A Night of Prayer

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.  And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles (Luke 6:12-13).

There was a night of prayer, and then there was a great decision. Our Lord took time to pray before He made a momentous choice. We in our own degree have similar choices to make, both in our individual and corporate life. We have to choose our careers. We have to make choice of turnings in the ever-winding way. 

And so, if we are truly wise, we shall surely pray. To cease to pray is to build up the windows of the soul, to close the ventilators, to shut out air and light, to immure the soul in an atmosphere devoid of inspiration. And yet it is possible so to pray that the spirit of prayer shall determine all our purposes, and all our purposes shall be fit to steal into our prayers. A friend said of Dr. Westcott that “he read and worked in the very mind in which he prayed, and his prayer was of singular intensity.” That is a great and gracious attainment, and I think we can all share the wonderful triumph which mingles prayerful aspiration with common toil. -John Henry Jowett, Things That Matter Most: Devotional Papers

Not Just a Bag - A Thirty-One Personalized Bag. 

If it's questionable then...

Take the high road. If it's questionable, a choice between definitely right and maybe right, always choose what you know to be right. The high road is often more difficult and demands almost always greater faith; but it will never lead you into the deep sewer-waters of sin.

"...choose you this day whom ye will serve..." Joshua 24:15

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17

Choose to Change

In his book, The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. , Andy Andrews hit the nail on the head with this simple but true statement:

“Most people think it takes a long time to change. It doesn’t. Change is immediate! Instantaneous! It may take a long time to decide to change…but change happens in a heartbeat!

The single most important step to changing one's life is found in the choosing to change. When anyone chooses in their heart to be different, then, and only then, can the Spirit work and God's grace is fully available.  

This day I choose to change ______________ (You fill in the blank).

Beware of the Praise of Men.

Beware of the praise of men. Although everyone needs a pat-on-the-back every so often, you should be careful not to allow the praise of others be your motivation nor influence your decision making. Seek to please God and let Him be the source of you motivation and decision making.

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43)

If you enjoy Pastor Jim's Wisdom Tidbits, may we suggest Pastor Jim's book, For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom for you personal enrichment. Currently available in softback and Kindle ebook. 

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The Quest Today!

Today’s mission is to seek wisdom. 

Wisdom is more than just knowledge. Wisdom – godly wisdom is finding the truth and using that knowledge to making right choices. 

Wisdom begins with an awe of God that turns into trust and worship. True worship results in obedience and obedience results in right choices. 

Some say wisdom cannot be found. However the Bible says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). The quest of today and everyday is to seek wisdom.


Want to grow in the knowledge and truth of the Lord? May we suggest our eBook, For His Glory: 31 Daily Meditation. Designed to draw you closer to the Lord, this eBook is affordable ($1.49) and can be downloaded to your tablet or PC with the free Kindle App. Take a moment and check it out or download a sample by Clicking Here. 

The Power of Choice

The Power of Choice 

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 ESV

The first and most important lesson in life's wisdom is to recognize the power of choice.  Every person has it.  Every person is held accountable to it.  It is a gift from God.  You will often execute the gift of choice.  Choose wisely because consequences follow your choices.

Power Quotes:

"You are free to choose. You are not free not to choose. No choice is a choice. You are free to choose but you are not free to choose the consequences of that choice." -Adrian Rogers 


"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Check out "Love is a Choice"

Illustration

Ronald Reagan learned that it’s better to make a decision than to let others make it for you. When he was a kid, his aunt took him to a shoe store and had the shoemaker to make him some custom-made shoes. He was asked if he wanted square toed or round toed shoes. He couldn’t make up his mind and when he went to pick them up one was round toed and one was square toed. It was a lesson the shoemaker was teaching him about making his own decisions. 

Taken from a sermon by Dr. Dennis Deese titled “MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES”  

Find more on "choice" by clicking here!.

Rushing Feet Make Mistakes*

Look before you leap. Many a rash choice has caused many to fall. Get as many facts as you can and weight you choices with biblical values before making a choice. 

Nevertheless, take care because indecision becomes decision with time and every risk is a leap of faith.

Ignorant desire isn’t good; rushing feet make mistakes. Proverbs 19:2 CEB

Let the wisdom of Saints of old help you draw close to the Lord with For His Glory: 31 Daily Meditations. This affordable eBook (Only $1.49) will enlighten your devotional time. Check it out and take a peek inside!

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