"Bill, since we're both here, let's do it together." So, we did. I played the piano and led in hymns and he brought the message, bringing a word that made my heart glad. Responding to the Spirit in that IDM, made possible a fun few moments of collaboration with another pastor from my town. What a contrast to the last time the same kind of situation arose a few months ago. That Sunday, as I was setting up for the service in walked a couple of ladies from a local church. When they appeared not to notice that I was already there and getting ready for the service, I just slipped out the side door - and let irritation at my being inconvenienced burn up the rest of the Sunday afternoon! What a difference a quick choice to obey the Spirit's voice made yesterday.
IDM's are an everyday part of my life and yours.
- When your husband comes in the door with anger etched into his face, there is an Instant Decision Moment: confront him or comfort him.
- When someone who works for you misses the mark by a mile, there is an Instant Decision Moment: work for positive change or end the relationship.
- When temptation comes offering temporary pleasure, there is an IDM: yield and sin or tell the Devil or his messenger to leave in the Name of Jesus.
This week you're going to make hundreds of decisions, some of little consequence, some with the potential for major effect on your life and/or the life of another. A current conversation with the Spirit, an ear tuned to His voice, and a mind full of the Wisdom of the Scripture will help you to choose the best especially when a decision is required in the instant. One of the ways I prepare for the IDM moments in my life is to talk with the Lord - first thing in the morning. When I awaken, as I'm getting myself dressed for the day, I ask Him to keep me in a place where I am ready to respond to His leadership. I ask Him to fill me with the insight I need to see the story behind the story. I don't want to be trying to get into the right frame of mind to when an IDM is right in front of me.
In the book of Proverbs, the writer personifies Wisdom. She is said to be calling out, offering to lead the way. Are you listening?May the words of Wisdom go deep into your heart and mind today, so that you will walk as a wise one, revealing wisdom - even in your IDM's!
"I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. "When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm."
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God." (Proverbs 1:24-2:5, NLT)
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