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.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." - Acts 1:8

There are times that although we believe in God, our faith falters. Sometimes we find ourselves calling out to God and not finding the strength we need to go on. Did you know that the Holy Spirit is the power of God in action? He is the one that fills us, moves in us and gives us the strength we need to go on. He is a powerful force that engulfs and transforms us.

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the apostles were terrified and in hiding. Jesus promised that He would not leave them alone and that promise was fulfilled by the coming of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, while the apostles were praying, the Holy Spirit came down upon them as a powerful force that transformed them so that they were never the same again. He uplifted them and gave them strength and courage to stand for what they believed in and face their oppressors. If you're going through any type of rough patch right now, call on the Holy Spirit, the power and force of God to fill you and work through you. Just as He did with the apostles, He will build you up. If you need advice or guidance on something, call on the Holy Spirit and He will light a path in front of you to follow.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit. When we don't have strength, Your Spirit comes in to build us up. Help me to always stay open to receiving Your graces and letting You work through me. In Your Name we pray, amen.

The Dark, Unknown Path

"The priest answered them, 'Go in peace, the journey you make is under the eye of Yahweh.'" - Judges 18:6

Life is just so difficult sometimes. There are no road maps, we only get advice that we probably won't follow. Sometimes I feel like I know what I want and what to do with my life and other times I feel so lost, so confused. It feels like I have to make such permanent decisions so fast. When we're in our late teens and 20's, the choices we make have a profound effect on the rest of our lives. Do I take this job, or even this career? Do I marry this person? Should I move to another city? Will I want this 10 years from now, or 5 years or even 1? There are so many paths to take and some are easy but a lot are painful and we might not even have the reassurance that we are doing the right thing. Are we on the right path right now? Is this where we're supposed to be?

This is why it's so important to be in constant contact with God. This journey of life is hard enough by ourselves, we need His guidance. We need Him to tell us that we're on the right path, to be in peace because He is watching us as we walk through it. There so much fear in uncertainty and in facing an unknown, daunting future, but by knowing that the Lord is with me as I go, I am comforted that I am in His hands. How scary it must be for those that don't know God…those who who let their own whims guide them; its a shot in the dark. Without guidance from God they face the next 40 or 50 years taking an unknown, shaky path. One mistake for them could cost them dearly, but putting ourselves in the Lord's presence each day is like being given a flash light to make it through this dark, unknown journey…He illuminates the path as we go.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, I know You have plans for me and my future, but help me see today how I can follow You in getting there. Sometimes I am so afraid and don't know what to do and need Your guidance in making decisions. As scary as it is, just be with me as I go so that I know I am where I need to be. In Your Name we pray, Amen.