Devotion: Planning
Please take a moment to read John 6:22-29.
When I received this assignment, I was thrilled! Finally, I got something I am actually good at! It seems all my life I have been planning…schedules, lesson plans, gourmet dinner plans, financial plans, party plans, even funeral plans! Yup, I got this covered! Then I read the scripture and discovered Jesus had a different plan in mind. The crowd wanted more, they had been fed the night before and thought Jesus was the miracle man. He calls them out on it, “The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.”
Our schedules are so full of “important” stuff, we often forget the basics of life. Don’t get me wrong, the Bible wants us to plan. I found lots of biblical references to planning. Luke 14:28-32 is all about making plans before building. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil. To give you a future and a hope.” Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his step.” So don’t give up, planning is good!
Pastor Sarah’s sermon reminded us to find joy in knowing Jesus. He wanted the crowd to do that too. Believing is living the faith everyday, not just on Sunday. How do you do that? When I was teaching, I would start my day in the classroom by booting up my computer. While I was waiting for it to start up, I had a Bible verse taped to my screen. Reading it, started my day off right. Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Living your faith everyday is vital. The old church song, ‘They will know we are Christians by our Love’ keeps going through my head when I watch the news. There is so much we can do as followers of Christ! Live it everyday and spend your energy seeking the eternal life that Jesus can give you.
Dear Lord, Thank you for feeding us with Your love and blessings. Make us instruments in Your world of peace, kindness, and joy!
Amen
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 8-13 with newborn twins. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!