Two Choices: Bad News or Good News By Major. Frank Materu

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." Deuteronomy 30:19 

In every situation and circumstance, there are always two choices before us: you can focus on the negative, on evil, or even on the enemy and report his works, or you can focus on God and declare His goodness, blessings, and mercies.

The choice you make determines what you will receive. 

If you focus on the bad and report it, you will receive negativity.

However, if you choose to focus on God and declare His goodness, you will receive His blessings.

This principle is evident in the story of the spies sent to Canaan.

While most of the spies brought back a negative report, only two—Joshua and Caleb—gave a good report, trusting in God's promises. 

Sadly, the Israelites chose to believe the bad report and missed out on the promised blessings, wandering in the wilderness for years.

Similarly, we are faced daily with this decision:

Will you choose to declare the good things of God or dwell on negativity? The choice is yours. 

Share God’s Praises. 

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." Hebrews 13:15 

Whenever someone seeks your opinion or advice, give God the glory and offer Him thanks.

Let your words reflect a heart of gratitude, for this is the ultimate testimony and declaration of faith.

Start each day with thanksgiving.

Meet your day as you would meet God—with praise, gratitude, and acknowledgment of His mercy and goodness.

When you approach life with this mindset, you honor God and open yourself to His blessings. 

Surrender Everything to God.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24 

Choosing the easy or seemingly right path in the eyes of man may bring temporary satisfaction or earthly reward, but it leads to fleeting glory.

However, when you choose God’s way, enduring and persevering to the end, you will receive the crown of life and eternal glory. 

The way of the cross leads to true life.

God’s standards remain unchanged, and if you are unwilling to surrender everything to Him and follow Him wholeheartedly, you risk missing out on the eternal reward. 

Speak Words that Glorify God: 

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."Proverbs 18:21 

When you allow fear, doubt, and unbelief to dominate your thoughts and words, you hinder what God desires to accomplish in your life.

Words of negativity block the light and life that God wants to bring into your situation. 

Instead, speak words of faith and trust that glorify God. By doing so, you allow Him to move freely on your behalf.

Remember the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, grumbling and failing to act on God’s commands. Don’t repeat their mistake. 

Lift up God through your words** and acknowledge that He is able to overcome the giants in your life.

Trust Him to protect and sustain you, knowing that your life is hidden in Him.

Victory is won in the spirit, and God is more than capable of handling the challenges before you. 

Rejoice in the Lord: 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 

Regardless of how circumstances appear, do not be discouraged.

Instead, rejoice, for the Lord your God is with you even in the midst of challenges.

By placing your trust in Him, you demonstrate faith that allows Him to act on your behalf. 

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." 

Deuteronomy 31:8 

Let joy and thanksgiving fill your heart, knowing that the Living God holds your life in His hands.

Conclusion: Choose Life

The decisions you make daily shape your journey and your destiny.

Choose to focus on God’s goodness, declare His praises, and surrender your life fully to Him.

When you do, you align yourself with His plans and receive His abundant blessings. 

As the psalmist declares:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

May your heart be filled with faith, your words bring glory to God, and your life reflect the joy of walking with Him.