Proverbs 16:9: God Is Sovereign! Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. COMMENTARY PEARL Power For Your Goals Proverbs 16:9 says, We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it (The Message). You get to plan the way you want to live, but only God gives you the power and energy to actually experience transformation. Why? Because God provides the three things you must have to reach your goal and change your life. 1. You need Gods Spirit to empower you. You need Gods help to make changes you cant make on your own. Its not based on willpower. Its based on Gods power. Its not based on trying. Its based on trusting. Zechariah 4:6 says, You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord All-Powerful (NCV). 2. You need Gods Word to guide you. The Bible is the owners manual for life. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled youre going to be in life. When Joshua was given the great dream of taking over the Promised Land - a goal that would take him the rest of his life - God spoke these words to him: This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success (Joshua 1:8 NASB). 3. You need Gods people to support you. You will not be able to reach your goals on your own. It takes a team to fulfill a dream! A crowd cant support you, but a small group can. The people in your small group know when youre sick, when youre having a tough time, when you need a break. You can share your goals and successes and failures, and they will rejoice with you and encourage you to keep going. Youre going to need that when you make the right kind of goals and pursue them wholeheartedly. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, By yourself youre unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isnt easily snapped (The Message). [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day. Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to Me, the King of the universe. Because I am omnipotent, I am able to bend time and events in your favor. You will find that you can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion. Also, as you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not. Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go. Many, many things people do in My Name have no value in My kingdom. To avoid doing meaningless works, stay in continual communication with Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Luke 10:41, 42; Psalm 32:8) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged - never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent. Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence. (Rom. 8:31; Psa. 46:1-3; Luke 1:37) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you looking to Me, your Strength. Abundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me. Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing. This mind-set will free you to enjoy Me and to find what I have planned for you to do. This is far better than trying to make things go according to your own plan. Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me. You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about? I can equip you to do absolutely, anything, as long as it is My will. The more difficult your day, the more I yearn to help you. Anxiety wraps you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My help. Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence. (Phi. 4:13; Pro. 17:22) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130703-1330.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT Most Important Decision in Life: http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo [old, but one of the best] Importance of Choice: http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video] Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782 Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE Musical Devotional On Christian Living: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH: https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ Amazing Facts Bible Studies: http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/ Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/ ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657 Last Day Prophecy: His Other Sheep by Pastor Gerald Babanezhad: https://vimeo.com/162267518