Proverbs 20:18
Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Often, I will see a post on Facebook from someone planning a trip… “Where’s a good place to stay in Destin?” “How was the weather at Such-and-Such destination last week?” “What are the gas prices like down toward Disneyland?” The advice of someone who has “been there/done that” on a vacation can be very helpful to someone who is still in the planning stages. And it makes perfect sense to ask. Wouldn’t you want to know the best restaurants and motels, cheapest places to get gas, and best times of day to visit certain attractions and avoid long lines?
If you study history, you will see that even back to Old Testament days, people consulted others before starting – or participating in – a war. Strategy was discussed – what worked and what did not, which routes were best, what would happen if this approach or that one were taken, and more. And the right advice often made a huge difference in the outcome.
So what does this have to do with our faith walk? God is using this verse to remind us to seek HIS advice and the advice of fellow believers before making big decisions. Don’t get the advice of just anyone. Seek someone who seems to have a strong connection with God… someone who is known to make wise decisions in his/her own daily living… someone who you are certain prays and studies God’s word before making the first move.
Quite often, God will use others to guide us in the right direction, so find a couple of trustworthy people to consult when you are in need of sound advice. Be sure you ask God to choose these “go-to” advisors for you. He will point you in their direction and make it crystal clear to you that these are the right folks to help you.
God did not call us to serve Him by ourselves. He wants us to interact and lean on one another for help… and that includes sound advice. Find your “go-to” friends and catalog their contact info. When a decision arises, ask God to point you in the right direction… and He will show you who to ask and how to proceed. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have decided according to His will… and your choices will be solid as a Rock.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 14, 2010
Proverbs 12:6
Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever trapped a “critter” – even a mouse, you know that one of the key components of a successful trap is good bait. Raw bacon works particularly well for several varmints, because it is enticing, yet slippery and hard to grab without getting caught. Contrast the image of a trap for a pesky critter with the pen or cage in which you keep your pet, perhaps to keep him/her safe from other animals (even the two-legged kind!) outside. Maybe you even have a dog house or shed that serves as a shield for your pet against the elements of everyday weather … sun, rain, heat, cold, and more.
Now think about receiving bad advice – and acting on it versus the benefits of good advice - and how it affects your life. If you have ever received – and taken – bad advice, you know it can affect you as seriously as a deadly trap and may cause you mental, emotional, and/or physical ruin. Good advice, though, can protect you from making costly mistakes. Good advice can bring you blessings and joy and positive outcomes and shield you from the hardships of life.
Learning to recognize whether advice is good or bad often comes with experience and maturity. But praying about advice – before you give it or take it – can make a huge difference. Asking yourself if the advice lines up with the word of God also helps. Asking God to guide your steps and give you wisdom and discernment is another vital component.
Often, bad advice looks good on the surface. Sometimes we want to take bad advice, even when we know we shouldn’t … like when a friend says, “C’mon … go to the party… what can it hurt?” or your boss says, “If anybody asks, you don’t know anything about this,” or even when someone tells you, “Trust me … I’ll take care of everything,” and you know this is really never going to happen.
We must learn to analyze advice based on wisdom and discernment – and prayerful guidance from God … not the whims and desires of our heart. This is the “bacon” in Satan’s traps … and it will get us caught in a life of disappointment, misery, and possibly serious trouble. Whether we are taking advice from someone else – or doling it out ourselves – we need to prayerfully consider every angle and make sure that God is in the details … and shielding us all the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever trapped a “critter” – even a mouse, you know that one of the key components of a successful trap is good bait. Raw bacon works particularly well for several varmints, because it is enticing, yet slippery and hard to grab without getting caught. Contrast the image of a trap for a pesky critter with the pen or cage in which you keep your pet, perhaps to keep him/her safe from other animals (even the two-legged kind!) outside. Maybe you even have a dog house or shed that serves as a shield for your pet against the elements of everyday weather … sun, rain, heat, cold, and more.
Now think about receiving bad advice – and acting on it versus the benefits of good advice - and how it affects your life. If you have ever received – and taken – bad advice, you know it can affect you as seriously as a deadly trap and may cause you mental, emotional, and/or physical ruin. Good advice, though, can protect you from making costly mistakes. Good advice can bring you blessings and joy and positive outcomes and shield you from the hardships of life.
Learning to recognize whether advice is good or bad often comes with experience and maturity. But praying about advice – before you give it or take it – can make a huge difference. Asking yourself if the advice lines up with the word of God also helps. Asking God to guide your steps and give you wisdom and discernment is another vital component.
Often, bad advice looks good on the surface. Sometimes we want to take bad advice, even when we know we shouldn’t … like when a friend says, “C’mon … go to the party… what can it hurt?” or your boss says, “If anybody asks, you don’t know anything about this,” or even when someone tells you, “Trust me … I’ll take care of everything,” and you know this is really never going to happen.
We must learn to analyze advice based on wisdom and discernment – and prayerful guidance from God … not the whims and desires of our heart. This is the “bacon” in Satan’s traps … and it will get us caught in a life of disappointment, misery, and possibly serious trouble. Whether we are taking advice from someone else – or doling it out ourselves – we need to prayerfully consider every angle and make sure that God is in the details … and shielding us all the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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