Decisions

Which Way?

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , ,

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Discern, Test, Prove…

One reason we read the Bible is to better understand the Will of God. As we digest the historical accounts in their context, we learn their application.

Over time we learn that God’s Will can be categorized under three channels. I’m sure there may be other ways to simplify a complex subject, but I have found this way the easiest to digest. HIS Will can be summarized as either Providence, Moral, or Personal. Providence pertains to HIS Will from a global perspective. The application is universal. An example is HIS plan of salvation or HIS goal to have an eternal family. The Moral aspect pertains to what is right and wrong in relationships. Examples are many: should I steal this? Should I commit adultery with my neighbor’s wife? What is the problem if I make up lies about that person? Then there is the Personal Will. This is what many of us mean when speaking about God’s Will. What does God want me to do at this time and place? Some examples are: who should I marry? Where should I live? What field of study should I choose? What church should I attend?

God’s Will most often comes to the scene when we are at a crossroad of a personal life-decision. This is where many of us freeze. I have found at times like this there are two types of decision-making methods employed. One is the Sign method and the other is the Wisdom method. Both methods use prayer to seek God’s Will. Both have their time and place. Both produce fruit and long-term benefits.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 1:22 that Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom. This is the same two methods still in use today when discernment is required.

Like the name implies, the Sign method seeks an answer from God via “a sign.” The difficulty with this method is interpreting the message from the sign. For example, you asked God for help because your car is in the shop and you need to get somewhere highly important. You go to bed and have a dream that a person you never seen before pulls up your driveway in a sports car. You wake up and interpret the dream as God is going to send you someone in such a car. Meanwhile, while walking your dog, your neighbor asks if you know anyone who needs a bike. He purchased a new one and was looking to donate it to someone in need. You reply no. Then walk away thinking all the people you know who have a sports car that may stop by and pick you up. Taking a bicycle to solve your immediate problem didn’t cross your mind. The problem is we look at the dream and expect God to cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s and match the dream as is. In hindsight, we may realize the dream was a dream, but your neighbor was being Jesus to you at the moment. Pedaling a bicycle wasn’t in your plans nor the sign you were looking for. But Jesus provides for our needs many times in the most unexpected ways. Looking for signs leaves the possibility of missing out on the best answer at the moment. In some ways, looking for a sign removes you from exercising prudence in the situation. You are also removing personal responsibility for your actions. If things don’t pan out, you get to blame God.

The Wisdom approach is based on developing judgemental leadership skills. The foundation is studying God’s Word and learning to apply it in all situations. Yes, when one prays, one is seeking not an answer, but assurance. Romans 12:2 states we are to discern, test, and prove what is the Will of God. That requires us to study the lessons from the Bible. It requires us to spend time in prayer with our Heavenly Papa. It requires us to lean on Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the situation. Not necessarily for a specific outcome, but for the help to analyze the situation, make a plan of action, and then execute it. It requires us to exercise judgement. To learn how to best serve ourself and others in the process. The Triune God Way.

Most Christ-followers will start their walk under the sign method. And God will work with you through the process. You will eventually learn how God communicates with you and you with HIM. We are all wired differently yet the same. And we receive communications from God in many different ways. The more we spend time with HIM, the quicker we will learn. It may start with signs. Followed by nudges. Maybe the same spoken words from strangers over a period of time. You may receive dreams or visions. But not have the gift to interpret. So you find someone who over time has proven themselves to do so.

As you grow in Christ, HE will give you more leeway to make decisions based on your analysis. You will learn whatever decision you make, you are not afraid of failure, for HE is always with you. HE will help you through the process. As you grow in HIS grace and knowledge, you begin to see the world through HIS eyes. Your worldview changes. You will still make errors of judgement. But will learn from them. You will come to the place you realize the most important decision is to lean on HIM through the process. Seek wisdom. Make a plan. Execute. And follow through. Your mission is to test, discern, and prove your decision. You will not know if it is good, better, or the best until down the road. But you will learn to make prudent decisions based on the known facts and circumstances at that time.

Remember, life is a training-process preparing one for eternity with Jesus. Making decisions is part of the program. The benefit Christ-followers have is living under the umbrella of God’s Kingdom now. HE is always with us. HIS grace overflows upon us. We are being trained to lead and serve in HIS Kingdom now and in the new age to come. Discerning, testing, and proving is part of the training process to become more like Jesus.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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I Can Change, If I Want To

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , ,

You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee.  But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.   John 7:8-9

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And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.  Matt. 21:29

There was a Canadian television comedy show back in the 90’s that I would occasionally catch. The show would end with men gathered together at a lodge reciting what they called the Man’s Prayer. It would go something like this: “I’m a man, I can change, if I have to, I guess.” Then the lights would go out and the show was over.

