The way I personally view the Bible is that it is awesome. It is the God-inspired, written Word that He gave us to help us in this life and to prepare us for eternity. That’s awesome! There is no situation that we will encounter in life that has not already been addressed in the Bible. God will speak to our hearts through his written Word. All we have to do is ask God for understanding of the Scriptures. We must be careful not to manipulate what is written to validate a personal agenda. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”(2 Peter 2: 20-21). We have unlimited access to God’s written words of direction for our lives. We just need to read what God says about the choices we make. Prayer is a great privilege that God has granted us, so that we can communicate with Him. The Highest Authority in existence has agreed to talk with us at any time and in any situation. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Making a wise choice does not have to be a struggle. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). This was an encouragement and instruction given to believers in Christ who had to make some decisions concerning their personal conduct as well as their beliefs. One of the most ensuring aspects of God’s wisdom is that it has good intentions and will not mislead you. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be
intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The ability to make a difficult decision can be found in the most powerful force there is. When God says you can precede, you can count on everything working out in the end. God is a Strong Leader who will guide you to do what is right according to His will. Who would you rather have on your side other than God? There is no one who can compare to Him. “Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? And the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any (Isaiah 44:6-8 KJV). We all have made poor choices and decisions whereby when we reflect back, we wish we had not made them. Fortunately, there is a way to break the cycle of poor decisions and choices. As a follower of Jesus Christ you are in a position to seek out the guidance of God in making choices. The decisions we make have consequences. By using the tools and gifts that every follower of Christ has available to them, we can make decisions that we will not regret. God wants what is best for those that believe in Him. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths: (Proverbs 3:6 KJV). TWT
Elder Rick Cunningham is the author of “Making Choices In Christ: Moving Beyond Self Destructive Choices And Behavior,” and a member of the Southside Church of God in Christ in Jacksonville, FL.
THE WHOLE TRUTH
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