Getting the Real Inside Track

By Andrea Merrell

Who doesn’t like a good tip—especially those who bet on the horses and dabble in the stock market? We want the skinny on the best places to live, the most fuel-efficient cars, and the most fabulous restaurants. We seek the opinion of others about schools, churches, and the best and most reasonable places to shop.

Life is full of choices. Decisions must be made on a daily basis from “What do I cook for dinner?” to “Is it time for a career change?”

Seeking the opinions and advice of others—especially those who have been there/done that—is fine as long as we don’t only look for external direction. When we fail to look inside for internal guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can miss the wisdom of the ages and God’s perfect will for our lives.

Here are some promises we can hold fast to:

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 NLT

Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:6 NLT

Your own ears will hear him.
    Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
    whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21 NLT

Want to get the real inside track? Ask God for wisdom and direction. Then listen closely. It’s that simple. 

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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Thou Shalt Not Be Stupid

By Andrea Merrell

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 NLT

Someone made the comment recently, “Thou shalt not be stupid.” No, it’s not one of the Ten Commandments, but maybe it should be.

We’ve all made mistakes. I’ve certainly made more than my share. Impulsive behavior, selfishness, confusion, and lack of godly counsel can lead to some pretty severe mishaps. We can spend all our time cleaning up our messes and trying to put out the fires we start with our tongue and our actions.

What’s the answer? God tells us if we need wisdom, all we have to do is ask. He is our Shepherd, and He has promised to lead, guide, and protect—as long as we’re willing to hear His voice and follow Him.

God’s ways are perfect. Ours, not so much. I’ve learned that when I need answers and direction, I must ask for His help. I must be obedient and not give in to my own misguided thinking. When I do things His way, the results are always better.

The next time you find yourself tempted to go the wrong direction, remind yourself: Thou shalt not be stupid.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/stockimages.)

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