
