|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Ivory Palaces"1 (Lyrics) |
Philippians 2:13 – For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (NLT)
My job was taxing but fulfilling. Deciding whether or not to leave was difficult.
Five years had passed since I'd been employed by a local county. I began as a teller and had moved up to supervisor. Though some days found me wishing for something different, most of the time, I was satisfied.
Then, my pastor presented an opportunity. Due to difficult circumstances, I had been out of the ministry for a few years. Now, he offered me the chance to be his associate and work with the youth and children. I turned down his first request, almost without thinking. Age had crept up on me. I was too old to act like youth ministers are sometimes required to.
A few months later, he approached me again. This time, I told him that I'd pray about it. Soon thereafter, I accepted the part-time position — a decision that was only the beginning of more decisions to come.
Gas prices were rising, and my position at the county required two hours of driving. As I stopped in at the old country store across the road from my house, one of the new owners approached me about a part-time day manager's position. I prayed again. Before I knew it, I was putting in my resignation at the county and working two part-time jobs.
According to Paul, God works in us and gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him … but how?
When I trusted Christ as my Saviour, He sent His Spirit to indwell me. Listening to Him helps me to make good decisions. God's Spirit lives in me and works through me. He is not just presence or some force; He is living and moving. He nudges me in the right direction, but He also nudges me when I make wrong decisions.
Knowing God's Word also helps in the decision-making process. Here, I find God's principles, wishes, and commands. Having them ingrained in my mind helps me to hear God's Spirit when He reminds me of them.
A further help with decisions comes through prayer. Knowing the Word and having the Spirit makes the process of prayer more productive. As I pray, God will speak to me by His Spirit about things that align with His Word.
Let's not leave our decisions to chance, but rather listen to God's Spirit, pray, and consult His Word.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the resources that You give that enable us to make good decisions. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – In Pontianak, West Ka;imantan, Indonesoa — Pray for "Inre and Irkas", who are heavily involved in ministering in a very sensitive ministry contexr among a group who have no idea who the true Saviour is.. These people work in the slums, where they go through the garbage dump and collect whatever can be re-used or sold. "I and I' teach special school to children with no legal status or papers, as well as teaching health and various skills to the families.
Son and family: "May 30, 2023. I ask for prayers that God will help my son and family. They are fighting in front of..." 
A Difficult Situation update: "Update May 29, 2023. Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for both S, and J."
Thank you.
Amen Martin.
Thanks, Martin. Good advice!
Note To Self: Make the decision to pray about it. Thank you!
Thanks for your timely devotion today as I face some decisions of my own. Blessings.
Dear Martin,
Thank you for always sharing so honestly from your experiences. Blessings.
Great thoughts, Martin. Decisions are often difficult, but we all have to make them, sometimes multiple times a day. Praise God for the resources He gives us.
Many thanks for the reminder and it was interesting to hear about your decisions! We often question is it God or the devil urging me on, and we do need to reflect and think of Lean not on thy own. Always enjoy your messages.
Martin, my dear aunt maiden always said, “Decisions, decisions” when faced with choices. Then she’d chuckle. How I loved her and wish I’d told her more often even though it meant a long-distance phone call. Thanks for sharing this devotional that brought back so many warm memories. Blessings.
Wow, Martin! I have been working on a similar theme about a turn my working life took when I was young. Your good, clear, splendid memoir of this time in your life really helps me to understand my own. I use your writing as a how-to when I am getting tangled up in overly wordy text. My deep appreciation and thanks.
Hello Martin,
Thank you for another very meaningful devotional. You certainly have had a busy life and variety of work in God’s world. I agree – it is important for us to take time to pray and listen for the “nudges” of God’s direction for us.
Take care and blessings to you,
(B.C.)
Good afternoon. A few years ago, I participated in a Bible study about prayer. I didn’t find it very enlightening, and did not take much away from it, but the one thing I did take away was how often I act, and then pray. “God, I need help doing this.” It helped me learn that instead I should pray first, and then act. An important lesson, and something I still forget to do. This devotion reminded me of that. Thank you and praying God’s blessings on your day.
Martin thank you for sharing your story.
Have a number of decisions just now and this is encouraging me to continue to trust God
Thank you so very much for your devotional today Martin. It was exactly what I needed. I felt like God was speaking directly to me. Thanks again and may God richly bless you and your family.
Martin thank you for sharing your story.
Have a number of decisions just now and this is encouraging me to continue to trust God
Thank you so very much for your devotional today Martin. It was exactly what I needed. I felt like God was speaking directly to me. Thanks again and may God richly bless you and your family.
Martin, calling on the Lord for decision making, gives us time to not act off the top of our heads without using good judgement. Thanks for the reminder.