Plans, 2023.

Plans, 2023.

Galatians 5:13-15TPT

What is it with plans that spell failure? I’ve noticed Calhoun probably has 10 vape shops (not an exaggeration). They seem to be empty with customers. I just wonder how much time was spent in planning/surveys?

The old saying, If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail.

What is it with January 1st, and making resolutions?

I think it’s a terrific idea for people to be inspired to move in a different way.

However, usually this type of inspiration doesn’t last.

Usually these resolutions had not been well thought out and or, prayed over. Usually, they seem like pretty sporadic goals/plans.

One predictable, reoccurring theme is friends who want to go to the gym on a regular basis. People say their gyms are like ghost towns in November, and December, then January hits and they get as busy as a New York City subway. But then comes February.

Paul gives us some powerful truth to live by in, Galatians 5:13-15TPT “Beloved ones, God has called us to live a life of freedom. But don’t view this wonderful freedom as an excuse to set up a base of operations in the natural realm.14 Constantly love each other and be committed to serve one another. For all the law can be summarized in one grand statement: “Demonstrate love to your neighbor, even as you care for and love yourself.” 15 But if you continue to criticize and come against each other over minor issues, you’re acting like wild beasts trying to destroy one another!”

According to Galatians 5:13, Plans actually become a toss-up, sometimes they work sometimes they don’t, primarily because plans can operate from the natural realm.

One of my go to scriptures is, Galatians 5:6TPT Faith works through love. Or to say a bit more, faith results in good works done in love.

Notice, real/authentic love is always motivated by faith; God faith is motivated by love.

Love and faith go hand n hand. Love and faith are married to one another.

Remember this, “Plans become a tossup, love works.”

So I say, “What if we simply submit to love?” -Just Jesus!

So going into the year 2023, drop the plans and take up Jesus!

“For the year 2023, take less emphasis on goals and plans, and place all emphasis on Jesus leaking out of you.” P.H

I want you to look at John 12, after Jesus raises the dead. -His friend Lazarus. This miracle created quite a stir.

John 12:20-22NLT Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

As I read these verses, my thoughts were “what is this all about?” These Greeks, and Pharisee wanted to meet a miracle worker, the ‘one’ who raised his friend, ‘Lazarus’ from the dead. Something new. A new way, something witty.

Say this out loud, “Love works!”

This thought came to me, While men were planning Jesus was exiting. -Jesus’ departure would be just another example of how He lived. How He loved! And just to let you know I haven’t forgotten, “How He will come back!”

Hear Jesus’ reply to how He loved in the next verses, John 12:23-26NLT Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve Me must follow Me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves Me.

So what was Jesus’ responds to the Greeks, Pharisees and every other nationality and religious group? I believe Jesus was saying, “Just as I showed you how to live, I'll show you how to die. I’ll overcome not only your sins, but I’ll overcome death also!”

We need a doctorate in being motivated by love. 1 Corinthians 13:13TPT Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.

Until we become immortal, perfect, until we arrive, we are to put on love. Wear love, do love.

Colossians 3:12-14NKJV “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”