2025-11-02 PLANNING IN PENCIL - LIVING A FULLY SURRENDERED LIFE

Embrace God's Plan: Living with Faith and Flexibility

Ever find yourself meticulously planning your day, only to have everything change in an instant? It’s a common experience, and one that James addresses in his letter to early Christians. In our fast-paced world, we often fall into the trap of planning our lives in ink, forgetting that God might have a different path for us. This sermon on spiritual growth and hearing God’s voice invites us to consider the wisdom of planning in pencil, allowing God to guide our steps.

The Illusion of Control

Imagine you’re driving a car with two steering wheels. You think you’re in control, but the instructor beside you can take over at any moment. This is much like our lives. We plan our routes, set our goals, and map out our futures, but James 4:13-17 reminds us that we are not truly in control. Our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and gone the next. This isn’t meant to depress us, but to humble us and remind us of our dependence on God.

James warns against the arrogance of planning without God. It’s not that planning is wrong—Proverbs 21:5 tells us that diligent plans lead to profit—but planning without God is like boasting in our own strength. We must remember that every breath, every heartbeat, is a gift from God. When we plan, we should do so with the mindset, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

The Fragility of Life

Life is fragile and unpredictable. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, and that’s why it’s crucial to live with a heart surrendered to God. James uses the metaphor of a vapor to describe our lives, emphasizing their brevity and fragility. This perspective should lead us to gratitude and a deeper reliance on God, who is unchanging and steadfast.

Consider the biblical figures who lived by faith. Abraham, Moses, and Paul all had plans, but they allowed God to redirect their paths. Their lives were marked by a willingness to let God lead, resulting in incredible impacts for His kingdom. What could God do with your life if you fully surrendered to Him?

Living with Dependence on God

So, how do we live a life that’s fully surrendered to God? It starts with inviting Him into our daily plans. Instead of making decisions based solely on our desires, we should ask God, “What do you want me to do today?” This doesn’t mean we stop planning altogether, but that we hold our plans loosely, ready for God to change them.

Reflect on your own life. When was the last time you paused to listen for God’s direction? Are your plans written in ink, or are you willing to let God hold the eraser? By living with this mindset, we open ourselves to the incredible things God can do through us.

Take Action: Surrender Your Plans

As you go about your week, try incorporating this practice into your routine. Each morning, take a moment to pray and ask God to guide your day. Be open to His leading, even if it means changing your plans. Trust that His ways are higher than ours and that He can run our lives better than we can.

A Prayer for Guidance

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life and the plans You have for us. Help us to surrender our desires and ambitions to You, trusting in Your perfect will. Guide our steps and give us the courage to follow where You lead. May we live each day with faith and flexibility, knowing that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By embracing God’s plan and living with faith, we can experience the fullness of life He intends for us. Let’s commit to planning in pencil, allowing God to write His story through us.

2025-10-26 From War To Worship: Winning The Battle Within

Discovering Peace: 

Moving from Conflict to Worship in Your Spiritual Journey

Ever Wonder Why Conflict Seems Unavoidable?

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a disagreement, wondering how things escalated so quickly? Whether it's a minor spat with a friend or a deeper conflict within your community, these moments can leave us feeling unsettled. But what if these external battles are actually reflections of an internal struggle? In a recent sermon, we explored how our inner conflicts can transform into a heart of worship, drawing us closer to God.

The Battle Within: Understanding Our Misdirected Passions

James 4:1-12 offers a profound insight into the source of our conflicts. James asks, "What is the source of wars and fights among you?" The answer might surprise you: these battles often stem from our own misdirected passions. When our desires are not aligned with God's will, they can lead to envy, strife, and even spiritual adultery—seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures rather than in Christ.

Consider this: when was the last time you paused to reflect on your desires? Are they leading you toward God or away from Him? James reminds us that our prayers should not be self-centered but should seek alignment with God's will. This shift in focus can transform our inner turmoil into a peaceful pursuit of God's presence.

From Conflict to Worship: The Pathway to Peace

The journey from conflict to worship begins with submission to God. James encourages us to "submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This act of submission is not about losing control but about recognizing who truly holds the throne in our lives. By resisting the devil and drawing near to God, we open ourselves to His grace and peace.

Imagine the story of the prodigal son, who, after a period of rebellion, returns to his father. The moment he turns back, his father runs to him with open arms. Similarly, when we take even a small step toward God, He meets us with overwhelming grace. This is the essence of moving from war to worship—allowing God's grace to fill our hearts as we humble ourselves before Him.

Practical Steps to Embrace Peace

So, how can we apply these insights to our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Reflect on Your Desires: Take time to examine your heart. Are your desires aligned with God's will, or are they driven by worldly pursuits?

2. Submit to God: Acknowledge God's authority in your life. This might mean letting go of control and trusting Him with your struggles.

3. Resist the Devil: Stand firm against temptations and influences that draw you away from God. Remember, the devil flees when we resist him.

4. Draw Near to God: Engage in practices that bring you closer to God, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and worship.

A Call to Action: Embrace Humility and Grace

As you reflect on these steps, consider how you can move from conflict to worship in your own life. Embrace humility, seek God's grace, and allow His peace to transform your heart. If you're ready to take a step toward God, don't wait. Reach out to your community, seek guidance, and let God's love lead you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging the conflicts within our hearts. Help us to submit to Your will, resist the temptations of the world, and draw near to You. Fill us with Your grace and peace as we seek to worship You with undivided hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.

By embracing these truths, we can transform our inner battles into a journey of worship, drawing closer to God and experiencing His peace in every aspect of our lives.