So much to talk about...choices, choices, choices!

I have so much I want to write about it! Don't worry though, I'll try and limit myself. I don't want to bore you with a novel, but sheesh, there's so much to write about!

So I've been reading a lot the past 2 days (because I haven't felt like doing anything else). These are the 3 things I've read: my Bible, "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King," and "Sincerely, Jesus". Man, God has given me some good stuff to read, let me tell you. "Sincerely, Jesus" is by Edward Goble (I got it free on my Nook!) and it is about the letters that Jesus wrote to the seven churches listed in the book of Revelation. Although the letters were addressed to these seven groups, Goble explains how Jesus is talking to us, too. It's a short read, filled with historical information and tons of Jesus' promises for us that relates to our daily lives. I'm so glad I found it and look forward to reading it again. "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King" is by Sheri Rose Shepherd and is a devotional book that is in the form of letters from God. It is beautifully written for any age. So many times I finish reading a chapter/devotion in tears. Lastly, today's reading for the year long reading plan was chapters 7-8 in the book of Matthew. Out of these 3 books, God has filled my head with so much to write about! I decided to write about the reoccuring theme of the 3 books...choosing the right path.

I don't know about you, but I'm not real good at making decisions. I don't know if it's because I doubt my discernment or I just don't like making decisions. I've realized though lately that as long as I'm focusing on God, His will for me, and obeying Him; I can't go wrong. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes through the father except me" (John 14:6).

Matthew 7:13-14 says, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." So you may be wondering, "What's all this gate talk about? I haven't went through a gate."   Well, if we look at John 14:6 again, we know that Jesus is life, therefore, to go through the "narrow gate", all we have to do is believe and follow him. The wide gate is what the rest of the world goes through. If you want life, you want Jesus.  Simple as that. But you may be thinking, well I'm living and I don't need Jesus. The truth is, when we don't have Jesus we don't experience what true life is and we definitely don't get to experience eternal life.  Basically, if you want destruction (which I don't see why), go through the wide gate. Do what everyone else is doing. I know it may be the easy thing to do, but is it really worth it? If you want life (sounds so much better than destruction), go through the narrow gate - Jesus.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." When we are walking on the narrow way, following Jesus, we are able to figure out what God's will is for us. Decision making becomes less complicated. It will still be hard at times, since we are competing with the world and our fleshly desires so we must choose Jesus' path everyday. Like I've talked about before, it becomes easier when we use our faith in the reward God has promised us. Goble says in "Sincerely, Jesus", "Sometimes the footing is tricky because there is an enemy lurking in the shadows who will do anything to get you off the path." Satan wants us to do the things that everyone else is doing, so he is going to work his butt off to tempt us, but keep in mind when we follow Jesus' path, we recieve life. All Satan can offer us is destruction, but Jesus offers us eternal life. That should be a pretty easy decision right there...who are you going to choose? Do you want destruction or life?

Let Jesus be your way...your truth...and your life. When our faith is in Him, choosing which path to take becomes simple.  Proverbs 4:26-27 says, "Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil."  Goble says, "When we repent and place Jesus in the central place of honor and love in our heart, He will be our strength and energy for life. (p. 51)" When we start to slip off the narrow path (and it will happen, but don't freak out!), all we have to do is  refocus our eyes on the "way" (Jesus). Choose the narrow gate. Choose the narrow path. Choose life. Choose Jesus. It's worth it.

 

Today is the day that we choose a new bible verse to memorize, mine is Romans 12:2. Let me know what verse you are memorizing by leaving me a comment!

Also, are you joining the read-your-bible-in-a-year plan? Please let me know if you are! Today is Matthew, chapters 7 & 8.

Have a BIG decision to make?

We all make decisions. We make decisions constantly. You made the decision to read this blog entry. We make little decisions, big decisions, irrelevant decisions, and important decisions. We are decision makers 24/7.

 We must be pros at decision making, but are we?

I don't know about you, but I've definitely had problems in the decision making department. If you are close to me, you know this to be true and you're probably say something to the effect of, "boy ain't that the truth!" I'm sorry guys, that it takes me 30 minutes to make a decision, but in every relationship there is a "decision maker" and a "decision maker-follower"...I'm the latter, so know this, I would be lost without you!

You're probably thinking, "Chelsea, you are 22 year old, college graduate. You should be able to make your own decisions." I know. I'm an adult now. I must make my own decisions. So lately, I've been working on the decision making. Not the small, irrelevant decisions like McDonald's or Burger King (I skipped those...because I'm brave like that... haha) but the BIG, important decision making. Decisions that can affect our walk with God. Well, do you want to hear my secret?

A lot of times we make earthly decisions for heavenly matters. Let that sink in.

 

What's wrong with that statement? Earthly and heavenly don't match up. We can't make stupid, impulsive decisions and expect for our walk with God to be strengthened. Of course, God can bring good out of the bad, but we can't go making unwise decisions and be waiting on a great outcome. For example:

• A woman can't marry a guy just because he is good looking and assume it will be a blessed marriage. This is a heavenly matter, because God calls the husband to be a spiritual leader to his wife. Just because he's cute, doesn't mean he is going to be a spiritual leader for his wife. And vice versa. A wife is called to encourage and serve her husband.
• A man can't accept a job, just because it will satisfy his hunger and love for money and expect that he will be blessed. This is a heavenly matter, because we should work  according to God's call despite how much money we make.

 

Here are my secrets to good decision making skills:

1. Pray/Read Bible - pray for discernment, open mind, & obedience in God's will.

2. Seek counsel - Find someone who has your best interest in mind, knows you well & preferbly, a Godly mentor.

3. Pray again. Never hurts to pray. Pray for open doors & closed doors.

4. Wait. Don't expect an answer right away. Decide when you feel at peace with a decision. If you are still worried/anxious when you make the decision, you might want to do some more praying.

5. Pray for discernment of time/how and courage to make decision.

6. Make decision!

 

Psalm 119:115 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Proverbs 15:22 - Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart;do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do,and he will show you which path to take.

 

So what's your big decision to make? 

I pray that you make a heavenly one!

 

Don't forget your 30 minute fast of your possession! Let me know how it goes! I fasted from mine and got this blog out of it! Funny how God works ;)