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.”
Martin Luther once stated, The law states do this but never is it done; Grace teaches believe in this and it is already done.
Again Paul states in, Colossians 3:14, above everything else, put on love.
Believe in love. -“I think it’s time to believe for love, believe Jesus. Believe love over every emotion.” P.H
Above all, Believe Jesus/believe love.
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills all commands by putting on love.
When the church wears love satan is defeated.
When the church wears love the world will know.
The Lord spoke this simple truth to me, The largest faith span you’ll ever walk in is when you put on love! Walk in love.
Galatians 5:14AMP “For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].”
7 Things to apply when it comes to plans and direction for the future:
Are my plans for the future motivated by love?
Every goal and purpose Jesus had was for the love of humanity.
The apostle Peter states in, Acts 10:38NLT And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Jesus was and is motivated by love. He loves you.
2. Is my goal/motivation to help people, or to make money?
Love says, just do it. No plans, no agenda:
“Just Jesus leaking out through you into the world.”
Testimony, “Here’s what I know, if my plans are to help people, serve people, love people, in Jesus’ name, I will succeed.” P.H
3. Love motivates/Do the right thing.
There is nothing like being motivated by love. Be driven for souls.
Q&A: Is love my motivation?
4. Plans are a toss up, sometimes they work out, and sometimes they wither.
1 Corinthians 13:8a. Love never fails.
Love succeeds every time. Love wins. What if we simply commit to love?
When Ruth committed to her mother in law Naomi, Ruth’s world begin to change. Commit to love!
5. Our lives are a series of positive experiences, and more than a few negative.
This I know, Make your life about people and you won’t regret it.
There's no gym to join, no pounds to lose. Our hours and minutes are what make up our lives, and God never intended relationships to be an afterthought.
“Be a relationship of love for others. Be all about love you can't go wrong. Love thinks no evil love conquers everything put on love.” P.H
6. Make this year about people. Plan to love in 2023.
“Listen, ‘We won't give our friends the love they deserve if we try to work them in when our lives slow down.”
One day we will wake up and realize we never really got to know the person we bump into every day.
7. Be Jesus/Be love.
What will that look like?
Philippians 2:1-5NLT Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
This evening I’m setting an example for other ministers of this body to walk in as you teach and preach from this pulpit. The upmost importance of year 2023. -Love. -Plan to love.
Benediction.
