The Four Realms of Decisions: Bad, Good, Better and Best

Recently my oldest Son and younger Brother are in the process of making some very important and

personal decisions (neither effecting each other).  My Brother Erik, is familiar with this teaching that I am going to give, however I have made some changes he is unaware of.  My oldest Son Joshua has not heard this nor has any of my other children.  I believe this can have immense benefit during any decision, opportunity, dilemma or circumstance.  Let me explain.

When ANYTHING happens to us or even others, we determine what it's effect will be based on what area I / you rank or order it in.  For example; you go to the doctor and you discover you have cancer.  I think it would be safe to say that we all would say that is "BAD".  Now that the dilemma has been categorized, the affected party starts to deal and process the ramifications from the stand point of where it is ranked.  Conversely, you go to work and receive an unexpected bonus, at the very least we would say that was "GOOD".  I refer to this as "The Four Realms", whether it is processing something or making a decision about something, we will initially place that "something" into one of four areas; Bad, Good, Better or Best.

OK Ernie, SO WHAT?  The "so what" is most of the time we categorize what is going on or happening to us in the immediate present only to find out later (sadly much later) that we didn't discern correctly.  Discernment should be at the top of most Christian prayer list, yet it is GREATLY LACKING in the church today.  How can I say that?  Simple, I see the lack of it in peoples lives every week.  A definition for Discernment is Godly Wisdom, Good Judgement and Divine Insight.  Where does it come from and or how do you get it?
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy One is understanding.

It starts with a Relationship with The Lord Jesus;
James 1:5-7 NLT  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  
(6)  But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.  Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  
(7)  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

There are many many more scriptures but we will move on.  NOW GET THIS: Not every gift or opportunity is from God?  The question we need to ask first is what Realm or Realms does God operate in and which does the devil?  Typically people will say the devil is in the "BAD" and God wants the "BEST" for us.  My Children (Breana, Joshua, Corina, Caleb) most of the time what we think is "BAD" God does not.  As a wise friend once told me; "Tragedy is God's greatest tool for getting our attention!"  Better to suffer from a terrible disease and be drawn to Jesus and gain eternity, than live a long life of rejecting Him and end up in hell - you make the call?

The devil does operate in the "BAD" because he is, and God is the only One who can make the "BAD" "GOOD".

John 10:10 NKJV  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Genesis 50:20 NKJV  But as for you (satan), you meant evil (bad) against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

The devil most often operates in the realm of "BETTER"?  He doesn't mind you having something as long as it is not God's "BEST" for you.  Satan steals the 'BEST" by sudden opportunities of "BETTER".  Ernie, why would anyone take "BETTER" over "BEST"?  That is a great question.  We often miss God's "BEST" because we are willing to settle for less, especially if it is quicker and more readily available.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT  For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  
(12)  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  
(13)  If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.  
(14a)  I will be found by you," says the LORD.

The "future and a hope" God is talking about is not "BETTER" than you think, it is the "BEST"!!!

Let me tell this true story;

My neighbor was a construction worker up North many years ago.  While working on a special job, he was injured and broke both of his legs (that was bad).  Because he was working a special job his pay was more than usual, consequently he made that "more" amount during the whole time he was recuperating (that was good).  In order to get better, his legs had to heal then one was re broken at a time and straightened out and had to heal again.  A process which took two plus years.  During the same time their youngest son developed some terminal disease (that is bad).  The child died just prior to his legs completely healing.  My neighbor was able to stay home EVERYDAY with his son up until the boy died.  He tells me that injury was the BEST thing that could have happened, because he would not have been able to spend that same amount of time with his son.

Proverbs 4:1-7 NLT  My children (Breana, Joshua, Corina, Caleb), listen when your father instructs you.  Pay attention and learn good judgment,  

(2)  for I am giving you good guidance.  Don't turn away from my instructions.  

(3)  For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved as my mother's only child.  

(4)  My father taught me, "Take my words to heart.  Follow my commands, and you will live.  

(5)  Get wisdom; develop good judgment.  Don't forget my words or turn away from them. 

(6)  Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.  Love her, and she will guard you. 

(7)  Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!  And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT  My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words.  

(21)  Don't lose sight of them.  Let them penetrate deep into your heart,  

(22)  for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.  

(23)  Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  

(24)  Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.  

(25)  Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  

(26)  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.  

(27)  Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Seek God's will to discover His "BEST" for you my children.

DADDO loves you and supports you...

The Home is No Sanctuary When Mothers Compete With Their Daughters

Last week I picked on (myself) the men, so Ladies - actually moms, this ones for you? Several years ago my wife noticed that it appeared as if more mothers were trying to dress down and act like their daughters than having their daughters act like adults.  At the time I didn't give it a thought, however since we received a teenage daughter last year I am noticing it more and more.  Isn't the mother suppose to influence the daughter instead of the other way around?


Now before you think this is a fashion thing and nothing more, check out Erika Thomas' article "Moms That Dress Like Teenagers".  In this article she writes;


Sadly, many girls today couldn’t hope for such a support system, because their very source for emotional support has become their competition when their own mother tries to dress and act just like them. 

Trying to outrun the hands of father time, these moms stop at nothing to fit into the tiniest clothes, go tanning, get hair extensions and so forth, all in the hopes of appearing more youthful and in the process becoming the competition for, and thus almost the adversaries of their own daughters.



Nothing wrong with wanting to look good ladies but you've have to ask: who is the role model in this relationship?

"Just Because We Are Right, We Don't Have To Be Mean About It!"

The above quote was made by my good friend and former Pastor, Stacy Dyer during a Wednesday night service awhile back.  Both my brother, Erik and I looked at each other and smiled.  The reason we smiled is that when I "argue my point to victory" (it is a battle with me) I drive the point home with little compassion.  Sad but true - I'm working on it, I'm working on it.

Pastor Dyer was teaching out of the New Testament Book of Romans (referred to as Law School) in Chapter 1.  This particular passage talks about Homosexuality.  Today you can hardly watch prime time television without the media portraying it as normal and healthy - GIVE ME A BREAK!  Besides God's word telling us it is wrong and destructive, my former Law Enforcement occupation has shown me it can be violent and deadly.  Even "history" shows that the nations that openly embrace homosexuality fall shortly thereafter.

Pastor Dyer's position was to love the sinner (any sinner) and hate the sin.  Spewing angry or hateful statements or demeaning opinions, no matter if they are right - does not give us the right to be mean!  My remarks above could fall into that category.  He is right.  I am called to be "light & salt" not a spot-light and a water hose?

As the song says:  "And they know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they'l know we are Christians by our love..."