Cultivate Church
Submit the Planning to the Planner
  • Oh Give Thanks
  • He's Able

      • Proverbs 16:1–3ESV

  • The Cultural Conflict: We live in a world of "Manifestation," "Vision Boards," and "Main Character Energy." We are told to "write our own story." But for the believer, the pen doesn't belong to us; it belongs to the One who wrote the stars.
    The Tension: Many of us are frustrated because we are working toward goals that God never signed off on. We’re asking God to bless a mess that He didn't authorize.

    Godly goals align with God’s purpose, not just personal ambition.

    Holy goal-setting isn't about getting God to agree with your plans; it’s about aligning your desires with His design.

    The Heart vs. The Hand

    Proverbs 16:1 ESV
    1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

    God has the final say on every outcome.

    "Man proposes, but God disposes." - Pastor Ralph D. West

    “Dispose” =Set in order -or- to arrange
    Proverbs 19:21 ESV
    21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

    We spend so much time planning the destination that we forget God is in charge of the direction.

    Application: To our Millennials chasing the "dream career" and our Gen Xers planning for the "second act": It’s okay to have a plan, but you must hold that plan with an open hand, not a clenched fist.

    Evaluate your Spirit

    Proverbs 16:2 ESV
    2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

    Don’t "spiritualizing" your selfishness...

    We say we want a bigger house to "host Bible study," but God knows we just want to flex on our neighbors.

    God doesn't just look at what you are asking for; He looks at why you want it

    Matthew Henry notes that we are often partial to ourselves. We need the Holy Spirit to perform a "motive autopsy" on our goals.
    A car can look beautiful on the outside, but if the engine (the motive) is junk, it won't get you to the finish line.

    Shift Your Commitment

    Proverbs 16:3 ESV
    3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
    The Hebrew word for "commit" (galal) literally means to "roll." It’s the image of a person carrying a heavy boulder who rolls it off their shoulders and onto a solid foundation.
    Dr. Howard-John Wesley reminds us that

    When you "roll" your work onto God, the pressure shifts from your shoulders to His sovereignty.

    The Word Comparison: The KJV says, "Commit thy works..." This means

    Your actions must be dedicated to Him before your aims are established by Him.

    You don't get the "established plans" without the "committed works."

    Trust God’s Divine Navigation

    Proverbs 16:9 ESV
    9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
    You plan the "Way" (the big picture), but God manages the "Steps" (the daily details).
    Gardner C. Taylor used to preach about the "mysterious navigation" of God. Sometimes God blocks a door to save your life. A "No" from God is often a "Not yet" or a "I have something better."

    Trust wherever God is taking you because you can trust that He knows what He is doing

    Psalm 24:1 ESV
    1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

    When your goals align with God, you don’t chase success, favor finds you

      • Proverbs 16:1ESV

      • Proverbs 19:21ESV

      • Proverbs 16:2ESV

      • Proverbs 16:3ESV

      • Proverbs 16:9ESV

      • Psalm 24:1ESV

  • As We Leave This Place
Cultivate Church
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