Lasting Decisions

Lasting Decisions

Genesis 19: ³⁰ Then Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains, and his two daughters were with him; for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave. ³¹ Now the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man on the earth to come in to us as is the custom of all the earth. ³² Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” ³³ So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

 

³⁴ It happened on the next day that the firstborn said to the younger, “Indeed I lay with my father last night; let us make him drink wine tonight also, and you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” ³⁵ Then they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

 

³⁶ Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. ³⁷ The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. ³⁸ And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the people of Ammon to this day.

 

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Not having much time to think, Lot asked the angels if he could escape to a small, insignificant suburb of Sodom and Gomorrah. JESUS and the Angels told Abraham they would destroy Sodom because the people were deeply involved in sin. Lot, his wife and daughters were taken out of the city. Lot’s wife looked back, longingly, during the destruction and turned into a pillar of salt.

 

Everything happened so fast! There was no time to think. When Lot and his daughters arrived in the town he named Zoar, he realized that the people there would be against him, just like he feared the people in the mountains would. He left Zoar and fled to the mountains, just like the angels told him.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s short-term decisions seemed to be disastrous.
• Lot chose to go to Sodom, knowing how evil the people were.
• Lot fled in fear to the mountains with his daughters and they followed in his footsteps of decision making.

 

Raised as Sodomites, Lot’s daughters devised a plan to get what they wanted without thinking of GOD. This had been the issue with Cain, Canaan and many others who saw GOD as a problem versus an answer. Because of this decision to get Lot drunk and have a child by him, the Moabites and the Ammonites would be born.

 

Something drove Lot’s decision making. When he chose Sodom, he saw something that looked like success and was willing to overlook evil to obtain it. Same with Lot’s daughters. They were willing to get what they wanted, overlooking anything that would go against GOD’s desires.  They cared deeply about their father. They obeyed by not looking back and followed him into the mountain. They thought they were doing right by have a child by him. GOD gave this history to Moses.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention what happened to Lot and his daughters to Moses?
• Have you ever thought about doing something that would please yourself short-term without considering if GOD wants you to do that thing?
• Will you place your short-term thinking before GOD and accept HIS long term answer?

Decision Making

Decision Making

Revelation 17: Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came to me and said, “Come, and I will show you how the famous prostitute is to be punished, that great city that is built near many rivers. ² The kings of the earth practiced sexual immorality with her, and the people of the world became drunk from drinking the wine of her immorality.”

 

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Being out on my own felt great! I was free to make my own decisions and had no one to tell me what I could and could not do. The first night of my freedom led me to a party where everyone would get drunk. I joined in. The next morning I woke up, opened my door and there was a woman, passed out on the floor, outside my door. “Wow!, I’m going to like this place!” I said to myself!

 

• I wanted to be part of the drunken parties.
• I wanted to take part in the sex.
• I wanted to do “what everyone else” was doing!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was addressed by one of the seven angels who held the bowls. The angel explained that whatever was causing the world to make bad decisions would be punished.

 

My Observations:

• My decision making needed some guidance from GOD.
• Following the world can cause me to get in trouble with GOD.
• My clearest thinking includes times and ways to follow GOD.

 

Bad decisions seem easy to do and are plenteous these days. I mean, it seems like bad decisions are placed in front of me more that me searching them out. News and other media portray terrible ideas as the right thing to do. Meanwhile, morality gets questioned and even raised in heated debates. BUT GOD sees what’s going on.

 

JESUS knew you and I would choose the immorality versus HIS purity. HE never sinned, even though HE was tempted in the same way you and I were temped. HE died for our sins and was raised from the dead. All authority has been given to HIM. HE will judge the tempter, not the tempted, for those who believe in HIM. I am grateful for salvation from my sins.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was noticed?
• Have you ever wanted to be free to sin as much as you want?
• Will you ask GOD for self-control and for protection from yourself, so HE can guide you to HIS Way, Truth and Life today?

