Bible Reading

1 min

1-Year Bible Reading Series for Healthy Living (December: Making Plans)

Welcome Back! This month we will explore what the Bible teaches about Making Plans.

Do you make to-do lists, short-term goals, or long-term objectives? Do you get anxious when things don’t go as planned? Or, maybe you tend to be laid back and habitually procrastinate, causing missed deadlines and unmet aspirations. Do you ever wonder how to strike a balance between planning and waiting to see how things work out?

The Bible is filled with instructions to be diligent in carrying out fruitful work, effective systems, and wise strategies while also walking in faith. This month will be an opportunity to take in God’s teachings so you can enjoy more success and satisfaction in your endeavors, and experience more peace as you trust the Lord with your plans, efforts, and results.

Are you ready to get started growing closer to God and improving your life?

Let’s go…

December - Making Plans

Plans are made for many different purposes whether it is to help with reaching personal development goals or short and long term work-related goals, or a number of other reasons. Schedules and to-do lists are a couple of tools commonly used to assist in carrying out plans.

A Gallup poll looking at the likelihood of people setting goals for the new year showed that the majority of respondents indicated they would set a goal. Interestingly however, most of them revealed that they would not follow through with a plan to reach their goals.

God advises that people should make plans (Proverbs 21:5). And in other places, He warns us that plans can be inconsistent with the Lord’s will. For example, Proverbs 19:21 says “many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Ultimately, we are to plan for the future, but plans are to be made under the counsel and direction of God. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).

Week 1: Praying & Reading The Word

Before jumping into Scriptures that teach about making plans according to God’s will, it is important to establish an understanding of the purpose of life. The best and most commonly accepted answer to this central question is found in the Westminster Catechism. The first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism is: “What is the chief end of man? To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

By remembering that your chief purpose is to bring glory to God and to delight in Him, your prayers and plans will align with your true desires given to you by God and intended to be fulfilled by Him (Psalm 37:4).

In this week’s readings, take in the guidance found in God’s Word so you can gain inspiration in how you look at and approach the goals and plans you have.

Dec 1	Esther 4	Esther & the Jews Pray as She Prepares to Talk to the King
Dec 2	Psalm 40	David Seeks God
Dec 3	Psalm 119	A Lamp for Your Feet
Dec 4	Psalm 20	Trust God not the World’s Ways
Dec 5	Matthew 6:5-18	The Lord’s Prayer
Dec 6	Isaiah 30	Making Plans without God
Dec 7	Jeremiah 29	God Has a Good Plan for You

Week 2: Wisdom

Wisdom is essential when it comes to making and carrying out plans. Without wisdom it would be easy to be inefficient or unproductive. By incorporating the principles of life God provides in the Bible, you will know what to desire, and how to prioritize and focus your efforts.

The Scriptures this week will impart wisdom in your life. They will transform your mind and heart. As you prepare to read them, take a moment to ask God to help you see, understand, accept, and practice His ways.

Dec 8	Proverbs 1	The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom
Dec 9	Proverbs 2	Wisdom’s Value
Dec 10	Proverbs 4	Keep Listening to Wisdom
Dec 11	Proverbs 8	Wisdom’s Blessing
Dec 12	Proverbs 9	Wisdom vs. Folly
Dec 13	Proverbs 10	Wisdom Brings Security
Dec 14	Proverbs 12	Benefits of Wise Living

Week 3: Seeking Counsel

God is always the first One we are to seek guidance from when making plans; but the Lord also tells us to inquire with wise people in our lives in order to receive godly guidance. It is vital to weigh their advice with God’s Word. If someone counsels you to do something that is inconsistent with Scripture, do not follow their advice. Find someone else to talk with. If you’re unsure who to ask, find out from your pastor who might be good to talk with. [Don’t have a church? How about starting to attend? Check out this article: 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Church For You]

In this week’s Bible passages, get acquainted with the role wise counsel should play in your life. Pray about and ask your pastor where you can develop relationships with people that are grounded in God’s Word so you can learn from them.

Dec 15	Proverbs 18	Don’t Isolate; Seek Counsel
Dec 16	2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4	Seek God’s Answer & Consider Your Effect on Others
Dec 17	2 Timothy 4	Don’t Compromise Truth Even When Listeners Reject Truth
Dec 18	Jeremiah 18	God’s Plans will not be Thwarted
Dec 19	1 John 4	Test the Spirits
Dec 20	Proverbs 3	King Solomon Advises His Son to Listen to Wisdom
Dec 21	Proverbs 19:8-29	Listen to Advice & Accept Instruction to Gain Wisdom

Week 4+: Desires of Your Heart & God’s Plans

Plans are made with the purpose of acquiring something desired or preventing what is displeasing. Have you ever obtained something you worked hard for only to discover it didn’t bring you the fulfillment you hoped for? Or, have you ever failed to get what you wished for and later realized it’s better that you didn’t?

The Bible explains why this happens: the human heart often deceives the mind (Jeremiah 17:9). Therefore, to experience the fulfillment of your deepest longings, it is necessary to accept that God knows your truest desires better than you know them yourself. By recognizing God as your all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful heavenly Father, you can have all the comfort and assurance you need that He will satisfy your sincerest yearnings (Psalm 37:4, Psalm 73:25-26, ).

As you read this week's Scriptures, open your heart fully to God. Share with the Lord your dreams, fears, and disappointments. Ask Him to help you connect deeply with and delight in Him.

Dec 22	Jeremiah 17:7-13	Let God search your heart
Dec 23	Psalm 145	God Fulfills the Desires of Those Who Fear Him
Dec 24	Matthew 7:7-11	Ask, Seek, and Knock
Dec 25	Matthew 26:36-46	Jesus in Gethsemane
Dec 26	Jeremiah 29	Seek God and Know His Good Plans for You
Dec 27	Proverbs 16	Weigh Your Plans Against God’s
Dec 28	Psalm 42	Thirst for God
Dec 29	James 4:13-17	Only God Knows What Tomorrow Brings Regardless of Your Plans
Dec 30	Isaiah 55:6-9	God’s Ways are not Your Ways
Dec 31	Psalm 21	God Gives King David his Heart’s Desire

Where to Go From Here

To get the most out of life, it is good to reflect on past lessons and experiences, live in the present, and plan for the future under God's direction. By praying and reading the Bible as well as seeking wise cousel, you can gain sound guidance in how to use your interests, talents, and resources in carrying out God's ultimate mission for your life: loving Him, loving others, and sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.

Congratulations, you made it to the end of the year! Do you have any big plans for next year? Share it with us in the Comment section below!

Articles in this series:

Would you like to read more about making plans?

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