Tag Archives: making good decisions

Indecision verse Poor Decision Making

Posted on November 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs for one of his sons with a sense of urgency to make good decisions in life. Perhaps, Solomon wanted his children to avoid making some of the bad choices that he made when he was young. Meanwhile, as an adult, Solomon thought that 700 wives wasn’t enough, so he added an additional 300 concubines to his harem.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

The apostle Paul reminded the Church at Rome of a similar fate due to human nature, Romans 3:9-12. A warning to members of Galatia in Galatians 5:16-17 help explain what influences poor decision making. This internal tug of war can lead to indecision as a major deadline approaches. When you’re unsure of what to do, lean on the Lord for understanding.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Unfortunately, indecision often breeds anxiety. Whenever you weigh the pros and cons of any decision, you have to pull the trigger eventually. Yet, if you find yourself consumed by uncertainty, seek godly counsel to pull your mind in the right direction. Whatever you end up deciding, life is all about living and learning so that you can move on from past failures and mistakes.

by Jay Mankus

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Just Let It Go

Posted on September 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re a coach, parent or simply people watching at a local mall, it won’t long before a temper tantrum ensues.  Emotions are hard to control, especially for those who wear them on their selves.  Usually, the spark that ignites this change in behavior is fueled by the inability to let something go.  As the mind dwells on unfortunate events of the past, souls can be poisoned, transforming a nice person into a bitter complainer.

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people, Acts 4:1.

Certain people go through phases, either as a result of cultural trends, a mid life crisis or trials in life.  Over time, most individuals break out of these unusual moods.  During the first century, Jewish leaders expected the disciples to go back to their normal lives following Jesus’ ascension.  However, as these men continued to preach, teach and minister to the needy, authorities became concerned.  Calling Peter and John aside, they whispered, “just let it go.”

They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead, Acts 4:2.

There are times in life that people face moral dilemmas.  Should you follow the law or God?  Perhaps, a coach, employer, parent or teacher tells you to do something which is in direct conflict with your belief system.  What will you do?  One of the main reasons God gave each person a conscience is to help you in these awkward moments.  Thus, when the Devil tempts you to look the other way, the Holy Spirit urges the soul to don’t let it go.  In the end, test everything, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 so that the choices you make will not be full of regret.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What Tables Would Jesus Turn Over Today?

Posted on March 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The final 7 days of Jesus’ earthly life is often referred to as Passion Week.  Beginning on Monday, Jesus experienced several different emotions.  While approaching Jerusalem, Jewish broken down in tears, having compassion on lost people, unable to discern what was about to happen.  A few hours later, Jesus is enraged by a temple corrupted by the world, becoming more like a flea market than a house of worship.  The Bible claims Jesus turned over tables, trying to eliminate impure motives from this holy place.

When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’ ”                  Luke 19:45-46

According to the Bible, God sees all things.  If today was the beginning of his final week on earth, I wonder if Jesus would respond in a similar manner.  How much compassion would be displayed?  What anger would be demonstrated and where else beside the temple would Jesus target?  Although its just a hunch, I believe Jesus would go into the house of saints, throwing idols off their shelves, trying to purge believers from their worldly ways.  After this visit, Christians must decide for themselves, relying on freewill to determine, “who will I follow?”

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13

One of the greatest misconceptions about Christianity is that God forces individuals to do this or do that.  Essentially, the Lord gives freedom, like Adam and Eve in the Garden with just one rule to follow.  Although the fall of mankind has complicated life, each day involves choices, Deuteronomy 30:15-16.  According to Moses, good choices lead to life and bad ones to death.  Therefore, if you want to honor God and avoid from having the tables turned over in your own temple, the body, choose the narrow path today, Matthew 7:13-14.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Sometimes You Gotta Do What You’ve Gotta Do

Posted on January 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

There are circumstances in life when you find yourself in a no win situation.  In other words, you’ve damned if you do and damned if you don’t.  Whether its being honest in a world lacking integrity or telling a customer the truth before they purchase an item, its impossible to please everyone.  Thus, sometimes you gotta do what you’ve gotta do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFqvMXxeC9E

In the film Remember the Titans, based upon the true story of desegregation within Virginia High Schools during the 1970’s, Coach Bill Yoast finds himself in one of these predicaments.  Told by 2 board members of the Virginia Football Hall of Fame, all he had to do was go along with the fix, accept losing the Regional final football game and he would earn the votes necessary to achieve this honor.  As the officials threw flag after flag to insure the Titans would not be victorious, Coach Yoast couldn’t bear to see an undefeated season go down in smoke without intervening.

As the world welcomes 2014 on Wednesday, it won’t be long til you face a similar dilemma.  When placed into a corner, what will you do?  Are you going to please others like Galatians 1:10 suggests or will you do what’s right in God’s eyes?  Whatever choice you make, may the example of Coach Yoast serve as inspiration to put a hall of fame career on hold by doing the honorable thing.

by Jay Mankus

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