Making bad choices or decisions can have a domino effect, especially on a church congregation. God will forgive our sins if we ask Him, but the consequences of sin have already been set in motion. Thinking through possible decisions before we act can save us much sorrow and suffering. These bad choices or decisions can be like toxic waste spilled in a river that swiftly spreads. There are many examples of bad choices recorded in the Bible, so we can learn from the mistakes of man towards God in the past. We learn from our mistakes when we demonstrate our obedience to God through the choices we make. How can we make good decisions? (Nehemiah 1:4).

“When I heard this, I sat down and cried. In fact, I refused to eat for several days, for I spent the time in prayer to the God of Heaven.” Prayer is an essential resource in good decision-making. When the body of Christ demonstrates the elements of effective prayer, then the desires of the heart will come alive again with the worship of the one true God. Repentance of the church, and heartfelt prayers, can clarify any problem you may be facing with the work you have to do. Jesus is our best model for good decision-making, because of Jesus’ unity with God, and our identification with Jesus. “When you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to tell you” James 1:6.

“For a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” Through prayer God will often intervene to make our choices and decisions less severe, but the scars of the consequences will remain. My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary will be spiritually inspired of God.

Become an intercessory Prayer Partner with Expressions of Faith Ministry. Contact E.O.F. at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson@aol.com>. God bless!