by Victoria Heinecke

God’s way.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Choose this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15 English Standard Version

Life is full of decisions. Chocolate or vanilla? The red t-shirt or the blue one? Regular or decaf… umm, regular please. At least some decisions are easier than others.

Sometimes a decision is suggested for us. A restaurant may offer a special on a meal. We may wear a commemorative t-shirt at a 5K or community walk. A sign may suggest our destination would be better reached by following an arrow.

Decision making in a sinful world can be challenging, because many of our choices are defined as “enter here.” Who gives us that decision? If we decide to follow the direction, what will the consequences be?

That depends on who posted the sign.

When God gives the direction, it is for our benefit and directs us to live a peaceful life.

When the direction comes from the enemy, however, it is a temptation and it is never for our well-being. He is filled with lies and will do anything to separate us from the love of God. Some of his temptations look innocuous. A food may taste good and provide sustenance, but too much food may lead to health issues. A friendship can turn into an illicit affair. A civil discussion on social media can lead to vitriol and name-calling.

One way to discern if the direction is from God is to turn to his Word, and stay in it regularly. He loves us and would never tell us to do something that might harm us. The more time we spend with God, the less likely it is that we will stumble and go in a direction that is not his.

When we err and experience the consequence of sin, the Good News is that we are forgiven by God! Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, our repentance restores us to a right relationship with God.

“I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds … I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Hebrews 10:16b-17 English Standard Version

Look for the signs, and God will show you the way.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado