CHECK YOUR COMPASS 6.29.25
Sometimes, the greatest act of faith isn’t charging forward—it’s stopping to ask, “God, is this the way You want me to go?” We often make detailed plans and try to fit our agenda into God’s. It is easy to ask God to bless our plans without taking time to listen to what He is wanting. When we plan without seeking God's guidance, we risk drifting off course—even with good intentions. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we may set the direction, only God can establish the right steps.
Like Paul in Acts 16, we must be willing to let God interrupt our agendas, trusting that His detours are divine. When we try to take the reins into our own hands, we will always find ourselves off center from where God has set our compass. The goal isn't to get God to bless our plans—it's to align our hearts with His and follow where He leads.
REFLECT |
Like Paul in Acts 16, we must be willing to let God interrupt our agendas, trusting that His detours are divine. When we try to take the reins into our own hands, we will always find ourselves off center from where God has set our compass. The goal isn't to get God to bless our plans—it's to align our hearts with His and follow where He leads.
REFLECT |
- Where in my life have I been asking God to follow my plans, rather than asking Him to show me His?
- How can I become more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading—especially when it means changing course or letting go of control?
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
BIBLE VERSES
Key Verses are denoted with an *
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DAY 1 | THE WISDOM OF PLANNING WITH GOD
We often pride ourselves on being great planners. From detailed daily schedules to five-year career goals, we love mapping out our future. This natural inclination to plan isn't wrong - in fact, it's a gift from God that helps us steward our lives well. However, there's a delicate balance between making wise plans and holding those plans with open hands before God. When we plan without seeking God's guidance, we risk charting a course that might look good on paper but could lead us away from His best for us. True wisdom comes from recognizing that while we may draft the plans, God holds the master blueprint for our lives.
BIBLE VERSE |
'In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.' - Proverbs 16:9
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What plans are you currently holding onto tightly that you need to surrender to God's guidance?
QUOTE |
You can make the plan, but it's God that holds the map.
PRAYER |
Lord, help me to plan wisely while remaining open to Your direction. Give me the humility to recognize that Your ways are higher than mine, and the courage to follow Your leading even when it differs from my carefully laid plans. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.' - Proverbs 16:9
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What plans are you currently holding onto tightly that you need to surrender to God's guidance?
QUOTE |
You can make the plan, but it's God that holds the map.
PRAYER |
Lord, help me to plan wisely while remaining open to Your direction. Give me the humility to recognize that Your ways are higher than mine, and the courage to follow Your leading even when it differs from my carefully laid plans. Amen.
DAY 2 | THE POWER OF PATIENT PLANNING
In our fast-paced world, there's constant pressure to make quick decisions and immediate plans. However, rushing our choices often leads to missed opportunities and unintended consequences. God's timing rarely aligns with our desire for instant results. When we take time to plan diligently and seek God's guidance, we position ourselves for success that goes beyond mere financial or material gain. This success includes spiritual growth, stronger relationships, and alignment with God's purposes for our lives.
BIBLE VERSE |
'The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.' - Proverbs 21:5
REFLECTION QUESTION |
In what areas of your life are you feeling pressured to make hasty decisions without properly seeking God's guidance?
QUOTE |
Do not rush decisions. God will guide you.
PRAYER |
Heavenly Father, grant me patience in my planning and decision-making. Help me resist the urge to rush ahead without seeking Your wisdom. Give me discernment to recognize Your timing in all things. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.' - Proverbs 21:5
REFLECTION QUESTION |
In what areas of your life are you feeling pressured to make hasty decisions without properly seeking God's guidance?
QUOTE |
Do not rush decisions. God will guide you.
PRAYER |
Heavenly Father, grant me patience in my planning and decision-making. Help me resist the urge to rush ahead without seeking Your wisdom. Give me discernment to recognize Your timing in all things. Amen.
DAY 3 | SURRENDERING OUR PLANS
Commitment to God isn't just about Sunday worship or daily devotions - it extends to every plan and decision we make. When we truly commit our ways to the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. This means being willing to adjust or completely change our plans when God leads us in a different direction. Success in God's kingdom often looks different from worldly success, but it always leads to spiritual growth and eternal impact.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.' - Proverbs 16:3
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What does it practically look like for you to commit your daily decisions and plans to God?
QUOTE |
The question is not God, will you bless my plan? It's God, what is your plan?
PRAYER |
Lord, I surrender my plans to You. Help me to seek Your will first in everything I do. Transform my heart so that Your desires become my desires. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.' - Proverbs 16:3
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What does it practically look like for you to commit your daily decisions and plans to God?
