NEED A COUNSELOR?
Daily Word - October 20, 2018 - Pastor Sheliah / www.GloryBarnBranson.com
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“Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2Cor.10:3-5)
God is always good, but honestly, sometimes, our lives don’t “feel like” we are in a “good place.” Especially when we are dealing with criticism, accusations, emotional issues that cut deep into the very fiber of our being (usually children, family or close associates).
The Church - has become a place that too often will try to “counsel” you about these depressing situations, and give you (i.e.) * 5-steps to overcome your depression, etc. Yes! We need a “Counselor” - but Jesus promised us that He was sending THE COUNSELOR - Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Spirit - John 14:16-17 (AMP): “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth.”
Too often we first run to someone else asking for their answers, when the truth is - the COUNSELOR lives within you - as you have received the fulness of the Power of Holy Spirit - you have received God’s Counselor - much better than any man.
(Although you might need a “reminder” to help get you on the right track, but a earthly “counselor” can help for a moment, but Holy Spirit LIVES IN YOU - He is your “constant companion!’)
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The Key to receiving from Him - to “Hearing God for Yourself” is found in the first verse, shared above … “Bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…” Read His Word and listen to the voice of God within you. He is speaking.
At one juncture in my life, I had what the world would call a “nervous breakdown”; couldn’t sleep for months; cried constantly; and never even got dressed during the day - sat around in bed clothes all day - and thought of all the “problems” I was facing.
At that time my oldest daughter was in her first year of college (way off in Virginia) and because I had all five of my children in just over six-years, I realized that in just a few years, they would all be gone from home. I imagined and could picture in my mind the worst (I thought) of situations that could happen to them. It was destroying me! My “stinking thinking” was my biggest enemy.
But as He always does, our loving Heavenly Father reminded me of that passage in 2 Corinthians 10, and I began to concentrate on the “Counselor of God.”
When my mind would go down one of those “rabbit trails” with all the lies and accusations that came to my mind, I began to “pull my thoughts back” - to the right path - the main path - KEEPING MY EYE ON JESUS - who stood with arms, wide open, just waiting for me to run into Him and receive His love, assurance and do what only He could do for me: DESTROY EVERY ARGUMENT , EVERY LOFTY OPINION THAT HAS BEEN RAISED UP AGAINST HIS KNOWLEDGE!
I began to remind myself every day of His blessings, His healing, His power to change and redeem my life, my body, my soul (mind, will and emotions). Literally writing down all the “good things” He would remind me of that He had already done for me.
In other words, I remembered who I really am and began to take the authority He has given each of us … to “bring my thoughts into alignment” with His plans, thoughts, and purpose for my life and for my children and family!
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12 When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.13-14 When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” GOD’s Decree. (Jer.29:11-13 MSG)
Perhaps you need that reminder today. I do!
Again, in recent days, I've been at the place where my mind is under attack from stinking thinking because I’ve listened to the accusations and been busy “self-examining” me - rather than looking to Jesus - still standing with His arms wide-open - just waiting for me to run into Him.
"He is my comforter, He is my Counselor, He is my strength, He is my Hope, Jesus is my everything!” And I am serious “about finding Him - more than anything else! And I will not be disappointed!”
Neither will you! He’s just waiting - get off that path of destruction and "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face! And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the Light of His Glory and Grace."
Blessings and Lots of Love, Shelia Hart Artt
#TheCounselofGod #TurnYourEyesUponJesus