Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of decision-making is frequently associated with the pursuit of righteousness and the resulting blessedness. The Scriptures provide numerous examples where individuals' decisions, aligned with God's will, lead to divine favor and blessings.Abraham's Decision to Obey God Abraham's life is a profound testament to the blessedness of making decisions in obedience to God. When called to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him, Abraham's decision to obey resulted in significant blessings. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's promise: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Abraham's decision to follow God's command not only brought personal blessings but also established him as the patriarch of a nation. Ruth's Decision to Follow Naomi Ruth's decision to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and adopt her people and God is another example of decision-making leading to blessedness. Ruth 1:16 captures her commitment: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." Ruth's decision brought her into the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ, as noted in Matthew 1:5. Joshua's Call to Choose Whom to Serve Joshua's exhortation to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve underscores the importance of decision-making in the context of faithfulness to God. Joshua 24:15 states, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." The decision to serve the Lord brought the Israelites into a covenant relationship with God, promising them His protection and blessings. Solomon's Request for Wisdom Solomon's decision to ask God for wisdom instead of wealth or long life is a notable example of a decision that led to blessedness. In 1 Kings 3:9-12 , Solomon requests, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." God was pleased with Solomon's decision, granting him unparalleled wisdom and also bestowing upon him riches and honor. Mary's Acceptance of God's Will Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies the blessedness of decision-making through her acceptance of God's will. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Son of God, Mary's response in Luke 1:38 was, "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word." Her decision to embrace God's plan brought about the incarnation of Christ, a pivotal event in salvation history. The Apostles' Decision to Follow Christ The decision of the apostles to leave everything and follow Jesus is a powerful example of decision-making leading to spiritual blessedness. In Matthew 4:19-20 , Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Their immediate decision to follow Him resulted in their transformation into foundational leaders of the early Church, spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. Throughout the Bible, decisions made in alignment with God's will are consistently portrayed as pathways to blessedness. These decisions often require faith, courage, and a willingness to prioritize divine purposes over personal desires. The blessedness that follows is not only material or temporal but also spiritual and eternal, reflecting the deep relationship between obedience to God and the reception of His blessings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 1:7Only be you strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jesus as a Friend. Contents of the Caroline Books. Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Translated from Latin of Rufinus. Allegation 4 "We Teach that the Greatest Part of the Human Race ... The Prodigal Son. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... The National Preacher. Introductory Essays The Book of Enoch Resources What does the Bible say about decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.org Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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