MAKING GODLY DECISIONS #2 - Good Just Isn't Good Enough (Part 2)
Life is full of decisions and the quality of our life will be determined by the kind of decisions we make everyday. During this series we'll look at some principles for making decisions that honor God, bring His blessings to our life, and reflect a Godly l
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Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions ([email protected]).
Pick up a Harmony Study booklet on Sunday after church!
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg ([email protected]).
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg ([email protected]).
Tuesday, January 13th - Charlie Mater
Thursday, January 15th - Dylan & Leighanne Fisher
Thursday, January 15th - Dylan & Leighanne Fisher
Cards
Life is full of decisions. Decisions are an act of the will and they are always influenced by the mind, the emotions, or both.
All of us have made good and bad decisions or choices. All decisions involve choices, costs, and consequences
All of us have made good and bad decisions or choices. All decisions involve choices, costs, and consequences
Numerous stories in the media this past week have demonstrated decision making, both good and bad.
Now stop and think about some of the decisions you've struggled with today. Are you going to seek to live a Godly life or settle for just a good life?
Now stop and think about some of the decisions you've struggled with today. Are you going to seek to live a Godly life or settle for just a good life?
The book of James offers some insight into this subject of decision making.
In James 1:5-8 he points out a common PROBLEM that we all have, gives the PRESCRIPTION for the problem, and then leaves us with a wonderful PROMISE.
In James 1:5-8 he points out a common PROBLEM that we all have, gives the PRESCRIPTION for the problem, and then leaves us with a wonderful PROMISE.
James 1:5-8
BSB
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
BSB
First: The PROBLEM - We are DOUBTFUL, DOUBLE-MINDED, and "DIZZY."
James 1:7-8
Wisdom and knowledge, both themes in the Bible, are related but not synonymous.
Knowledge: acquiring facts and data
Wisdom: deep understanding and ability to apply that knowledge with good judgment, sound moral principles, and a God-honoring perspective
Knowledge can exist without wisdom but not the other way around. A person can be knowledgeable without being wise.
James 1:7-8
Wisdom and knowledge, both themes in the Bible, are related but not synonymous.
Knowledge: acquiring facts and data
Wisdom: deep understanding and ability to apply that knowledge with good judgment, sound moral principles, and a God-honoring perspective
Knowledge can exist without wisdom but not the other way around. A person can be knowledgeable without being wise.
James 1:7-8
BSB
7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
BSB
The root of the problem is that we don't have a core set of beliefs that guide us. We mix and match a little of what God says, our own feelings, the advice of our friends and family, and pick and choose from the trends and patterns of the culture around us.
Our problem is that we aren't settled on God's way for our life. We keep trying to pick a good way that will allow us to still be in charge of our own life and make us and others happy.
The Bible provides a warning in Proverbs 14:12.
Our problem is that we aren't settled on God's way for our life. We keep trying to pick a good way that will allow us to still be in charge of our own life and make us and others happy.
The Bible provides a warning in Proverbs 14:12.
Proverbs 14:12
BSB
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
BSB
Second: The PRESCRIPTION - We need to get GODLY wisdom, not just GOOD wisdom.
James 1:5a
God alone is all-knowing or Omniscient. As humans we are limited in what we know and our decisions, even with the best of intentions, are colored by our own nature.
We live in a knowledge seeking culture that values the gathering of information. But it's also a culture that is impatient and wants instant self-gratification. We generally don't want to spend the time or pay the price to gain wisdom.
Our inherent sin nature wants what it wants and so we settle for what's good for us, even if it isn't Godly or wise.
James 1:5a
God alone is all-knowing or Omniscient. As humans we are limited in what we know and our decisions, even with the best of intentions, are colored by our own nature.
We live in a knowledge seeking culture that values the gathering of information. But it's also a culture that is impatient and wants instant self-gratification. We generally don't want to spend the time or pay the price to gain wisdom.
Our inherent sin nature wants what it wants and so we settle for what's good for us, even if it isn't Godly or wise.
James 1:5
BSB
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
BSB
In Proverbs 2:6 we read about the source of wisdom.
God's Wisdom is discovered in three fundamental ways:
1. The Pages of God's Word (contains specific & general principles)
2. The Prayers of God's People (this aligns our will with His)
3. The Presence of God's Spirit (our memory passage - Proverbs 3:5-6)
Isaiah 30:21
We all have a responsiblity and that is to ASK. Asking for help doesn't come easy to us because culturally it is viewed as a weakness. But Biblically this is a sign of great strength.
When we ask for God's Wisdom, it then...
- enlightens our MIND
- energizes our HEART
- empowers our WILL
God's Wisdom is discovered in three fundamental ways:
1. The Pages of God's Word (contains specific & general principles)
2. The Prayers of God's People (this aligns our will with His)
3. The Presence of God's Spirit (our memory passage - Proverbs 3:5-6)
Isaiah 30:21
We all have a responsiblity and that is to ASK. Asking for help doesn't come easy to us because culturally it is viewed as a weakness. But Biblically this is a sign of great strength.
When we ask for God's Wisdom, it then...
- enlightens our MIND
- energizes our HEART
- empowers our WILL
Proverbs 2:6
BSB
6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
BSB
Isaiah 30:21
BSB
21 And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
BSB
Third: The PROMISE - We will receive WISDOM when we seek it God's WAY.
James 1:5-6
The promise is conditional because it's in response to the command. Ask is an imperative verb in the Greek. Our calling on the Lord for wisdom is not an option, it is mandatory!
In verse 5 we see the character of God:
- He is generous and non-judgmental in nature
- He delights in giving wisdom to us
The Lord expects that we must act upon what we ask for. Belief and faith in the Bible are always active...not passive.
James 1:5-6
The promise is conditional because it's in response to the command. Ask is an imperative verb in the Greek. Our calling on the Lord for wisdom is not an option, it is mandatory!
In verse 5 we see the character of God:
- He is generous and non-judgmental in nature
- He delights in giving wisdom to us
The Lord expects that we must act upon what we ask for. Belief and faith in the Bible are always active...not passive.
James 1:5-6
BSB
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
BSB
The implication is clear, if we want to make Godly decisions, then we must ask Him for wisdom, and then do exactly what He shows us to do.
The Bible clearly teaches that our decisions are an act of our will.
Psalm 119:30 [NLT]
The Bible clearly teaches that our decisions are an act of our will.
Psalm 119:30 [NLT]
Psalms 119:30
BSB
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me.
BSB
Next week, we'll look at some principles for making decisions that help us in the gray areas of life...those areas that aren't directly covered in the Bible.
