{"id":32022,"date":"2020-10-12T09:43:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-12T16:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/?p=32022"},"modified":"2020-10-30T08:45:44","modified_gmt":"2020-10-30T15:45:44","slug":"if-the-lord-wills-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/devotionals\/if-the-lord-wills-4\/","title":{"rendered":"If the Lord Wills","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-very-dark-gray-color has-very-light-gray-background-color\"><em><em><em><em>\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\u201d<strong>\u2013 James 4:15<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What if you were about to invest in a business and you asked for the presentation of a business plan, and that presentation began with \u201cIf it\u2019s the Lord\u2019s will, we will do such and such\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, many of us have reservations and doubts when the will of God is mentioned in business. When the will of God is stated, we sometimes subconsciously interpret the presenter as uncertain about the future and consequently see their use of God as a cop-out. Yet,<strong>\u00a0this is the exact approach that James suggests we use in planning our business.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In James 4:13-16, James contrasts between the world\u2019s approach to planning and the kingdom approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>James suggests that the world\u2019s approach gives us the following characteristics: \u201cCome now, you who say, \u2018Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.\u201d \u2013 James 4:13<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Certainty of the future<\/li><li>Prideful<\/li><li>Self-centered<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While taking the kingdom approach allows us to have the following characteristics: \u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\u201d \u2013 James 4:15<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Recognize our limitations<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Humility<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Centered on God\u2019s will<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What does \u201cif the Lord wills\u201d mean?\u00a0<strong>It means, \u201cshould God permit or allow.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>It is recognizing that no matter what my 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>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are your plans for this year? Have you considered God\u2019s will for your life and your business?\u00a0<\/strong>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>\n\n\n\n<p>However, how do you find the will of God? Use the following guidelines to find God\u201ds will for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Prayer and fasting<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Study<\/strong>\u00a0His Word and look for guidelines and patterns<\/li><li><strong>Reflect<\/strong>\u00a0on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you<\/li><li><strong>Seek<\/strong>\u00a0the counsel of others you trust those who are God-fearing<\/li><li>Make sure you have\u00a0<strong>peace about the direction<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>God\u2019s will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas. Nevertheless, it is hard to execute, because it requires personal sacrifice. God\u2019s will usually moves us toward the direction that is least comfortable and yet it has the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.\u00a0<strong>God\u2019s will is trading our agenda for His agenda. If the Lord wills, what will you do this year?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My prayer for you this week is that you will seek God\u2019s will for your life and business while having the courage to pursue it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\u201d\u2013 James 4:15 What if you were about to\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":4891,"featured_media":32023,"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-32022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-devotionals","pmpro-has-access",""],"spectra_custom_meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_redirect":[""],"_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\";}"],"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-adv":["none"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["As we celebrate black history month, let us reflect on the journey of African Americans from Africa to America through the eyes of Joseph."],"_yoast_wpseo_title":["The Journey \u201cFrom Trial to Triumph\u201d -"],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":["journey of african americans"],"mom_video_show":["on"],"mom_video_type":["html5"],"mom_article_type":["article"],"sbg_selected_sidebar_replacement":["a:1:{i:0;s:12:\"Blog Sidebar\";}"],"shareaholic_disable_open_graph_tags":["0"],"shareaholic_disable_share_buttons":["0"],"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":["60"],"avada_post_views_count":["542"],"_mk_post_love":["0"],"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":[""],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":["journey of african americans"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_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:1486875600;}"],"_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:\"<div class=\"progressally-quiz-result\"><hr\/>Congratulations! You scored {[percentage]}!<\/div>\";s:18:\"submit-button-text\";s:15:\"Submit Answers!\";s:18:\"retake-button-text\";s:11:\"Retake Quiz\";s:10:\"num-retake\";s:1:\"0\";s:18:\"survey-num-outcome\";s:1:\"2\";s:14:\"survey-outcome\";a:2:{i:1;a:4:{s:4:\"name\";s:14:\"Survey Outcome\";s:15:\"checked-is-open\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"html\";s:56:\"<div class=\"progressally-quiz-result\">Outcome Text<\/div>\";s:10:\"access-tag\";s:0:\"\";}i:2;a:4:{s:4:\"name\";s:14:\"Survey Outcome\";s:15:\"checked-is-open\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"html\";s:56:\"<div class=\"progressally-quiz-result\">Outcome Text<\/div>\";s:10:\"access-tag\";s:0:\"\";}}s:26:\"grade-outcome-threshold-id\";s:1:\"1\";s:17:\"grade-num-outcome\";s:1:\"2\";s:13:\"grade-outcome\";a:2:{i:2;a:3:{s:9:\"min-score\";s:2:\"50\";s:15:\"checked-is-open\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"html\";s:110:\"<div class=\"progressally-quiz-result\"><hr\/>Congratulations! You scored {[percentage]} and pass the quiz!