Problem Solving

PROBLEM SOLVING

IDENTIFY, RECTIFY, VERIFY

I’m not talking about “car won’t start”, “water heater” is broke, Etc. All though it works for those too.

IDENTIFY- What IS the problem and why do we have it?

          What- Most of the time it is obvious- name some…relationship problems, no job, no home etc.

Why- Many occur due to “The pursuit of unsatisfied desires without regard to cost or consequences” Let’s look at scripture-Romans 8:5-8  Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

I am NOT suggesting that all problems are Sin problems, however many of them are, most show at least a lack of wisdom and the answers are in the BOOK. (BIBLE)

          Pride-  A “My way or the highway” attitude. There is much in the Bible about pride and the problems it creates. Sometimes pride causes us to put on “blinders” because we are the problem or it seems too serious to deal with.

          Ignorance- “Here’s yer sign” Look around. You probably can figure it out if you think about it. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

          Deceived- “There’s more than one way to look at things” see text? And we think our way is the only way, this is Self-Justification- the act or instance of making excuses for one’s own behavior. Find out what GOD’s way is.

          Selfish- “I’m all that”> we are told not to think to highly of ourselves. Romans 12:3 for by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

RECTIFY- Repair and maintain, how?  It is sometimes a long process. There is usually no quick fix.

                   Study-   Read GOD’s word to really see what it says, Bible study try the “Discovering God” Bible study. It’s on the AgapePoint website.

                   Learn- “Practice what is preached”. Seek wise counsel. In Proverbs 15:22 we are told; Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

The whole book of Proverbs is great for wisdom! Ask Pastors, Teachers, parents and others you know who have given good advice.

Also from the Military the 6 P’s- Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!

                    Pray- Don’t forget it is a two way street. Pray just like you are talking to a friend, and wait and listen for his answer in your heart and mind and your Spirit. If you have trouble praying use these examples;

ACTS,

Adoration-(praise)  tell him he is Lord of your life;

Confession- Tell him what you have been doing wrong;

Thanksgiving- Thank him for what he has done; list some of your blessings…;

Supplication – (asking, pleading) tell him what you need help with. Or follow The Lord’s Prayer as found in Matthew 6:9-13 as part of the Sermon on the Mount and Luke 11:2-4 to his disciples.

 

VERIFY- The proof- Let’s look at the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance(patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I recommend you read the entire chapter. Many good Do’s and don’ts s.

                   Relationships- “Takes one to know one” See if maybe others you are in relationship with are showing good “fruit”, even if they are not you are still required to do so. Maybe they are but you just did not see it until you took another look.

                   Ministry- “Living proof” watch and see if what you share with others is better, truer, and more Godly. Showing greater wisdom on your part.

                   Peace of mind- “A good night’s sleep”, I believe this is one thing we all want and need. We are given instructions on how to do this and it is His desire for us to have peace of mind, sometimes this is the most significant verification. “You know in your knower”

                   Testimony-“I’m a believer”. The best testimonies are lived not spoken. Prove by how you live daily. People pay more attention to what you do than what you say.

Verifying that the problem is solved may take some time and can be an ongoing process.

I want to share these words from Christ himself-

 MATTHEW 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

 

I want to leave you with one more verse. Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.