What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness
(2 Peter 3:11).

I believe in setting goals and making plans. But biblical vision
for the future and godly goals for ministry or work have no value
if they don’t provide direction for our steps today. Goals for
tomorrow that don’t prioritize present activities are nothing
more than wishful thinking. We make plans for tomorrow in order
to establish meaningful activities for today. We need to ask the
Lord each day if we are still on target, and give Him the right
to order mid-course changes in direction.

Some people don’t like to set goals because they feel goals only
set them up for failure. But a goal should never be a god. It
should be a target, not a whip. Other people become obsessed with
goals for tomorrow. Biblically, the will of God is almost
entirely directed at living responsibly today. Legitimate
goal-setting should support that.

“Are you trying to tell us that we aren’t to make any plans for
the future or establish any goals for our ministry or work?” No,
I’m trying to say that the primary focus of God’s will is that we
seek to establish His kingdom by becoming the person He wants us
to be today.

Most people want to know what God has in store for them tomorrow.
That’s why prophecy has always been a popular subject. Most
prophecy teachers know that the critical issue concerning the
Lord’s second coming is “What sort of people ought you to be in
holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). Jesus said, “But seek
first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things
shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow”
(Matthew 6:33, 34). Biblical prophecy is given to us as a hope
(the present assurance of some future good) so we will have the
courage to live righteously and confidently today.

Father, help me live in the present and not worry about tomorrow,
accepting only Your will and guidance for my future.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by
http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is written by Neil Anderson at
http://www.freedominchrist.com/ .