Decision Determines Destiny - Ruth 1:1-7

- this story happened during one of the darket times in Israel when ppl were engaged in all sorts of immoral activities, idolizing other gods, materialism etc.. (very much like our world today..)
- Deut 11:16-17 condition of ppl = condition of the land (in this case famine)

- Elimelech had moved to Moab (enemy territory, instead of staying in the land God promised Him) for a while (v.1) cos of his sons
- he and Naomi wanted to preserve them but ended up still losing them
- this moving to Moab was a decision made by himself, hence Pastor Benny Ho defined Moab as the world's reasoning w/o spiritual values, doing things our way instead of God's way.

Another example would be
- Genesis 12:10, Abram's fleshy decisions which resulted in him lying about his wife and Haggai

*We can't get out of our problems by making carnal decisions!

- Both men made wrong decision cos they asked God how to get out of the situation instead of WHY they were in it in the first place. (applies to our lives in terms of $$$, relationships etc)

However,
- 2 Sam 21:1-2, David sought the face of God
- when we seek God, we hear him and we put things right

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How to Avoid making Moabic Decisions?

1) Walk by Faith, not by Sight
- don't let circumstances overrle God's truth
- don't play God, trust God
- don't jump, stand in the presence of God (minds will be clearer)
Faith is taking hold of God, holding onto God & not letting go of Him.

2) Focus on the Spiritual more than the Physical
- Matt 6:33, put God first! Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.
- Be single minded, not have multiple allegiance
- what we see is only temporary, what we don't see is eternal
- fix our eyes on the future, wat's eternal (Heb 11:13-16)
- spend more time wif God and den we can break out of SAD (spiritual affective disorder)

3) Think Long-term not Short-term
- don't choose short term gains!

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And finally remember we can take comfort that even if we have gone the wrong way, God can reverse what the devil has used for harm. Ultimately God can give us a new beginning because of His grace. He is sovereign!

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That's it.. What I learnt from sermon yesterday. I just felt like I had to put this here.. I dunno y.. I hope it helps you or that something will hit you, whoever you are, reading this..

Tash @ 4:59 PM