<\/div>\";}i:1;a:3:{s:9:\"min-score\";s:1:\"0\";s:15:\"checked-is-open\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"html\";s:102:\"<div class=\"progressally-quiz-result\"><hr\/>You scored {[percentage]}, and did not pass the quiz.<\/div>\";}}s:22:\"grade-outcome-pass-tag\";s:0:\"\";s:22:\"grade-outcome-fail-tag\";s:0:\"\";s:19:\"segment-num-outcome\";s:1:\"1\";s:15:\"segment-outcome\";a:1:{i:1;a:4:{s:9:\"min-score\";s:1:\"0\";s:15:\"checked-is-open\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"html\";s:70:\"<div class=\"progressally-quiz-result\"><hr\/>You scored {[score]}!<\/div>\";s:10:\"access-tag\";s:0:\"\";}}s:8:\"question\";a:1:{i:1;a:7:{s:15:\"checked-is-open\";s:2:\"no\";s:13:\"question-html\";s:24:\"Question text goes here?\";s:22:\"incorrect-message-html\";s:10:\"Incorrect.\";s:13:\"radio-correct\";s:1:\"1\";s:13:\"survey-weight\";s:1:\"1\";s:5:\"order\";a:4:{i:0;s:1:\"1\";i:1;s:1:\"2\";i:2;s:1:\"3\";i:3;s:1:\"4\";}s:6:\"choice\";a:4:{i:1;a:4:{s:4:\"html\";s:21:\"Choice text goes here\";s:15:\"checked-correct\";s:2:\"no\";s:21:\"select-survey-outcome\";s:0:\"\";s:13:\"segment-score\";s:1:\"1\";}i:2;a:4:{s:4:\"html\";s:21:\"Choice text goes here\";s:15:\"checked-correct\";s:2:\"no\";s:21:\"select-survey-outcome\";s:0:\"\";s:13:\"segment-score\";s:1:\"1\";}i:3;a:4:{s:4:\"html\";s:21:\"Choice text goes here\";s:15:\"checked-correct\";s:2:\"no\";s:21:\"select-survey-outcome\";s:0:\"\";s:13:\"segment-score\";s:1:\"1\";}i:4;a:4:{s:4:\"html\";s:21:\"Choice text goes here\";s:15:\"checked-correct\";s:2:\"no\";s:21:\"select-survey-outcome\";s:0:\"\";s:13:\"segment-score\";s:1:\"1\";}}}}}s:12:\"sharing-text\";s:0:\"\";s:13:\"sharing-image\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"sharing-url\";s:0:\"\";s:17:\"fb-automation-tag\";s:0:\"\";}"],"_progressally_certificate":["a:2:{s:8:\"max-cert\";s:1:\"0\";s:4:\"cert\";a:0:{}}"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":[""],"_is4wp_prohibited_action":["default"],"_is4wp_redirect_url":[""],"_is4wp_facebook_crawler":["0"],"_is4wp_google_1stclick":["0"],"_is4wp_membership_levels":[""],"_is4wp_anonymous_only":["0"],"_is4wp_any_loggedin_user":["0"],"_is4wp_any_membership":["0"],"_is4wp_private_comments":["0"],"_is4wp_can_comment":[""],"_is4wp_commenter_tag":[""],"_is4wp_commenter_action":["0"],"_is4wp_commenter_goal":[""],"_is4wp_access_tags":[""],"_is4wp_access_tags2":[""],"_is4wp_contact_ids":[""],"_is4wp_discourage_cache":["0"],"_is4wp_force_public":["0"],"_is4wp_hide_from_menu":["0"],"_iswp_custom_code":["a:3:{s:4:\"head\";s:0:\"\";s:3:\"css\";s:0:\"\";s:2:\"js\";s:0:\"\";}"],"_is4wp_learndash_achievement":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_actions":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_assignment_approved_actions":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_assignment_approved_tags":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_assignment_upload_actions":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_assignment_upload_tags":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_autoenroll":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_autojoin":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_badges":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_fail_actions":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_fail_goals":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_fail_tags":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_goals":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_orientation":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_pdfformat":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_redirect":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_shortcodes":[""],"_is4wp_learndash_tags":[""],"_is4wp_lms_complete_percent":[""],"_is4wp_lms_completed":[""],"_is4wp_lms_grade":[""],"_is4wp_lms_start_date":[""],"_is4wp_wpcw_completion_tag":[""],"_thumbnail_id":["32023"],"_elementor_template_type":["wp-post"],"_elementor_version":["2.9.9"],"_wp_page_template":["default"],"_elementor_data":["[{\"id\":\"21393c75\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":[],\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"25a1e5c\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":\"100\"},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"7edb7eb\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"<p><!-- wp:paragraph {\\\"backgroundColor\\\":\\\"very-light-gray\\\"} --><\\\/p>\\n<p class=\\\"has-background has-very-light-gray-background-color\\\"><em><em>\\u201cYou shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.\\u201d - <strong>Genesis 41:40 (NKJV)<\\\/strong><\\\/em><\\\/em><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>Can we forgive ourselves and each other for what has happened? Are we willing to let go of the past and give each other the benefit of the doubt?<\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>Forgiveness is the gift that we all love to receive but many of us struggle to give. Unfortunately, without it we can not become truly great nor can we realize our destiny. Forgiveness is what holds great people from becoming truly free. Joseph rose to greatness after his betrayal and struggle but there was one more thing he had to realize: his destiny.<\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>He had to forgive those who threw him in the pit and sold him into slavery, which then eventually led him to go to prison. Often as we rise to greatness our past revisits us and we are forced to reconcile with it. Some run from it and never become what God destined them to be. Others confront and embrace it and are able to experience the freedom that God has preordained for them to receive. You will never achieve true freedom unless you are able to forgive those who caused you harm. True freedom is letting go of the past, true freedom is saying I forgive you, true freedom is recognizing that what the devil meant for evil God used it for good.