Making Wise Decisions

- God's ability to give is unlimited, but we have limited capability to receive.
- We are by-products of our decision making.
- Choices make us stress, more options don't mean better.
- If you're able to make decisions based on God's guidance, you'll be able to have blessings.

Proverbs 1:5-7

5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance—

6 for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.[a]

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools[b] despise wisdom and instruction.

- Wisdom = see things the way God sees them.

Psalm 23:2-3

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

1. We need to guard our hearts against the culture

- Don't blindly follow the crowd in doing wrong.

Exodus 23:2

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd

- Don't give in to peer pressure.

- Draw a line which is biblically wrong.

Exodus 23:2

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,

2. We need to guard our hearts against advice coming from friends who do not share same biblical views

- Advice can be good, but lack of biblical view

- Pray for guidance from God

Proverbs 13:20

20 Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 15:22

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.

3. We need to guard our hearts against solely depending on circumstances

- Do not make excuses/lie to ourselves (use God as excuses)

4. We need to guard our hearts against solely led by emotions

Psalm 40:8

8 I desire to do your will, my God;

your law is within my heart.”

How can you hear from God?

1. Desire - I want to be led by God.

               - Adjust your heart, surrender to God

2. Obedience - I am willing to obey when You speak.

3. Surrender - I must look to God for guidance.

Psalm 119:105

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.

4. Ask - Pray and commit to God.

Psalm 25:9

9 He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

5. Listen - Expect a respond.