Master Plan

A Master plan is defined as a general plan or program for achieving an objective. I am a master planner. I plan my days, my schedule, my life very specifically.

A friend recently updated their facebook status with a quote from the book Jesus Calling. It said, "Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control - an impossible task and a waste of precious energy."

A tidy, structured life is so much what I have longed to create for myself; usually failing. I love the next line, "Give up your striving to keep everything under control." Give it up? Me???

You know, it's good to have a Master Plan. But what I am finding is that it is better to trust the Master's plan. Amen.

Proverbs 19:21 -- Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Blinded by the Light

Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.
Blinded By The Light, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, 1977

"Blinded by the Light" is a song written and originally recorded by Bruce Springsteen. It is best known as a 1977 #1 hit version recorded by Manfred Mann's Earth Band. It also has one of the most misquoted lyrics. What does "revved up like a deuce" mean? It's a car reference. By "deuce" he meant a hot rod, a little deuce coupe, like the Beach Boys sang about. It's slang for a 1932 Ford coupe.

There was also a Biblical runner who was blinded by the light. Before he was known as the Apostle Paul, he was Saul. Saul hated believers of Jesus. Acts 9:1 says Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He hated everything to do with Jesus. But in verse 3 a heavenly light flashed around Saul. The Lord asked Saul "why do you persecute me?" Jesus spoke to Saul from Heaven. And Saul was blinded by the light. I imagine he was also revved up like deuce after the encounter with Jesus.

This encounter changed the murderous Saul into Paul, a self described slave of Christ. (Romans 1:1). Paul spent the rest of his life traveling as a missionary converting people to Christ and writing much of the New Testament, (13 books).

Have you had an encounter with Jesus? Why not seek him, and see what changes he can make in you. And isn't it amazing that it took being blinded for Saul to be able to see?

Musical Musings:
1. Think back in your life. Have you had any encounters with Jesus, or "coincidences" that seem to happen to lead you on the right track?
2. If you can't recall any, pray and ask God to show you the way bearing in mind that sometimes God blinds us to help us see him.
3. God said, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13). You can't half-heartedly look for Jesus. Seek him today with your whole heart.

Karaoke:
Dear Lord, I confess that sometimes I am blind to your ways. Open my eyes that I may see you and know you. Help me seek you with my whole heart. And let me be a life changed like Saul to Paul. Thank you for being a God we can seek and find. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Rock On: Read more about Saul's change to Paul in Acts 9. You can read more of the Books of the Bible written by Paul (inspired by God): Romans, I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I and II Thessalonians, I and II Timothy, Titus and Philemon.