<\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>\\u201cFor I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.\\u201d -\\u00a0<strong>Jeremiah 29:11<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>Greatness is a result of persevering through life\\u2019s difficulties, intense trials, and challenges. Just as precious jewels are produced through years of intense fire and pressure and eventually command great value and admiration by men, we too have the same outcome when we allow the betrayal and trials of life to shape us into who God wants us to become.<\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>\\u201cAnd Joseph said to his brothers, \\u201cPlease come near to me.\\u201d So they came near. Then he said: \\u201cI am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.\\u201d <strong>- Genesis 45:4-5<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>Forgiveness is recognizing the sovereignty of God in every situation. When you forgive, you release the pain you have had a tight grip on and free your emotions from being focused on the wrongs that were done to you. You can now embrace the people that the enemy used to bring you harm with the unconditional love of Christ. It is said that unforgiveness is like taking a poison pill and hoping it kills the other person, it only brings you harm.<\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><strong><strong><strong>How do you forgive? Here are five simple steps that will guide you to forgive and get you closer to enjoying your freedom in Christ:<\\\/strong><\\\/strong><\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:table --><\\\/p>\\n&lt;figure class=&quot;wp-block-1.<strong> Accept God\\u2019s forgiveness of you <\\\/strong>- It is hard to forgive others if you do not forgive yourself by accepting that God has forgiven you.<br \\\/>2. <strong>Draw close to those who hurt you<\\\/strong> - You cannot forgive without a willingness to be intimate with those who hurt you.<br \\\/>3. <strong>Confront the situation <\\\/strong>- true forgiveness starts with truth, accept the reality of what happened.<br \\\/>4. <strong>Release the person or persons<\\\/strong> - Write a note or verbally communicate to the person that you have forgiven them. You do not have to say it to them physically but you must address it to them even if you do not send them the message.<br \\\/>5. <strong>Recognize God\\u2019s sovereignty <\\\/strong>- Look for the good in the situation, no matter how bad it is you must be able to see how God has worked it or will work it for your good.<\\\/td>\\n<\\\/tr>\\n<\\\/tbody>\\n<\\\/table>\\n<\\\/figure>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:table --><\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\\n<p>&nbsp;<\\\/p>\\n<p><!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --><\\\/p>\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"}],\"isInner\":\"\"}],\"isInner\":\"\"}]"],"_dp_original":["31930"],"_edit_lock":["1604072744:4891"],"_edit_last":["4891"],"_elementor_controls_usage":["a:3:{s:11:\"text-editor\";a:3:{s:5:\"count\";i:1;s:15:\"control_percent\";i:0;s:8:\"controls\";a:1:{s:7:\"content\";a:1:{s:14:\"section_editor\";a:1:{s:6:\"editor\";i:1;}}}}s:6:\"column\";a:3:{s:5:\"count\";i:1;s:15:\"control_percent\";i:0;s:8:\"controls\";a:0:{}}s:7:\"section\";a:3:{s:5:\"count\";i:1;s:15:\"control_percent\";i:0;s:8:\"controls\";a:0:{}}}"],"rank_math_analytic_object_id":["4900"],"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_uag_css_file_name":["uag-css-32022.css"],"_uag_page_assets":["a:9:{s:3:\"css\";s:7156:\".uag-blocks-common-selector{z-index:var(--z-index-desktop) !important}@media (max-width: 976px){.uag-blocks-common-selector{z-index:var(--z-index-tablet) !important}}@media (max-width: 767px){.uag-blocks-common-selector{z-index:var(--z-index-mobile) !important}}\n.wp-block-uagb-image{display:flex}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure{position:relative;display:flex;flex-direction:column;max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:0}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{height:auto;display:flex;max-width:100%;transition:box-shadow 0.2s ease}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure>a{display:inline-block}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure figcaption{text-align:center;margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:1em}.wp-block-uagb-image .components-placeholder.block-editor-media-placeholder .components-placeholder__instructions{align-self:center}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-left{text-align:left}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-right{text-align:right}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-center{text-align:center}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-full .wp-block-uagb-image__figure{margin-left:calc(50% - 50vw);margin-right:calc(50% - 50vw);max-width:100vw;width:100vw;height:auto}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-full .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{height:auto;width:100% !important}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-wide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{height:auto;width:100%}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;opacity:0.2;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);transition:opacity 0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay-link{position:absolute;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;top:0}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{opacity:1}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner{position:absolute;left:15px;right:15px;bottom:15px;top:15px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-direction:column;border-color:#fff;transition:0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-center,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-right{justify-content:flex-start}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-center,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-right{justify-content:flex-end}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.center-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-left{align-items:flex-start}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-right,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.center-right,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-right{align-items:flex-end}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-heading{color:#fff;transition:transform 