Episode 54: The "Because" of a Bad Decision

In Podcast Episode 54, “The ‘Because’ of a Bad Decision,” Kim discusses some of the many “because” situations which can lead to bad decisions. She will encourage you to take time to step back and run all decisions through God’s filter of omniscience. May you begin to make all decisions “because” by divine guidance from the Lord.

 

The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 9:1-6, with the focal scripture 3b.

 

1 One day Gideon’s son Abimelech went to Shechem to visit his uncles—his mother’s brothers. He said to them and to the rest of his mother’s family, 2 “Ask the leading citizens of Shechem whether they want to be ruled by all seventy of Gideon’s sons or by one man. And remember that I am your own flesh and blood!”

3 So Abimelech’s uncles gave his message to all the citizens of Shechem on his behalf. And after listening to this proposal, the people of Shechem decided in favor of Abimelech because he was their relative. 4 They gave him seventy silver coins from the temple of Baal-berith, which he used to hire some reckless troublemakers who agreed to follow him. 5 He went to his father’s home at Ophrah, and there, on one stone, they killed all seventy of his half brothers, the sons of Gideon. But the youngest brother, Jotham, escaped and hid.

 

6 Then all the leading citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo called a meeting under the oak beside the pillar at Shechem and made Abimelech their king. (Judges 9:1-6)

 

The people of Israel made a bad decision “because” Abimelech was their relative.

 

What might be a “Because” which would lead to a bad decision? (Go to our Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus Facebook Group and look for the "Because" graphic to share your "Because" answers.)

 

• Tunnel vision;
• Impatience;
• Pride;
• Feelings of unworthiness;
• Exhaustion;
• Human appetites (i.e., sex, food);
• Under the influence of intoxicating substances or relationships;
• Avoid consequences;
• ____________________.

17 The first to speak in court sounds right—

    until the cross-examination begins. (Proverbs 18:17)

 

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do,

    and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

5  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5)

 

1 We can make our own plans,
    but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,
    but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,
    and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:1-3)

9 Remember the things I have done in the past.

    For I alone am God!

    I am God, and there is none like me.

10 Only I can tell you the future

    before it even happens.

Everything I plan will come to pass,

    for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:9-10)

 

13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?

    Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?

14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?

    Does he need instruction about what is good?

Did someone teach him what is right

    or show him the path of justice? (Isaiah 40:13-14)

 

Our BRAND NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.

 

Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”

To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.

 

Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.

 

Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”

 

If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 

1-800-273-8255

 

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/