Saturday, December 28, 2013

What wise counsel!

From today's devotional


How does God make His will known? The Book of Proverbs tells us "in the multitude of counselors, there is safety." This hits upon an important truth...the Lord often reveals His will through the counsel and advice of other people.


The Apostles had reached a critical juncture in the Book of Acts. They were warned by the religious authorities to stop talking about Jesus. They kept on sharing and were arrested. Eventually, their captors grew so incensed that they were ready to kill them on the spot. But one of their own spoke up and said something: 


A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people...said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men...I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing...but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest you even be found to fight against God." (Acts 5:34-39 NKJV)


It was God's will that the Apostles continue to live and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But it's interesting that it was the counsel of a Pharisee named Gamaliel (someone from the other side) that wound up saving the Apostle's lives. The Lord used the advice of this man to accomplish His will.


That's an extreme example, because it involves someone who wasn't dialed into God's agenda. But if the Lord was able to use Gamaliel's counsel, imagine somebody who knows the Lord intimately and wants to be used by Him. At some point in time, God is going to use his or her counsel to convey His plan.


Surround yourself with people who have a strong connection with the Lord, and be open to hearing Him define His will through their counsel. 


How does God make His will known? The Book of Proverbs tells us "in the multitude of counselors, there is safety." This hits upon an important truth...the Lord often reveals His will through the counsel and advice of other people. Surround yourself with people who have a strong connection with the Lord, and be open to hearing Him define His will through their counsel. 


Think about it...


What does this passage reveal to me about God?


What does this passage reveal to me about myself?


Based on this, what changes do I need to make?


What is my prayer for today?