0.35s, opacity 0.35s ease-in-out;transform:translate3d(0, 24px, 0);margin:0;line-height:1em}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-separator{width:30%;border-top-width:2px;border-top-color:#fff;border-top-style:solid;margin-bottom:10px;opacity:0;transition:transform 0.4s, opacity 0.4s ease-in-out;transform:translate3d(0, 30px, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-caption{opacity:0;overflow:visible;color:#fff;transition:transform 0.45s, opacity 0.45s ease-in-out;transform:translate3d(0, 35px, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner:hover .uagb-image-heading,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner:hover .uagb-image-separator,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner:hover .uagb-image-caption{opacity:1;transform:translate3d(0, 0, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{transform:scale(1);transition:transform 0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{transform:scale(1.05)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{width:calc(100% + 40px) !important;max-width:none !important;transform:translate3d(-40px, 0, 0);transition:transform 0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{transform:translate3d(0, 0, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-grayscale img{filter:grayscale(0%);transition:0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-grayscale:hover img{filter:grayscale(100%)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-blur img{filter:blur(0);transition:0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-blur:hover img{filter:blur(3px)}\n.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default figure img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure figcaption{font-style: normal;align-self: center;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay figure img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{opacity: 0.2;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner{left: 15px;right: 15px;top: 15px;bottom: 15px;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-heading{font-style: normal;color: #fff;opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-heading a{color: #fff;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-caption{opacity: 0;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-separator{width: 30%;border-top-width: 2px;border-top-color: #fff;opacity: 0;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{width: px;height: auto;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-caption{opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-separator{opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default figure:hover img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay figure:hover img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}@media only screen and (max-width: 976px) {.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{width: px;height: auto;}}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{width: px;height: auto;}}\";s:2:\"js\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"current_block_list\";a:4:{i:0;s:14:\"core\/paragraph\";i:1;s:9:\"core\/list\";i:2;s:10:\"uagb\/image\";i:3;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":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-scaled.jpg",2560,1706,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-768x512.jpg",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-1024x683.jpg",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-624x416.jpg",624,416,true],"gform-image-choice-sm":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-scaled.jpg",300,200,false],"gform-image-choice-md":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-scaled.jpg",400,267,false],"gform-image-choice-lg":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2020\/10\/unnamed-4-scaled.jpg",600,400,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Kindell Welker","author_link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/author\/kindell-welker\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\u201d\u2013 James 4:15 What if you were about to\u2026","comments_count":0,"content_native":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-very-dark-gray-color has-very-light-gray-background-color\"><em><em><em><em>\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\u201d<strong>- James 4:15<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-very-dark-gray-color has-very-light-gray-background-color\"><em><em><em><em>\u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\u201d<strong>- James 4:15<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"#313131","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{},"backgroundColor":"#eeeeee"}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>What if you were about to invest in a business and you asked for the presentation of a business plan, and that presentation began with \u201cIf it\u2019s the Lord\u2019s will, we will do such and such\u2026?\u201d<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"What if you were about to invest in a business and you asked for the presentation of a business plan, and that presentation began with \u201cIf it\u2019s the Lord\u2019s will, we will do such and such\u2026?\u201d"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>Unfortunately, many of us have reservations and doubts when the will of God is mentioned in business. When the will of God is stated, we sometimes subconsciously interpret the presenter as uncertain about the future and consequently see their use of God as a cop-out. Yet,<strong>&nbsp;this is the exact approach that James suggests we use in planning our business.<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Unfortunately, many of us have reservations and doubts when the will of God is mentioned in business. When the will of God is stated, we sometimes subconsciously interpret the presenter as uncertain about the future and consequently see their use of God as a cop-out. Yet,<strong>&nbsp;this is the exact approach that James suggests we use in planning our business.