One of the mental fortresses we battle is pride. Derek stresses that the essential condition for receiving the Word of God is humility. He shares that in the process of self-humbling we must put down pride and choose humility instead. As we do so in God’s sight, He will give us the grace to succeed.

We all have battles in our minds—in our thoughts. Our minds are at enmity with God, hostile to His Word, and need to be changed. Today Derek explains, through the Word and personal experience, how we must fight our way through discouragement, doubt, and fear to walk in victory in truth.

Derek confronts us with a decision today; whether we will choose blessings or curses. Blessings come upon us when we hear God and obey what He says. Curses come from not hearing and obeying. It is up to you to make the decision which course to take in your life.

Derek reads from the words of Moses to the people of Israel as they were preparing to cross into the Promised Land. They could choose life and blessing or death and cursing; Moses advised them to choose life. Later, Jesus presents us with choice. Will we choose Jesus (and life), or will we choose Satan, the thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy? We each have that choice.

Today Derek looks at character trait of humility, which is the decision to humble yourself. God tells us to humble ourselves and then He will exalt us. Whatever our circumstances are, we have the ability to choose whether we will take the road to humility, as Jesus did, or lower ourselves by being prideful in whatever form it may take.

Derek continues this week on the necessity of making decisions. Today he looks at the importance of forgiving others so that we will be forgiven by God. If we do not forgive why should God to forgive us and answer our prayers? Remember that forgiveness is not based on feelings; it is based on obedience to God’s Word.

Derek finishes this week by stressing the importance of responding to God when He speaks to you. Repeatedly ignoring or sidestepping His promptings can cause you to be rejected. This is not God’s will for you.

Today Derek makes the distinction between repentance and remorse. To repent means to change your mind (this is a decision), and then you must go in a different direction (this is the action you take). Remorse is an emotion, and not a decision. Repentance determines our destiny for time and eternity.

Derek teaches on making the decision to praise God in all circumstances, no matter whether we feel like it or not. Praise brings satisfaction to the ones who have made that willful decision. Have you decided to bless the Lord at all times and to have His praise continually in your mouth?

In today’s study Derek looks at two decisions made by David in Psalm 103. These decisions are to bless the Lord and to remember His benefits. “To bless the Lord” is to adopt a right attitude toward God—in humility, reverence, acknowledgment, and bowing. “To forget not” means we remember the blessings of the Lord; we focus our mind on the Lord’s benefits.