Testimony of a lost Soul
Child Molestation,Habitual Lying, Stealing,Alcohol, Abuse,
Drug addiction, Homosexuality, Self hate,Hopelessness,
Suicide,Cancer
Christ like for Life
Christ Like for Life
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Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference
Psalm 139 (NASB)
You fearfully and wonderfully MADE! LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, -And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would out number the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference
Psalm 139 (NASB)
You fearfully and wonderfully MADE! LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, -And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would out number the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way
CONCERNING FINANCES, EVENTS AND CONFIRMATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
WILL LEAVE NO DOUBT AS TO THE WAY YOU ARE TO PROCEED IN THESE MATTERS.
God says," I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight... " Isaiah 45:2.
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QUESTIONS INVOLVING PERSONAL AFFAIRS HAVE, UNTIL NOW, BEEN MURKY, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
WILL NOW COME FORTH WITH UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF OF WHAT TO AVOID AND WHOM TO TRUST.
Your enemy can be beat! What seems tough to you is small to God. He promised to make enemies become footstools. His grace will outlast every storm.
In the middle of the night, the Holy Spirit woke another prophet of God who helps us pray for you, Sister King. And, in the spirit, he heard "the voice of the Lord" telling us to send two "scarlet threads" to you(Joshua 2:18).
YOU ARE STANDING ON THE EDGE OF A PRIME BLESSING, God is removing the takers from your life, and replacing them with multipliers.
People you thought were really close may not stay with you. ACCEPT IT AS PART OF GOD'S PLAN TO MOVE YOU INTO A FIRMLY BLESSED FUTURE.
As you observe God in sowing, we feel three promises will materialize on your behalf:
(1) The pessimistic shadow that has seemed to follow you will be eliminated by manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
(2) New and dynamic opportunity to express your inner personal talents will become prominent in your life and change your present circle of personal relationships.
(3) God will multiply your offering seed to the ultimate hundred-fold in the very place you need it most.
PERSONAL - FROM THE SECLUDED PLACE OF PRAYER
The Holy Spirit is moving between us in an unusual manner. Miracle blessings are being released. We received a witness of the spirit that incredible blessing is being manifested from God's hand to you. God has spoken strong statements concerning you.
By the direction of the Holy Spirit.
We feel God has revealed that you are closer to major changes than you have ever been. Developments which have occurred lately exhibit how Satan is trying to abort the blessing God wants you to have, but God sent us to tell you to
HOLD TO HIS HAND, BECAUSE CHANGE IS COMING.
Spiritual insight of someone causing hurt to you or one you love was revealed, and God quickly reminded us that He is not blind to any abusive situation. WHAT SATAN MEANT FOR YOUR HARM, GOD IS TURNING TO YOUR GOOD.
We pray that three important things will begin in your life, by faith, God knows His timetable.
It's all in His divine hands.
1 .SEVERAL UNRESOLVED ISSUES ARE HANGING IN THE AIR AS YOU READ THIS MESSAGE, YET AS YOU LISTEN TO GOD'S LEADING EACH ONE WILL BECOME A BRIDGE TO A SERIES OF MATERIAL
BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE. God says, "...Joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5
DON'T CARRY YESTERDAY'S BAGGAGE INTO TOMORROW. DON'T POISON YOUR FUTURE WITH THE PAIN OF THE PAST.
KEEP THE WORD OF GOD POURING INTO YOUR MIND LIKE FRESH WATER
. It purifies; it renews; it energizes; and it brings peace and joy. God sent us to you as intercessors and we must obey Him.
WILL LEAVE NO DOUBT AS TO THE WAY YOU ARE TO PROCEED IN THESE MATTERS.
God says," I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight... " Isaiah 45:2.
.
QUESTIONS INVOLVING PERSONAL AFFAIRS HAVE, UNTIL NOW, BEEN MURKY, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
WILL NOW COME FORTH WITH UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF OF WHAT TO AVOID AND WHOM TO TRUST.
Your enemy can be beat! What seems tough to you is small to God. He promised to make enemies become footstools. His grace will outlast every storm.
In the middle of the night, the Holy Spirit woke another prophet of God who helps us pray for you, Sister King. And, in the spirit, he heard "the voice of the Lord" telling us to send two "scarlet threads" to you(Joshua 2:18).
YOU ARE STANDING ON THE EDGE OF A PRIME BLESSING, God is removing the takers from your life, and replacing them with multipliers.
People you thought were really close may not stay with you. ACCEPT IT AS PART OF GOD'S PLAN TO MOVE YOU INTO A FIRMLY BLESSED FUTURE.
As you observe God in sowing, we feel three promises will materialize on your behalf:
(1) The pessimistic shadow that has seemed to follow you will be eliminated by manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
(2) New and dynamic opportunity to express your inner personal talents will become prominent in your life and change your present circle of personal relationships.
(3) God will multiply your offering seed to the ultimate hundred-fold in the very place you need it most.
PERSONAL - FROM THE SECLUDED PLACE OF PRAYER
The Holy Spirit is moving between us in an unusual manner. Miracle blessings are being released. We received a witness of the spirit that incredible blessing is being manifested from God's hand to you. God has spoken strong statements concerning you.
By the direction of the Holy Spirit.
We feel God has revealed that you are closer to major changes than you have ever been. Developments which have occurred lately exhibit how Satan is trying to abort the blessing God wants you to have, but God sent us to tell you to
HOLD TO HIS HAND, BECAUSE CHANGE IS COMING.
Spiritual insight of someone causing hurt to you or one you love was revealed, and God quickly reminded us that He is not blind to any abusive situation. WHAT SATAN MEANT FOR YOUR HARM, GOD IS TURNING TO YOUR GOOD.
We pray that three important things will begin in your life, by faith, God knows His timetable.
It's all in His divine hands.
1 .SEVERAL UNRESOLVED ISSUES ARE HANGING IN THE AIR AS YOU READ THIS MESSAGE, YET AS YOU LISTEN TO GOD'S LEADING EACH ONE WILL BECOME A BRIDGE TO A SERIES OF MATERIAL
BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE. God says, "...Joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5
DON'T CARRY YESTERDAY'S BAGGAGE INTO TOMORROW. DON'T POISON YOUR FUTURE WITH THE PAIN OF THE PAST.
KEEP THE WORD OF GOD POURING INTO YOUR MIND LIKE FRESH WATER
. It purifies; it renews; it energizes; and it brings peace and joy. God sent us to you as intercessors and we must obey Him.
Anqer
Promises of the Proverbs
A wrathful man stirreth up strife:
but he that is slow to.
anger appeaseth strife. Proverbs 15:18
For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not
spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 6:34
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise
man will pacify it. Proverbs 16:14
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 11:4
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:32
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expecta-
tion of the wicked is wrath.
Proverbs 11:23
The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the lord. Proverbs 19.3
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Proverbs 12:16
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. Proverbs 14:17
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour
is as dew upon the grass. Proverbs 19:12
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Proverbs 14:29
A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
Proverbs 19:19
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is
against him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 14:35
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. Proverbs 20:2
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir
up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Promises of the Proverbs
A wrathful man stirreth up strife:
but he that is slow to.
anger appeaseth strife. Proverbs 15:18
For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not
spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 6:34
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise
man will pacify it. Proverbs 16:14
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 11:4
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:32
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expecta-
tion of the wicked is wrath.
Proverbs 11:23
The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the lord. Proverbs 19.3
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Proverbs 12:16
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. Proverbs 14:17
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour
is as dew upon the grass. Proverbs 19:12
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Proverbs 14:29
A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
Proverbs 19:19
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is
against him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 14:35
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. Proverbs 20:2
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir
up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Building a foundation
Believing in God, having the faith of a mustard seed and trusting that God will work it out for you.
Turning your trials into testimony
A New beginning "Genesis" means "beginning
" It is not by chance that you here at Genesis.
God wants you to have a new beginning with peace, joy,
and strength because you are a temple of God.
"In the beginning God said let there be and it was so"
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
Peace
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,
as in all the churches of ,
the saints.
Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9
"My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness" Most gladly that I will rather glory
in my infirmities, that the
power of Christ may rest upon me.
Joy
Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is
fullness of joy; at the right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Strength
God is my strength and power; And He makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
Believing in God, having the faith of a mustard seed and trusting that God will work it out for you.
Turning your trials into testimony
A New beginning "Genesis" means "beginning
" It is not by chance that you here at Genesis.
God wants you to have a new beginning with peace, joy,
and strength because you are a temple of God.
"In the beginning God said let there be and it was so"
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
Peace
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,
as in all the churches of ,
the saints.
Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9
"My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness" Most gladly that I will rather glory
in my infirmities, that the
power of Christ may rest upon me.
Joy
Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is
fullness of joy; at the right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Strength
God is my strength and power; And He makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
BELIEF SYSTEM
All Information Taken In (Truth or Lies) + Experiences
RELATIONAL TRUTH Leads To Mv New True Identity In Christ (which Will Determine ):
HOW I THINK Perspective, Attitude
How I process stimulus in my environment
How I view myself and others in relationships
(Will Determine WHAT I DO Behavior )
How I react and respond to stimulus in my environment
How I treat others in various types of relationships
(Will Determine MY CHARACTER)
How society and I see me My reputation
Where the world draws it's self worth
All Information Taken In (Truth or Lies) + Experiences
RELATIONAL TRUTH Leads To Mv New True Identity In Christ (which Will Determine ):
HOW I THINK Perspective, Attitude
How I process stimulus in my environment
How I view myself and others in relationships
(Will Determine WHAT I DO Behavior )
How I react and respond to stimulus in my environment
How I treat others in various types of relationships
(Will Determine MY CHARACTER)
How society and I see me My reputation
Where the world draws it's self worth
Who Am I?
Status given to a Christian
I am a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)
I am Christ's friend. (John 15:15)
I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns.
(1 John 3:1,2)
I am a son of God; God is my spiritual Father.
(Rom. 8:14,15: Gal. 3:26; Gal. 4:6)
I am a son of God and one in Christ. (Gal. 3:26,28)
I am an heir of God since I am a son of God.
(Gal. 4:6,7)
I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him. (Rom. 8:17)
I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him.
(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life.(John 15:1,5)
I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession.
(1 Pet. 2:9, 10)
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. (John 15:16)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:6)
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family.
I am a member of Christ's Body.
I am a temple - a dwelling place - of God. His Spirit and His life dwells in me.(1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19)
I am one of God's living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house.(1 Pet. 2:5)
I am righteous and holy. (Eph. 4:24)
I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life. (Col. 3:4)
I am the salt of the earth. (Matt. 5:13)
I am the light of the world. (Matt 5:14)
I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved.
I am God's workmanship - His handiwork - born anew in Christ to do His work.(Eph. 2:10)
I am a saint. (Eph. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2)
I am a partaker of Christ; and share in His life.
• I am a slave of righteousness. (Rom. 6:18)
« I am enslaved to God.(Rom. 6:22)
I am a prisoner of Christ. (Eph. 3:1; 4:1)
I am a son of light and not of darkness. (1 Thess. 5:5)
I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live.(1 Pet. 2:11)
I am an enemy of the devil.(1 Pet. 5:8)
I am born of God, and the evil one - the devil - cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)
I am not the great "I am" (Exod. 3:14; John 8:24,28,58), but by the grace of God, I am what I am
(1 Cor. 15:10)
If we are children of the King, which of these, most honors Him:
1. Failing to claim our rights and even doubting they belong to us,
2. Asserting our privilege as children of the Royal Family and claiming the rights that
accompany our inheritance?
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
I...
have been justified (completely forgiven and made righteous). Ro.5:I
died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over my life. Ro. 6:1-6
am free from condemnation. Ro. 8:1
have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the the things freely given to me by God. 1 Co. 2:12
- have been given the mind of Christ. 1 Co. 2:16
have been bought and paid for with a price. I am not my own.
I belong to God. ] Co. 6:19,20
have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge
(a deposit/down payment)
guaranteeing my inheritance to come. Eph. 1:13, 14
since I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Him (Christ). 2 Co. 5:14,15
have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
(The life I am now living is Christ's life). Gal. 2:20
have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Eph. 1:3
have been redeemed, forgiven, and am the recipient of His lavish grace. Eph. 1:7,8
have direct access to God through the Spirit Eph. 2:18
may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
Eph. 3:12 have been delivered from the domain of darkness (Satan's rule) and transferred to the kingdom of Christ.
Col. 1:13
Christ Himself is in me. Col. 1:27
have been given a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.
2 Tim. 1:7 have been saved and called (set apart) according to God's doing. 2 Tim. 1:9 &Titus 3:5
have the right to come boldly before the throne of God
(the throne of grace)
to find mercy and find grace in time of need. Heb. 4:16
WHO AM I NOW THAT I BELIEVE
IN JESUS CHRIST
I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
• I am part of the true vine, a branch of Christ's life.
John 15:1.5
I am a child of God (part of His family). (Ro. 8:16) John 1: 12
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit
John 15:16
I am a son of God (God is my Spiritual Father) Gal. 3:26,4:6) Ro.8:14,15
I am a joint-heir with Christ sharing His inheritance with Him. Ro. 8:17
I am a temple (home) of God. His Spirit (His life) lives in me.
1 Co. 3:16, 6:19
I am joined (united) to the Lord and am one spirit with Him.
1 Co.6:17
I am a member (part) of Christ's body
(see Eph.5:30) 1 Co. 12:27
• I am God's workmanship (handiwork) created (born anew) in Eph.2:10
Christ to do His work that He planned beforehand that I should do.
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's people in His famfly. . Eph.2:19
I am a prisoner of Christ. Eph.3:1, 4:1
I am righteous and holy. Eph.4:24
I am hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3
I am one of God's living stones and am being built up in
Christ as a spiritual house. 1 Pet. 2:5
I am a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people for
God's own possession to proclaim the excellencies of Him.
1 Pet. 2:9,10
I am an alien and stranger to this world I temporarily live in
1 Pet. 2:11
ATTITUDE
DETERMINES YOUR
ALTITUDE
Use the vehicle to the means
Do what you have to do for the moment and move on from there.
You determine your destiny
DETERMINES YOUR
ALTITUDE
Use the vehicle to the means
Do what you have to do for the moment and move on from there.
You determine your destiny
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances,
than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, gifted-ness or skill. It will make or break a company, church
a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. . . we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ...
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our attitudes."
than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, gifted-ness or skill. It will make or break a company, church
a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. . . we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ...
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our attitudes."
BECOMING MATURE
Ephesians 3–4 • “So that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature
Love is essential to mutual ministry, and mutual ministry to spiritual growth.
“The manifold wisdom of God should be made known”
Eph. 3:10–13. The word “manifold” might be translated “multifaceted.”
God’s plan seems so straightforward when we reamoved toward this fulfillment. Then, suddenly, the Son of God appeared as the promised King, was rejected by His people, crucified, and resurrected, and we realize that all along God intended far more for humankind than was previously revealed.
Don’t put God in a box, or try to squeeze Him into limiting categories. God’s plans and purposes are multifaceted, and each facet reflects His complex wisdom and love. The more we glimpse of that complexity, the more we should be moved to worship and to praise. He chose a people, promised them redemption, a King, and ultimate triumph. And history
Ephesians 3–4 • “So that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature
Love is essential to mutual ministry, and mutual ministry to spiritual growth.
“The manifold wisdom of God should be made known”
Eph. 3:10–13. The word “manifold” might be translated “multifaceted.”
God’s plan seems so straightforward when we reamoved toward this fulfillment. Then, suddenly, the Son of God appeared as the promised King, was rejected by His people, crucified, and resurrected, and we realize that all along God intended far more for humankind than was previously revealed.
Don’t put God in a box, or try to squeeze Him into limiting categories. God’s plans and purposes are multifaceted, and each facet reflects His complex wisdom and love. The more we glimpse of that complexity, the more we should be moved to worship and to praise. He chose a people, promised them redemption, a King, and ultimate triumph. And history
Testimony
It was the winter of 1970 and The Jackson Five was blown up the radio with the song I Want you back Michael Jackson
became my idol and I decided that I was never going to be a victim again in my life, we found some new friends that came from Chicago We had no ideal that they were going to be way faster that us when it came to the streets They had some gang banger brothers whom Raped and broke in our home introduced us to drugs and I would become an alcoholic at the age of 14.
We popped pills skipped school snuck out the window at night hung out at the bar and Had a Trick that was older than My daddy, It was a old man lived next door to us that I would do certain sexual acts for Money, I painted Black light paint all over my room so when I smoked weed I could Trip off the lights and listen to tripped out music and strobe lights it was a thing we did back in the seventies I had a boy friend name Leroy
I was 14 and he was 19 going on twenty but to me he acted like 17, my mama told him if he got me pregnant he was going to prison, so he would not have sex with me but he took me shopping and gave me money every Friday he worked at Heiser Ford So I always had Money. We smoked put and drank a lot of beer and some times if it was a Holiday we would snort a couple of lines of cocaine………
I was sneaking to this bar called Waters Play pen and working as a bartender I told him I was sixteen when I really was only 14,
I started Lying about every think I even lied when I didn’t have to I started meeting more dudes and calling myself a player, not knowing I was playing myself into a life of sin that I was not going to be able to get myself out of.
It was the winter of 1970 and The Jackson Five was blown up the radio with the song I Want you back Michael Jackson
became my idol and I decided that I was never going to be a victim again in my life, we found some new friends that came from Chicago We had no ideal that they were going to be way faster that us when it came to the streets They had some gang banger brothers whom Raped and broke in our home introduced us to drugs and I would become an alcoholic at the age of 14.
We popped pills skipped school snuck out the window at night hung out at the bar and Had a Trick that was older than My daddy, It was a old man lived next door to us that I would do certain sexual acts for Money, I painted Black light paint all over my room so when I smoked weed I could Trip off the lights and listen to tripped out music and strobe lights it was a thing we did back in the seventies I had a boy friend name Leroy
I was 14 and he was 19 going on twenty but to me he acted like 17, my mama told him if he got me pregnant he was going to prison, so he would not have sex with me but he took me shopping and gave me money every Friday he worked at Heiser Ford So I always had Money. We smoked put and drank a lot of beer and some times if it was a Holiday we would snort a couple of lines of cocaine………
I was sneaking to this bar called Waters Play pen and working as a bartender I told him I was sixteen when I really was only 14,
I started Lying about every think I even lied when I didn’t have to I started meeting more dudes and calling myself a player, not knowing I was playing myself into a life of sin that I was not going to be able to get myself out of.
My Mother started asking me about where I was going and what I was doing and I started lyingto her and She and I were very close in my head but I never told her about what had happened to me because I was so good at blocking that part of my life out I thought a lot about my life wasnormal until I finely sobered up and have a relationship with Christ.
I THOUGHT I HAD A GOOD CHILD HOOD AND THAT I WAS SAVED BY ASSOCIATION BECAUSE MY Grandmother and mother believed in Jesus and went to church My Uncle Sonny he came over and jumped on us sometimes, my dad would come over Drunk and break in the door or a window from time to time, and sometimes my mothers Husband were I got my last name from, would come and pick up my older brothers and sister, but my dad was always out at the bar drinking. He came sometimes but when he would he would be drunk.
I THOUGHT I HAD A GOOD CHILD HOOD AND THAT I WAS SAVED BY ASSOCIATION BECAUSE MY Grandmother and mother believed in Jesus and went to church My Uncle Sonny he came over and jumped on us sometimes, my dad would come over Drunk and break in the door or a window from time to time, and sometimes my mothers Husband were I got my last name from, would come and pick up my older brothers and sister, but my dad was always out at the bar drinking. He came sometimes but when he would he would be drunk.
Well I got two jobs between my 14 and fifteen, I started working at a day care as a murl painter.
in the summer of 1974 at the end of the summer job I started working as a childcare worker rideing the bus and filleing papers also answering phones. I did a lot of skipping school smoking weed and poping pills we smoked angle dust, blot acid ,and uppers
and downers
I drank beer on a daily bases and snuck out the house when i felt like it I started getting money from boy friends and I had a sugar daddy,
I thought I was doing good I had plenty of problems from my mother and I was put in the detention home for stealing and skipping
I told my mother that I could'nt take it in jail, and that I would do better,at school and stop skipping school, so she let me out. I called my self getting money for sex so that I could support my habits and buy cigs
I got out of jr high school and made it to high school I never went I would skip school to go to my friends school and sit in her class the frist weeks of school in till the home room teacher discover that I wasn't in her class. I got kicked out of school and had to attene a school for troubled youth.by the time I got to 12 grade I knew I would grauduate so I asked my brother the A student would he teach me some ofthe skills I needed to pass.
Buy the time I was 17 I was a drug abuser and I had a boy friend whom was 22 years old, so My mother got sick of me sneakeing him in the bedroom at night she put me out. so a I stayed with a friend and in his car untill we landed a job as apartment managers of a 12 unit building. His mother work in the community so she helped me land a job as a jr accountant and inventory file clerk I found out that I did not like use-ing my head and working with numbers so I appyed at Pabst Brewing co and the city as a school crossing job I got both jobs so when I trued 18 I had three jobs.I drank more I smoked more and I stayed high all day and at work we could drink all we wanted and I worked thrid shift,
I did alot of damage to myself, I met a lady at that job who paid me to sleep with her boy friend and he paid me to sleep with her.I left my boy friend and became gay.
After a getting truned out I got into the gay life with all that I had and I became to beilive that I was born a man. I had 17 lady friends from a spand of age 20 till 48 years old.along the way I planed two children and had theam all around being gay. I started smokeing crack in the late 80's and I had met bisexuall people and stright people before I knew it I was Tri sexuall.
I was on a long hall to try and sober up my faimily stepped in to take care of the children becuse I was smokeing crack everyday it got so bad that I moved the dope man in so I could smoke twenty four hours a day and I still drank like a fish.
I went threw 20 rehaps and I still could not beat addition. I still worked on and off and i was the worse tpe of sinner that you could be I sometimes tryed going to church at the gay church were the pastor was gay I never felt any God or holy sprit up in there. I got saved,GOD FORGAVE ME FOR ALL OF MY SIN'S
in the summer of 1974 at the end of the summer job I started working as a childcare worker rideing the bus and filleing papers also answering phones. I did a lot of skipping school smoking weed and poping pills we smoked angle dust, blot acid ,and uppers
and downers
I drank beer on a daily bases and snuck out the house when i felt like it I started getting money from boy friends and I had a sugar daddy,
I thought I was doing good I had plenty of problems from my mother and I was put in the detention home for stealing and skipping
I told my mother that I could'nt take it in jail, and that I would do better,at school and stop skipping school, so she let me out. I called my self getting money for sex so that I could support my habits and buy cigs
I got out of jr high school and made it to high school I never went I would skip school to go to my friends school and sit in her class the frist weeks of school in till the home room teacher discover that I wasn't in her class. I got kicked out of school and had to attene a school for troubled youth.by the time I got to 12 grade I knew I would grauduate so I asked my brother the A student would he teach me some ofthe skills I needed to pass.
Buy the time I was 17 I was a drug abuser and I had a boy friend whom was 22 years old, so My mother got sick of me sneakeing him in the bedroom at night she put me out. so a I stayed with a friend and in his car untill we landed a job as apartment managers of a 12 unit building. His mother work in the community so she helped me land a job as a jr accountant and inventory file clerk I found out that I did not like use-ing my head and working with numbers so I appyed at Pabst Brewing co and the city as a school crossing job I got both jobs so when I trued 18 I had three jobs.I drank more I smoked more and I stayed high all day and at work we could drink all we wanted and I worked thrid shift,
I did alot of damage to myself, I met a lady at that job who paid me to sleep with her boy friend and he paid me to sleep with her.I left my boy friend and became gay.
After a getting truned out I got into the gay life with all that I had and I became to beilive that I was born a man. I had 17 lady friends from a spand of age 20 till 48 years old.along the way I planed two children and had theam all around being gay. I started smokeing crack in the late 80's and I had met bisexuall people and stright people before I knew it I was Tri sexuall.
I was on a long hall to try and sober up my faimily stepped in to take care of the children becuse I was smokeing crack everyday it got so bad that I moved the dope man in so I could smoke twenty four hours a day and I still drank like a fish.
I went threw 20 rehaps and I still could not beat addition. I still worked on and off and i was the worse tpe of sinner that you could be I sometimes tryed going to church at the gay church were the pastor was gay I never felt any God or holy sprit up in there. I got saved,GOD FORGAVE ME FOR ALL OF MY SIN'S
THOUGHTS
Anger is a condition in which The tongue works faster than the mind .
You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present By worrying
over the future Love...and you shall be loved.
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.
All people smile in the same language.
Everyone needs to be loved... especially when they do not deserve it.
The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity.
Laughter is God's sunshine.
Everyone has beauty but not everyone sees it.
It's important for parents to live the same things they teach.
Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need.
If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of
tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.
Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks within.
The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.
Take time to laugh, for it is the music of the soul.
Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like
stripping your gears.
Love is strengthened by working through conflicts together.
Harsh words break no bones but they do break hearts.
To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it.
We take for granted the things that we should be giving thanks for.
Love is the only thing that can be divided without being diminished.
Happiness is enhanced by others but does not depend upon others.
For every minute you are angry with someone, you lose 60 seconds
of happiness that you can never get back.
Do what you can, for who you can, with what you have, and where you are.
Anger is a condition in which The tongue works faster than the mind .
You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present By worrying
over the future Love...and you shall be loved.
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.
All people smile in the same language.
Everyone needs to be loved... especially when they do not deserve it.
The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity.
Laughter is God's sunshine.
Everyone has beauty but not everyone sees it.
It's important for parents to live the same things they teach.
Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need.
If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of
tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.
Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks within.
The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.
Take time to laugh, for it is the music of the soul.
Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like
stripping your gears.
Love is strengthened by working through conflicts together.
Harsh words break no bones but they do break hearts.
To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it.
We take for granted the things that we should be giving thanks for.
Love is the only thing that can be divided without being diminished.
Happiness is enhanced by others but does not depend upon others.
For every minute you are angry with someone, you lose 60 seconds
of happiness that you can never get back.
Do what you can, for who you can, with what you have, and where you are.
Keys to Good Decision Making
Do you have trouble making decisions? For some people decision making is easy. But for most of us, it's difficult to know if we're using good judgment as we make daily decision about life. It becomes even harder with important, life-changing decisions.
First you need to determine what is the basis of your decision making process, is it God's word, your parents teaching, what society says is right and wrong?
Second - Who does your decision affect? If you make a good or bad decision are you the one that will be HURT, DID you make that decision because you were concerned about someone else getting hurt? Was it in your BEST interest or someone else interest?
Are you being the Martyr? I am staying to help him get better!
How do you define judgment? Webster says:
"The process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing; an opinion or estimate so formed; the capacity for judging; discernment; the exercise of this capacity; a proposition stating something believed or asserted."
That pretty much says it all, doesn't it? The truth is, everybody uses judgment every day in the decision making process. It just gets complicated when other people evaluate that judgment. Whether it was good judgment or bad judgment depends on who you ask.
So how do you know who to listen to? Who gets to decide if you're showing good judgment?
The answer comes when you look to God for a solution. Believing and relying on God's Word will shed incredible light on just about any issue. God has an amazing plan for you and your life, and he does all he can to help you find and attain it.
So when you work with God, he gives you the grace to make right decisions and show good judgment.
Of course, I'm not so sure that grace extends to that ugly, green shirt you bought just because it was on sale. And it might not cover your decision to shave your head because you lost a bet. I think the consequences of those decisions will ultimately be yours and yours alone!
You do have to be very careful when you start making efforts to improve on this area of decision making and judgment, though. Just because you're working with God to move forward in your own life, doesn't mean you have the right or responsibility to judge what someone else is doing. It's so easy to have an opinion about others because you have no direct responsibility for what other people do or say. But God isn't going to ask you about someone else when you stand before him someday. He is only going to be concerned about what you said and did.
Getting Started on Decision Making
So how do you get started working with God so you can begin making right decisions and showing good judgment?
1. Make the decision to let God be God. You'll never make progress in this area as long as
you refuse to give up control. It certainly isn't easy, and it certainly doesn't happen overnight,
especially if you're a control freak as I once was. It almost drove me completely nuts when
I began giving up control of things. But it helped immensely when I realized there was somebody a
bit more qualified than me in charge of my life.
Proverbs 16
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. Study the Word of God. The only way you're going to get to know God and his character is to study his Word. It won't take long before you're able to judge situations and circumstances with a new view. Decisions are easier because you already know in advance the direction you
want your life to take,
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Surround yourself with people who are further along in the journey.
There is no reason to learn every lesson yourself when you have perfectly good examples right in front of you.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we often counsel one another from what we've learned through our mistakes.
Take advantage of this counsel and learn from the mistakes of others so your own learning curve is not so steep.
You'll be very glad you don't have to go through every mistake as you learn from observing and listening to others.
But trust me, you'll still make plenty of your own mistakes. You can take comfort in knowing that one day your mistakes may serve to help someone else. 1Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ,
the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. (NLT)
Never give up. Be glad about your progress. Let yourself off the hook.
You didn't start showing poor judgment overnight and you won't always show good judgment now, just because
you want to. Just be happy you're making progress and you're seeing your life improve.
Little by little as you gain wisdom from God's Word, you'll begin to see the results reflected in your decisions.
Hebrews 12:1-3
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place
of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
It takes time to develop good judgment, but once you make the commitment to move forward in this area, you're halfway there. Working with God is continuous, but it is worth the effort.
Biblical decision making begins with a willingness to submit your intentions to God's perfect will and humbly follow his direction.
The problem is that most of us don't know how to figure out exactly what God's will is in every decision we face—especially the big, life-altering decisions.
Biblical Decision Making Steps
1. Begin with prayer. Frame your attitude into one of trust and obedience as you commit the
decision to prayer. There's no reason to be fearful in decision making when you are secure in the
knowledge that God has your best interest in mind.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) Define the decision. Ask yourself if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. It is actually a little easier to discern the will of God in moral areas because most of the time you will find clear direction in God's Word. If God has already revealed his will in Scripture, your only response is to obey. Non-moral areas still require the application of biblical principles, however, sometimes the direction is harder to distinguish.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)
Be ready to accept and obey God's answer. It's unlikely that God will reveal his plan if he knows already that you won't obey. It is absolutely essential that your will be completely submitted to God's. When your will is humbly and fully submitted to the Master, you can have confidence that he will illuminate your path.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
Exercise faith. Remember too, that decision making is a process that takes time. You may have to resubmit your will over and over again to God throughout the process. Then by faith, which pleases God, trust him with a confident heart that he will reveal his will.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)Seek concrete direction. Begin investigating, evaluating and gathering information. Find out what the Bible says about the situation? Gain practical and personal information that relates to
the decision, and begin writing down what you learn.
Obtain counsel. In difficult decisions it's wise to get spiritual and practical counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to
hear.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV) Make a list.
First write down the priorities you believe God would have in your situation.
These are not the things that are important to you, but rather the things that are most important to God in this decision.
Will the outcome of your decision draw you closer to God? Will it glorify him in your life? How will it impact those around you?
Weigh the decision. Make a list of the pros and cons connected with the decision. You may find that something on your list clearly violates the revealed will of God in his Word. If so, you have your answer. This is not his will. If not, then you now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a responsible decision.
Choose your spiritual priorities. By this time you should have enough information to establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Ask yourself which decision best satisfies those priorities? If more than one option will fulfill your established priorities, then choose the one which is your strongest desire!
Sometimes God gives you a choice. In this case there is no right and wrong decision, but rather a freedom from God to choose, based on your preferences. Both options are within God's perfect will for your life and both will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life,
. . Act on your decision. If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating biblical principles and wise counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his purposes through your decision.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Collecting Information
Fact gathering and seeking advice is recommended. Advice from a good friend or counselor can be helpful in these circumstances. Sometimes we are too emotionally connected to the situation to see clearly all the details involved in making a wise decision. Whereas someone detached from the drama is likely to be able to show more objectivity. Although we may wish that someone else would step in to make tough decisions for us, the final decision remains ours to make.
Fears of Making Bad Decisions
Over the years I have counseled many clients about decisions they are faced with. Most often they have been either relationship or job related. Normally the problem I feel they are facing is not in making the decision itself, but more trying to move past the fear of making a wrong choice. I will have them imagine the best and the worst outcomes, scripting the different scenarios for each situation to help weigh out the advantages/disadvantages. I also emphasize that there truly are no wrong choices, only different paths. Stop, Caution, Go
Decision makers can be categorized in three groups. These groups correlate with a traffic stoplight. Red lights These are individuals who often feel frozen in fear when faced with making a decision. They are resistant to change and have great difficulty making decisions.
They tend to have to have the rug pulled out from under them before they will move to safer ground.
Yellow lights These people are caution oriented individuals who will look both ways before venturing into the traffic. They will weigh the pros and cons of any given situation before deciding. Green lights Here are the adventuresome type. They leap without looking, figuring that all will go well (they have the right-of-way after all). These people could use a refresher course in defensive driving as they do get themselves in sticky predicaments at times. What type of decision maker are you? Red Light Blocked or Stymied Yellow Light Proceed with Caution
Green Light Right A Way
Do you have trouble making decisions? For some people decision making is easy. But for most of us, it's difficult to know if we're using good judgment as we make daily decision about life. It becomes even harder with important, life-changing decisions.
First you need to determine what is the basis of your decision making process, is it God's word, your parents teaching, what society says is right and wrong?
Second - Who does your decision affect? If you make a good or bad decision are you the one that will be HURT, DID you make that decision because you were concerned about someone else getting hurt? Was it in your BEST interest or someone else interest?
Are you being the Martyr? I am staying to help him get better!
How do you define judgment? Webster says:
"The process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing; an opinion or estimate so formed; the capacity for judging; discernment; the exercise of this capacity; a proposition stating something believed or asserted."
That pretty much says it all, doesn't it? The truth is, everybody uses judgment every day in the decision making process. It just gets complicated when other people evaluate that judgment. Whether it was good judgment or bad judgment depends on who you ask.
So how do you know who to listen to? Who gets to decide if you're showing good judgment?
The answer comes when you look to God for a solution. Believing and relying on God's Word will shed incredible light on just about any issue. God has an amazing plan for you and your life, and he does all he can to help you find and attain it.
So when you work with God, he gives you the grace to make right decisions and show good judgment.
Of course, I'm not so sure that grace extends to that ugly, green shirt you bought just because it was on sale. And it might not cover your decision to shave your head because you lost a bet. I think the consequences of those decisions will ultimately be yours and yours alone!
You do have to be very careful when you start making efforts to improve on this area of decision making and judgment, though. Just because you're working with God to move forward in your own life, doesn't mean you have the right or responsibility to judge what someone else is doing. It's so easy to have an opinion about others because you have no direct responsibility for what other people do or say. But God isn't going to ask you about someone else when you stand before him someday. He is only going to be concerned about what you said and did.
Getting Started on Decision Making
So how do you get started working with God so you can begin making right decisions and showing good judgment?
1. Make the decision to let God be God. You'll never make progress in this area as long as
you refuse to give up control. It certainly isn't easy, and it certainly doesn't happen overnight,
especially if you're a control freak as I once was. It almost drove me completely nuts when
I began giving up control of things. But it helped immensely when I realized there was somebody a
bit more qualified than me in charge of my life.
Proverbs 16
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. Study the Word of God. The only way you're going to get to know God and his character is to study his Word. It won't take long before you're able to judge situations and circumstances with a new view. Decisions are easier because you already know in advance the direction you
want your life to take,
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Surround yourself with people who are further along in the journey.
There is no reason to learn every lesson yourself when you have perfectly good examples right in front of you.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we often counsel one another from what we've learned through our mistakes.
Take advantage of this counsel and learn from the mistakes of others so your own learning curve is not so steep.
You'll be very glad you don't have to go through every mistake as you learn from observing and listening to others.
But trust me, you'll still make plenty of your own mistakes. You can take comfort in knowing that one day your mistakes may serve to help someone else. 1Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ,
the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. (NLT)
Never give up. Be glad about your progress. Let yourself off the hook.
You didn't start showing poor judgment overnight and you won't always show good judgment now, just because
you want to. Just be happy you're making progress and you're seeing your life improve.
Little by little as you gain wisdom from God's Word, you'll begin to see the results reflected in your decisions.
Hebrews 12:1-3
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place
of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
It takes time to develop good judgment, but once you make the commitment to move forward in this area, you're halfway there. Working with God is continuous, but it is worth the effort.
Biblical decision making begins with a willingness to submit your intentions to God's perfect will and humbly follow his direction.
The problem is that most of us don't know how to figure out exactly what God's will is in every decision we face—especially the big, life-altering decisions.
Biblical Decision Making Steps
1. Begin with prayer. Frame your attitude into one of trust and obedience as you commit the
decision to prayer. There's no reason to be fearful in decision making when you are secure in the
knowledge that God has your best interest in mind.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) Define the decision. Ask yourself if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. It is actually a little easier to discern the will of God in moral areas because most of the time you will find clear direction in God's Word. If God has already revealed his will in Scripture, your only response is to obey. Non-moral areas still require the application of biblical principles, however, sometimes the direction is harder to distinguish.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)
Be ready to accept and obey God's answer. It's unlikely that God will reveal his plan if he knows already that you won't obey. It is absolutely essential that your will be completely submitted to God's. When your will is humbly and fully submitted to the Master, you can have confidence that he will illuminate your path.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
Exercise faith. Remember too, that decision making is a process that takes time. You may have to resubmit your will over and over again to God throughout the process. Then by faith, which pleases God, trust him with a confident heart that he will reveal his will.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)Seek concrete direction. Begin investigating, evaluating and gathering information. Find out what the Bible says about the situation? Gain practical and personal information that relates to
the decision, and begin writing down what you learn.
Obtain counsel. In difficult decisions it's wise to get spiritual and practical counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to
hear.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV) Make a list.
First write down the priorities you believe God would have in your situation.
These are not the things that are important to you, but rather the things that are most important to God in this decision.
Will the outcome of your decision draw you closer to God? Will it glorify him in your life? How will it impact those around you?
Weigh the decision. Make a list of the pros and cons connected with the decision. You may find that something on your list clearly violates the revealed will of God in his Word. If so, you have your answer. This is not his will. If not, then you now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a responsible decision.
Choose your spiritual priorities. By this time you should have enough information to establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Ask yourself which decision best satisfies those priorities? If more than one option will fulfill your established priorities, then choose the one which is your strongest desire!
Sometimes God gives you a choice. In this case there is no right and wrong decision, but rather a freedom from God to choose, based on your preferences. Both options are within God's perfect will for your life and both will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life,
. . Act on your decision. If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating biblical principles and wise counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his purposes through your decision.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Collecting Information
Fact gathering and seeking advice is recommended. Advice from a good friend or counselor can be helpful in these circumstances. Sometimes we are too emotionally connected to the situation to see clearly all the details involved in making a wise decision. Whereas someone detached from the drama is likely to be able to show more objectivity. Although we may wish that someone else would step in to make tough decisions for us, the final decision remains ours to make.
Fears of Making Bad Decisions
Over the years I have counseled many clients about decisions they are faced with. Most often they have been either relationship or job related. Normally the problem I feel they are facing is not in making the decision itself, but more trying to move past the fear of making a wrong choice. I will have them imagine the best and the worst outcomes, scripting the different scenarios for each situation to help weigh out the advantages/disadvantages. I also emphasize that there truly are no wrong choices, only different paths. Stop, Caution, Go
Decision makers can be categorized in three groups. These groups correlate with a traffic stoplight. Red lights These are individuals who often feel frozen in fear when faced with making a decision. They are resistant to change and have great difficulty making decisions.
They tend to have to have the rug pulled out from under them before they will move to safer ground.
Yellow lights These people are caution oriented individuals who will look both ways before venturing into the traffic. They will weigh the pros and cons of any given situation before deciding. Green lights Here are the adventuresome type. They leap without looking, figuring that all will go well (they have the right-of-way after all). These people could use a refresher course in defensive driving as they do get themselves in sticky predicaments at times. What type of decision maker are you? Red Light Blocked or Stymied Yellow Light Proceed with Caution
Green Light Right A Way
Here is a good affirmation to read and reflect on
"I am Me. In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me.
Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because
I alone chose it whether the decision is right or wrong I made it.
I am unique: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself.
I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my
triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. I can become intimately acquainted with me. By so doing,
I can love me and learn to appreciate myself. I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know - - but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me.
However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically me. If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought, and felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded. I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me.
I was uniquely created and fashioned by God, and therefore, I am me, and I am Okay.'''
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"I am Me. In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me.
Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because
I alone chose it whether the decision is right or wrong I made it.
I am unique: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself.
I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my
triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. I can become intimately acquainted with me. By so doing,
I can love me and learn to appreciate myself. I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know - - but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me.
However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically me. If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought, and felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded. I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me.
I was uniquely created and fashioned by God, and therefore, I am me, and I am Okay.'''
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