I read a bit of a cyber friend's blog this morning where she confirmed that I am not the only one who is afraid of failing, or making the wrong decision, and on top of that, try everything possible not to make choices that will cause me to fail, regret, or be discouraged.
Although I've had many, two decisions in particular come to mind when I reflect upon past forks-in-the-road, and the tiring mental/spiritual tennis match that accompanies the effort to make the right decision:
1.) What to do after college
2.) Am I suposed to marry Justin Copling.
In both cases, I am thankful to say I have no regrets, and am also grateful for the wisdom of friends and family that helped me pray, decipher, and come to a healthy decision. Their wise counsel has stuck with me to this moment.
The question of "how do I know God's will?" is one that every Christian faces continually throughout his life. When we focus on our end of the situation-how it will affect us, what happens if I don't like the decision once it's made, what will people think of me-it is a daunting task. Pretty much impossible because of all the factors and people involved in our situation.
What many people don't realize is that it doesn't have to be so complicated. When our focus is on God and obeying what we know He has already told us to do, the unknown pieces do fall into place. Often the hard part is fighting our selfish urge to know NOW instead of waiting on God.
Our pastor spoke on Proverbs 3:5-6 this weekend, and while I took enough notes to practically repeat the sermon here, I will simply share the application he gave: tests for good decision making.
1. Scriptural test: Has God already spoken about it in His Word?
2. Secrecy test: Would it bother me if everyone knew this was my choice?
3. Survey test: What if everyone followed my example?
4. Spiritual test: Am I being pressured or Spirit-led?
5. Stumbling test: Could this cause another person to stumble?
6. Serenity test: Have I prayed and received peace about the decision?
7. Sanctification test: Will this keep me from growing in the character of Christ?
8. Surpreme test: Does this glorify God?
9. Significance test: If it passes all the other tests, and you love Jesus more than anything and want to please Him, than make the choice and go for it! (Decisions do exist that have no direct right or wrong)
We must know God and trust Him if we are to know His will. Put those things in order, and He will make our paths straight.
Several of the tests above helped me with my decision to move to Texas after college as well as my decision to marry Justin (one of the best decisions I've EVER made). Have you used any of these tests in your decision making? Is it hard to wait on God when you're praying about a decision?
Please share any lessons you've learned in decision making-whether good or bad!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Limitless, Abounding Love
I love the body of Christ, and I'm thankful to be part of a local body that is on fire for Christ and challenging it's members to grow and to serve. My current small group is also evidence that God is moving and altering our comfort zones with the purpose of making us more effective for His kingdom.
One of the ways I like to season my worship is with a visit to a local messianic Jewish worship service. Once a month, I attend a short dance class where anyone who wishes may learn a couple of dances to participate in the service, and then attend the worship time. The service includes a reading of the Torah, and a few other traditional Jewish prayers and blessings, and the worship is a blend of more traditional Jewish praise music and modern worship songs. Geoffrey Cohen (Pastor: Jewish Ministries) teaches with a style that that bridges Jewish history with The Gospel of Yeshuah: Jesus Christ the Savior of all people.
Last night was the October service and once again, God blessed my socks off by meeting me in worship and using the pastor to teach me something new. My favorite part was the pastor's testimonial that happened the week before: one of His personal life highlights!!
While he was in the Ukraine last week teaching, he had the opportunity to have lunch with three Jews who had escaped the prison camps during the Holocaust. For about twenty minutes Geoffrey talked to them about how much God loved them, even with all that they had been through, He cared for them and wanted to bring peace to their lives. When he finished, one gentleman (who had been saved at 16 when he miraculously escaped a terrible mass killing) told Geoffrey that he spoke with such conviction and passion that he couldn't deny what was being said. And he invited Jesus Christ into His life as His Savior, right there. After over 60 years as a Holocaust survivor and living as a Jew, the love of Christ reached down into His life and competed His salvation...this time, spiritually. (You can hear the entire message at the link below)
http://gateway.vo.llnwd.net/o25/audio/Jewish/2009/20091009_TheComingKingdom.mp3
Stories like that give me chills when I think about how God is always working behind the scenes to soften the hearts of the people whom He loves. And sometimes, we might be the one He wants to use to plant another seed, or as in Mr. Cohen's story, actually pluck the harvest. Our God wants all to know Him, regardless of religion, race, location, age, or circumstances. He is Awesome!! Praise His name!
