“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” Roy E. Disney

Our values are vital to our decision making process. Life presents us with many choices that produce inner conflict. We sometimes refer to them as temptations. We are given the opportunity to do something we might want to do but know we should not do it because it is not good for us. Well defined values practiced into habit and habit into character make it easier to resist such temptations.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1Cor.10.13 Conversations Within” ts 6/29/2018

“Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.”

It is often said that we live and learn but this is not the best approach. Wisdom inclines us to learn and live. One does not have to put their hand on the stove to discover it will burn you. Many bumps and bruises can be avoided if we adopt a humble and teachable spirit and seek the wisdom that comes from listening to the Spirit of God. Decide to learn, then live.

“Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.”
Prov.4.5 Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2018

“Don’t make a permanent decision for your temporary emotion.” Unknown

Someone wisely said, “Your emotions are a gauge not a guide.” Feelings should follow, not lead. The reason is that our feelings can lead us to believe all sorts of things, many of which are simply not true. Emotional decisions many times will get us into trouble. Wisdom teaches us to use sober and sound thinking not our feelings to make good choices. The next time you are tempted to make an emotional decision, give pause to it, and think it through.

“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.” Prov.28.26 Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2018

“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make, makes you.” John Maxwell

Considering the sheer power of a single decision, you would think that we would give more thought to them. To go right, or go left, or to not go at all will lead us somewhere. But grace awaits us there if we look for it. Our next choice can powerfully express it. No matter how many bad decisions we have made, our next decision can be a good one, the right one. Make it! 

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” Josh.24  Conversations Within” ts 6/26/2018

Be happy! Choose the superior delights of joy.

We make hundreds of decisions every day. Our every choice expresses the simple desire to be happy. Everything we do, we do to further our happiness. The problem is that some things that we think will make us happy, wind up stealing it from us. Embrace the Spirit’s leading to make choices that bring a lasting, rather than temporal happiness. Such an approach highlights the difference between mere pleasure and joy. Pleasure may make us feel good, but may actually be bad for us. Joy will govern a desire for pleasure and keep it pleasurable.

“The fruit of the spirit is...joy” Gal.5.22 Conversations Within” ts 6/25/2018