HOW TO MAKE GOOD, GODLY DECISIONS
Romans 8:14 tells us "For as many led
by the Spirit of God, these are the sons
of God."
Throughout our lives, we make thousands
of decisions, some more important than others.
Once we become Christians, God wants us
to be led by HIM. But how does this happen?
When we are faced with major decisions,
we often feel overwhelmed by the options
that lie before us.
A regularly asked question is how someone
can know which decision, which choice God
wants for them.
Because of the need, this message was preached
and was then developed into this tract.
GOD'S GUIDANCE SYSTEM
Being led by the Spirit means recognizing
the various promptings of the Holy Spirit,
and then walking by them, instead of by
just what is seen.
These are the seven keys to guidance:
1. Inner Conviction: God gives us the Holy
Spirit to lead and guide us. However, this
is potentially the most dangerous of the
seven keys because it is all subjective,
meaning it is your opinion.
Well meaning believers can easily confuse
the flesh for the Spirit when applying the
principle of inner conviction, so this method
should never to be the sole one used.
2. Spiritual Confirmation: "Your Word
is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto
my path." (Psalms 119:105) The Word
of God and the Bible give us guidance and
direction. But we must know what the Word
tells us.
There are times when someone asks me to
pray for guidance. I realize that they don't
really need prayer at that moment, but they
need to know the Word of God and to simply
move in obedience. God's Word doesn't always
address our particular dilemma, but when
it does we should obey.
3. Gifts of the Spirit: Since the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, God has
used these particular gifts (prophecy, tongues
and interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge
and word of wisdom) to help guide believers.
These gifts edify, exhort, comfort and
also confirm to us something God has already
been speaking to us about. These gifts should
never be used as a directive word but as
a corroborating or confirming word.
4. Godly Counsel: Read Proverbs 11:14,
15:22, 13:10. These scriptures tell us that
a wise man seeks counsel before making a
decision, consult with those you respect.
Choose someone with experience, expertise,
and spiritual maturity.
5. Circumstantial Evidence: Listen to what
your circumstances are saying to you. Use
this key in combination with the other keys,
but again, not by itself. Never make a decision
based solely on circumstances. At times
our circumstances speak to us, and other
times we speak to our circumstances. Circumstances
are things like, you want to buy a new car,
but you cannot come up with the downpayment.
The circumstances say NO. Or you want to
move to a new home, but your present home
is not selling. The circumstances say NO.
Or you want to quit your job, but you have
no other income or another job and you are
the sole supporter of your family. Again,
the circumstances are saying NO.
6. The Peace of God: Colossians 3:15 and
Phillippians 4:6-7 ~ God's peace guides
us and guards us. Don't ever violate the
peace of God. "My peace I leave with
you, not as the world gives, but as I give."
7. Provision: Believers who make major
decisions without adequate resources open
themselves up to great risks. Watchman Nee,
the great Chinese martyr said, "Provision
is one of the first ways God uses of restraining
His over zealous servants who are getting
beyond the will of God for their lives.
He jerks the rug of provision out from under
them." When the provision dries up,
God may be trying to talk with you. Remember,
God has given you the resources and it is
up to you to discern His will.
A major decision requires more confirmations
of the seven keys than a minor decision
would. but there may still need to be a
step of faith involved. Just be sure that
it is a step of faith and not a step of
stupidity!
Taken from a message given by Donald H.
Dinninger, Pastor
Old Town C.O.C. Missions Ministry
The goal of the Mission's Ministry at Old
Town C.O.C. is to have a strategic part in
fulfilling the great commission by reaching
the lost by showing god's love in our communities
and beyond..
Find out how you can get involved in a
missions trip this year.
