How NOT to Make Decisions

Jurors in Kentucky couldn't decide whether or not to convict a man of murder—so they flipped a coin and found him guilty! The lawyer for the defendant said, "It's scary to think that twelve people would decide to flip a coin to reach a verdict, especially in a murder case." The judge threw out the decision and ordered a new trial. 

On an episode of House Hunters, a couple flipped a coin to decide whether to buy a more expensive house or a lesser priced one. The coin landed on “tails.” That’s how NOT to make a decision. Many people place their destiny in the hands of fate instead of the hands of God. Here is God’s way to make decisions.

1. Pray for wisdom. God always knows what we need to do, even when we don’t. James 1:5-7 says He will give direction if we will ask in faith.

2. Consider your options.  Think through your situation and list every possible option to take. Jesus said to first sit down, which settles down our emotions so we can think clearly. Then calculate the cost, which means to do a background check on the potential situation (see Luke 14:28-32).

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to point you to the right path. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you."

4. Walk in the light you have. Sometimes it's a spotlight while at other times it's a flicker we can barely see. Walk in the light that God provides.

After deciding don't look back and question your decision. Doubting yourself will only cause problems after you have already made the correct decision. (see Luke 9:62)  Remember that decisions produce consequences. Good decisions will result in good consequences. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com  www.makinglifecount.net

NEW BIBLE STUDY at Making Life Count Ministries: 

What did Jesus mean by salt losing its saltiness? Click the link to find out.

Slaying Your Giants explains how to defeat 20 “invisible giants” that you battle in your mind.

The Sure Cure for Worry proves that GOD IS IN CONTROL and you can trust Him to take care of the things that worry you.

Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
www.makinglifecount.net 
Thank you to all who support this discipleship ministry. 

The Umpire in Your Heart

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart and acts as an umpire to guide you down the right paths. When you are making a decision He will lead you through the desires in your heart (Psalm 37:4) and the peace in your heart. Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." The Greek word for "rule" means "to act as an umpire."

In a baseball game, the umpire is the one who decides whether you are safe or out. In the same way, when you praying about what to do, having an abiding peace in your heart gives the assurance that you’re on the right track, and a lack of peace in your heart is a warning that something isn’t right. A lack of peace in your heart can be for one of three reasons:

1. It might be God’s will, but you need to get some questions answered first. The umpire is telling you to do more investigating of the situation to clear up some issues. If you can resolve those uncertainties, God will give you peace to proceed.

2. It might be God’s will, but the timing is not right. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 says, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven…He has made everything appropriate in its time.” A lack of peace may mean the umpire is saying you need to wait for further guidance.

3. It is not God’s will and the Holy Spirit has removed your peace. If it isn’t God’s will, the umpire is telling you no by shouting “you’re out!” He is giving a warning that you are heading down the wrong path.

Submit yourself to God and let Him direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). He knows the future and His peace, or lack of peace, is one of the ways He will guide you.  www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com  www.makinglifecount.net  

NEW BIBLE STUDY at Making Life Count Ministries: 

What does “the earth is full of God’s glory” mean? Isaiah 6:3 says that the earth is full of God’s glory. With all the evil in the world, how can it be filled with God’s glory? What does it mean?

Making Life Count Ministries

P.O. Box 680174

Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174

www.makinglifecount.net 

Thank you to all who support this discipleship ministry.