DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 18 July 2024

TOPIC: Purposeful Planning

TEXT: Luke 14:25-35 (KJV)
²⁵ And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

²⁶ If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

²⁷ And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

²⁸ For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

²⁹ Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

³⁰ Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

³¹ Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

³² Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

³³ So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

³⁴ Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

³⁵ It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

KEY VERSE
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
Luke 14:28

DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 18 July 2024 MESSAGE

Experts in Business Management have underscored the importance of planning in providing direction in achieving organisational goals. Purposeful planning minimises risks and overlapping roles and responsibilities; thus, reducing wastage. Planning encourages critical and innovative thinking and could guide decision-making when a choice has to be made between alternatives. Planning is central to success in every area of life. Benjamin Franklin hit the nail on the head when he remarked that he, who fails to plan, plans to fail.

Christ uses the metaphor of preparing for war and building a house to underscore the need for planning life, in the text. The concept of planning applies to many areas of life, as indicated in the illustrations of Christ, which where it is conspicuously missing, leads to unfinished tasks, that breed regrets and shame ultimately.

READ DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 17 July 2024 – The Essence Of Living

There are basic principles that should guide the preparation of our action plan. First, it is vital to identify the need or justification for the action. Second, consider the alternative course of action. This will reveal whether the project is worth the effort. Third, consider the support system and the resources available to prevent you from undertaking an ambitious project. Fourth, analyse the method of execution of the project. This may entail identifying the priority areas. Fifth, put a timeline to the performance of specific tasks. Finally, seek the face of the Lord for guidance and direction as well as the resources for successful completion and delivery of the project.

God is interested in the project of your life and your projects in life. Every plan that has His imprint on it endures and prevails.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Proper planning often prevents poor execution or failed projects.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Exodus 5-7