The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing your future:

• 1. INCLUDE GOD IN YOUR GOAL-SETTING.
  Frankly, it's dumb to make plans without consulting God first. He's the only one who DOES know the future - and he's eager to guide you through it. The Bible says "We may make our plans, but God has the last word." (Pr. 16:1) In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, "God, what do YOU want me to do in 1994?"

• 2. LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME.
  While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! Someone once quipped "Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans." Decide to make the most of each moment in 1994. Jesus said, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow - God will take care of your tomorrows. Live one day at a time." (Matt. 6:34)

• 3. DON'T PROCRASTINATE - DO IT NOW!
  "Don't boast about what you're going to do tomorrow, for you don't know what a day may bring forth." (Pr. 27:1) Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you'll do it "one of these days". But "one of these days" is usually "none of these days."

What did you plan to get done last year that you didn't do? When do you intend to start working on it? "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Don't say to your neighbor, 'Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow' when you
NOW have it with you." (Pr. 3:27-28) DO IT NOW!

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good
and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope...You will find me when you
seek me, if you look for me in earnest." Jer. 29:11,13 (LB)

Until next week...
FOL#74