QUOTE |
The question is not God, will you bless my plan? It's God, what is your plan?
PRAYER |
Lord, I surrender my plans to You. Help me to seek Your will first in everything I do. Transform my heart so that Your desires become my desires. Amen.
DAY 4 | BEING INTERRUPTABLE
God often works through divine interruptions. These moments when our carefully laid plans get disrupted can actually be opportunities for God to direct us toward something better. Like Paul being redirected from Asia to Macedonia, sometimes God's greatest work happens when we allow our plans to be interrupted. Being interruptible requires humility and trust - recognizing that God's unexpected detours often lead to His perfect destination.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Now you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."' - James 4:15
REFLECTION QUESTION |
When was the last time you allowed God to interrupt your plans, and what was the outcome?
QUOTE |
Are you interruptible?
PRAYER |
Dear God, help me maintain a flexible spirit that's open to Your interruptions. Give me the faith to trust Your redirections, knowing that Your plans are always better than mine. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Now you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."' - James 4:15
REFLECTION QUESTION |
When was the last time you allowed God to interrupt your plans, and what was the outcome?
QUOTE |
Are you interruptible?
PRAYER |
Dear God, help me maintain a flexible spirit that's open to Your interruptions. Give me the faith to trust Your redirections, knowing that Your plans are always better than mine. Amen.
DAY 5 | STAYING ON COURSE
Even small deviations from God's path can lead us far from His intended destination. Like a ship's navigation system, we need regular course corrections to stay aligned with God's will. This requires consistent prayer, time in His Word, and willingness to adjust our direction when the Holy Spirit prompts us. When we make God our agenda rather than just an item on our agenda, we ensure that our life's journey follows His perfect course.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.' - Matthew 7:6
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What spiritual practices help you stay aligned with God's direction for your life?
QUOTE |
You don't have to be wildly off to end up in the wrong place, do you? It can be one little small angle off.
PRAYER |
Heavenly Father, help me stay sensitive to Your guidance and quick to make corrections when I veer off course. Keep me aligned with Your perfect will for my life. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.' - Matthew 7:6
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What spiritual practices help you stay aligned with God's direction for your life?
QUOTE |
You don't have to be wildly off to end up in the wrong place, do you? It can be one little small angle off.
PRAYER |
Heavenly Father, help me stay sensitive to Your guidance and quick to make corrections when I veer off course. Keep me aligned with Your perfect will for my life. Amen.
ACTION STEP
This week, before making any significant decisions or plans, take time to pray and specifically ask God, 'What is Your plan?' rather than asking Him to bless your plan. Keep a journal of how this changes your perspective and decision-making process.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your guidance and direction in our lives. Help us to loosen our grip on our own plans and to trust in Your perfect timing and purpose. Give us the courage to follow Your redirections and the wisdom to check our spiritual compass regularly. May we be people who seek Your will above our own comfort and plans. In Jesus' name, Amen.
BIBLE APP PLANS
Discerning God's Will for Your Life
5 Days – Vladimir Savchuk
Learn how to seek God’s direction in everyday decisions through prayer, Scripture, and surrender. This short plan helps you move from self-reliance to daily dependence on the One who orders your steps.
5 Days – Vladimir Savchuk
Learn how to seek God’s direction in everyday decisions through prayer, Scripture, and surrender. This short plan helps you move from self-reliance to daily dependence on the One who orders your steps.
Discerning God's Will
9 Days – Ligonier Ministeries
A thoughtful devotional that guides you across 9 days of learning to live before God, under His authority, and for His glory. Each day includes biblical insights and daily coram Deo challenges—practices that align beautifully with your message on alignment, reroute readiness, and spiritual navigation.
9 Days – Ligonier Ministeries
A thoughtful devotional that guides you across 9 days of learning to live before God, under His authority, and for His glory. Each day includes biblical insights and daily coram Deo challenges—practices that align beautifully with your message on alignment, reroute readiness, and spiritual navigation.
How to Thrive in Teenagehood (Youth Plan)
10 Days – Dreaming The Impossible
A 10‑day devotional written by teenagers for teenagers, designed to help young people do more than just survive their teenage years—they can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Each day includes a Bible passage and a practical reflection—perfect for guiding teens to navigate everyday decisions with God as their compass.
10 Days – Dreaming The Impossible
A 10‑day devotional written by teenagers for teenagers, designed to help young people do more than just survive their teenage years—they can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Each day includes a Bible passage and a practical reflection—perfect for guiding teens to navigate everyday decisions with God as their compass.
WATCH THE SERMON
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