Sermons on Yaakov 4:13:

"Back To The Future" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Aug 24, 2015

Now in this passage today we find a story that deals with the future and it tells the story of someone who was making plans but he was going about it in the wrong way. So let’s try to learn from his mistakes.

"Back to the Future" James 4:13-4:17 In the film Back to the Future, Michael Fox plays the role of a guy named Marty MacFly who suddenly is thrown back into time 30 years earlier. Because he knows what the future hold ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

When Your Plans And God’s Plans Don’t Match

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Oct 14, 2022

There are so many things that we do not know about each other, but then we learn.

For instance: • I have known for sometime that Keith played sports and he was very good at playing baseball. • I found out that Jenney was a cheer leader in junior high and high school. • I found out that Clyde was a pilot. • I found out that Carlos was a finish carpenter. • I found out that ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Hospice Patients Are Real People Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Nov 15, 2022

Identify 5 authenticities of hospice patients (Adapted from Percy McCray at: https://www.healthhopeandinspiration.com/2022/06/16/cancer-reveals-who-one-really-is-episode-319/)

Hohum: A relative asked me why I liked ministering to hospice patients (those with 6 months or less to live according to the medical profession), and I said that I liked ministering to hospice patients because they are real people, more real than other people. WBTU: Chaplain Percy McCray ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 4:25-28, James 5:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, James 4:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Motives Are Weighed By The Lord Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Dec 2, 2023

Cultivate a good motive anytime you pray. God's answer is primarily dependent on the motive behind what you are asking Him.

OASIS WORD DEVOTIONAL Verse Of The Day: We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. Proverbs 16:1 (NLT) Columnist: Rudolf E. Y. Mensah, ©Oasis WordBank Motives Are Weighed By The Lord Cultivate a good motive anytime you pray. God's answer is primarily dependent on ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:1, Matthew 10:19-20, James 4:13-14

Denomination: Charismatic

A New Year’s Examination

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Jan 10, 2024

With a new year comes a time for self-examination of your life and your relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you ghosted Him? Have you friend zoned Him? Or do you have a loving relationship with Him?

It is our tradition in this church, as well as many others, to share the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of the month. Paul’s admonition to the Corinthian Christians is especially appropriate as one begins a new year: “Let a man examine himself.” Being that this is the first ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, Ephesians 5:8-16, Psalm 139:23-24, James 4:13-15, Philippians 3:13-14, Deuteronomy 11:11-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Go! And Trust In God's Plan - Proverbs 19:21 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 15, 2025

We map out our lives, set goals, and pursue dreams. Yet, there is a greater plan at work—the divine plan of God.

Go! And Trust in God's Plan - Proverbs 19:21 Introduction: Have you ever made plans only to see them fall apart? Have you ever set out on a course of action, believing it was right, only to find yourself facing obstacles and detours? As humans, we love to plan. We map out our lives, set goals, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 16:9, James 4:13-15, Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 8:28, Luke 22:42, Isaiah 55:8-9, Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 12:2, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Balance Between Planning And Trust

Contributed by Dasol Kang on Mar 9, 2025

We are called to plan for our lives with the Lord

I am a planner – I thrive on making plans and love setting short-term and long-term goals. I always map out plans for tomorrow the night before. It usually looks something like this: Tomorrow, I will do my morning devotions, have breakfast, go to church for office hours, and then go to my lunch ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Does Your Faith Show In Your Priorities?

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 30, 2024

Let's talk about our faith and the part it plays as we make plans, set our goals, and prioritize things in our life.

Today let's talk about our faith and the part it plays as we make plans, set our goals, and prioritize things in our life. We all make plans and there's nothing wrong with planning. In fact, the Bible has several proverbs that encourage us to make plans. But does your faith have a part in ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, James 5:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Hubris Or Humility Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 16, 2024

There are so many factors that come into play when we make plans, but how often does the Sovereign will of God affect our plan making? In this passage, James challenges us to avoid hubris and embrace humility by submitting to God’s sovereignty in making plans.

Mistakes along the way? In February of 1995, nearly 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a clear way that has impacted the course of my life - and yet it has not been without mistakes and missteps. He urged me to go to the church the Danielle grew up at and help out with the youth ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Acts 16:6-10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Luke 22:42-44, Luke 12:16-21, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Your Life?

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Jun 5, 2023

Is your life devoted to acquiring things? Is it devoted to doing God's will? What are your priorities? What is your life?

TEXT: JAMES 4:13-15 (NIV) 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 what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 94:11, Matthew 6:33, James 4:13-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

Journey To Rome Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Jul 3, 2023

Paul’s final journey begins with his arrest in Jerusalem, defending himself and God to his accusers, and a rough voyage across tumultuous seas to Rome. Paul never gave up hope or stopped sharing his message of God’s grace and love.

Introduction Video Ill.: Acts 27-28, Paul’s Final Journey — Bible Babble — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUFROuIROqE This morning, we are continuing our summer road trip, going along with Paul on his final journey to Rome as recorded in Acts. We started by joining Paul and Barnabas on their ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:1, James 4:13-14, Matthew 24:35-36, Matthew 8:23-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Deo Volente - God Wills Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 21, 2023

Looking at the practical wisdom from James.

Deo Volente (God’s Will) James 4:13-17 July 23, 2023 How many decisions do you think you make in a given day? From the simple of what to wear and eat for breakfast to the more significant decisions. Let me ask you - - - How many of you have purchased homes in your lifetimes? How many of you ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist

What Does God Think About Our Plans? (James 4:13-17) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Aug 1, 2022

We can make plans, but God expects us to be flexible, and willing to set them aside, for Him. We delight in God, living in faithfulness to Him. We don't delight in stuff.

Today, our focus will be on James 4:13-17. One of the interesting things about this passage is that there two pretty different ways of reading it. Both approaches take the verses seriously. Both issue a call, and a challenge, that the church needs to hear. But they differ in what exactly that ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Inshallah… And Wait

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 10, 2025

To say Inshallah is not to delay life but to dedicate it — to live surrendered to the will of God, waiting in faith and walking in obedience until His “Mashallah” comes.

Introduction – The Word That Waits I once heard a story about a missionary who had served for twenty years in Lahore, Pakistan. He had learned many things in those two decades — how to drink tea politely, how to haggle in the market, how to stay calm when the electricity cut out for the fifth time ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-15, Proverbs 19:21, Psalm 27:14, Romans 8:28, Luke 22:42  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Sermon On A Bridge Too Far

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 2, 2025

"A bridge too far" is an idiom for an ambitious plan that is considered too demanding to succeed.

George Herbert, a British poet and orator once remarked: “He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.” Luke 14:28-30 reminds us: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 19:2, James 4:13-15, Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, Mark 11:25