Wonderful Counselor

 This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

Unconditional love and omniscience, that’s what makes Christ our Wonderful Counselor.

Throughout life we will have a myriad of counselors. It’s starts with our parents and grandparents; they direct our lives, guiding us, instructing us and teaching us to know right from wrong.

But in all their years of wisdom they aren’t omniscient. Only God knows everything. Only God sees eternity past and our eternal future. He alone provides perfect insight and instruction.

“The Lord’s teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord’s rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise. The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy. The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live.

Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are right.
They are completely fair. 1His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb. 11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.” Psalm 19:7-11 ERV

He’s never given bad advice – never. He’s never drawn a wrong conclusion or made a judgment out of malice. He’s never gone back and changed his mind because of political correctness or because more information has surfaced. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

His Word is infallible, His judgments are pure and righteous and He is easy to reach – no appointment necessary. No waiting – come right in!

 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Visiting this Counselor will cost us nothing, but it isn’t free. It cost Him everything. He died to give us mercy and grace.

Set up your “counselling” appointment today, rest in Him and find help in your time of need!

Completely Committed

You may be familiar with this cute little story about some farm animals.

They lived on the farm of a wonderfully kind man, Farmer Brown. One morning the animals got to talking as farm animals often do and decided they would like to do something nice for Farmer Brown.

Finally, they thought they had devised a good plan. They would make a hearty breakfast for Farmer Brown. The chicken clucked, “I will bring the eggs”. The cow mooed, “I will provide the milk and the butter”. The pig was silent for quite some time and then he grunted, “A hearty breakfast is something you both can participate in without much effort but for me it’s a complete commitment”.

That’s how it is for me when I read God’s word. I have vowed to be completely committed. Situations and circumstances test that resolve. Do I compromise my integrity? Do I give in to fear or let doubt take over, removing me from my stand on God’s word? Or do I remain true to my resolve and stand completely committed?

This is the answer I found in Psalms this morning.

Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. 106 Your laws are fair, and I have given my word to respect them all. 107 I am in terrible pain! Save me, Lord, as you have promised. 108 Accept my offerings of praise and teach me your laws. 109 I never forget your teachings, although my life is always in danger. 110 Some merciless people are trying to trap me, but I never turn my back on your teachings. 111 They will always be my most prized possession and my source of joy. 112 I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what.’ Psalm 119:105-112 CEV

I don’t know what kind of danger the psalmist was experiencing, nor have I ever felt my life was in danger from merciless people but many around the world have. Everyday Christians in other countries are being persecuted and tortured because of their faith; many have died rather than deny Christ.

I want my resolve to be “I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what”.

“As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLV

I don’t just want to participate in my walk with Christ; I want to be completely committed.