" WISE COUNSEL "

Well here we are again, it's time for our weekly sharing moment. I truly look forward to our time together, you see I'm very comfortable when you're around. I believe that we all should seek out counsel at times of decision.

Proverbs 11:14 teaches us " Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of Counselors there is victory".
The word of God tells us that a good leader needs and calls on wise counselors. I believe that we all can agree that one person's perspective and understanding is severely limited; as he or she may not have all of the facts, or they may be vision less do to their bias, emotions, or wrong impressions.
For this reason we should seek the counsel of others and be open to their advice.

People with tunnel vision, you know who and what I mean. Those who are locked into one way of thinking, are very likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. Build a network of Ad visors, be open to new ideas and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully.
When ever I'm asked for anything I try my best to respond with thought out counsel. Allow God to pilot you as you trust in the word of God, one must realize that every good thing comes from God. As I take stock in my life I can clearly see that my dependence is in Jesus. Evaluate advice, ask if it is realistic, and consistent with biblical principles. Listen, you should seek advice from those more experienced and wiser. ADVICE IS HELPFUL ONLY IF IT IS CONSISTENT WITH GOD'S STANDARDS. We must ask God for wisdom and discernment before we make any decision, even the little ones. I believe that all of us may know from experience, just how making the wrong decision can become detrimental. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 " But examine everything carefully hold fast to that which is good ". Something that I was taught when I first got saved was to check every one's words against the Bible, " EXAMINE EVERYTHING". We should carefully check out what people say, accepting only what is proven through true and rejecting what is false. When you seek advice, listen carefully and use God's word to " EXAMINE EVERYTHING " carefully, hold fast to that which is good.

Don't seek God's advice if you're going to ignore it. Readers it does us no good to seek God's advice if we ignore it when it is given. You see real love for God is shown not by merely asking for direction, but by following that direction once it is given.

One last point with God's guidance we will always succeed. As Christians at some point in our walk we learn that love and kindness is paramount in our lives.
Love is able to give tough advice; it doesn't hedge around the truth. Jesus Christ loved us enough to die for us, and he also loves us enough to talk straight to us. Before we do anything we must learn to talk to God first. When we tend to be self sufficient, with a attitude that I can make this or that decision in my life, a derogatory moment becomes eminent.
Failing to seek God's guidance and rushing into a decision we can often find the opposite result of what we expected. When we are driven by fear, we tend to search every where for comfort, advice and relief, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubles. Instead, we should consult God.
Although he gives emergency help in a crisis, he prefers to be our guide throughout our lives by reading his word and actively seeking to do his will, we can maintain our bond with him who provides stability no matter what the crisis.

Have a great day in the Lord. Until next time...

Jim