Stop Running Scared
HOW TO FACE YOUR FUTURE

JULY 17, 2011

                ‘Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?’  Ecclesiastes 8:7

THREE MISTAKES TO AVOID  (James 4:13-17)

1. First Mistake:  Planning Without God

                ‘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.”’  James 4:13

                ‘Instead you ought to say, “If it  is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this  or that.”’  James 4:15

                ‘We may make our plans, but God has the last word.’   Proverbs 16:1 (GN)

                ‘We should make plans – counting on God to direct us.’   Proverbs 16:9 (LB)

2. Second Mistake:  Presuming About Tomorrow

                ‘Why you don’t even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that
                appears for a little while and then vanishes.  As it is you boast and brag.  All such boasting is
                evil.’   James 4:14, 16

                ‘”Come,” each one says, ‘….let us drink our fill of bear!  And tomorrow will be like today, or                      even better!                “’     Isaiah 56:12

                ‘Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth.’   Proverbs 27:1

                ‘So don’t be anxious about tomorrow – God will take care of your tomorrow, too.  Live
                one day at a time.’    Matthew 6:34 (LB)

3. Third Mistake:  Putting Off Doing What’s Right

                                                Procrastination  is My Sin,
                                                It  Only Brings Me Sorrow.
                                                I Know I  Ought To Change My Life
                                                In Fact, I Will!  Tomorrow!

                ‘Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.’   James 4:17

                ‘We can be sure we know Christ IF we obey His commands.  The one who says,                                                                 “I know Him” but doesn’t do what He commands is a liar.’   I John 2:3-4

                ‘A man should thoroughly examine himself before he eats the bread and drinks the                                      cup.’        I Corinthians 11:28