How to Develop a Life Plan 

 With Bishop Ronald K. Powell

   “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”  (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14) 

Discern the eternal meaning of your life. 

        Q     “Why was I created?” 

      You were created … 

• to be like God in true righteousness and holiness 
• “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) 
• to let God be the true King of your heart 
• “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) 
•  to be the image bearer of God 
• “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) 
•    to be conformed to the character of Christ 

         “Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.” (Romans 8:29) 

to bring glory to God 

         “Everyone who is called by my name … I created for my glory … I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:7) 

Discover the earthly purpose of your life. 

        Q      “Does God have a personal and unique purpose for my life?” 

      Yes, and the purposes for your life were preplanned in the heart of God. 

      “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) 

Realize God’s promise to reveal His purpose for you. 

         “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) 

Realize the power of prayer to reveal God’s purpose. 

         “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7) 

Realize how God will use your spiritual gifts to accomplish your purpose. 

         “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6–8) 

Realize the value of asking practical questions of godly counselors. 

         “A wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15) 

           —      What are your God-given responsibilities? 

           —      What activities have been most fulfilling, bringing joy to your heart? 

           —      What work has been most successful to you? 

           —      What is your primary God-given spiritual gift for serving others? 

           —      What desires do you often think about? 

           “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)