One of the ways I like to season my worship is with a visit to a local messianic Jewish worship service. Once a month, I attend a short dance class where anyone who wishes may learn a couple of dances to participate in the service, and then attend the worship time. The service includes a reading of the Torah, and a few other traditional Jewish prayers and blessings, and the worship is a blend of more traditional Jewish praise music and modern worship songs. Geoffrey Cohen (Pastor: Jewish Ministries) teaches with a style that that bridges Jewish history with The Gospel of Yeshuah: Jesus Christ the Savior of all people.
Last night was the October service and once again, God blessed my socks off by meeting me in worship and using the pastor to teach me something new. My favorite part was the pastor's testimonial that happened the week before: one of His personal life highlights!!
While he was in the Ukraine last week teaching, he had the opportunity to have lunch with three Jews who had escaped the prison camps during the Holocaust. For about twenty minutes Geoffrey talked to them about how much God loved them, even with all that they had been through, He cared for them and wanted to bring peace to their lives. When he finished, one gentleman (who had been saved at 16 when he miraculously escaped a terrible mass killing) told Geoffrey that he spoke with such conviction and passion that he couldn't deny what was being said. And he invited Jesus Christ into His life as His Savior, right there. After over 60 years as a Holocaust survivor and living as a Jew, the love of Christ reached down into His life and competed His salvation...this time, spiritually. (You can hear the entire message at the link below)
http://gateway.vo.llnwd.net/o25/audio/Jewish/2009/20091009_TheComingKingdom.mp3
Stories like that give me chills when I think about how God is always working behind the scenes to soften the hearts of the people whom He loves. And sometimes, we might be the one He wants to use to plant another seed, or as in Mr. Cohen's story, actually pluck the harvest. Our God wants all to know Him, regardless of religion, race, location, age, or circumstances. He is Awesome!! Praise His name!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
It's not unpreparedness...just disobedience
When God calls, He is prepared. Not just to handle our iffy responses like Moses' "I'm not a good speaker" or Gideon's "we don't have enough money, and I'm the least in my family." You've made similar excuses at some point. "Even mission trips costs too much money," or "I don't know all the answers." When God calls us to something, large or small, if it takes us out of our comfort zone, it's easy to list the reasons we can't do what He's asked: excuses given in fear. Gideon
The funny thing is, He never asks us to do something He isn't prepared to equip us for. Both Moses and Gideon succeeded in the thing God called them to. Not because they contained within themselves the ability or strength, but because when they obeyed, THEN God used His power to make up the gap in their human contribution. Moses
Recently, God opened a door for me that if I had not stepped through, I would not have experienced the miracle of Him working behind the scenes. I knew that I was teetering on the edge of going further in obedience to Him than I had before, and I was afraid. What came out of my mouth was not a fluent, professional speech, but a humble, timid, obedient statement. And what I heard in response, was resounding agreement. God had prepared the ground ahead of me, and had I not asked the questions, I would not have known God's power in the situation.
How many times do we miss out on the blessing of seeing God work because we deny Him the chance to show us His power. And how exhilarating it is to know God wants to use us, and can if we just obey.
How is God raising the bar in your life? What does/has He asked you to do for Him that you need to obey?
And what is your story of God's blessing in your life because you obeyed? I would love to hear about the miracles He's shown you, because you allowed Him to prepare when you obeyed!!
All comments welcome.
The funny thing is, He never asks us to do something He isn't prepared to equip us for. Both Moses and Gideon succeeded in the thing God called them to. Not because they contained within themselves the ability or strength, but because when they obeyed, THEN God used His power to make up the gap in their human contribution. Moses
Recently, God opened a door for me that if I had not stepped through, I would not have experienced the miracle of Him working behind the scenes. I knew that I was teetering on the edge of going further in obedience to Him than I had before, and I was afraid. What came out of my mouth was not a fluent, professional speech, but a humble, timid, obedient statement. And what I heard in response, was resounding agreement. God had prepared the ground ahead of me, and had I not asked the questions, I would not have known God's power in the situation.
How many times do we miss out on the blessing of seeing God work because we deny Him the chance to show us His power. And how exhilarating it is to know God wants to use us, and can if we just obey.
How is God raising the bar in your life? What does/has He asked you to do for Him that you need to obey?
And what is your story of God's blessing in your life because you obeyed? I would love to hear about the miracles He's shown you, because you allowed Him to prepare when you obeyed!!
All comments welcome.
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