Daily Devotions – God guides our steps

Daily Devotions – God guides our steps

Proverbs 16:9 (CEV)

We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.

What plans are you making for 2016? We can’t study the matter of our plans without looking at the most famous proverb in the Bible. This simple phrase wonderfully captures the mystery of how God works in our lives. We are supposed to make plans, and try our best. But we do so knowing that God mysteriously works through both our good and our bad plans, to move things toward his greater plan. See also Jeremiah 10:23, Psalm 37:23 and Job 42:2

Jeremiah 10:23 (CEV)

23 I know, Lord, that we humans are not in control of our own lives.

Psalm 37:23 (CEV)

23 If you do what the Lord wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure.

Job 42:2 (CEV)

No one can oppose you, because you have the power to do what you want.

Psalm suggestion: Psalm 148: In addition to the readings, try reading and reflecting on Psalm 148 each day this week. This psalm expresses how the birth of the  Savior is good news, not just for people, but for the entire creation, even the sea monsters!
 Psalm 148 (CEV)

Come Praise the Lord

148 Shout praises to the Lord!    Shout the Lord’s praises in the highest heavens.All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise.Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.Let all things praise the name of the Lord, because they were created at his command.He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done.All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord!Sea  monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord!All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars,10 every wild and tame animal, all reptiles and birds,  come praise the Lord!11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on  earth,12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord!13 All creation, come praise the name of the Lord. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth.14 Like a bull with mighty horns, the Lord protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him. Shout praises to the Lord!