In one of the most powerful bible prayers, found in Colossians 1:9-10, the apostle Paul asks God for His wisdom and knowledge to fill His people: "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
To live a blessed, victorious life you must seek and walk according to God's counsel daily.
Today's word to describe God is "Counselor."
Devotion
When you need advice or wisdom to handle life challenges, do you go to God first in prayer? Or do you go to family or friends, only seeking God when you are out of other options?
It pains me to admit this, but for years the latter described how I approached challenges. Even though Jesus was my Savior, I didn't yet know Him as Counselor. But then, I had a revelation; Hebrews 11:3 says that the worlds were framed by God's word. Wouldn't it make sense to frame my world by God's word to avoid preventable problems? And wouldn't it make sense to seek the architect of the whole world for other problems that arise first? After all, He has the higher view of the situation, whereas others have a limited view like I do.
In Isaiah 30:1-2, the prophet warned the children of Israel about seeking answers from others and not seeking God: "Woe to the rebellious children," says the Lord, "Who take counsel, but not of Me, And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, That they may add sin to sin; Who walk to go down to Egypt, And have not asked My advice, To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, And to trust in the shadow of Egypt!"
Just imagine - the people of Israel had a history of enslavement from the Egyptians and now they were seeking help from them rather than the God who brought them out of slavery! Needless to say, this plan didn't work out well. Things went downhill, which was the direction in which the scriptures said they were walking.
Here's a popular saying you may have heard: "When you need help, go to the throne not to the phone!"
Now suppose you have prayed about a situation, but are unsure if the answer you are hearing is really God's will? My pastor recently gave us seven questions to ask to know if a decision is God's will. This may help you too:
1. Will this action benefit myself, my family, or my health?
2. Is it in line with God's Word?
3. Will this bring glory and honor to God?
4. Will this keep me free from compromise?
5. (If married) Will this action enhance my marriage?
6. Is the timing right (i.e. you have a burning desire to take action now)?
7. Do I have peace about it?
I pray with every decision, that you seek God first and then counsel from Godly men and women as God leads you. The true mark of maturity in Christ is to make decisions according to the Spirit of God. When you do that, you can be confident that you are walking upward in the direction of God's high calling for your life.
Meditation Scripture
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Be blessed in Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Take Back Your Temple
www.takebackyourtemple.com
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