FOLLOWING GOD’S GUIDANCE - The Bible does not lie: “There is a way which SEEMS right to a man and APPEARS straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.” We just make choices without ever considering the consequences. And honestly the consequences wouldn’t be so harsh if we first consulted God before making our choices! Often many of us suffer because we chose what SEEMED and APPEARED right! But had we asked God for clarity, we would have SEEN it for what it really was. God alone can see clearly behind the mask, the makeup and the materials! - Max Lucado writes, “I awoke early one morning for a meeting…[and] spotted a bag of cookies. Our daughter had attended a bake sale so I thought she must’ve set them out for me. I ate one… interesting texture… I ate a second… with coffee it made an interesting option. I grabbed a third for the road, and would have grabbed the fourth but only one remained.” Later my wife phoned, ‘Looks like someone’s been in the bag.’ ‘It was me,’ I admitted. ‘I’ve had better breakfast cookies but those weren’t bad.’ ‘Those weren’t breakfast cookies,’ she replied, ‘they were homemade dog biscuits!’ His response? ‘All day when I scratched my belly, my leg kicked… not to mention my new found interest in fire hydrants!’ Moral of the Story: I SHOULD’VE CONSULTED THE MAKER FIRST BEFORE BECOMING A PARTAKER!” As comical as that may sound, it is actually the truth for many of us.

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Following God’s Guidance

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The Bible does not lie: “There is a way which SEEMS right to a man and APPEARS straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.” We just make choices without ever considering the consequences. And honestly the consequences wouldn’t be so harsh if we first consulted God before making our choices! Often many of us suffer because we chose what SEEMED and APPEARED right! But had we asked God for clarity, we would have SEEN it for what it really was. God alone can see clearly behind the mask, the makeup and the materials!  

Dr. Shermaine Y. Sanders, PhD

 

Max Lucado writes, “I awoke early one morning for a meeting…[and] spotted a bag of cookies. Our daughter had attended a bake sale so I thought she must’ve set them out for me. I ate one… interesting texture… I ate a second… with coffee it made an interesting option. I grabbed a third for the road, and would have grabbed the fourth but only one remained.”

Later my wife phoned, ‘Looks like someone’s been in the bag.’ ‘It was me,’ I admitted. ‘I’ve had better breakfast cookies but those weren’t bad.’

‘Those weren’t breakfast cookies,’ she replied, ‘they were homemade dog biscuits!’

His response? ‘All day when I scratched my belly, my leg kicked… not to mention my new found interest in fire hydrants!’

Moral of the Story: I SHOULD’VE CONSULTED THE MAKER FIRST BEFORE BECOMING A PARTAKER!”

As comical as that may sound, it is actually the truth for many of us.

We just make choices without ever considering the consequences. And honestly the consequences wouldn’t be so harsh if we first consulted God before making our choices!

James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.” (AMP)

In Max Lucado’s story, could you imagine how different this scenario could’ve gone, had he FIRST asked permission to take what didn’t belong to him in the FIRST place?

And even if he thought it was for him, how bad could it have hurt to simply ask “are these for me”?

Because the Bible does not lie: “There is a way which SEEMS right to a man and APPEARS straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12 AMP).

Often many of us suffer because we chose what SEEMED and APPEARED right!

But had we asked God for clarity, we would have SEEN it for what it really was, a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing!

God alone can see clearly behind the mask, the makeup and the materials!

You simply cannot hide behind the disguise of someone who is the creator of Discernment! So why not ask Him first?!

Which is why the Bible says, “[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight” (Philippians 2:13 AMP).

It’s not your work, it’s His Work In You that brings Him Good Pleasure and Satisfaction and Delight! We have a bad tendency to get this backwards!

When you sense “A Hold” in your spirit, it’s more than likely God Himself trying to get your attention!

Remember: He promised to, “… guide you along the BEST pathway for your life… advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 NLT).

Did you catch that? When God guides you, you will always be found traveling down the BEST pathway for your life!

Not so-so, not alright, not pretty good, but when God guides, you only go down the BEST road!

Who would be foolish enough to go at it alone when this is the promise from God Himself?

The Worse Thing You Can Do Is Ignore The Best Advice, Which Is Following God’s Guidance!

Dr. Shermaine Y. Sanders, PhD is an Encouraging and Empowering Preacher, Teacher, Mentor, Counselor and Writer. Her hearts desire is that these Daily Devotionals Will Impart Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom that Will Impact and Inspire the Body, Soul & Spirit of Many Generations to Come.

https://dailydosewithdrshermaine.wordpress.com/2019/01/23/but-god/