plans – Be Still…

1 Kings 4:1-19 – What a System!

Solomon is not going to be a lonely king. He has a lot of officials to help him with the tasks facing him as he moves the people of God forward in history. You may recognize some names from David’s regime. He is also surrounding himself with priests to give him Godly feedback and guidance.

I often wonder why the Bible is full of lists like this. Names representing individuals forever given remembrance. Beyond this mention, will we see these names again? Possibly. I’m just marveling at the extent to which Solomon is surrounding himself. As I understand it, he is also systematizing it a bit more than his father. We see a bit of the Egyptian influence he no doubt has gotten from his Egyptian wife.

2 Samuel 17:1-14 – Here’s the Plan

Read 2 Samuel 17:1-14

two hands in the process of putting two puzzle pieces together

The contrast could not be clearer between the plans given to Absalom by his two advisors. The quick and simple plan of Ahithophel is probably the best plan for Absalom’s victory. While the plan outlined by David’s true ally, Hushai, over complicates the situation. Hushai is a master of double talk and makes the case for his own plan to be better than Ahithophel’s. Better for David to be sure.

Any time we find ourselves in the planning phase of any project, there are bound to be differences of opinions between leadership. How do you pick the best plan? Seeking guidance through prayer is my first go-to. But it hasn’t always been that way. For many years, I relied on my own ideas.

Proverbs 16:1-17 – What Are Your Plans?

Read Proverbs 16:1-17

Are you a planner? Do you schedule your life down to the last minute? Sometimes that’s exactly what we need to do when we have a busy life. I still keep a calendar, so I’ll know where I’m supposed to be when, who I’m supposed to talk to, what activity I need to get done (like today is dog nail clipping day). If I don’t schedule something, it might not happen. Life, busy work, and trivial things all have a way of oozing into the nooks and crannies of time and pretty soon the day is over.

There are several proverbs in today’s reading that seem a bit connected. Being that “quality time” is my love language, these really spoke to me. Verse 1, “We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” Verse 3, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Verse 9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” What do we see here? Planning is a good thing, but God needs to be part of our process.

Tag: plans

1 Kings 4:1-19 – What a System!

2 Samuel 17:1-14 – Here’s the Plan

Proverbs 16:1-17 – What Are Your Plans?

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