Step out in faith!

Six Steps for Biblical Decision-making

God gave Moses the dream of leading the children of Israel out of 400 years of slavery, but Moses had to make the decision to confront Pharaoh. God gave Noah the dream of saving the world from the flood, but Noah had to make the decision to build the ark. God gave Abraham the dream of building a new nation, but Abraham had to make the decision to leave everything he had and go out into the unknown.

Just like these men, you will never realize God’s dream for your life until you come to the stage of decision-making and step out in faith.

Whether it’s about your career, marriage, finances, health, or children, there is a simple, workable plan for making biblical decisions that will keep you on track toward pursuing God’s dream for your life.

1. Pray for guidance. Before you do anything else, get God’s perspective on the issue. “A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe” (Proverbs 28:26 TLB).

2. Get the facts. There is no contradiction between faith and fact. Find out everything you can before you make a decision. Proverbs 13:16 says, “All who are prudent act with knowledge” (NIV).

3. Ask for advice. Talk to somebody who’s made a similar decision and friends who know your weaknesses. “The more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win” (Proverbs 24:6b GNT).

4. Calculate the cost. Every decision has a price tag; it will cost you time, money, energy, reputation, talents, and resources. Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV). When people pressure you to make a decision, it’s OK to say, “I’ll get back to you.” It’s more important to make a wise decision than a quick decision.

5. Prepare for problems. In faith, expect the best. Expect God to work in your life. But also prepare for the problems that are part of every decision. Solomon said in Proverbs 22:3, “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (TLB).

6. Face your fears. Perfectionism paralyzes potential. God has always used imperfect people in imperfect situations to get his will done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” You have to trust God and start moving in spite of your problems, fears, and doubts.

Choose A Path Cities offer convenience, cultural, social and material advantages, but these can have adverse consequences. Will we give up the familiar and comfortable to go down a seemingly strange and difficult route in obedience to God so we may have a more meaningful life? Prayer: Lord, I do not want to be a captive of a worldly lifestyle. Protect me from that seemingly easy way that brings forth corruption and hopelessness. Lord, increase my trust in You so I will submit and follow where You direct me to go. In Jesus’ name,

Day 8

GOD’S RULES

[Scheduled Reading: Numbers 18-36]

The Bible is that way. If you don’t know the rules, the Bible can seem odd. But if you understand God’s rules, it makes more sense.

In context of the Bible, we call these rules “doctrines.”

A doctrine is a code of beliefs that represents what we believe about the Bible. Because the word “doctrine” can sound intimidating, or even boring, I like to call them “God’s rules” (that gets my attention).

Here are some of GOD’s Rules, from God’s perspective.

1. I AM WHO I AM! [This is a big one… self-explanatory. God is God. He sets the standard for all things: for time, space, holiness, etc.]

Doctrine of God.

2. I can take what was once made perfect by my hands, allow it be become imperfect… then make it perfect again. [Do you ever wonder why God allowed sin and evil? At some point, we must get over it. He allowed it and He’s working it out. It’s one of God’s rules.]

Doctrine of redemption

Doctrine of heaven

Doctrine of salvation

3. I can take what was once made perfect, allow it to become imperfect… and let it stay that way forever. [BOOM. We take this idea for granted… but it’s stunning when you think about it.]

Doctrines of sin, death, Satan, demons

Doctrines of hell, judgments (Great White Throne Judgment)

4. I’m a very creative and symbolic God. Some of my creativity I share with creation. Some of it is so cryptic man will never figure it out. (One of many aspects of God)

5. One of my favorite tools for symbolism is blood (sacrifices, covenants, etc.) [Why blood? I, Jeff, have no idea. God could have used anything. This is one of those rules we must accept, and appreciate.]

6. In order to atone for sin, something had to die. [Again, why death? It’s God’s Rules… that’s why.)

Doctrines of sin, atonement, sanctification

7. I can plant a human seed in a mother’s womb, to be given birth as a newborn baby, grow up as a child, experience adulthood as a man and have the power and mind of God. [Mind-numbing idea. We must not grow casual with this awesome rule]

Doctrine of the trinity

Doctrine of the virgin birth

It’s not our job to fully comprehend all the rules.

But it helps to know them so we can connect the dots in understanding scripture. By knowing God’s rules and accepting the terms, we can make the Bible less complicated, and even wildly interesting. And of course, come to saving faith in Christ.