{"id":27218,"date":"2011-01-04T19:30:38","date_gmt":"2011-01-05T03:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nehemiah.pivotdev.com\/blog\/?p=768"},"modified":"2020-03-16T23:20:43","modified_gmt":"2020-03-17T06:20:43","slug":"if-the-lord-wills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/devotionals\/if-the-lord-wills\/","title":{"rendered":"If the Lord Wills","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord Wills, we shall live and do this or that,\u2019\u201d<\/em> James 4:15.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you developed your plan for this year?<\/strong>\u00a0 What is your approach to planning?\u00a0 Imagine that you are about to invest in a business and you hear the business plan presentation which begins with if the Lord wills we will do such and such\u2026?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately as scriptural as this sounds, most of us will have reservations and doubt about the business because we will interpret that the presenter is uncertain about the future and possibly wants to use God as a copout.\u00a0 Yet this is the very approach that James suggests we use in planning our businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In James 4:13-16, James contrasts the world\u2019s approach to planning with the kingdom approach.<\/strong>\u00a0 James suggests that the world\u2019s approach has the following characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Certainty of the future<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pride<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Self-centeredness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the kingdom approach should have the following characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recognition of our limitations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Humility<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Centered on God\u2019s will<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does \u201cif the Lord wills\u201d mean?\u00a0 It means \u201cshould God permit or allow\u201d.\u00a0<\/strong> It is recognizing that no matter what our plans are, they are subject to God\u2019s ultimate purpose.\u00a0 It suggests that we are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and as stated in the Lord\u2019s Prayer, we are inviting God\u2019s will into the situation (Matthew 6:10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your plans for this year?\u00a0 Have you considered God\u2019s will for your life and your business?\u00a0 God\u2019s will protects you, provides for you and keeps you safe.\u00a0 No matter your circumstances or the economy, \u00a0the safest place to be is in the will of God.\u00a0 In the will of God there is provision, protection and safety.\u00a0 In the will of God we find peace in the midst of turmoil, in the will of God we find safety in the midst of uncertainty, in the will of God we find favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever your plans are this year, make sure they keep you in the will of God.<\/strong>\u00a0 How do you find the will of God?\u00a0 Use the following guidelines to help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pray and fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Study His word and look for guidelines and patterns within His word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reflect on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seek the council of others who are trustworthy and God-fearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Make sure you have peace about the direction you sense God is leading you in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas.\u00a0 God\u2019s will usually moves us toward an uncomfortable direction but one that will have the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.\u00a0 God\u2019s<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you developed your plan for this year? What is your approach to planning? Imagine that you are about to invest in a business and you hear the business plan presentation which begins with if the Lord wills we will do such and such\u2026?