Courageous Decisions

Courageous Living
Decisions by John Burke, August 26, 2007

In the message today, John (just back from sabbatical!) began a new series on Courageous Living with a look at how our decisions effect our lives. A major theme was that it is the small decisions that develop a pattern in our lives and ultimately can have greater impact than the “BIG” decision points.

Because this topic is so individual, a big part of the discussion time will center around working in pairs, and will also involve some personal reflection . Be sure you have paper and pen ready.

1. To start – in the group as a whole, spend some time coming up with examples of the types of “small” decisions that can have major life impacts when made over and over. Try to list at least 10 different types of decisions. (5 -10 minutes)

2. Using Moses’ final “sermon” to the Israelites as the context, John talked about how we have a choice in life between life or death. As John said, we would think people would “choose life” when given the choice, but so often that is not the case. So, in the group, talk about that: Why do you think people will often make decisions that take them down a dead-end road - or even worse, take them over a cliff? List as many reasons as you can. (5 minutes)

3. For this next section if you are in a larger group, break into pairs . This part will be personal and practical: working toward a plan to help you make better small decisions in some area of your life. Before you start, each person should take 2 – 3 minutes to think about the list of decision areas in question #1. Is there any thing on the list that you feel applies to you in your life now – one that you feel comfortable talking about with your partner? Write that down. Next think about why you are inclined to make decisions the way you do in that area? What are you looking/hoping for, or why do you have a pattern going there? Write that down too. Now take about 5 minutes for each person to talk about their answers. Finally, reflect for a minute about the decision in the context of God and His desires for you. If you see anything that you could try to trust God for rather than using your own decisions to get there, write that down to think about at the end. (10 – 15 minutes)

Next you’ll try some paired “problem solving”. Take turns talking about how to prepare for decision points in each person’s key area. Where/when would you be most likely to make a “wrong” choice? What things can you do to change that? Be sure to write down all of the ideas that seem like they would help you. (10 – 15 minutes)

4. Now do some wrap-up discussion in the group as a whole. You don’t need to talk about all the personal choices, but try to come up with an “inventory” of different things that can help people make better choices. What types of solutions did you come up with in your pairs? List the different ones, and read over the list at the end. (10 minutes)

5. Be sure to have some time at the end for some individual prayer and reflection with God. Was there any area that struck you today about your own life – whether you discussed it or not…an area where you feel you are choosing death. If so, can you think of what you can trust God for rather than relying on your own direction for ONE WEEK? Next, if relevant – and if you feel genuine desire, write down what John called a “faith decision”: the thing you will trust God for and the decision change that will go along with that. Finally, note one or two things you can do to make your courage stronger as you make the choices for life during the next week – and also… this is important… write down a time when you will take more time to think about the different ideas from the group discussion and develop your own decision plan more completely . Be sure to pray for God’s help as you start to choose life. (5 - 7 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12

This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
Isaiah 14:26-27

Our Father in heaven…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10

Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6

We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6

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• Take a look at lots of different ways to get involved at Gateway along with a test gauge your talents and spiritual gifts at Gateway activities at the One Body Gateway website.
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