2/13/12- God reveals His plans

WSC Q8- 2012: How does God carry out His plans?
He carries out His plans in the works of creation and providence.

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 
   How unsearchable his judgments, 
   and his paths beyond tracing out! 
³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord? 
   Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:33)

(The heavens declare the glory of God- Eugene Oregon sunrise; picture by Mike Simmons)


Thoughts: Paul Simon once sang, "God only knows. God makes His plans...the information is unavailable to the mortal man."  But God acts in the way He has designed life and also the way He governs life.  The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the earth proclaims His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1).  God makes his information clear in creation (Romans 1:20), and He also reveals His plan more clearly in His Word.  God is not silent.  His works proclaim His knowledge and also His care. 


Prayer: Help me to believe in your plan, O Lord. 

2/10/12- God Has a Plan

Q. 7-What are the plans of God?
A- The plans of God are, his eternal purposes based on His will, which for His own glory, He foreordains everything that happens.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.  In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. (Eph. 1:4,5,11)


For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)


But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11)

(Plans)


Thoughts: God has a plan, a purpose, a will.  The plan of God does not shift according to us or our circumstances.  It is not all about us. God not only knows what will happen in the future, He also plans and purposes the life He created.  His plan is not just a cold, architectural drawing, but a plan of love and grace.  God created life and us in love (Eph. 1:4). Love is not separate from his plan, but is part of the plan for God is love.  Nothing will thwart His plan of love.  Since nothing will thwart His plan, all things work for good in His plan (Rom. 8:28).  


Prayer: Help me to rest in your love and your plan, O God.  


Modern (Kelly) Translation: Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are His eternal plan based on the purpose of His will, by which, for His own
glory, He has foreordained everything that happens.

Westminster Shorter Catechism 1647 Q. What are the decrees of God/
The decrees of God are, His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.