<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-devotionals","pmpro-has-access",""],"spectra_custom_meta":{"avada_post_views_count":["492"],"_mk_post_love":["0"],"_yoast_wpseo_redirect":[""],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-adv":["none"],"_accessally_post_permission":["a:9:{s:13:\"require-login\";s:2:\"no\";s:16:\"required-tag-ids\";a:0:{}s:13:\"tag-id-system\";s:12:\"Infusionsoft\";s:21:\"conditional-redirects\";a:0:{}s:10:\"enable-url\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"disable-url\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"no-wpautop\";s:2:\"no\";s:16:\"include-form-css\";s:2:\"no\";s:15:\"include-form-js\";s:2:\"no\";}"],"shareaholic_disable_open_graph_tags":["0"],"sbg_selected_sidebar_replacement":["a:1:{i:0;s:12:\"Blog Sidebar\";}"],"mom_article_type":["article"],"mom_video_type":["html5"],"mom_video_show":["on"],"shareaholic_disable_share_buttons":["0"],"_wp_old_slug":[""],"_edit_last":["1"],"sbg_selected_sidebar":["a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"0\";}"],"sbg_selected_sidebar_2_replacement":["a:1:{i:0;s:0:\"\";}"],"slide_template":["default"],"sbg_selected_sidebar_2":["a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"0\";}"],"pyre_show_first_featured_image":["no"],"pyre_fimg_width":[""],"pyre_fimg_height":[""],"pyre_portfolio_width_100":["default"],"pyre_video":[""],"pyre_image_rollover_icons":["default"],"pyre_link_icon_url":[""],"pyre_post_links_target":["no"],"pyre_related_posts":["default"],"pyre_share_box":["default"],"pyre_post_pagination":["default"],"pyre_author_info":["default"],"pyre_post_meta":["default"],"pyre_post_comments":["default"],"pyre_main_top_padding":[""],"pyre_main_bottom_padding":[""],"pyre_hundredp_padding":[""],"pyre_slider_type":["no"],"pyre_slider":["0"],"pyre_wooslider":["0"],"pyre_revslider":["0"],"pyre_elasticslider":["0"],"pyre_slider_position":["default"],"pyre_avada_rev_styles":["default"],"pyre_fallback":[""],"pyre_demo_slider":[""],"pyre_display_header":["yes"],"pyre_header_100_width":["default"],"pyre_header_bg_color":[""],"pyre_header_bg_opacity":[""],"pyre_header_bg":[""],"pyre_header_bg_full":["no"],"pyre_header_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"pyre_displayed_menu":["default"],"pyre_display_footer":["default"],"pyre_display_copyright":["default"],"pyre_footer_100_width":["default"],"pyre_sidebar_position":["default"],"pyre_sidebar_bg_color":[""],"pyre_page_bg_layout":["default"],"pyre_page_bg_color":[""],"pyre_page_bg":[""],"pyre_page_bg_full":["no"],"pyre_page_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"pyre_wide_page_bg_color":[""],"pyre_wide_page_bg":[""],"pyre_wide_page_bg_full":["no"],"pyre_wide_page_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"pyre_page_title":["default"],"pyre_page_title_breadcrumbs_search_bar":["default"],"pyre_page_title_text":["default"],"pyre_page_title_text_alignment":["default"],"pyre_page_title_custom_text":[""],"pyre_page_title_text_size":[""],"pyre_page_title_custom_subheader":[""],"pyre_page_title_custom_subheader_text_size":[""],"pyre_page_title_font_color":[""],"pyre_page_title_100_width":["default"],"pyre_page_title_height":[""],"pyre_page_title_mobile_height":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg_color":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_borders_color":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg_retina":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg_full":["default"],"pyre_page_title_bg_parallax":["default"],"fusion_builder_status":[""],"_accessally_post_webinar":["a:7:{s:14:\"enable-webinar\";s:2:\"no\";s:10:\"youtube-id\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"hangout-url\";s:0:\"\";s:13:\"webinar-title\";s:18:\"AccessAlly Webinar\";s:18:\"webinar-start-date\";s:0:\"\";s:25:\"webinar-start-time-select\";s:5:\"00:00\";s:22:\"webinar-start-time-raw\";i:1486443600;}"],"_progressally_quiz_counter_meta":["a:4:{s:16:\"select-quiz-type\";s:5:\"score\";s:23:\"quiz_completion_counter\";i:0;s:18:\"grade_pass_counter\";i:0;s:8:\"question\";a:1:{i:1;a:4:{i:1;i:0;i:2;i:0;i:3;i:0;i:4;i:0;}}}"],"_progressally_post_meta":["a:11:{s:12:\"selected-tab\";s:9:\"objective\";s:13:\"max-objective\";s:1:\"0\";s:15:\"objective-error\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"objective-order\";a:0:{}s:10:\"access-tag\";s:0:\"\";s:19:\"checked-enable-quiz\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"quiz\";a:16:{s:16:\"select-quiz-type\";s:5:\"score\";s:20:\"correct-message-html\";s:8:\"Correct!\";s:11:\"result-html\";s:92:\"

