God's direction

Today: Psalm 17-20

Sometimes people talk about God's direction in a very mystical way...like God's guidance is almost impossible to grasp. But is that really accurate?

In today's passage, David had some interesting things to say to the contrary:

The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.

I love David's confidence in God's direction here. In my own life, I haven't really experienced God giving GPS-style, step-by-step direction. But I do think His Word is clear--and when I've needed wisdom or direction in my life, He's always provided it. Love that!

Tomorrow: Psalm 21-25

Let's find out what God thinks

Today: 1 Samuel 13-14

I remember hearing a daunting thought awhile ago: Most of us make the most significant decisions in our lives between the ages of 18 and 30.

But think about it--during that time period, we decide whether or not to attend college. We develop habits for saving and spending. We choose a career...or two...or three. Many people will build key relationships during this time period. Some will have kids. It's also a key lifestage for determining beliefs about God.

Can you tell why I was overwhelmed by that original idea? These are decisions that will significantly shape or define our lives.

Yet often, we take an approach to decision making that is similar to Saul's statements in this passage:

Saul said, "Let's go after the Philistines tonight!

We can spend the night looting and plundering.

We won't leave a single live Philistine!"

"Sounds good to us," said the troops. "Let's do it!"
But the priest slowed them down:

"Let's find out what God thinks about this."

When faced with a major decision (that actually included putting lives on the line), Saul's approach had a "Just do it!" style. He also sought the approval and input of his peers. But he neglected to first consider what God thought about his situation. Uh oh.

At different points in this blog series, I may have talked about the need for a "Just do it!" approach at times. I may have also written about the importance of seeking counsel from people you consider leaders, mentors and wise advisers. However, I hope that those previous posts don't supersede the most important thing: when faced with decisions--small or big--first consider what God thinks.

I think it's actually amazing that God:

1. Usually has definitive thoughts about key topics in our lives (thank goodness for the Bible and it's guidelines!).

2. Wants to be included in our daily decisions. (He's not too busy or too "big" to be part of our everyday lives)

3. Loves and cares so much that He wants to help us make choices. (It's comforting to know that when I pray for God's direction and guidance, He cares enough to actually help.)

If you're like me and facing some important decisions in the next few years, weeks or even days--stop to find out what God thinks. It sounds really simple...but it might just change our lives.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 15-17

When sin is a stalker

Today: Numbers 31-32

When my sisters and I were growing up, our parents always encouraged us to be honest and open with them by saying things like, "The truth always comes out." At moments while growing up, I thought it was a Christian parent's way of saying, "I have eyes in the back of my head."

But I think they were right: The truth always comes out...eventually. If it doesn't happen on this planet, God knows the truth and, for better or worse, it will come out in heaven.

In today's passage, Moses had an interesting discussion with a few tribal leaders who wanted to settle outside the Promised Land...but promised to fight and help the rest of God's people take possession of it. Here's what Moses said to them:

"If you do what you say,

take up arms before God for battle and together go across the Jordan ready,

before God, to fight until God has cleaned his enemies out of the land,

then when the land is secure

you will have fulfilled your duty to God and Israel.

Then this land will be yours to keep before God.
"But if you don't do what you say,

you will be sinning against God;

you can be sure that your sin will track you down.

So, go ahead. Build towns for your families and corrals for your livestock.

Do what you said you'd do."

Moses' words saying, "...your sin will track you down" are interesting. It's makes me think of sin as a stalker--a type of ninja detective on the hunt to capture people. Although through Christ's forgiveness, we can be free from the sin's eternal consequences (e.g. we can escape Hell), I think sin's ability to track people down does impact Christians.

One of the primary reasons is because there are natural consequences for sin. For example, if I lie to my parents, God still loves me and forgives me, but my parents may be hurt and have a hard time trusting me. If you had an addiction to drugs, God may still have a place for you in heaven, but you might have to overcome some challenges (rehab, relationship issues, physical effects) as a result of that addiction.

Another reason the stalker nature of sin impacts Christians? Guilt. I've met some people who carry guilt from sin they were involved in years ago. They asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them and forgot that sin even existed, but they continue to live in a guilty kind of fear, stalked by their past mistakes. I believe God would say to these people, "Shame off you!"

Lastly, sin can stalk our lives by throwing temptations at us. Luckily, we all have the power to say no to those temptations and/or we can try to avoid them entirely.

Although sin may be a stalker, it's important to know that for those who simply believe in Him and accept the gift of salvation, Jesus overcame the eternal consequences of our sin once and for all. And to top it off, He can help us to fight against sin and its power over our everyday lives--if we simply ask Him for help. God can help us walk in freedom and wisdom, doing our best to make decisions and live in a way that honors Him. We'll never be perfect, but at least we can try to knock out our stalker. I'm off to practice ninja moves... :)

Tomorrow: Numbers 33-34