How to Make a Good Decision 1/4/14

Good Morning,

First Saturday of the New Year. Saturday starts for me with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java. The Northern portions of our country are preparing for a devastating cold wave for the next few days. If you are reading this and you are from those regions please use today to prepare your homes and families to be safe during this time. Don't forget to check on elderly friends and bring the pets in.

2014 might be a year of decisions for many. I will probably make a few of my own. I use a formula fro making the bigger decisions. I thought I would share it with all of you.

Pray first, in the middle and at the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

1. Does your decision exalt God?

Colossians 3:17                

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2. Is your decision or choice Biblical?     

2 Timothy 3:16                   

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Proverbs 3:1-35                

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.


3. Do others in the Lord agree with you? What does God say?

  Proverbs 13:10

Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. -

4. What fruit is the decision producing? Too much worry? Are you bending the truth? Or doing anything illegal?

Galatians 5:22-23 

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

5. Pray first and last.

James 1:5

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

I have used this formula for a long time. It helped me to decide if I should get married. Well I am happy and have been married since 1986. It helped us determine where to build a house. We are in the home (Praise God) for 20 years and serve in a church within the community since 1996.

Slow down when making a decision. Take time to follow these steps. Decisions are important and can have long lasting consequences. it is so important to know what God wants.

God Bless,
Marty