Thursday, January 2, 2014

God's Perfectly Planned Will and New Picture for 2014

I have a word for this year. Not necessarily my 'one word' for 2014, but a reminder I wish to carry with me always.

Boulé
The Greek word used to describe counsel, decision, motives, plan, or purpose is used 12 times in the New Testament.
(Luke 7:30; Luke 23:51; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:28; Acts 5:38; Acts 13:36; Acts 20:27; Acts 27:12; Acts 27:42; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 1:11 and Hebrews 6:17)

This word was emphasized in a recent session of Bible study I participated in and I was so blessed.
(It was Beth Moore’s A Woman’s Heart, session 7. Download the video here


Here’s an excerpt from the workbook on that day.
“Purpose” — Greek transliteration, boule, “will, project, intention, as the result of reflection; counsel, decree, aim, or estimation, as it denotes deliberation and reflection.” “Boule as the first stage of inward ‘deliberation’ … thought …. Secondly, boule denotes the final result of inward deliberation.”

It carries meaning both of our purpose, God’s will for us; and of deep thought and planning regarding our lives.

I loved the emphasis on God’s purpose always being for our good. He may allow us to go through suffering, but only if it will result in our ultimate good. Better character, lessons learned, empathy gained, or something else Divinely appointed.
Even Christ submitted to God’s purpose, will, and planning for His own life in Luke 22:42:

Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." NLT

Acts 2:23 “this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.” NASB

God gave me a picture that day, and here it is for each of you to be blessed by as well. May it serve as a reminder that God’s boulé will, His deliberately planned purpose for you is based on His great love for you and He will cause it to result in our ultimate good. Be encouraged that today is only temporary, and one day, we will experience that good that comes of the plan He has for us.


Ephesians 1:11 “Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” NASB

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”” NLT



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