Thought of the Month
Man Plans, and God Laughs
“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.”
Many people make New Year’s Resolutions like lose weight, start exercising, quit smoking, spend time reading the Bible, spend more time with family.” What does the Bible say about setting goals? The Bible offers a balanced approach to setting goals that includes making plans with wisdom and humility.
Wisely setting goals leads to better results: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (Proverbs 21:15). However, just because we’ve done our planning doesn’t guarantee our goals will be met. The process of setting goals must be infused with humility. James says: “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” (James 4:13-14).
This reminds me of the “wise philosopher” and cartoon character Ziggy. Ziggy is walking down the street and runs in a “Detour sign.” He looks at the sign and says, “Along the path of life we get a series of detours. And we get frustrated and impatient when we feel we have to leave the path we’ve chosen. But what if the REAL path of life . . . is REALLY made up of all these detours. And instead of learning the real lessons of life, we miss them because we were too busy being frustrated and impatient!!”
So, despite our most careful planning, the road of life is unpredictable. The balanced alternative is found in James 4:15: “Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” It is good to make plans, as long as we leave room for God to change our plans. His goals take precedence over ours.
A Prayer for 2023: Today, Lord, our calendar is fresh and clean, as we ourselves could be if we tried more often to live as you would have us live. We know this is possible, for you are our forgiving Father, God of the “second chance,” the one who promises that we can always make a fresh start, a new beginning. As 2023 dawns, let us begin. Amen. (Thanks to Guidepost Editors for my adaptation of their prayer.)
Scrip Update – It’s just been announced the McDonalds is a new retailer. Gift cards are available in $10 and $25 amounts. Also, the next scrip order will be taken today.
Annual Meeting - The Annual Meeting on Sunday January 15th immediately following worship. Two open seats available for 3 year terms. Please see Council President Paul with questions or if you are interested in serving on Council and helping with the business side of the church along with future planning.
Sunday School - St. Jacobi Sunday School is looking for students! We would like our members to ask around to their neighbors and friends if they know of any school age children that would like to learn about Jesus, and invite the children/parents/grandparents to visit our church. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let Julie know.
Hat and Mitten Tree – The hat and mitten tree is in the sanctuary waiting for your handmade or store bought creations.
The Duttons - If you are interested in joining a group from Our Savior Church to see The Duttons at the Schauer Center, please talk to Paul. The event is at 3 pm on April 29. The Duttons are a performing family of three generations of amazing talent. They have been recording, performing and touring together for over 30 years. Along with classical, they play pop, country, bluegrass and gospel.
Prayer Requests
We pray for all our members, friends and family having health issues.
We pray for peace in the world.
We pray for the people of Ukraine.
We pray for all of our members and families that have lost a loved one.
We pray that we may love as Jesus taught us all the year through.
If you have someone to add to the prayer requests, contact Jerry Eisner, (jerome7549@att.net) or 414-534-1750.
