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  MAKING PLANS
  by John Newton
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Summary: John Newton emphasizes the importance of making plans while
remaining open to God's will and guidance in our lives.

Topics: "Gods Will", "Spiritual Guidance"
Scripture References: Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 58:11, James 4:13

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DESCRIPTION
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In August 1778, John Newton writes to a friend, expressing the
uncertainties of life and the importance of aligning our plans with
God's will, referencing James 4:13. He emphasizes the need to seek God's
glory and our good in all our endeavors, acknowledging that only through
God's will can true satisfaction and contentment be found. Newton urges
for prayers for their upcoming meeting, highlighting the futility of
pursuing empty endeavors without God's guidance and blessing.

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CONTENT
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August, 1778.

Dear Sir,

If the Lord affords health; if the weather be tolerable; if no
unforeseen change takes place; if no company comes in upon me to-night,
(which sometimes unexpectedly happens,) with these provisos, Mr. S****
and I have engaged to travel to **** on Monday next, and hope to be with
you by or before eleven o'clock.

In such a precarious world, it is needful to form our plans at two days'
distance, with precaution and exceptions, James 4:13. However, if it be
the Lord's will to bring us together, and if the purposed interview be
for his glory and our good, then I am sure nothing shall prevent it. And
who in his right wits would wish either to visit or be visited upon any
other terms? O! if we could but be pleased with his will, we might be
pleased from morning to night, and every day in the year.

Pray for a blessing upon our coming together. It would be a pity to walk
ten miles to pick straws, or to come with our empty vessels upon our
heads, saying, "We have found no water."

I am, &c.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-newton/making-plans/
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