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Psalms 33:11 - The Counsel And Plans Of The Lord Stand Forever To All Generations.Psalms 33:11 (NKJV) The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.Psalm 33:11 (ESV) The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Psalms 33:11 (AMP) The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations. INTRODUCTION "The LORD's plans stand firm forever." Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy - his intentions never change. The Bible promises that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes (James 1:17). When you wonder if there is anyone you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. Let him counsel you, and then rely on his plans for your life. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL A Hopeful And Holy Plan God has a track record of faithfulness. You see, the Bible isn't just a rulebook; it's a written account of God's character, a ledger of His unfailing, pursuing love throughout the span of time, and the story of His plan to redeem the world. When you read the Old Testament, you'll notice how God's people stray from Him over and over again. (Turns out, humans have a history of thinking we can make it on our own!) Even in their sin, God forgave His people. And every time, they returned to Him with shouts of praise - only to forget and turn their backs on Him once again. God saves, people stray, and so God's mercy cycle goes on and on throughout all time. If you or a loved one are in a season of distraction or straying from what God says, take heart. He is still working out His plan, and He has an amazing habit of always showing up for His people and offering redemption in the midst of their failures. God is not absent in your story; He is at the helm of it. He delights to offer mercy, and He longs for you to run back to His arms again today. Dear God, Your plans are good and unshakable. Thank You for leading me throughout all my days. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] COMMENTARY Recognizing God's Handiwork The work God does is creative. He made heaven, earth, and all living creatures. He formed Adam and Eve in His image and knitted each of us in our mother's womb. His work is also powerful. Through His Son Jesus, He accomplished a great salvation for all who trust in the Savior. Our heavenly Father worked mightily to open a way for us to be reconciled to Him and adopted into His family. Not only that, but God's work is ongoing, and Jesus is the One who holds all things together (Col. 1:17). In order to recognize God's handiwork, we need to pray in an active, persistent manner. Christ-centered prayers narrow our focus to the Lord. Then we can more readily identify His actions and see how to join Him. Self-centered petitions serve to distract us from Him. The Father also wants our heart and mind yielded to His will. Pursuing our own agenda shifts the focus to ourselves and makes us lose sight of the Lord. But a submissive attitude prepares us to listen and obey. Regularly concentrating on God's Word will clear our minds and help us understand what the Lord is doing. When we combine these disciplines with discernment and patience, we will have positioned ourselves to discover how God is working in our lives and in our world. Our Lord is at work today - calling nonbelievers to saving faith and the redeemed to a closer walk with Him. His plans include individuals, families, and nations. Have you been too busy or distracted to notice what He's doing? Confess your inattention and refocus your heart and mind on Him. [In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley at www.intouch.org] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Isaiah 46:9-10 - The End From The Beginning. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241029-1344.html Proverbs 19:21 - Make Plans According to Gods Will for His Purpose Will Prevail. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220819-0959.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |