13Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year.  We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?  Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:13-15 (NLT)

  1. Self-Reliance vs. Dependence on God

 

13Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year.  We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?  Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
James 4:13-14 (NLT)

 

14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.
Joshua 9:14-15 (NLT)

 

14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.
Joshua 9:14 (NLT)

 

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

 

  1. Seeking God’s Will in Every Decision

 

15What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:15 (NLT)
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

 

So how do we seek God’s will in our decisions?

 

  • Pray for Wisdom and Guidance

 

5“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5 (NLT)

 

  • Study God’s Word

 

105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

 

  • Seek Godly Counsel

 

14“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”
Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)

 

  1. Humility in Planning

 

16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.  17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:16-17 (NLT)

 

8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:  to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (NLT)

 

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