“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”
Romans 14:13 (NKJV)

MAY 14 - Knowledgeable that his decision would affect the lives not only of his soldiers, but of the entire nation, on October 29, 1956, Moshe Dayan executed a daring, surprise attack near the southern end of the Suez Canal. With emphasis on the tactics and night maneuvers he learned from Captain Orde Wingate, within days, Israel’s aptly-called “Hundred-Hour War” with Egypt was over.

Every decision we make brings with it a consequence, not only to our lives, but also to the lives of others. What we do affects other people. Before we articulate even one word, we must ask ourselves: What will the words I speak mean to this person? How will they precisely affect him or her?

Asking such questions is known as discretion. Discretion puts you in
the position of another, helping you understand the explicit effect of your words and actions. If we realize that what we are about to say will bring unnecessary pain or embarrassment, we should simply choose to keep quiet. The above passage tells us that if we ever do anything that hurts someone or causes him or her to sin, we must determine never to do it again. We cannot allow ourselves to be brought under the power of anything that will adversely affect another person’s life and their life’s direction.

As we consider the affect we have on others, we are more conscious of the decisions we make.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I do not judge others. I do not cause my brother to fall or put a stumbling block in his way. The words I speak build up and edify, pointing others toward You.

Family Scripture Reading

1 Peter 5

Featured Resource

Power Over Fear - Confession CD

Jesus said the thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10). One of Satan’s most powerful tools of destruction is fear. The ruthless tyrant of fear will paralyze you and control every decision you make. It desires to rule and dominate you, until you cower in a corner and helplessly watch it destroy everything you are.

Your Heavenly Father did not design you to live a life of shrinking back in fear. Fear may be a cruel master, but it doesn’t have to be your master! In this powerful audio CD from the Great Exchange Collection, Dr. Robb Thompson helps you defeat the giant of fear with scriptural confessions from the invincible Word of God. Let God set you free from fear’s control, once and for all!

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“…‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him,
‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”
John 6:67-69 (NKJV)

JANUARY 12 - If God gave us the inherent freedom to choose our destiny, then howcan other people co-workers, family members, neighbors, or just plain friends—determine whether or not we succeed in life? The truth is, they can’t. The outcome of our lives is based solely on the decisions we make. We are actually landlords of the apartment building that gives shelter to our own consequences. Therefore, we cannot blame the unhappiness of our present condition on the actions of others.

As diligent landlords, we must realize that the rewards we enjoy in life depend entirely on us. No longer must we think from the perspective of whether or not a decision is right or wrong. Instead, we must thoroughly contemplate future ramifications every time a decision is made. We can ask ourselves, “What are the long-term effects going to be if I choose this?” It’s time to learn to make decisions based on long-term consequences, rather than short-term gratification. In other words, we must pay the price today, in order to
enjoy the greatest benefits tomorrow.

In the above passage, we catch a glimpse of how our destiny is shaped by “The moment of decision.” Many walked hastily away from Jesus that fateful day, never to return, while the twelve disciples made the astute, heartfelt decision to stay and serve the One who would ultimately save them. It was a moment in time that potently determined the rest of their lives. How often do we, in the course of our bustling lives, experience such life-changing moments?

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for giving me the ability to choose my destiny.
I know You have a will for my life and I desire to fulfill it.

Day 12: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 9

Featured Resource

Excellence Keys To Change Your Life -CD

3 CDs

Excellence is a journey, not a destination. This journey has no end, and you can expect to encounter obstacles along the way. But as you press toward the goal of daily making your best better, you’ll discover what Dr. Robb Thompson has already experienced in his own life –the rewards of excellence are well worth the price you must pay to receive them. The prize is always greater than the price!

In this series, Dr. Thompson brings to light the ingredients necessary to obtain excellence in your life. If you are ready for a change, this message will set you on the path to experiencing God’s ultimate plan for your life.

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“The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ,
will judge everyone’s secret life. This is my message.”
Romans 2:16 (NLT)

JANUARY 11 - It is a statement as everlasting as the city of Zion—God has no favorites. He does not arbitrarily choose to bless one person and ignore another. He gave all men a choice to live as they determine to live, and He preordained consequences to follow their selected path. God then becomes a loving, gracious, merciful Father to the person who submits to His Word and lives a life of obedience. Conversely, God becomes a righteous, holy, just Judge to every man who seeks his own way of doing things, the individual who wittingly neglects God’s principles, and callously tramples on the blood of His Son.

Along with daily hygiene, olive oil was used extensively for lamps, food preparation, anointing kings, priests, and prophets, and for polishing warriors’ shields. Knowing this, the Bible declares that precious olive oil would be denied Israel when they disobeyed. Remember, friends, there are no secrets with God!

At this very moment, we have the privilege of choosing which aspect of God’s nature we will encounter when this life comes to a close. In the words of Isaiah, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” Once we become obedient to the commands of God, we must do our duty to communicate God’s true nature as we spread the Gospel throughout the world, following Him through every stage along the way.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that the day will surely come when You, by Jesus Christ,
will judge everyone’s secret life. I walk according to Your Word in all that I do.

Day 11: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 8

Featured Resource

Excellence In Character -Book

A house built on a faulty foundation soon becomes unfit to live in. Shifting soil causes cracks in the foundation. Gradually those cracks travel upward to the walls and ceilings of the house, causing more and more structural damage — not to mention more headaches to those who live inside. Think of the loss and trouble the homeowners could have avoided if they had only tested the foundation before they moved in!

In the same way, we will save ourselves a lifetime of grief if we will just take the time to test the foundation of our lives — our character — and deal with any cracks or flaws that could later lead to disaster. As author Robb Thompson stresses, “Without a strong, solid foundation of God’s principles undergirding our lives, everything else we attempt to build or accomplish will eventually crumble and fall. In fact, any breakdown in life can almost always be traced back to a breakdown in character.”

Let Dr. Thompson help you explore what God has to say about pursuing excellent character. Then start building a rock-solid, Godly character that will lead you to God’s highest for your life!

Posted under Decision