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God's Plans
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2/10/2010
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"Thus says the LORD, 'Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in?'" - 2 Samuel 7:5 NASB
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To David, it seemed like a good idea. Living "in a house of cedar," he saw that "the ark of God dwells within tent curtains" (v. 2). He suggested to Nathan the prophet that it was time to build a permanent house for God.
Nathan did not object, and he encouraged David, "Go, do all that is in your mind, for the LORD is with you" (v. 3).
But neither of these men had prayed about this issue or sought God. They simply had made an assumption. It made sense...but God had different plans. Yes, a Temple was to be built, but David was not the man to do it. God would allow His Temple to be built at His time, in His way.
God wanted these men, and us, to understand why we can never take His will for granted. We need to remember that His ways are higher than our ways. We always need to seek Him, be guided by Him, and let Him direct our steps.
Over the centuries, many have failed to learn the lessons God taught David here. Many have decided to do "good" things for God, without ever checking with Him first. They have moved forward on their own and made assumptions without seeking Him. And they've paid a high price for their error.
The Bible tells us God has plans for our lives: "I know the plans that I have for you...plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). But we must seek Him and wait for His instructions.
Today, make sure to commit your way to God--every decision, every project. Don't lean on your own understanding, but trust in Him. As you wait on Him, He will direct your path.
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| Prayer |
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Father, I commit my life to You. Direct my steps, and show me Your plans. Help me to order my life according to Your will for me. I seek first Your Kingdom! In Jesus' name. Amen.
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| Extended Reading
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2 Samuel 7
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