Avoiding Bad Decisions

AVOIDING BAD DECISIONS

The Israelites made a bad decision when they encountered a group of Gibeonites.  Let’s learn from their mistake!

1. The Cause of Their Bad Decision: A Failure to Seek The Counsel of the LORD!

“So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD” (Joshua 9:14 NASB).

“And those who have turned back from following the LORD, and those who have not sought the LORD nor inquired of Him”  (Zephaniah 1:6 NASB).

2. The Consequence of Their Bad Decision:  Division and Deception
“And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders” (Joshua 9:18b NASB).

“Then Joshua called for them and spoke to them, saying, ‘Why have you deceived us,’ saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you are living within our land” (Joshua 9:22 NASB).

“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God.  For there are many false prophets in the world” (1 John 4:1 NLT).

3. Aids to Avoiding Bad Decisions and Seeking God’s Counsel 

 a.  Acknowledge God as you begin your day!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB).

b.   Be a Berean and examine the Scriptures every day!
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11 NIV).

c.  Check your walk and keep the Spirit’s cadence throughout your day!
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”                    (Galatians 5:25 NIV).