Choices We Make

Every day we live, will present us with choices. And the choices we make will determine the paths we take.

This is an unavoidable fact of life.

Even if the circumstances we find ourselves in, are thrust upon us?

We still can choose for ourselves, what the outcome will be IN us–because it will be our own heart that will decide–what we will do, and how we will respond.

Our choices are ours…

And, the fabric of our lives will be woven from thousands, and thousands of choices–some will be ours.

Some of our choices will be in response to the decisions of others.

The seeds of our choices? They are ours alone. And, it is God, who has granted us this freedom to choose.

We are not mindless robots, nor are we helpless victims. We may not always get to choose our circumstances, but we can and do choose the way we will respond to those circumstances. Every single time.

I really like the way Andy Andrews makes this point in his book, The Noticer.

“See, the ‘small stuff’ is what makes up the larger picture of our lives. Many people are like you, young man. But their perspective is distorted. They ignore ‘small stuff,’ claiming to have an eye on the bigger picture, never understanding that the bigger picture is composed of nothing more than-are you ready?- ‘small stuff’.” ― Andy Andrews, The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective

Choosing our weapons of prayer, praise and His presence

Do you know that you can sow seeds for victory every single day?

Worship is a powerful weapon against the forces of darkness that try to defeat us.

When we choose to praise?

When we seek His (God’s) presence?

We overcome in Jesus Name; sowing seeds of righteousness.

When we choose to do what we know is right, even if the wrong things are happening around us?

God steps in to fight our battles in us and for us!

Keeping our hearts soft…

The battle to keep your heart soft when HARD things are happening to you, can be one of the toughest battles you ever wage.

When we choose to forgive, and we bless those who choose to be our enemy? We keep the soil of our heart soft and pliable, so that the Word of God might prosper in us.

This choice brings about His overcoming grace and our certain victory.

When you look for the good around you.
When you run to His presence even when you must do it by faith.
When you surrender your wounds and the sharp arrows of others.
And then, worship the LORD, for who He is and all that He will yet do for you?
GOOD things happen to your heart!

The prophet Hosea tells us,

Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you. Hosea 10:12 TLB

Fruit bearing seeds

Sowing good seeds–in good ground–this is what will bear much fruit!

God will run to the aid of anyone: who humbles themselves under His mighty hand; forgives and blesses their enemies; trusts in the LORD and His mighty power to save them, and then, waits for Him in expectant hope and confidence.

Psalm 57 really says it all

O God, have pity, for I am trusting you! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this storm is past. I will cry to the God of heaven who does such wonders for me. He will send down help from heaven to save me because of his love and his faithfulness. He will rescue me from these liars who are so intent upon destroying me.I am surrounded by fierce lions—hotheads whose teeth are sharp as spears and arrows. Their tongues are like swords. Lord, be exalted above the highest heavens! Show your glory high above the earth. My enemies have set a trap for me. Frantic fear grips me. They have dug a pitfall in my path. But look! They themselves have fallen into it!

O God, my heart is quiet and confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Rouse yourself, my soul! Arise, O harp and lyre! Let us greet the dawn with song! I will thank you publicly throughout the land. I will sing your praises among the nations. Your kindness and love are as vast as the heavens. Your faithfulness is higher than the skies. [The Living Bible]

Prayer: Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in your name. –Blaise Pascal