God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life… Or Does He?

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life… Or Does He?

It’s the end of the year and that means it’s a time of reflection for all of us. January 1^st will soon be here, but it’s too early to talk about New Year’s resolutions. It’s time to look back to the prior January and review the landscape of our lives in 2023.

It is also a time for traditions and one of those is to watch the heartwarming movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” My wife and I watched it the other day and as usual, tears flowed throughout the viewing. I fear that I am getting too soft in my maturing years. But more on the movie later.

Watching the movie prompted me to ask the questions- what is a wonderful life, and do I have one? If we look up a few synonyms for the word wonderful, you get words like amazing, brilliant, perfect, ideal, and magnificent. Wow, if that’s what a wonderful life is, I don’t know anyone who has one. But then I tried to put my own stamp on the wonderful life by asking myself the question: when does my life seem to be wonderful to me? And I guess it just comes down to things going the way I’d like them to. When everything goes my way, I’m happier and lighthearted and have an extra bit of energy in my steps. As a result of everything going my way, I am also less stressed and even nicer to other people, particularly my wife. Unfortunately, using my own definition for a wonderful life, I guess I could say that I had a wonderful life in about 25% of 2023.

I also thought about something I heard from many preachers years ago who wanted to get people believe in Jesus. They would say, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” There was some truth to that statement, but they didn’t tell the whole truth. Many people made professions of faith in Jesus based on that message, but later found out that their lives were anything but wonderful. Sadly, many of those who put their trust in God became disappointed, disillusioned, and even angry with God when they experienced a terrible life and subsequently left Christianity. It seemed to them like God had not fulfilled the promises those preachers made on His behalf.

Where can we find a wonderful life? Don’t ask the mother who is cowering with her children in an air raid shelter in Ukraine. Don’t ask the wives of the soldiers who have not come back from the front lines or came back with arms and legs missing. Don’t ask the citizens of Russia who walk like zombies through their day after years and years of oppression they are powerless to change. Don’t ask the Christians who must worship in secret in China. Don’t ask any of the converts to Christianity in the Muslim world who fear they may be executed if they openly profess their faith. Don’t ask the Israelites or Palestinians who live with a never ending threat of conflict. Don’t ask the millions of people around the globe who face each day with one goal- to get enough food and water to survive until tomorrow. Then, there are the violent rebels in the Philippines, the killer drug cartels in Mexico and Columbia, the oppressors of women in Afghanistan, and the victims of the worldwide sex trade. Need I go on?

What about right here in our own backyard? How many people are thinking about their lives right now and are not even considering a wonderful life because they are in so much pain. Looking back on 2023, they reflect on the destruction of their family because of a divorce, or the loss of a loved one to death, or the loss of a child to a to a perverted lifestyle, a lost job, or a life of bondage to drugs and alcohol. Wonderful life? Those two words are not part of their vernacular.

And this is where I want to mention that I am going to deviate from my usual target audience. If you read or listen to my articles, you know that I write to people who are already Christians and desire to think about their Christian lives in a way that honors God in all they do. However, this article is directed to those who are Christians and those who are not, so if you know someone who has had a terrible year, you may want to share this with them.

To those who are not Christians, I will tell you the whole truth about God’s wonderful plan. The truth is that this world is a mess because people refuse to acknowledge that God exists, so they continue to do whatever they want to do, and those things ultimately lead to misery. Sure, you know that there are many things that you can do to get a moment of peace and joy, but it never lasts. It can’t because the hole that you’re trying to fill can only be filled by the One who created it for Himself- God. So, whatever short term joy you may experience is counterfeit and the need for more joy comes back around like a Merry Go Round.

That wonderful plan that God has for you? It’s freedom from the Merry Go Round. The fact is that people have always been on that Merry Go Round and it is a darkness that keeps them from finding the light of true life. God tells us this: “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” That light is Jesus Christ, and He is the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Specifically, He offers you forgiveness for your years of ignoring Him and disobeying His laws. He can lift the weight of guilt and confusion that every person has who does not have a life that walks with Him. He has the power to break the powerful bonds of addiction, depression, despair, or anything that is destroying you. He (Jesus Christ) is willing to take the punishment from God on Himself, so you won’t have to. But you must be willing to admit your disobedience to Him and pledge your allegiance to live your life in a way that honors Him.

But know this- a life with Jesus is not a life free from all of the misery of this world. There will be times of suffering and pain, but the wonderful part is that He will give you the strength to endure all of it and to do it with joy! This is a wonderful plan!

To those who are Christians, you already have the wonderful life! However, there are seasons of life where God sends us challenges in order to draw us more closely to Him. It is necessary for Him to do this because we do not naturally grow in our faith and love for what He has done for us. Do you remember when you wanted nothing more in life than to talk about and obey Jesus? Our “God-buckets” were filled to the brim with God! But then we tried to stuff some other things in the bucket that was meant only for God and in the process some of our love for God was pushed out.

God will allow that situation for a while, but if we don’t walk with Him in our lives, He will begin to remove the loves that we have in this world until we ditch the things of the world and go back to Him. This too is part of God’s wonderful plan for us. If we belong to Him, like a good Father, He will not let us drift away because He and his ways truly are the best things for us.

Finally, let’s go back to the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Sure, I know that there are a lot of things in the movie that are unbiblical, but the writer is successful in forcing us to take note of at least six things. It recognizes the sovereignty of God over our lives, the purpose that God has for every person, the love of God for His creatures, the beauty of friends, the faithfulness of God, and the need to be thankful for everything God brings our way. Whether you are a Christian or not, you need to see this movie every year around this time.

It’s Christmastime and it’s time to think back to that time when the Son of God was born into this world to live and die for sinners. – the time we celebrate the true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Merry Christmas!

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT! How can you think more clearly about the challenges God sends into your life? Is it a wonderful life? Read “All Things For Good” and you will be greatly encouraged. The links are directly below-

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

A Call To Prayer By J. C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ? Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

YouTube: Not on YouTube just yet.

Title: Messages You Want To Share With A Friend Or Loved One. Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This one has 11 different recordings of parental concerns including how to love difficult people, how to deal with angry children, family feuds, how can I know I am a Christian, and more.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-messages-you-want-to/id1681581764

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfa3amEo_gqzBt6ypv4KX1

Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX

Title: The Mortification Of Sin By John Owen And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous treatment on killing or “mortifying,” sin by John Owen, has been updated in modern English by Modern Puritans. You will have to think hard but it is worth the journey.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-mortification-of/id1696454280

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQhOf-5DP2eZY4M91_NdlKwI

Title: Can You Trust God? Written and Recorded by Michael Lee

Description: Trusting God is not always easy in the midst of difficulties. We tend to trust in the things that we can see and feel and often succumb to anxiety or despair. My purpose in writing and recording this booklet is to create an ironclad argument for trusting God no matter what the situation.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-an-important-question/id1680420137

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHI31v5yt695Yuvc_VSyHA

Title: Cherish Ephesians 6:4 Written and Recorded by Michael Lee

Description: This is the podcast that has the weekly article from the Cherish Ephesians 6:4 ministry.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4/id1658865547

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQj2iqoMVx36VEbpUZEQcyom