Defining Decisions

                                                          Decisions That Define Us
As we begin this journey as a believer in Christ, there are evaluations and decisions we will have to look squarely at, and make up our minds about as the Word of God illuminates places in our lives that need correction, where we need to repent, change our minds about, and change our pattern of living.

Over the years these decisions have been put before me in my mind, and I've had to wrestle with them in my soul, and ask the Lord to help me to put into practice, in order to align myself with His will, and come into a meaningful relationship with Him.

Tonight I will share them, and hopefully God will be able to use it in your lives, and the Holy Spirit will be able to show you area's in your life that need adjustments.

To make up my mind to take control of my own body, and take authority over it. (Advise them to study Proverbs).
Pr 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Pr 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
⦁ My mind-what I chose to think about, and allow to come into my mind.
⦁ My body-what I allow myself to eat, my actions, my responses, my appetites
⦁ My spirit-what I chose to believe, what I allow to affect my spirit (video games, violent movies, pornography, drugs, alcohol, etc.)
⦁ My emotions-Realize I DO have control over them, and can subdue them if I really want to.

To honor the past - we don't live in it.

Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Php 3:13 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing [I do], forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Lu 9:62 But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

⦁ We can do nothing to change it. When we are born again, and surrender our lives to Jesus, we begin to see by studying the word of God, who we are in Christ. That our sins are washed away, we have been cleansed by His blood, and stand now in His righteousness. That is what Christ came for, and what His will is for every person-but it is by our free choice. He waits patiently for even the most wretched sinner, to turn and come to Him for redemption. For those of us who have-we are now new creatures, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. We are His sons and daughters, purchased by His blood, and covered in a robe of righteousness. When people or the devil speaks in your ears bringing up your past sins to condemn you, you can simply point to Jesus, and say "Yes, I have sinned, but my sin debt is paid in full, by Jesus Christ". It shuts the mouths of your enemies, the devil, and sets your spirit free.
⦁ The solution is to open our hearts and receive God's forgiveness. Forgive ourselves, and other's who may have hurt or abused us in the past.

To live in the present with our eyes on the future.

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. Php 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
1ti 6:8 but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

⦁ As Paul came to the place of being content in all things, this is our goal
⦁ However, remain in faith to the possibilities of change

Realize God will even use the bad experiences in our lives to work for our good, if we will let Him.

To see past events - successes and failures - as stepping-stones not stop signs.

Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Ro 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

⦁ Each experience good and bad of our lives can be used for our advantage. 
Every successful person has had their share of failures, and setbacks, do not allow yourself to think your the only one, or that failure is impossible to overcome. (Ex. Abraham Lincoln failed over 30 times in the Senate before finally becoming President. Edison failed year after year for many years before finally creating a light bulb that actually worked)
There are plenty of people in this world who will try to rail on you with their criticism, many of them won't attempt anything themselves, and want to see you fail also. Rise above the critics, and dare to do what God may put on your heart, let Him guide your footsteps, and see where it leads. Set yourself free from people's condemnations, and explore the possibilities of what you can do, with God's help.

To not allow people to define who I am, but only the Lord himself, and His Word.

This is important, set boundaries in your life, and be aware of those who wish to set themselves up as your guide, and mentor-what are they teaching/preaching?...the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or their own doctrines, opinions, and attempting to categorize you, because they feel they have reached some level of authority over you. If you are born again, you are under the authority, and the precious blood of Christ. He will teach you and guide you into all truth, through His word. God may use somebody to reveal something to you, and teach you a truth-but if they do, it will be evident by the fact that the Holy Spirit has confirmed what was said through them by scripture, and not just ones taken out of context. It will be truth revealed by at least two or three verses, and the Lord will give solid conviction that this is from Him.
There are many mega churches and teachers who know how to twist the word of God today, and make it say just about anything they want-but if you really search for truth, pray and ask God for discernment, you will see through the layers of deception as you listen to them, and you'll know if they are truly serving the Lord, or promoting themselves.

⦁ Evaluate yourself by what the bible says about you and your life, not by people's personal opinion of  you.
⦁ Let the Holy Spirit be the one to show you where you may need to make changes in your life, or any sin you may need to repent of. He will lead you, and bring light to your spirit by the scriptures to show you any area that He may be dealing with you about.
Read a portion of "Who Am I"

To pursue learning in order to be transformed, not learning in order to know.

Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Ac 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Ac 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Ac 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Ac 4:11 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

⦁ Our motives for learning should be to know for the sake of illumination of our minds and spirits to come into line with the will of God.
There is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in a field of employment, or education. However, knowledge can become another idol, and people can become arrogant, and puffed up in pride and superiority. It is a good idea to check our hearts as we are learning and gaining knowledge, and humble ourselves if we allow this in our lives; before the Lord humbles us.

To be  a person of engagement not observation.

⦁ Joy and fulfillment will come as we actively engage in the good wholesome activities and employments God has blessed us with, and using our talents as the Lord opens the doors for us to do so.
As we walk with the Lord and pray for opportunities; we will become aware when the doors do open, and as we line ourselves with His will, we will begin to see His favor in our lives. Even when obstacles come, or trials, we will still know the abiding presence of the Lord, His peace, and see His hand of protection on us. When we become aware of His guidance and direction in our lives; it becomes fuel to our spirits to keep seeking Him, and His will for our lives. Becoming aware of His active presence in our lives also builds our faith, and encourages us along the way.

To focus on what could be, not on what is or has been.

