GUIDED BY COUNSEL



 Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

In a world where many voices and influences exist, making life choices can sometimes be a difficult task and we often find ourselves seeking advice from others. But how can we tell if the counsel we receive is right or wrong? How do we ultimately decide what to accept? We must realize as believers that God’s word is always available to us as the ultimate counsel (Psalms 119:24).

SEIZE THE MOMENT



Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

  The phrase “there is time for everything” can never be overemphasized especially when you bear in mind the fact that your days on earth are numbered and someday you will be no more (Psalms 103:15). Why keep till tomorrow what ought to be done today when you are not sure of tomorrow? Your mandate as a Christian is to fully carry out the ministry that God has given to you which is preaching the good news of Christ.

There is never a perfect time for propagating the gospel of Christ. Remember that while you wait and hesitate, many souls await the harvest. It does not matter how unwilling they are or how long it takes to convert them. Be patient while preaching, correcting and rebuking them. By so doing, they will gradually come to the knowledge of the truth. You may be in an environment where it is difficult or unfavourable for you to preach the gospel but draw courage from Apostle Paul’s advice. Do not be afraid of facing trials and tribulations as long as they are for a good cause (v5).

As a Christian, can you honestly say to yourself, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race?” Are you pushing till tomorrow what you ought to do today because of one challenge or the other? God wants you to spread the good news. Remember that this is not in vain because a great prize which is the crown of righteousness awaits you (v6).

PRAYER: Lord, help me to capitalize on opportunities to preach the word so that more souls can come to the knowledge of the truth in Jesus name.

FAITH BYTE: I preach without ceasing. A crown of glory awaits me.

USE YOUR TONGUE WISELY



Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-4

“Don’t use fowl or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

The tongue is a mighty weapon that has the power to build or destroy depending on how it is used. It can make the difference in a conflict or dispute. There are also times when silence may be as required as words once spoken to another cannot be withdrawn and like broken glass may be nearly impossible to put back together. This means that your words can create problems.

WISDOM’S BEDROCK



Scripture: Proverbs 9:1-12

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom…” Proverbs 9:10 (NLT)

If it was possible to purchase wisdom with money, inherit it from parents or receive it as a reward for something, then it will be within the reach of all; both believers and unbelievers. The scriptures remind us that the fear of the Lord is the bedrock of wisdom. How can you make it through life without wisdom and how can you have wisdom without the fear of God?

THE ANT’S LESSON



Scripture: Proverbs 6:1-11

“Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23 (NLT)

Ants are widely known as industrious, diligent and well organized animals. They are self-driven and can work without leadership or supervision. They work hard to gather for rainy days and so they are never in lack no matter the weather (v8). Humans are created with more developed and advanced abilities.

LOYALTY PAYS



Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!...” Proverbs 3:3 (NLT)

 Feedback: Consider what it will take to always say the right words

Many people stay committed to things or people simply because they believe and expect they will receive favours from them. They do not believe in going through the thick and thin in any matter or relationship. For these people, if there is nothing to gain, then there is no place for them. Our commitment to anything should go beyond benefits,

WISDOM’S TREASURE



Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-13

“Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures” Proverbs 2:4 (NLT)

Knowledge is gotten through learning and experience but wisdom is a unique gift from God that can be gotten by earnestly seeking for it from God for He alone gives wisdom (v6). If, for example, you realize that your house is sitting on an oil well, nothing else will be relevant until you have dug and discovered the oil. This should be the mindset of any one whose desire is to acquire wisdom.

SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS



Scripture: Proverbs 20:1-12

 “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and who never sins” Ecclesiastes 7:20 (AMP)

The overconfident and self-righteous Christian is a source of constant offense to God (Proverbs 8:13). He is also a discouragement to other believers because they will find it difficult to relate with him due to his claim of perfection. When Christians act self-righteous, they push others away because their lifestyle appears unattainable and unrealistic.

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS



Scripture: Matthew 26:47-56

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)

Emotions are a very sensitive part of our lives. This is because, if not properly managed and controlled, it can have a detrimental impact on our lives. Not every situation deserves a reaction especially when aimed at belittling your faith.

REMEMBER EVERY KINDNESS



Scripture: Judges 8:29-35

“But then I recall all you have done…” Psalm 77:11a (NIV)

Not long after Gideon died, the children of Israel forgot God and also did not remember the kindness that Gideon had shown them. They returned to the worship of Baal. They allowed the killing of all but one of Gideon’s sons and made the killer their king.

CHRISTLIKE ATTITUDE



Scripture: Proverbs 22:1-18

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

 It is imperative to be a source of relief to the poor amongst us and to help them the best way we can. Unfortunately, many avoid this and shy away from obeying this God-given command. We often prefer to give to the rich, who themselves live in abundance, in the erroneous belief that giving to the rich will bring us favour and reward.

GOD IS ORDERLY



Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace - as in all the congregations of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)

Folklore and myths are traditional beliefs and customs of a community passed down through word of mouth across several generations. Some of these traditions can hinder our spiritual growth, therefore, God makes it clear that we must completely do away with these old and detrimental belief systems in our lives if we must live effectively as true Christians.

USE THE RIGHT WORDS



Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-24

“...And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Proverbs 15:23b (KJV)

 Feedback: Consider what happen when you pray for others.

 We communicate with people everyday as we go about our routine activities using words as our primary tool. Our choice of words in communicating is thus essential as it leaves specific impressions about us and trigger certain reactions from others.

