December 14, 2016

Choices: December 14, 2016

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2016.
CHOICES

DEFINITION:

The act or instance of choosing; carefully selected; decisions; preferences.
SCRIPTURE:

I have chosen the way of truth. Psalm 119:30.




KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Life is about choices. We all make them every day and sometimes they are made unconsciously. One thing is certain; all of our choices have consequences. Choices determine the direction we go with our lives so they should never be made casually.

The most important choice we make in life is to choose or not to choose the “way of truth” (Psalm 119:30 above). We all have the choice to choose between the deceitful ways of Satan or the “way of truth.”  Satan’s way leads to death and destruction. The “way of truth” is the right way, God’s way, and leads to life eternal. (Matthew 7:13-14)

When we choose the “way of truth” we are choosing to be obedient to God and obey His commandments. The best guide line that we know to the “way of truth” is the Ten Commandments. We encourage you to read them and memorize them.

Today we want to look at the Sermon on the Mount again. Jesus took the time to speak to his disciples about the “way of truth” and taught them choices that they needed to make in life. These same choices must be made by us.

Jesus was not only speaking to the masses in His day but to each of us. In Matthew chapters 6 and 7 Jesus lists for us 8 different choices that we need to make and also gives us the right (the way of truth) and wrong way (Satan’s deceitful way) to make these choices.

First, is the right and wrong way to give alms or what we call today “charitable gifts.” In Matthew 6:1-4 we are told to make our gifts in secret and we will receive our heavenly rewards. We are not to give for all to see so that we will get our due recognition. Satan’s way seeks the world’s recognition.

The second choice is found in Matthew 6:15-25 where Jesus gives us the right and wrong way to pray. Jesus reminds us not to be like the hypocrites who stand in the synagogues and on the corner so that they can be seen by all as they pray. He says for us to go to your room or a corner and pray in private.

In Matthew 6:16-18 we have a choice given us as to the right way and wrong way to fast. Do not be sad and disfigure your face to impress others. The right way is to wash your face, anoint your head so you do not appear to be fasting to those who see you. Fasting is between you and God.

In Matthew 6:19-21 we are told not to lay up treasures on this earth but the right choice is to lay up your treasures in heaven where neither rust nor moth will destroy and where thieves will not break in and steal.

Jesus continued His teaching discussing making a choice on vision. In Matthew 6:22-23 Jesus talks about spiritual vision. Our spiritual vision can become clouded with evil thoughts and evil desires. When the eye is evil we will be full of darkness. When the eye is good we will be filled with light.

We have the choice of serving the right or wrong master. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve two masters. You must make a choice. Will you choose God or will you choose mammon (money and material treasure). You cannot serve both.

Jesus then taught that we had the choice of the right way or wrong way to think in Matthew 6:25-34. We are to not worry about everyday life or what tomorrow may bring. We are to choose to trust in God and seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.

And finally He teaches the right and wrong way to judge in Matthew 7:1-6.  Jesus teaches clearly that we are not to judge that we may not be judged.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 2:6.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.

PRAYER:

Help me to make choices in life that will be pleasing to you and according to Your will. Thank You for the instruction You have given us such as the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount to help us make good choices and lead us to develop a Godly lifestyle.


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