It would make me chuckle. For there lied the challenge we all face. We all have the potential to change. Yet whether we do or not is dependent on our internal motivation and desire. Yes, you could make me do something against my natural disposition. But the end result is going to be minimal compliance. Compare that with the internal desire and commitment coming from your soul. We have all seen an idea in the heart and mind when planted grow into a passionate force. Of the two, which action is going to produce the greatest impact?

The other day I witness a couple of my associates battling over a similar situation. They both gave their word to fulfill a promise. They grew up where their word was their bond and they would do all in their power to live it out. Yet circumstances surrounding what they agreed to had change. Rather than renegotiate new terms, they felt obliged to honor their original agreement. In some sense, they wanted to act like God.

God can bring about whatever results HE desires. It does not matter what circumstances or events have changed. Whereas us mere mortals, don’t have the power to make events workout the way we want all the time. Thus, us humans must work through the circumstances as they are.

We have a situation in John’s gospel where Jesus changes HIS mind. His brothers asked him whether HE planned to attend the Feast in Jerusalem. At that time, Jesus said he was not going. But, afterwards Jesus changed his mind. He went. We don’t know what changed, but Jesus reversed HIS original statement and went.

In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus gave a parable of two sons. The father asks the first one to help him in the vineyard. He answered that he will not go. But afterwards went. Dad also asked the second son for his help. The son said yes. But afterwards did not go. Jesus then asks the question, which one did the father’s will?

They both changed their mind. But what changed? What was the outcome?

At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. Also circumstances change. You may have agreed to something in the beginning under specific conditions. But later discovered more information that wasn’t understood at the time. Or the goal or support changed from your original premise. In other words, the original agreement was built on certain parameters. If those parameters changed, you don’t have to play God. Let God be God, and us humans be human. God doesn’t change because HE is already perfect. Us humans though are still a work in process. We can all change our mind and plans. If we want to. If we have to. If God’s will is what we truly seek.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Cause and Effect

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

“For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.” Proverbs 30.33

Every action produces a reaction. There are consequences for your actions. Every decision, every choice, and every response causes an outcome. Either you move toward a more favorable outcome or another dilemma to overcome. Doesn’t that make life more exciting or more scarier dependent on your worldview?

As the Proverb writer explained, if you want butter, you churn milk. If you strike the noise, blood is going to result. And if you want to find yourself in the middle of a quarrel, rile up the emotions. Yes, there is a cause for the effect you desire. When you know the outcome, you can put in place the process to produce the result.

But your worldview will determine the hierarchy of values to select from.

If your worldview is centered around you, than your choice will be solely to please you. If your view is to first please others, than your decision will be all about them. If your view is centered in Jesus Christ, than your choice will support HIS Will.

If you are a miserable and angry person, trouble will probably follow you wherever you go. You will have the natural inclination to press people with your temperament. Don’t be surprised if the outcome is strife, quarrels, and fights.

Yet if you are a person full of joy and peace, most people will find you pleasant to be with. You will bring happiness and calmness to every situation.

If you are insecure and indecisive of who you are, than others may bully you into submission to serve them. You will find yourself being used by others for their benefit. They will care less about your considerations.

Yes, your worldview and values will lead you down a selected path. You will either find freedom & flourishment or enslavement & poverty along the way. So the action steps you take today will determine the long-term outcome you desire. They begin with knowing HIM who is the central core of all life.

HE provides the road map to follow. HE set the example and standard. HE grants us access into HIS domain. HE shares HIS vision of a better world and invites us to take part with HIM. HE lays out the goal, process, and means. HE gives you the support you need. HE is the purpose and meaning for life.

Yes, Jesus Christ is the cause and effect of a better world for you. Get to know HIM and HIS ways will lead you to experience the richness of Kingdom living today. Whatever garbage is thrown your way, HE will provide you the support and strength. HE will hold you in HIS grip while you sort through the mess. HE will inspire you with solutions. HE will help you build the character you need to overcome the hurdles placed before you. HE wants what is best for you. Learn to trust HIM. HE may push your buttons harder than you want. But HE knows what you are capable of doing.

HE is the cause of the goodness in your life. His effect will come through you. You will also become HIS light to an upside-down world. One God-Man. One Worldview. One Choice.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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