Appointments

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Appointments


The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD. Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
We are wise to guard our time and to place a prayer covering over our appointment book. The enemy wants to get his schemes written into our schedules, and use his appointments to bring disappointments into our lives.
Here are a few things to consider about the use of your appointment book:
Surrender each day to God. Acknowledge Him as the Lord of each day and believe that your times are in His hands. By faith, ask Him to direct your steps and to keep you from any missteps.
My times are in Your hand. Psalm 31:15 (NKJV)
Write your appointments in pencil. Most appointments are not “for sure” and should not be written in stone. Unexpected things can happen, situations can change, and appointments may need to be canceled or moved to a different time.
Remain flexible. Flexibility is one of the best ways to respond to interruptions, or the unexpected. Don’t allow changes or cancelations to your schedule become the grounds for discontentment or resentment. Also, the things that appear like “interruptions” to your schedule, could be God’s appointments that didn’t make it onto your calendar (some have even entertained angels unaware).
Keep your expectations in the Lord. It is important for us to guard our hearts and to place our expectations in the Lord and not in the events of life. Our joys and true happiness are not found in upcoming activities, but in the daily presence of the Lord in our lives.
Listen for God’s voice and wait for His answer. When responding to others’ requests, making plans, scheduling appointments, or making commitments, wait until you hear God’s “yes” before you give your “yes”…an offer may be exciting and appealing, it may seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but that does not mean it is of God.
Be Discerning. A traffic light gives out clear and important information. The red light tells you don’t go; the green light tells you to go; and the yellow light tells you to either proceed with caution, wait, or be prepared for the light to change. When God gives you a red light, it is time to stop without debate; when He gives you a green light, it is time to go in faith without doubting. When He gives you a yellow light, then slow down, move with caution, and wait upon His time.
Be led, not driven. Sheep are led. We don’t need to say yes to everything. The will of God is not to see how full you can make your appointment book, and how busy you can make your life. God’s path and God’s pace are always accompanied by God’s peace.
Believe in God’s provision. When God orders your steps He also provides for them. Believe that He will make each appointment possible for you circumstantially and personally. “As your day, so shall your strength, your rest and security, be.” Deuteronomy 33:25 (AMP)
Be assured of God’s presence. Whatever may be on your calendar, let the proclamation of Moses be your proclamation…“If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.” Exodus 33:15 (NLT). Be assured that as you follow His leading, you will have the blessing of His presence….He will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:8 (KJV)