Decision Making

Decision Making

2 Corinthians 6: ¹⁴ Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? ¹⁵ How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said,

 

“I will make my home with my people
    and live among them;
I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.”
¹⁷ And so the Lord says,
“You must leave them
    and separate yourselves from them.
Have nothing to do with what is unclean,
    and I will accept you.
¹⁸ I will be your father,
    and you shall be my sons and daughters,
    says the Lord Almighty.”

 

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Seeking advice from my colleagues seemed to be the right thing to do. When I asked them questions about how to live life, they had some great answers, or so I thought. Once, they suggested I sneak away from work to get drunk. Other times they would say, “just lie” or “borrow it from the store.” “Okay” was my reply. But something had to change.

 

• I was headed down a dark path.
• I was tired of trying to follow rules that did not seem to get me “ahead” in life.
• I stepped away from following GOD so I could do what “I” wanted to do.

 

Paul says something quite harsh. He warns the believers of JESUS not to be influenced by those who do not seek HIM as their Savior. He is not saying believers are perfect, rather their decision making goes through a different filter.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to make decisions with the best information I have, namely HIS word.
• GOD wants me to test my decisions by asking believers for prayer, guidance and inspiration.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS and live for HIM so I can make decisions based on a life that inspires others to do the same.

 

Political thieves and power hungry people have sought to steal the precious name of JESUS. I mean, there are many complaints of the use of the word “Christian” because it is coupled with intolerance, impatience, ignorance and insulting behavior. Yes, I have done all the above. BUT GOD still wants me to speak on HIS behalf by learning about HIS love and aligning the message to HIM.

 

HE uses imperfect people to speak about JESUS, who was and is perfection. We cannot separate ourselves out of the world. Huddling around a bunch of people who look and act the same seems dangerous. GOD wants me to be in the world but not influenced by it. HE provides others who seek HIS face to encourage me and guide me. I am glad HE has many who follow HIM in all walks of life.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the urgency of the writers words?
• What suggestions do you have for someone who is trying to make decisions?
• Will you seek a group of imperfect people who believe in JESUS as their Savior, to help you in your decision making or to help others live for HIM today? 

Decisions, Decisions

 Decisions, Decisions

1 Corinthians 7: ³⁶ In the case of an engaged couple who have decided not to marry: if the man feels that he is not acting properly toward the young woman and if his passions are too strong and he feels that they ought to marry, then they should get married, as he wants to There is no sin in this. ³⁷ But if a man, without being forced to do so, has firmly made up his mind not to marry, and if he has his will under complete control and has already decided in his own mind what to do—then he does well not to marry the young woman. ³⁸ So the man who marries does well, but the one who doesn't marry does even better.

 

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As I sat and pondered my decision making, I noticed a trend. When I used my own greed, lusts and fears to make a decision, the results were catastrophic. But when I followed GOD’s leading and used faith, love and HIS purpose, I was always successful.

 

• There have been times when I made poor decisions based on arguments.
• There have been times when I made poor decisions based on faulty facts.
• There have been times when I made poor decisions based on trying to get what “I” wanted.

 

Paul discusses a difficult topic that was asked to him. “Should an engaged couple break up?” Paul addressed this by speaking of the root of decision making. GOD has to be in the middle of all decision making.

 

• GOD wants me to ask HIS opinion first before doing anything large or small.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS opinion first before making a decision.
• GOD wants me to align my decision making with HIS so I can have no regrets.

 

Having regrets means deep down inside, I made a decision that did not align with GOD. I mean, I can try to justify my sinful decision, BUT GOD lives inside me and knows the most hidden decision. HE searches every crack and crevasse of my heart and exposes what is inside.

 

When I use the fruit of the Spirit to the best of my ability, I have no regrets for any of decision I make. It means I am fully aligned with the will of GOD and my decisions are pleasing to HIM.

 

• What decisions are you trying to make?
• Do you have a decision to make that needs to go before GOD?
• Will you seek GOD’s advice before you make any more of your decisions today?

Basis of Decisions

 

Basis of Decisions

Romans 14: ¹⁹ So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. ²⁰ Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. ²¹ The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. ²² Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right! ²³ But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin.

 

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Being unsure of myself, I tried a tactic I did not like. One guy was good at eavesdropping on conversations. He would take what little facts he knew and try to put his own spin on it, to stay ahead of people. It seemed to work so I tried it. I listened in on someone else’s hallway conversation and overheard the wrong facts. I spread the wrong information. Now my credibility was shot.

 

• There have been many times when I have been scared, so I looked for direction to make decisions.
• There have been many times when I made decisions out of fear.
• There have been many times when I used what people said as the basis of my decision making and wound up in a worse spot than I was at the beginning or my worries.

 

Paul concludes his Spirit filled plea to help everyone refrain from tearing down what GOD has done. If someone were to eat or not eat something, then opposing the person would be hurtful. This action would not be based on faith but possibly pride. “Anything that is not based on faith is sin.”

 

• GOD wants me to run my decisions through HIM first.
• GOD wants ne to believe in what HE told me and continue on HIS path.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIS plan for me and not feel guilty when I do something I judge as right for HIS kingdom.

 

Having a personal  relationship with JESUS requires faith. This means doubt needs to go somewhere else. I must move forward in faith, but if my faith is harmful to someone nearby, then GOD wants me to keep it between me and HIM. This pertains to a local interaction. But what about my other decisions?

 

GOD wants all my decisions to flow through faith in HIS power. HIS plans and promises are not to harm me but to provide me with a hope and a future. I gladly move forward with the faith that HE allows me to “do something I judge as right.”

 

• Are you questioning a decision GOD told you to make?
• Do you crumble at the smallest problem that may seem huge to you?
• Will you relook at the decision through the faith GOD wants you to have and allow HIM to do HIS plan, HIS way, while you continue to judge what is right in clear conscience today?

Decision Making

Decision Making

Acts 1: ²¹ “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

²³ And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. ²⁴ And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen ²⁵ to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

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After being out of work for a while, I finally got an interview. We had a great discussion and I felt pretty good about the position. Walking with GOD with total reliance was a bit new to me. Previously, I relied on my strength, thinking it was me who made it to the top. Now humbled, I needed a job.

During the interview, the person said something strange. “We are in charge of the tech that enables porn to go into the rooms.” I got an offer, but turned down the job.

• Some decisions are hard.
• Some decisions seem extreme to make.
• Some decisions look easy on the outside, but are really hard to make when it comes to GOD.

The disciples took finding another person, as part of their ministry, seriously. This person had to have been there at the beginning, when they were called by JESUS, all the way to the time HE was risen. They still could not decide. They asked GOD to make the decision.

• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to ask HIM first.
• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to allow HIM to say “no” or “wait” or “yes.”
• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to see that HIS choice is always the best choice.

GOD sees though the scheme when I run up to HIM with my mind made up first, then asking HIM to just go along with “my” decision. Like a kid waiting until the last minute to ask, “Can I go out to the party with my friends who are waiting outside?” GOD sees through the pressure tactic, just like a parent would.

Unfortunately sometimes GOD says “yes” to something I should not have. HE grieves when I ask for something that goes thoroughly against HIS ways. BUT HE is full of love and allows me to fail and come back to HIM. The lesson from the pain grows me to ask HIM first then wait for HIS answer and accept HIS decision. I am glad I can put my decision before HIM.

• What decision do you have to make?
• Are you trying to make the decision on your own?
• Will you ask GOD and accept HIS answer, knowing HE has what is best for you in mind?

Stability

Luke 21: ²⁹ He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig-tree and all the trees.³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

³² ‘Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

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Disturbed at the situation, I asked a few people for advice. Unfortunately, each person had their own way of dealing with the puzzle. Some used rage and forcefulness while others used cunning and wit and another used empirical information. What should I trust?

