Thursday, February 18, 2016

How Do we Make Godly Decisions?


 

Our Bible Teacher was encouraging us to daily trust God.  I took notes and present an edited version of her lesson.

I Peter 3:8-9  finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, lobe as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are there unto called, that you should inherit a blessing.

I Peter 3:10 - For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

It is important to Love God and to love Life, even during the hard times.  We must watch our tongue and our lips to use only words that please God.

Psalms 34:12  Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?

Peter knew God’s Word and he could draw from the Old Testament stories. 

I Samuel 17:4 - - - The Israelites were being threatened by the Philistines; Their champion was a giant 9’ 9” tall.  He challenged the Israelites, “send someone to fight me, and the winner will take all.”  David was only a teen ager, but he had experience protecting his sheep and knew how to use a sling shot.  He was able to stun the giant with one rock strategically placed, and cut off the giants head with the giants own sword.

Fast forward – I Samuel 21 - - David was older now and a warrior fighting and winning battles for King Saul. The people saw David as a “super star,” and sang songs about his victories, which caused jealousy in the heart of the King.

Peter reaches back to this story, and encourages those who are having an encounter with fear or troubling circumstances – to trust in God – no matter what.

I Samuel 21:8  David is without a weapon, so he requested the Priest to give him Goliath’s sword.  David is running for his life with the King in hot pursuit.  David thought another country might be safe, but there he was recognized, and the people planned to kill him.  He pretended to be insane and was able to safely leave, and hide in a cave.

Peter is remembering these stories and also David’s words penned in Psalms 34:11-19.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all.”

We have choices everyday, how we are to speak and live.  Turn away from that which tempts you and choose to do that which is right.

We are easily distracted.  We have long days at work, where all co-workers are not cooperating, and we are feeling stress.

We can choose to worship God and depend on Him, because we can’t make choices for others.  They have their own responsibility to live decently.

David was in various dangers and God protected him through it all.

Peter refers back to David’s story to encourage believers.  
 
I Peter 3:10  For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile


 

4 comments:

Cheryl said...

This was such an encouragement to me tonight. Thank you ever so much for sharing these words. I have been thinking much of the power of our own words, and this verse in I Peter 3:10, especially, really reinforced what God has been dealing with me about. God bless you for your faithfulness, dear Hazel!

Lux G. said...

That's beautifully written. We really need to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness every now and then so that we know what to do when faced with difficult situations. In making decisions, we need a clear mind, and a knowledge of what God really wants.

Unknown said...

Yeah. Excellent example of faith and obedience. Thanks, Hazel.

caryjo said...

Momentarily, yes, I worship God and depend on Him. Even though I can't work any more, b/c of my brain and body issue, He DOES use me to see people and see the situations in our areas and worship and pray and focus on Him and break off the demonic and other non-God pieces. It's a "me" thing now re: significantly worshiping and focusing on the Lord consistently. Thank you for sharing this!!