“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them.

Proverbs 16:9 AMP

We are reminded today that it is God who is at work to will and direct His plan in our lives! God has given us the ability to choose which roads we will travel in life. It is called “free-will.” The ability to make those choices be making the choice. It means that we have the capacity for good as much as evil. The verse tells us that “man plans his way…” an ability that comes from reason and evaluation. The animal kingdom does not have this ability. They are driven by sense and instinct. This means that we are responsible before God to do the right thing. Our plans should always be made with glory to God as the end result! The Apostle Paul wrote the churches in Galatia,

“For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the [e]sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through [f]love serve and seek the best for one another. 14For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].” 

Galatians 5:13-14 AMP

Again, to the church at Rome he writes,

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts and passions. 13Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. But offer yourselves to God [in a decisive act] as those alive [raised] from the dead [to a new life], and your members [all of your abilities–sanctified, set apart] as instruments of righteousness [yielded] to God. 14For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy].” 

Romans 6:12-14 AMP

The second part of the verse today tells us that God is willing to direct our paths and establish us in righteousness. There is however a quid-pro-quo! We must willing choose the right way! Before we surrendered at the cross, we were prisoners of the Kingdom of darkness. We were trapped in our sin with no way out! The Apostle wires to the church at Ephesus,

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts and passions. 13Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. But offer yourselves to God [in a decisive act] as those alive [raised] from the dead [to a new life], and your members [all of your abilities–sanctified, set apart] as instruments of righteousness [yielded] to God. 14For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy].” 

Ephesians 1:7 AMP

Do you see it? “…offer yourselves to God in a decisive act…” The choice is now ours. We either surrender to the love of God and give our way to Him or we continue to walk in rebellion and rebellion. The promise is that if we follow God, He is able to establish our way. The word establish here is the word meaning to “prove, secure, establish, sustain, by having legal authority with a focus on the durability and lastingness of the situation.” What a great promise from God! I immediately think of the verse,

“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP

Take time today as you plan your day to seek His will and glory and receive from the throne room of heaven love and mercy! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken