Tag: Psalm 33:10-11
Week 10–Day 1–Trusting God for Outcomes
Scripture reading for March 2: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” Isaiah 46:10-11 “‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’
Each day we responders need to remind ourselves Who is in control of that day and the steps that we will take. God has plans and purposes for each person individually as well as plans for nations and people groups. He is the only One Who knows all that has happened, all that is now happening, and what will happen in the future.
God has written down His counsel in the form of the Holy Scriptures that those who trust in Him may know His plans and purposes. Today’s Scripture from Psalm 33 calls all the righteous to praise, thanksgiving and rejoicing because of God’s amazing love and faithfulness to all earth’s inhabitants. By His amazing Word, He created the heavens and earth. He is in control of all creation and watches over the ‘children of man’ and knows their hearts and sees all their deeds coming from their heart. (Psalm 33:13-15) Some are trusting in their strength or position of authority to save them. God says He will frustrate their plans. But God’s children trust in Him alone and His unfailing love. Because of their faith, they wait on the Lord in joyful expectation that He is working everything out according to the counsel of His will, for His plans are secure forever!
As responders we must trust God each day for wisdom and direction to do our jobs with excellence and proficiency. But we must not just trust in our own wisdom and ability or even knowledge of the situation. God is working out His plans and the outcomes are ultimately in His capable hands. We need to be reminded often of these truths as we work with those facing injury, disease, or death.
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for giving me counsel today to depend on You for everything in each situation I will encounter today. I surrender my will and abilities to Your purposes and plans. I trust You to work all things after the counsel of Your amazing will to love and save. Amen.
The command to repent!
Scripture reading for February 15th: Acts 17, Psalm 33, Proverbs 2
Acts 17: 29-34 “”Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man Whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”
Paul went to Athens, the center of Greek culture and philosophy of his time. He found there many idols and much idolatry, but also an open door to speak and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to those gathered to discuss the latest trends and ideas. Paul quoted one of their own poets who had stated that man was ‘God’s offspring.’ This was the truth told in Scripture as well, so Paul began there and refuted the idols of that day as creations of man’s imagination sculpted or hammered into images of gold, silver, or stone. He called on all men to repent of these humanistic ideas and embrace the Truth in Jesus Christ, Who God had appointed as King and judge! Some with hardened hearts mocked Paul, but others turned in faith and joined Paul to learn more of God’s eternal plan.
Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.”
Prayer: Father God, Your counsel and plans are forever settled in heaven! I ask that they be revealed to all my offspring! Thank You for this eternal truth and for those who repent with hearts to hear and believe Your Word! Help me to walk in integrity in the power of the Holy Spirit today. Guard the paths of justice for Your people and watch over us as we walk through this wilderness to heaven’s joy and delight!
Proverbs 2:6-8 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the ways of His saints.”
Two years under house arrest!
Scripture reading for June 13th: Acts 28
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 28:30-31 “For two whole years Paul stayed there (Rome) in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul made it to Rome as the Lord had promised him. Although a prisoner of Rome in chains, he was met there by some brothers and they obviously helped him rent a house while he awaited trial before Caesar. The court system there was also very slow, so Paul had time to visit, preach and write letters without hindrance! God is amazing in how He supplies and uses even things we might view as a hindrance to bring about His purposes and care for His people. Out of this time under house arrest, Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon! Also the whole Roman guard and some royal officials heard a bold proclamation of the Gospel. What a wealth of understanding and truth came from Paul as he followed the “Way”, Jesus Christ!
Observations for over-comers: We must never get worried over delays or circumstances that are not under our control. God is always working out His plans and stands beside us to guide and direct His will to be accomplished. “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:10-11)