1. John Louis-Ugbo 2014

2.  Jeremiah 10:23 … “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. “  Galatians 5:17 … “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

3.  Question remains???  Is there a way to find out what God wants me to do with some clarity???  Answer is YES…

4.  Fleeces (asking God for a supernatural sign)  Fasting (giving up food to seek God)  Flipping coins (leaving it up to the toss)  Prov 16:33; 18:18  Feeling (obeying feelings instead of logic)  Defaulting (letting events decide)  Dipping (random bible readings)  Delegating (letting others decide for us)  Very common

5.  Dreams (at nights) or visions (daylight)  Drawing straws (letting the length decide)  Sitting (procrastinating)  Sliding (taking the path of least resistance)  Thinking (using logic and ignoring feelings and the leading of the spirit)

6.  1) Does God already have a clear teaching about this?  II Tim 3:16-17  The bible is clear about a lot of issues so why ask?  Anytime you counter the word of God, you will get in trouble…

7.  2) What do my top spiritual advisors tell me about this? ▪ Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. ▪ Prov 12:15; 20:18… ▪ Who is your counsellor?

8.  3) What do authority figures in my life have to say about this?  Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.  Heb 13:17  Rom 13:1..

9.  4) How will this affect me spiritually?  1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.  Life is not always about the bigger pay or the bonus if it takes you away from God and the work God has called you to do.  Some don’t care about the church of God when they make choices.

10.  5) How will this affect my family? Will this draw us closer to God or further from God?  1 Corinthians 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  This scares me when I make decisions or choices in life.  See Deut 25:4

11.  6) Is this going to bring more peace or less peace to my life?  I Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.  1 Thessalonians 4:11 That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.

12.  7) Is this consistent with the way God has wired me?  1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  Make choices based on your area f giftedness…  If you are not wired to be a pastor, then why pressure yourself to be one – I Tim 3:1-7

13.  8) Am I paying attention to the risks that are associated with this?  Proverbs 27:12 A wise man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.  Luke 14:28-32 : Count the cost of your decision or choices you are making

14.  9) Do I have total peace from God about this?  Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

15.  10) Are the doors of circumstances clearly open here?  Acts 16  It’s always good to look at how God is opening or closing doors in front of you.  And while an open door does not always mean that you are to pass through, it is often an indicator that God is at work.

16.  11) Is now the best time for this? Could waiting be better?  Prov 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.  Prov 19:2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.  Avoid hasty decisions / Sales/ Pressure buying / family and peer pressures.

17.  12) Am I willing to let God close this door?  The best decision you can ever make is to submit your choices to God’s plan and be willing to give up an opportunity when you sense God does not want you to move forward with that decision  Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  Psalm 25:9

18.  13) Am I willing to trust God if He asks me to step forward?  Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.