Preparing for Christmas
My Plans VS. God's Plans - Preparing for Christmas
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My Plans Vs. God's Plans
READ: 2 Samuel 7:1-7 Nathan's Message to David (1 Chronicles 17:1-15) 1King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord kept him safe from all his enemies.2Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!” 3Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the Lord is with you.”4But that night the Lord said to Nathan,5“Go and tell my servant David that I say to him, ‘You are not the one to build a temple for me to live in.6From the time I rescued the people of Israel from Egypt until now, I have never lived in a temple; I have traveled around living in a tent.7In all my traveling with the people of Israel I never asked any of the leaders that I appointed why they had not built me a temple made of cedar.’
MY PLANS VS. GOD'S PLANS At the point of this passage, David has already been through an awful lot. He has defeated Goliath and managed to escape from King Saul’s assassination plots several times. After Saul’s death in battle, David takes the throne that God has promised, and he wants to make the most of that opportunity. He has plans. He is ready to do something significant for God. David wants to build God a temple. And God has some things to say about that. Today’s passage is just the first part of God’s answer. We’ll read more tomorrow, but God’s response at this point gives us plenty to consider. God doesn’t want a temple yet. He doesn’t ask for it and doesn’t need it. Just like David, it’s easy to dream about doing great things for God. We can fall into the same mindset with the best of intentions. During this hectic Advent season, there are many things we might think we need to do for God. This passage reminds us to gain God’s perspective and prayerfully consider what’s important to him. There are times when we want that verbal clarity from God about specific choices. Thankfully, God’s Spirit gives us the wisdom we need whenever we ask. Jesus’ brother, James, wrote: "But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all" (James 1:5).
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for this example. It’s so natural for me to run ahead of you and then ask you to bless my plans. Help me, during this hectic Christmas season, to slow down and gain your perspective. Give me the wisdom I need to follow you. Amen.
DIG DEEPER: What is one area of your life where you desire clarity and direction from God for the upcoming year? What steps would God want you to take to gain his perspective in that area? We’ll look at the rest of God’s answer to David tomorrow. There’s no way David expects what God says next.
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Lord God, direct me as I lead the women’s Bible study. Provide the topic, scripture selection, and members.
My prayer today is "how do You, dear Lord, desire me to get Warrior Church launched I need Your plan, direction and wisdom, in Jesus Name I pray Amen.
Thank you Father for always showing us your perspective. We can easily get caught up in the trappings of life boasting about what we do and yet not stand Still for your directions. Give us wisdom and understanding. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.