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auto;}}\";s:2:\"js\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"current_block_list\";a:3:{i:0;s:14:\"core\/paragraph\";i:1;s:10:\"uagb\/image\";i:2;s:10:\"core\/image\";}s:8:\"uag_flag\";b:1;s:11:\"uag_version\";s:10:\"1776092227\";s:6:\"gfonts\";a:0:{}s:10:\"gfonts_url\";s:0:\"\";s:12:\"gfonts_files\";a:0:{}s:14:\"uag_faq_layout\";b:0;}"]},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"post-thumbnail":false,"gform-image-choice-sm":false,"gform-image-choice-md":false,"gform-image-choice-lg":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"EC Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/author\/ecmembersadm-2\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Have you developed your plan for this year? What is your approach to planning? Imagine that you are about to invest in a business and you hear the business plan presentation which begins with if the Lord wills we will do such and such\u2026?","comments_count":0,"content_native":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord Wills, we shall live and do this or that,\u2019\u201d<\/em> James 4:15.<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"

\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord Wills, we shall live and do this or that,\u2019\u201d<\/em> James 4:15.<\/strong><\/p>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{},"backgroundColor":"#eeeeee"}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Have you developed your plan for this year?<\/strong>  What is your approach to planning?  Imagine that you are about to invest in a business and you hear the business plan presentation which begins with if the Lord wills we will do such and such\u2026?<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Have you developed your plan for this year?<\/strong>  What is your approach to planning?  Imagine that you are about to invest in a business and you hear the business plan presentation which begins with if the Lord wills we will do such and such\u2026?"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Unfortunately as scriptural as this sounds, most of us will have reservations and doubt about the business because we will interpret that the presenter is uncertain about the future and possibly wants to use God as a copout.  Yet this is the very approach that James suggests we use in planning our businesses.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Unfortunately as scriptural as this sounds, most of us will have reservations and doubt about the business because we will interpret that the presenter is uncertain about the future and possibly wants to use God as a copout.  Yet this is the very approach that James suggests we use in planning our businesses."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

In James 4:13-16, James contrasts the world\u2019s approach to planning with the kingdom approach.<\/strong>  James suggests that the world\u2019s approach has the following characteristics:<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"In James 4:13-16, James contrasts the world\u2019s approach to planning with the kingdom approach.<\/strong>  James suggests that the world\u2019s approach has the following characteristics:"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

1.     Certainty of the future<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"1.     Certainty of the future"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

2.     Pride<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"2.     Pride"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

3.     Self-centeredness<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"3.     Self-centeredness"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

While the kingdom approach should have the following characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"While the kingdom approach should have the following characteristics:<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

1.     Recognition of our limitations<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"1.     Recognition of our limitations"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

2.     Humility<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"2.     Humility"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

3.     Centered on God\u2019s will<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"3.     Centered on God\u2019s will"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

What does \u201cif the Lord wills\u201d mean?  It means \u201cshould God permit or allow\u201d. <\/strong> It is recognizing that no matter what our plans are, they are subject to God\u2019s ultimate purpose.  It suggests that we are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and as stated in the Lord\u2019s Prayer, we are inviting God\u2019s will into the situation (Matthew 6:10).<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"What does \u201cif the Lord wills\u201d mean?  It means \u201cshould God permit or allow\u201d. <\/strong> It is recognizing that no matter what our plans are, they are subject to God\u2019s ultimate purpose.  It suggests that we are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and as stated in the Lord\u2019s Prayer, we are inviting God\u2019s will into the situation (Matthew 6:10)."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

What are your plans for this year?  Have you considered God\u2019s will for your life and your business?  God\u2019s will protects you, provides for you and keeps you safe.  No matter your circumstances or the economy,  the safest place to be is in the will of God.  In the will of God there is provision, protection and safety.  In the will of God we find peace in the midst of turmoil, in the will of God we find safety in the midst of uncertainty, in the will of God we find favor.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"What are your plans for this year?  Have you considered God\u2019s will for your life and your business?  God\u2019s will protects you, provides for you and keeps you safe.  No matter your circumstances or the economy,  the safest place to be is in the will of God.  In the will of God there is provision, protection and safety.  In the will of God we find peace in the midst of turmoil, in the will of God we find safety in the midst of uncertainty, in the will of God we find favor."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Whatever your plans are this year, make sure they keep you in the will of God.<\/strong>  How do you find the will of God?  Use the following guidelines to help you:<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Whatever your plans are this year, make sure they keep you in the will of God.<\/strong>  How do you find the will of God?  Use the following guidelines to help you:"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

1.     Pray and fast.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"1.     Pray and fast."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

2.     Study His word and look for guidelines and patterns within His word.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"2.     Study His word and look for guidelines and patterns within His word."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

3.     Reflect on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"3.     Reflect on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

4.     Seek the council of others who are trustworthy and God-fearing.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"4.     Seek the council of others who are trustworthy and God-fearing."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

5.     Make sure you have peace about the direction you sense God is leading you in.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"5.     Make sure you have peace about the direction you sense God is leading you in."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

God\u2019s will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas.  God\u2019s will usually moves us toward an uncomfortable direction but one that will have the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.  God\u2019s<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"God\u2019s will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas.  God\u2019s will usually moves us toward an uncomfortable direction but one that will have the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.  God\u2019s"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}}],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"bb_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"app_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27218"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27218\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}