“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Last fall, I saw this verse on a sign, along with “God has plans for you.” I thought, “Boy, is that appropriate. Sure wish I knew what they were. Sure could use a good plan right now.” I felt that it was a very apt message, especially for me. Bouncing from plans with a new job, family responsibilities, and many church meetings, I was wishing I could have
just one plan to work with. Sometimes you see a scripture when you need it or see it in a new way. This particular verse let me know that, yes, God does have a plan for us if
we would allow ourselves to stop and look for it and to hear it. The more I thought on the passage, the more I let go of what I wanted or thought others wanted. As I prayed
for guidance, I found I was more relaxed, work was smoother, the church was growing together, and the feeling of welcome warmer. God does have a plan for us, each of us
individually and as a community.

LOVING FATHER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORD. LET IT ALWAYS BE MY TOUCHSTONE, MY INVITATION INTO CONVERSATION WITH YOU GUIDE ME TODAY, LET ME KNOW YOUR PLAN AS IT IS YOUR WILL. AMEN.

– Shared by Mike Bodkin