• Sometimes when I need to make decisions, I get confused.
• Sometimes when there are many viewpoints I try to get the truth, but truth seems “relative.”
• Sometimes when I am faced with large circumstances, I want to make the best choice and not waiver.

JESUS continues with HIS discussion about the end of the age. HE tells a parable about humans recognizing that spring is near by their observation of the budding of the trees. HE tried to tie this analogy to recognizing the signs of the times.

• GOD wants me to recognize the signs of the times.
• GOD wants me to understand that even though there will be a “falling away” from HIM, I must hold onto HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS words so I can make better decisions that are based on HIS truths.

Looking back, the best decisions I have ever made were those based on following GOD. Humans can try to put their political spin on things or their negative view, BUT GOD’s word provides me with a stable path to walk on. Any and every circumstance I can face is addressed through statements given by GOD to me through many prophetic writers.

 JESUS says something extremely important. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will never pass away.” I choose to seek HIS words as mu stable foundation.

• Do you waiver from the philosophies of humans?
• Do you try to join superior groups only to find they are infallible?
• Can you stop seeking human wisdom and seek GODLY wisdom, knowledge and understanding today?

Guilty Decisions

Mark 6: ¹⁴ Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

¹⁵ Others said, “It is Elijah.”

And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”

¹⁶ But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” ¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. ¹⁸ Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

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“I wonder if I got away with it?” was my question. I cannot remember which thing I did, but I was definitely guilty. When someone came near me and asked any question I wondered if they knew about that thing I had done. “Why are people looking at me?” was my thought.

• When I am guilty I make guilty decisions.
• When I am guilty I think everyone around me is bringing up my infraction.
• When I am guilty I try to ignore my guilt but the guilt gets louder.

Herod was clearly guilty in many ways. He killed a person who told him of his infraction, now that JESUS was on the scene he thought it was his victim coming back to haunt him.

• GOD wants me to tell others about my sin so others can feel comfortable with telling their sins.
• GOD wants me to have peace and knows I will make mistakes.
• GOD wants me to avoid sin, but knows I can come to HIM even when I do.

Herod mistook JESUS’s arrival. He was so self-centered in his sinful lifestyle that he missed the possibility of grace, same with me. I was trying to hide sins instead of making them known so others could forgive them or even learn from them.

GOD doesn’t want me to have guilty decisions because they lead to more and more shame. HE wants me have peace that only comes form HIM.

• Are you guilty?
• Have you been hiding your sin for a long time?
• Can you be brave enough to confess your sin instead of trying to make others feel guilty?
• Will you accept GOD’s grace today?

Hasty Decisions

¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

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Hasty decisions are made when I am full of fear. I mean when I am scared out of my wits, I make hurried decisions without thinking through the long term consequences of my actions. I squirm and only want out of the problem!

• Many times I lost my patience when faced with certain problems.
• Many times I wanted out of the problem so bad that I could not wait on a good solution.
• Many times I could only see demise so I panicked and ran towards any comfort I could get.

Trust in GOD sometimes went out the window when I faced a pressure filled problem that did not seem to go away. I started searching for the quickest way out of the problem rather than facing the situation. BUT GOD wanted me to act differently.

• GOD wants me to slow down and see HIM rather than speeding up.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than on human obstacles.
• GOD wants me to join HIS winning fight rather than making the fight mine.

Looking back I can see when I trusted GOD and when I made a hasty decision on my own. The times when I did not trust made me make decisions I regretted for a long time. On the other hand, the times where I placed my trust totally in GOD bared the most fruit, usually in ways I never would have imagined. GOD wants total loyalty and total trust in HIM. HE knows I sin, yet HE wants my trust to grow rather than shrink. I trust GOD alone.

• Where have you placed your trust?
• Are you squirming to get out of the problem?
• Can you allow GOD to handle the problem rather than thinking you know the solution?
• Will you add a measure of trust in GOD today?