“Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the

terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your

descendants I will give this land.’ And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had

appeared to him.”(Genesis 12:6-7, NKJV)

Important Truth:Life is unpredictable.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

(2 Cor. 5:7 NKJV)

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will

go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you

do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and

then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or

that.’” (James 4:13-15 NIV)

“As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.”

(James 4:16 NIV)

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

(Proverbs 21:5 NIV)

3 Principles for Planning:1. Build on a Foundation of Faith

3 Principles for Planning:1. Build on a Foundation of Faith

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

(Matt 6:33 NLT)

6 QUESTIONS FORMEASURING YOUR

MOTIVESWill this _________

• Advance God’s agenda in my life?• Draw me closer to God?• Reinforce my spiritual priorities?• Enhance my relationships?• Contribute to another’s spirituality?• Provide godly help for someone else?

3 Principles for Planning:2. Commit Your Plan to God

3 Principles for Planning:2. Commit Your Plan to God

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your

plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

3 Principles for Planning:3. Remain Flexible

3 Principles for Planning:3. Remain Flexible

“…you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live

and do this or that.’” (James 4:15 NIV)

2 Steps of Faith1. Patiently Obey

2 Steps of Faith1. Patiently Obey

“…you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live

and do this or that.’” (James 4:15 NIV)

2 Steps of Faith1. Patiently Obey

“The LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’…” (Gen. 12:7 NIV)

2 Steps of Faith2. Worship the Lord

2 Steps of Faith2. Worship the Lord

“…So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to

him.” (Gen. 12:7 NIV)

2 Aspects of Faith

2 Aspects of Faith1. Enduring

2 Aspects of Faith1. Enduring2. Active

2 Aspects of Faith1. Enduring2. Active

“…There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.”

(Gen. 12:8 NIV)