Today's Verse: James 4:15

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
— James 4:15
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While I like to have choices and must be responsible for my own decisions, I am genuinely thankful that the Lord allows me to submit my life to his will and entrust my future to him. The Father is at work in me to do his will (Philippians 2:13) and to work for my best good (Romans 8:28). So, I gladly acknowledge that my plans are subject to his will. I appreciate that my goals and successes are in the Lord's hands. I have also found that what I often wanted in the immediate moment wasn't the right decision. Pausing and seeking the Lord's will has saved me from many impulsive or selfish decisions with undesired consequences. I gladly proclaim that what lies ahead for me can be summarized by one phrase I joyfully accept: "If the Lord wills!"

My Prayer...

Thank you, Abba Father, that my life and my future are in your hands. Forgive me for the times that my plans are too full of myself or not consciously dependent upon you. Thank you for rescuing me from the messes I have made because of my failed plans built around my own foolish arrogance and selfishness. Dear Father, I gladly place my plans, my life, and my future in submission to your will. In Jesus' holy name, and by his power, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

15 Related Resources by Heartlight

If it is the Lord's will...
Illustration of James 4:15
Inspirational illustration of James 4:15 -- Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
James 4:14-15
Devo: Today's Verse
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to...."
James 4:13-15
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know..."
Ouch! You're Stepping on My Toes
Article by Sarah Stirman
Does God ever use Scripture to step on your toes? We make all these plans and get upset when they don't unfurl like we want, but God often has other plans!
See All 15 Related Resources about James 4:15

Illustration

Illustration of James 4:15 — Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 15, 2013

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'A Simple Little Execution' (Mt. 27:1-2)
"Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. Then they bound him, led..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Glory!'
"Dear Child of God, Glory? Glorious? "Gloria in Excelsis Deo"? It was not too glorious if you look at the place where My birth happened! I was placed..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Held Together in Christ' (Co. 1:15-20)
"Dear Father, We have not seen you. We do not even know what it might mean to see you. But you have shown us Jesus, and because we have seen him, we....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Compassion and Mercy' (Ps. 86:15-16)
"But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse