How To Make A Decision

"They prayed: 'You know, Lord, what is in the hearts of all. Show us, therefore, which of the two you have chosen.'" - Acts of the Apostles 1:24

Do you always include God in the decisions you make? Sometimes we don't and then get angry with God when things don't go our way. I've learned that in everything we do, even in getting on the road to go somewhere, we need to ask the assistance of God. We need to get off this high horse we placed ourselves on from which we think we know all things, especially what's best for us. Humility before God is knowing that we know nothing, but that He knows it all. We make so many decisions in our lives… where to go to school, where to work, who to marry, where to live… all of these decisions are very, very big deals and they have a tremendous impact on our lives. Which of us can say we know enough to actually make a good decision? Recognize that we all need God to guide us in doing what's right for not only ourselves, but for the people that are involved in our lives and are so much affected by what we do.

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the apostles lived so powerfully in the Spirit because they practiced this principle. They let God guide every little thing they did. They acknowledged that only He knew what was in the hearts of all men and what was in their best interests. From today on, include God in all of your plans if you want to be successful. Pray before you make any decision, big or small, so He can show you the way. A big door won't open directly in front of you, but God will make you feel in your heart what is best for you.

Today's Prayer:
My God, I want You to have an active role in all that I do. I ask You to be my guide in all decisions I make, so that with You, I can walk on the right path. With You, I no longer need to fear mistakes or making the wrong decisions for myself and those around me. In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.

Just Keep On Praying

"As for the Eleven disciples, they went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Jesus, they bowed before Him, although some doubted." - Matthew 28:16-17

While Jesus lived with the apostles, they doubted Him. When He was crucified, they lost all their hope. When He resurrected, they still doubted. Even after spending 40 days with them after His resurrection, they still doubted! It doesn't even matter that they saw Him with their own eyes! Dumb apostles, right? If they're dumb, so are we! It's the same thing with us. How many times hasn't God come through for us, on the big things and the small, yet the next time a problem rolls around… bam… we're down on the floor worried that God won't be there for us! But you know what… it's ok! Jesus knew them, He knew what was in their hearts and He didn't reprimand them for it and that's because although they had questions in their head, they were still there praying. You see, that's all that really matters, that we keep on praying, even if a billion questions are stuck in our head. Just keep on praying.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus, You have to put up with so much from me! I doubt and turn my back on You, but You're always there to take me back. Please, never let me stay fallen down for too long. In Your Name we pray, amen.

Friendship

"I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know what his master is about. Instead, I call you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father." - John 15:16

Think about the last time you were with friends, the last time you laughed and shared stories. I think that more and more, people are keeping their feelings to themselves because who wants to be vulnerable? Who wants their insecurities exposed? I am so grateful for friends who are there to listen to me when I need to express myself, but more importantly, I consider it a great honor to have someone come to me to be listened to. It's a big deal for someone to trust you enough to share what's going on inside. That's what Jesus wants to do with us. During this part in John, Jesus is explaining His mission to His apostles and sharing with them the news on how things will happen. He speaks to them not as servants but as friends. Since when does a God do this? Share with mortals a divine plan? But this is who Jesus is. He chose us to be His friends, not servants who must dot every "i" and cross every "t." And that best part of the friendship you share with your closest friends reaches its perfection when the friendship is with Christ because who could possibly see through you as well as your God?

I know it's weird to be "friends" with Jesus, but when you begin to think of Him in this way, you will receive so much more from your relationship with God. Maybe you can finally move past an image of a judgmental God that's counting all your sins. It's a friendship because you share with Him and out of love, He shares with you.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for choosing me as Your friend I pray that You help me understand the giving and receiving involved in a perfect friendship. In Your Name we pray, amen.