The simple act of deciding supports the notion that we havefree will. So he returned home to his father. Good decision-making takes long-range thinking. If we are in Christ and he is us, then our minds have been freed to work for him. Scripture is a powerful way God speaks to us. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! I have two major decisions to make and I found that with one decision its the more safer and secure option with direction but with the other its less certain with direction and it takes a leap of faith and requires a more full dependence and trust on God. The Lord, in his goodness, has given us decisions to make in our daily lives. Rarely does making a decision impact only one person. We could almost afford to live on either of our salaries alone. However, most of the pain in our lives is self-inflicted by the decisions that we make, even the decisions that we make in responding to evil that is visited upon us. III. 19:20). But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. With me I tend to fall between either instant decisions through prayer of discernment and what feels right and peaceful or with longer decisions, where I wait on God for more time and confirmation before I make a final decision, so Im not leaning on my own understanding. The treasury of Scripture will enrich your mind, refocus your goals, replace your doubts, and redirect your pathbut only if you read it and heed it. 1 Timothy 1:7. And (we pray!) We can read specific verses about seeking guidance on a decision or immerse ourselves in comforting and encouraging scripture. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Making Godly Decisions One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Help your church understand God's plan in pain, Call your people to experience a higher freedom, Proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth, Decisions (Part 1) We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. A fact is a thing known or proved to be true. Sometimes the choice is made clear but other times the best choice is to wait. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). The apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. And third, I have lifted up a prayer for producing a Worldwide Christmas Special featuring 2 celebrity co-hosts and 10 international vocal groups for international broadcast. Learning from the global church helps believers in the West zoom out, put aside their assumptions, and see afresh the relevance and power of truths that may no longer seem relevant and powerful. Priority and urgency are not the same. We cant do nothing, but neither can we run ahead blindly and hope for the best. With pride? Because decision-making requires sifting through opinions and choices, we wont agree on how to make Godly decisions in every situation. How can we weigh those options and choose that which is most God-honoring? *other. People who worry their prayers are like wind-whipped waves. Many countries coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an island of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. Look for opportunities to do both. Last but not least prayer is the most important step. Gideon decided to remain calm, humble, and focused on his purpose regardless of what others said or tried to persuade him to do. The volunteer decided the dilapidated volume wasnt worth saving and was about to throw it away when she thumbed through it and found a hidden chamber. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. Oladipupo Sweetvine Daniel Resolve to be proactive in making decisions in even the smaller things that might not matter as much. We have the power of making choices, which is a catalyst for change. But Gideon replied, What have I accomplished compared to you? His companion answered, Your dream can mean only one thingGod has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before theLord.. But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. His father came out and begged him,but he replied, All these years Ive slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? The beautiful imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 lets us know that the new earth will be a place that reflects the glory of God throughout. Whatever decision you ultimately make, know that God will walk beside you either way. Pray for me please. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. HOW TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS Esther 2:1-23 Introduction: I was talking to my brother and we were remembering some of the stupid things we did as children. Here Prudence finds a call to examine her own heart and motives. This beauty contest to find King Xerxes a wife was based only on beauty. Running, Rebelling, Ignoringbad Decisions--How Do We Handle Them? We know decisions are important because each one carries a consequence. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. Sometimes you get complete clarity when making a decision. Try me and know my thoughts! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norn 2023 The Virtual Preacher. Some of us love decision-making while others avoid making even the simplest of decisions. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. Jonah 1:1-17 read more, Scripture: It is true for us today also. The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our Gods Word stands firm and forever.. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. You see for yourself whether the meaning is really there. We may decide on what to wear, where to eat, and what to buy. Colossians 3:5. Or do you graciously say, Thank you, in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? Acts 24:10-27, Denomination: Brad Archer lives in Buffalo Grove, Ill., with his wife and three kids. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Years ago I heard the great Campuses in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Itasca, Marengo, Northfield, and Vernon Hills. During that period of time when I was trying to make the decision, my focus was on the decision itself, but I also noticed something shifting within me. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Talk to someone about decisions or struggles you are facing. Or, what college would I attend in order to pursue my chosen career path. When wondering how do I ask God to make the right decision, three helpful steps are prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking advice from wise people. If You Mix The Matters, Your Preaching Won't Matter, Still Preaching, But Running From The Ministry. Godly counselors will not try to force you into a decision against your will. III. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. We can imagine a child writing an appreciative and sentimental memoir about her perfect father, understanding that perfect was not intended to be taken literally. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. How long will you falter between two opinions? (1 Kings 18:21 NKJV).This message is the first in a series of messages that will be very straightforward and honest in dealing with the area of decisions. How to use godly wisdom to help your life go better, exploring James 3:17 as the guide: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.". In his increasingly limited free time, he enjoys playing board games with friends, catching up on his reading, and writing his thoughts down before they run away. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). Blessings! I pray your final treatments bring complete healing, and may God guide your other decisions and lead you by His wisdom! It is also safe to assume that the father was trusting God in making decisions when he chose to forgive and welcome home his wayward son. This caused us to revisit the idea of one of us staying home. Joshua 24:15, Denomination: For instance, our long-term goal may be to marry a spouse who loves and honors God, yet we may decide to accept a marriage proposal from an unbeliever, thinking we can convert them during the engagement period. 5. There are situational circumstances to consider, timing required for reaching a decision, factors that are. Most of the decisions we make, of course, are trivialwhat clothes we will wear, what we will eat for breakfast, and so on. Those of us in Christ, who have laid our daily decisions before him, can choose with confidence, knowing that part of our freedom is the reassurance that God will not allow anything to impede his good and perfect will. 2. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. John Piper. One careless decision can lead to long-term consequences. read more, Scripture: Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. Sometimes, the pain is from the wrong decisions of others; sometimes, it is simply living in a sin cursed world. Dont assume that you know it all. It is estimated we make about 25,500 decisions a year. Reading the Bible is a critical element to know how and when to make decisions. We all face major life decisions, and making those decisions are never easy. Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. But we frequently need to make decisions that are substantive, and that may have a profound effect on our lives or the lives of others. Is there a clear command about what should be done? . It is critically important in these areas of self-control to make good choices. May you continue to trust God with your decisions, and I pray you find direction and clarity in His wisdom. Dont give up, He is right beside you. I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. Part 1, Good Friday Sermon 2014 The Three Cups of Jesus, Fathers Day Sermon: Qualities of a Godly Father, Sermon: Faithfulness is the Key to God's Blessings, Sermon Notes: A Three-Fold Response to the Great Commission.
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