(for part 1 see 9/27/24)

We must plan for the present with the end in view. We set our goals in life always thinking of tomorrow or later. I realize that there are things in life for which you must plan. It is best to prepare for college and career, marriage and family, retirement, and final things. But it is very important to keep the finish in mind, always! A correct understanding of the final things in one's life will keep everything else in proper focus. Then we understand that our vision of the finish will determine how we respond to every relationship in life. No matter what decision or choice we may face, the final things will bring a correct perspective to the matter. Ecc. 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Therefore, life's choices are governed by our vision of final things. We realize that we live our lives in the present tense. We are planning for tomorrow by the way we live today. That will not only affect our lives but also those who have been given into our care and those who share our sphere of influence on this journey.

Now, getting back to my little gray squirrel (see post for 9/27/24). His creator has given him an innate sense to gather and store provisions. I am sure that what appeared to me to be a frantic search was normal for him. That's the way squirrels are because God created them that way. You and I are created to live on a much higher plane. If God gives an animal an innate sense of provision for his life, God has done so much more for us. The problem comes when we fail to communicate with Him. My little squirrel has an automatic system built into his consciousness for his provision. We are created higher than any other creature in God's creation. We were made for relationship with God and each other. Our relationship requires communication. If we fail to communicate with God, we cannot receive instruction for our provision.

If we are listening to God, He will instruct us in His plan for us today. He will help us to understand that we live His will today so that we are in His will tomorrow. If we follow Christ today, we have no need to worry about tomorrow. Our life and future is secure in the grace of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim. 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”