Today's Verse: James 4:15

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
— James 4:15
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While I like to have choices and must be responsible for my own decisions, I am genuinely thankful that the Lord allows me to submit my life to his will and entrust my future to him. The Father is at work in me to do his will (Philippians 2:13) and to work for my best good (Romans 8:28). So, I gladly acknowledge that my plans are subject to his will. I appreciate that my goals and successes are in the Lord's hands. I have also found that what I often wanted in the immediate moment wasn't the right decision. Pausing and seeking the Lord's will has saved me from many impulsive or selfish decisions with undesired consequences. I gladly proclaim that what lies ahead for me can be summarized by one phrase I joyfully accept: "If the Lord wills!"

My Prayer...

Thank you, Abba Father, that my life and my future are in your hands. Forgive me for the times that my plans are too full of myself or not consciously dependent upon you. Thank you for rescuing me from the messes I have made because of my failed plans built around my own foolish arrogance and selfishness. Dear Father, I gladly place my plans, my life, and my future in submission to your will. In Jesus' holy name, and by his power, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

If it is the Lord's will...
Illustration of James 4:15
Inspirational illustration of James 4:15 -- Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
James 4:14-15
Devo: Today's Verse
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to...."
James 4:13-15
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know..."
Ouch! You're Stepping on My Toes
Article by Sarah Stirman
Does God ever use Scripture to step on your toes? We make all these plans and get upset when they don't unfurl like we want, but God often has other plans!
See All 14 Related Resources about James 4:15

Illustration

Illustration of James 4:15 — Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, June 15, 2017

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Be Loyal'
"Dear Beloved, Today and the next three days, I want to share with you one key concept from each of the four chapters in your book of 2 Timothy...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Outsiders (Us) Are Welcome in God’s Kingdom'
"[The apostle Peter explained,] "Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. The Holy Spirit told....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Sung in the Camp of the Godly' (Ps. 118:15)
"Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Rooted and Grounded' (Ep. 3:14-19)
"Dear Father, transcendent in power and fullness, I bow my knees before you, Father, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse