The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All one’s ways may be pure in ones’s own eyes, but the LORD weights the spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the LORD; be assured, they will not go unpunished. By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one avoids evil. When the ways of people please the LORD, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them. Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice. The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.

Proverbs 16:1-9

Life-changing events do not happen by accident. They are not determined by the stars. There are not by chance. There is no such thing as chance. The LORD uses every situation in life to accomplish His purposes.

Question yourself about why you do something. You may think you are doing it for all the right reasons. Pray so that you will know for sure.

We should begin each day with a sincere desire to please the LORD, gladly anticipating His appointments for us. They may be circumstances that are unplanned, or the people we meet unexpectedly. But we should welcome them as opportunities to witness, to serve others, and to grow spiritually. Recognizing God’s sovereign leading, let us rejoice in His appointments.

The stops of a good man

are ordered by the LORD

as well as his steps.

Our Daily Bread – September 24, 2004