Introducing a New Series - "Perspectives on Proverbs"

I am so excited to finally announce the start of a brand new series that I have been thinking about for several weeks now! The series will be based entirely on the book of Proverbs, where I will take specific sections of verses, or even random verse combined to make a point or to show results of my studying. The really special part that I am even more excited to announce about this series, is that it will include GUEST WRITERS! Part of the reason why I am naming the series 'Perspectives on Proverbs' is because of the perspectives that will be shown through varying views and takes on different verses from different people. I will try to have these random writers, who could be good friends, family, or even fellow bloggers, post at least once a month, possibly more. You never know, the next guest writer could be YOU! To kick things off, we're starting this series off with my first guest writer, a dear and faithful friend of mine, whom I have loved utmost! Check out this Perspective on Proverbs, coming from Proverbs 16:1-3, by: Holly Lueers.

"Are you a planner (and no, I don’t mean an agenda book you might buy at Office Max)? A planner… as in a person who thinks about the future and meticulously plans out everything? I myself would be the first one to admit that I am a huge planner, especially right now. I have been planning for college, and trying to set in stone where I will go, and what I will major in, because of what I think would fit will with my personality and interests. It  is so attractive to want to make huge decisions about the future, based on what you know in the present; decisions such as where you want to go to college, where you think you will work, where you dream of living, who you want to marry… the list just keeps going. Obviously, it is wise to plan to a certain extent, but the question is not “Should I plan?” but “How can I plan biblically?”

Here is what Proverbs 16:1-3 has to say about planning: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

1.     

1. God’s will and His plans for our lives are superior to our own. We make plans based on the information that we have, whereas God decides on plans for our lives with full knowledge of what is best for us and will bring most glory to Himself. In the end, His plans win out. Sometimes, He guides us through difficult situations that we may not have even wanted to take into consideration because they seem so difficult, but we can have assurance that in the end, it is for our good and God’s glory (Romans 8:28-“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”)
   
   
2. We always have motives behind the plans that we make. Sometimes they are good motives,    with intentions to follow God’s will, and grow in faith; and sometimes they are poor intentions (such as, to bring honor to self). However, God know our motives and tests them.
   
3. When our plans are aligned with God’s plans, they will succeed and nothing will be able to stop them. We can align our will and plans with God’s by spending time daily in His Word, seeking Him in prayer, and listening to the wise counsel of other Christians. Proverbs 20:18 says: “Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.”

So what does this mean? Well, when planning, we should keep in mind the purpose of our lives: to glorify God. If something carefully planned for the future doesn’t work out the way we thought, we can have hope in knowing that God has a greater plan. Second, when planning, think through your motives. We should always strive toward pure and holy motives, seeking God’s will first and aligning our hearts with Him. Third, we can trust God with the future. Seeing plans fall through makes us trust God more to provide for our future, and reminds us that God is more important than all the plans that can take our eyes off of Christ.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:11-14"

About the Author:

My name is Holly, and I am a senior in high school. A few things I enjoy are reading my Bible and going to youth group (it is pretty much amazing), math, plain hot tea, reading books by John Piper, swinging on the swings, and hanging out with my pal, Rachel Chick. I work at Office Max, where we provide for all of your school and office supply needs (You should do your school shopping at Office Max) and on other days, you might find me driving my sisters around town. I love my family, which God had blessed me with…He has been good in so many ways in my life!