2co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

⦁ Looking back too much to our failures, and mistakes can cause us to despair, to lose faith
We can become hopeless, and eventually totally paralyzed to the point that we will refuse to try anymore. This is the work of the devil. His whole mission is to "kill, steal, and destroy". We must believe Jesus words to us "I have come that they may have life, and life more abundantly".

To not be limited to the four walls of a building or organization.

Our influence is not restricted by location, or structured by a denomination - not even the nations are out of bounds. The commission given to us in Matt. ch. 18 by the Lord was to go "to all the world and preach the gospel."

Mt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Lu 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. Lu 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: Lu 18:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. Lu 18:37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. Lu 18:38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. Lu 18:39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. Lu 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Lu 18:41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. Lu 18:42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Lu 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

⦁ When Jesus was here, he walked the highways, and byways, and ministered to the people wherever He went with his disciples. He showed us by example how to live out our Christian walk, among the people, wherever we find ourselves at the moment.
⦁ As soon as Jesus spoke in Matt. 20:28, in Luke 18:35-43 the story continues, and he heals the blind man to make the point that "He came to minister, not to be ministered to."

This He did to also emphasize that this is to be our example.

To raise up world changers - not tour guides. To train disciples and servants, not committees.

As you study the book of Acts, you see the disciples preaching and ministering everywhere they went. They were not concerned with buildings or creating new rules and laws to try to keep. Their entire focus was on the great news that Jesus died for their sins, and rose again to life; to give them that same life. They could not keep silent, their joy was too great.

To be a people of destiny, not of our history.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Ps 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Ps 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Pr 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Job 5:17-26 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:  For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

⦁ No matter what we have done, or how old we may be; it is never to late to decide to change.

⦁ Our true destiny begins to be lived out the day of our salvation, and our obedience to the Lord from that point on. As pilgrims and strangers here, we are looking for an "eternal city, whose builder and maker is God". Our destiny is heaven, and our eternal home.

To decide that it is better to fail while reaching for the impossible that God has planned for me than succeed settling for less.

1co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

⦁ Advise: take time to seek God for His direction for your life.
⦁ Ask Him to reveal  His goals to you.

Ask the Lord to open doors of opportunity for you, and watch things begin to happen.

To have decided that nothing short of His Kingdom come, His will be done in my world as it is in Heaven will satisfy.

Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Mt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Php. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We can allow God to rule in OUR LIVES AND HEARTS, AND ALLOW HIS KINGDOM TO REIGN IN US, RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW, REGARDLESS OF WHAT ANYONE ELSE DOES. When we do, we will experience a level of peace, self control, and steadfastness of faith that we never thought possible before. His abiding presence in our lives will become stronger and stronger as we yield ourselves to Him and His Word. This is what is called "being transformed by the renewing of our minds." If we have any questions about any situation, as to whether it is the right thing to do or not, simply ask yourself "what does Jesus say about this," and obey.

To have decided that I will not be satisfied until our world cries out "Those who have turned the world upside down have come here too." In the book of Acts the disciples were threatened, imprisoned, stoned, chased out of cities, mocked, and rejected-they just kept preaching, and testifying of Jesus. Their message was boldly, and simply proclaimed:

Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ac 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Mr 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

⦁ It takes time to even begin to think about this decision-we begin to think on these terms and make these kinds of decisions after we've reached a level of maturity. Some believer's who are called out for ministry begin to make these decisions early, other's takes time. A desire begins to develop in us to see other's saved, to come to know Christ. We are no longer content to just be assured of our own salvation; we look around us and see a world in darkness, and realize without Christ these poor souls are headed for hell, as we were before we were redeemed. We aren't content to just live for our own pleasure; this is the work of the Holy Spirit in us, growing us up in God. We begin to see that our labor in this life can't be just for this life alone, and for our own selfishness. A desire to bear "eternal fruit", begins to develop in us, to see other's come to Christ and receive His free gift of salvation. Many Christians struggle with this desire a long time, and some bury it because it causes them discomfort, and they  allow this desire to die, because of laziness, not wanting to pay the prices, and fear. The decisions to obey the prompting of the Lord in service begin to create multiple struggles in our spirit, it always boils down to just one thing really, "do I really love the Lord, and will I chose to obey, or not."

⦁ The decisions to "make a difference" for Christ in our lives continues to grow and develop more as we continue to walk with Jesus and truly come to know Him. The love and forgiveness He has poured out on us becomes to heavy to keep to ourselves, and we must share it with other's. 
When we come to this place of decision we also begin to realize that we are "called and chosen", just as the first disciples were. We become aware of the great privileges God has given us, to work alongside with Him in the harvest fields. To have our eyes opened to this degree is an honor, a privilege, and greatly humbling. I pray that each of you will come to this place  in your walk with Christ.

These are some of the decisions that should define who we are as believer's in Christ.

These decisions are not destinations - but rather journeys - journeys along an ancient path - we have not found some new way - but rather rediscovered the path as old as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The same path followed by Moses, Joshua and Caleb - Paul, John, Peter. The path followed by the first century church - a church that revolutionized the culture of the first century and beyond.

It is a path that will impact the world we live in today. It is a path of Bold Faith - believing that what God says is really true and acting on it; Outrageous Generosity - giving our life away in order to demonstrate His Kingdom; Radical Love - loving God with everything in us and our neighbor as ourselves.

It is a path of liberty, freedom, and healing. On this path you find significance, purpose, and destiny.

This is a path less traveled – however - it is not a path only available to a select few - but to whosoever will - may come. It is for people of every nation, tribe and tongue - for those in any occupation or vocation.

No matter where you are in your life journey - there is room on this path for you.
Lorna Couillard
2008 Teaching for Teen Challenge