<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>In James 4:13-16, James contrasts between the world\u2019s approach to planning and the kingdom approach.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"In James 4:13-16, James contrasts between the world\u2019s approach to planning and the kingdom approach."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>James suggests that the world\u2019s approach gives us the following characteristics: \u201cCome now, you who say, \u2018Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.\" - James 4:13<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"James suggests that the world\u2019s approach gives us the following characteristics: \u201cCome now, you who say, \u2018Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.\" - James 4:13"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list","render":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Certainty of the future<\/li><li>Prideful<\/li><li>Self-centered<\/li><\/ul>","content":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Certainty of the future<\/li><li>Prideful<\/li><li>Self-centered<\/li><\/ul>","data":{"listType":"unordered"},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>While taking the kingdom approach allows us to have the following characteristics: \u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\" - James 4:15<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"While taking the kingdom approach allows us to have the following characteristics: \u201cInstead you ought to say, \u2018If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.\" - James 4:15"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list","render":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Recognize our limitations<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Humility<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Centered on God\u2019s will<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>","content":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Recognize our limitations<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Humility<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Centered on God\u2019s will<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>","data":{"listType":"unordered"},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>What does \u201cif the Lord wills\u201d mean?&nbsp;<strong>It means, \u201cshould God permit or allow.\u201d&nbsp;<\/strong>It is recognizing that no matter what my 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?&nbsp;<strong>It means, \u201cshould God permit or allow.\u201d&nbsp;<\/strong>It is recognizing that no matter what my 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":"<p><strong>What are your plans for this year? Have you considered God\u2019s will for your life and your business?&nbsp;<\/strong>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":"<strong>What are your plans for this year? Have you considered God\u2019s will for your life and your business?&nbsp;<\/strong>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":"<p>However, how do you find the will of God? Use the following guidelines to find God''s will for you:<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"However, how do you find the will of God? Use the following guidelines to find God''s will for you:"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list","render":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Prayer and fasting<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Study<\/strong>&nbsp;His Word and look for guidelines and patterns<\/li><li><strong>Reflect<\/strong>&nbsp;on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you<\/li><li><strong>Seek<\/strong>&nbsp;the counsel of others you trust those who are God-fearing<\/li><li>Make sure you have&nbsp;<strong>peace about the direction<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>","content":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Prayer and fasting<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Study<\/strong>&nbsp;His Word and look for guidelines and patterns<\/li><li><strong>Reflect<\/strong>&nbsp;on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you<\/li><li><strong>Seek<\/strong>&nbsp;the counsel of others you trust those who are God-fearing<\/li><li>Make sure you have&nbsp;<strong>peace about the direction<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>","data":{"listType":"unordered"},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p>God\u2019s will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas. Nevertheless, it is hard to execute, because it requires personal sacrifice. God\u2019s will usually moves us toward the direction that is least comfortable and yet it has the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.&nbsp;<strong>God\u2019s will is trading our agenda for His agenda. If the Lord wills, what will you do this year?<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"God\u2019s will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas. Nevertheless, it is hard to execute, because it requires personal sacrifice. God\u2019s will usually moves us toward the direction that is least comfortable and yet it has the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.&nbsp;<strong>God\u2019s will is trading our agenda for His agenda. If the Lord wills, what will you do this year?<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p><strong>My prayer for you this week is that you will seek God\u2019s will for your life and business while having the courage to pursue it.<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"<strong>My prayer for you this week is that you will seek God\u2019s will for your life and business while having the courage to pursue it.<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"<p> <\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":" "}],"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\/32022","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\/4891"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32022"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32022\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}