DIVINE ENABLEMENT



Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enable me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 1 Timothy 1:12 (KJV)

Certain persons today enjoy benefits and favour in positions they seem not best suited or qualified for. There are others whose past were totally in desolation but have found complete fullness in their lives today. This is evidence of God’s divine enablement and favour. One thing becomes clear when divine enablement is at work – it goes beyond your asking and ability.

THE SECRET PLACE



Scripture: Psalm 91:1-6

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

 The secret place of the Most High is the place of prayer. Prayer is an intimate conversation between you and your Father the living God of heaven and earth. It is a place of interaction and bonding with God. It is a sure way of spending time with God and a means to abide under the Shadow of his protection (v1).

OBTAIN A GOOD REPORT



Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-16

 “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:7 (KJV)

The bible recognizes that in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and earth, some to honour and others to dishonour (2 Timothy 2:20). This implies that, although many come to church and profess to love and serve God, their actions may not please God or bring glory to him. This is why it goes on to warn that everyone who names the name of the Lord should depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).

LIVE RIGHT



Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 (NLT)

 We live in a society where nothing seems to be evil anymore. Perverse behaviours and actions that were unthinkable in the past are permitted and celebrated in the world. There is a high level of compromise even in the body of Christ. We must refuse to condone these or allow them corrupt and influence our thinking or perspective.

ENGAGE YOUR GIFT



Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

 “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” 1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV)

There is absolutely no one in life that does not have a gift put in him by God. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that many do not realize that they have been given a gift. Others, on the other hand, neglect to put theirs to use. A gift that has not been discovered and put to use cannot benefit you or others.

HEART OF THE MATTER


Scripture: Proverbs 4:21-27

 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

There is something really special about the heart of man. The prophet Samuel revealed that God does not evaluate people by outward appearance, but he looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The heart can also be blind thus apostle Paul prayed for the saints that "the eyes of your heart may be enlightened" (Ephesians 1:18).

PRESENT YOUR CASE



Scripture: Numbers 27:1-11

 “Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case...” Isaiah 43:26 (NLT)

Feedback: How refreshing was your study of the word of God?

God can play any role we desire him to in our lives. We can relate with him as Creator, King, Father, Lord, Provider, Healer and more. However, we sometimes forget that he can also be a righteous Judge (Psalm 97:2). It is this role that ensures that the upright receives justice and eternal blessing. As Christians, we miss out on a lot when we fail to relate to God as our righteous Judge.

THE GOOD FOUNDATION



Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-21

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:21 (NLT )

 The world’s advice for people who wish for financial freedom and stability is to ensure a portfolio of savings and investments that enables them to take care of present and future needs. Sometimes, in the quest to secure this good life, you can compromise to the standards of the world and rob yourself of the opportunity for true riches that comes from doing what really counts to God.

INTERCEDE FOR THE CHURCH


Scripture: Daniel 9:1-19

 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf…” I Timothy 2:1 (NLT)

 The end time is near, and the Church, more than ever before, is experiencing many of the signs foretold in scriptures. Many false prophets abound in our midst. Innocent and naive Christians are deceived with false teachings and doctrines. Many other believers, who are mature and committed to the faith are intimidated, persecuted and even killed in various parts of the world.

GODLY WISDOM



Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-13

 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (KJV)

In seeking for wisdom, every believer must know that there are two types - the wisdom from God and the wisdom of the world. Without a clear picture of this, the believer that begins with godly wisdom may end up influenced, operating and entrapped by worldly wisdom.

This issue can play out in the marketplace where Christians who start out honest and fair in their dealings become swayed by the seemingly successful ways of unbelievers.

BE TEACHABLE




Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-12

“There is severe discipline for him who turns from the way (of righteousness); And he who hates correction will die.” Proverbs 15:10 (AMP)

Many believers are practicing Christianity at their convenience. Many choose to ignore instructions from the church leadership; some take their leaders for granted, while others customize instructions to suit their self-interest.

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT




Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 “Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (AMP)

A tree cannot make a forest; it needs other trees to create one.. Similarly, your prayer alone is not enough to handle all the challenges that can confront you. You need to tap into the power of fellowship and agreement. You need to have believers who can join voice with you in prayer for an optimal and fruitful Christian experience (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

GIVE TO RECEIVE



Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-31

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (KJV)

Many believers suffer from lack due to their disobedience to the most basic principle of wealth creation - giving. Obedience to God’s command to give is an act of submission to him. Giving is an affirmation of our love for God. It also symbolizes our acknowledgement that he is the provider of all we have (James 1:17).

The fear of lack and an uncertain future prevent many from keying into the blessings that come from giving.

FAITH TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE



Scripture: Matthew 17:14-21

 “And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain,remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

Feedback: How refreshing was your personal time with God?

Faith can be referred to as believing in God and what he can do, and acting on that belief. You cannot profess your faith when you do not act accordingly. It is important to recognize that the life of a Christian will amount to nothing without an unwavering belief in God’s ability to do the impossible because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews. 11:6)

TAKE GOD’S WORK SERIOUSLY



Scripture: Haggai 1:1-10

 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

It is common to see people give 100% to their careers but treat the work of God with carelessness and levity. They perform tasks at levels far below their potentials and capabilities, believing that their secular jobs are more important because they receive direct financial reward.