Making Good Decisions

Genesis 25: 27-34
Scripture confirms that the familiar expression, “You reap what you sow,” is accurate (Job 4:8; Prov. 11:18). Esau learned this truth the hard way. Famished, he returned from hunting and requested a bowl of the stew his brother was cooking. Jacob seized upon the opportunity—he agreed to share the food in exchange for his older twin’s birthright.

In Old Testament times, the firstborn enjoyed special privileges, which included authority over younger siblings, a double share of the inheritance, and the honored position as spiritual leader over the family. Yet Esau, deciding that food was more of a necessity right then, traded his birthright for dinner. He later grieved to realize what was lost, but at that point, it was too late. Like Esau, we all face critical choices at times. While God offers forgiveness for poor decisions, the consequences remain. So we must learn how to choose wisely.

We should take to heart two warnings from this story. First, to be able to distinguish our best options, we should wait until we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually stable. Esau allowed hunger to cloud his thinking.

Second, it is often important to delay gratification. For example, though a person may be eager to purchase a car, it is wise to shop around for the best deal. Though our human desires feel overwhelming at times, we should prayerfully wait for God’s timing.

Think about the longings that you have. Pray for wisdom and patience so that you can make godly decisions during critical times.

The Lord and Our Work

Ecc. 2:24-25
24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

The Preacher (Solomon) observed the lack of joy and enthusiasm with which people in his kingdom labored. For most people, work was simply work— hard and unsatisfying. After thousands of years, not much has changed, since Adam’s curse of unsatisfying work remains today for those who have not been redeemed. Many workers today detest their job; the vast majority endures it at best. Those who follow God, however, can find purpose and satisfaction even in the routine and mundane if they perform their work as an offering before God. For, as the Preacher noted, all good pleasure comes from God. May we praise God for allowing us to find satisfaction in our work; especially HIS work!

God Shields Us With His Love

Psalm 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Using the imagery of war, David reflects on God’s protection in the battles of life. The Lord surrounds us with a shield of love that protects us from enemy attack. But even when the force of the blows knock us down, leaving us with a feeling of defeat, the Lord picks us up again and gives us strength to continue. Rest in God’s protection and thank him for his shield of love around you.

The Lord Fights For Us

1 Samuel 7:9-10
9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.

Throughout Israel’s history, God repeatedly came to the aid of his people. In this instance, God was solely responsible for Israel’s success in battle. The might and planning of the Philistine army came to no avail when the Lord chose to act for Israel. The army was routed. We can praise the Lord that he protects his people today. Just as the Israelite army called upon the name of the Lord and he answered them, so we, as members of the body of Christ, can call upon God to save us. He is our refuge and our strength, and we can be assured that he fights for us.

(Read Psalm 18:1-3)

Not Ashamed of the Lordship of Christ

Have you ever noticed that some people get a little embarrassed in a restaurant if you bow your head and mention Jesus as you ask His blessing? They rub their eyebrows or forehead when you pray. Have you ever asked yourself why they’re ashamed? I think it is because they don’t know what they’re missing in Jesus. You see, salvation is a wonderful gift. God sent His Son to die for us. He rose from the grave for us. He ascended into heaven for us. He’s coming again for us! How can we be ashamed of this?

Next time you go to a restaurant, let your prayer of blessing turn into an evangelistic opportunity with your unsaved friend.

Three Reasons to Get Godly Counsel

Isn’t it amazing how often people venture into major life-changing decisions without getting any outside, biblical advice. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Sometimes we fear that a counselor will have a private agenda and won’t counsel us honestly. At other times, we presume to know what our counselors will say, and rationalize it away without even talking to them. But the most common reason we don’t get advice is because we would rather not hear what we already know. Self deception is a scary thing—we would rather be wrong and fantasize that things will work out, than really build a good decision with plenty of outside, biblical advice.

God’s Word is clear—Proverbs 11:14, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

God instructs us to bring in a multitude of counsellors on our decisions, but I find that many Christians sell godly counsel short—they don’t get the full picture of how valuable good advice can be. There are three huge dynamics in play when getting counsel. It’s not merely about getting a “yes” or “no” on a particular decision. It’s bigger than that, so let’s break it down:

1. Counsel helps define a right decision—this is the first and perhaps biggest aspect of getting advice—just determining whether a decision is right or not. I would never make a major decision in life without a team of people standing behind me saying, “Yes, that’s the right move!” It’s not about being unduly dependent upon others to make my decisions. It’s about having confirmation from the collective wisdom of a godly team of advisors.

2. Counsel helps to define the right process—we often miss this. It’s very easy to do the right thing the wrong way! Getting biblical advice is a great way to put a plan together. It’s not enough just to do the right thing—it needs to be done the right way, and a team of wise advisors will help craft a plan of attack that will give the right decision the right process.

3. Counsel helps to define the right timing—finally, it’s possible to do the right thing the right way, but at the wrong time! For instance, a young person might have found the right person and have the right plan for marriage, but the timing can be way off. Getting counsel is sometimes about waiting for God to prove the right time.

There’s nothing better than doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time! Getting godly, biblical counsel is about putting together this kind of decision. It’s a fail-safe way of finding and doing God’s will. Are you willing to hear what you don’t want to hear? Are you willing to define the right process? Are you willing to find the right time?

Understanding Destiny

Destiny, as used here, is defined as the time God has you on this earth for the purpose of fulfilling His will. Here are some basic concepts to understand about your destiny:

1. Your destiny is unique to you.
2. Your destiny is awesome!
3. You will only be happy as you fulfill your destiny.
4. Your destiny will give you a true sense of divine security.
5. Your destiny represents true success.
6. Your destiny can be missed.
7. Your destiny is now.
8. Destiny arrives from God by faith on a need-to-know basis.
9. Destiny is a deliberate choice.

Congratulations, You Need God!

God's best for your future starts at a point of need not a point of strength. If you view yourself in a position of need, if you see the decisions you face through the eye of humility and sincerity, then you will be driven to the Lord, to His Word, and to His guidance through godly counselors.

Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

LIFELINE Student Ministry Blog

The primary purpose of this blog is to help young people in junior high, high school, college, and those young adults in the early career stage understand the importance of finding and living within God's perfect will for their lives. From time to time I may post thoughts on child rearing as well. I pray this blog will be a blessing to those who read it.

FRMBC Student Ministries:

ProTeens (Grades 7-12)
CrossWalk (post-high school - age 29)

FRMBC Ministries