OzThoughts Tuesday 29th December 2009

OzThoughts Tuesday 29th December 2009

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9: 6 New International Version).


Isaiah predicts one of the names of Jesus will be “Wonderful Counsellor”. I have met some people who think they are mighty and wonderful counselors. They attack every problem with an open mouth and seem to love people depending on them for advice.

I am sure Jesus was not like that. He did have some understanding he wished to share and what he gave was good counsel. However, he would have listened carefully to people to understand them. He did not quickly treat them as the stereotypes that were popular at the time.

As he sat on a mountainside talking to his disciples, he showed them patterns for living that could be considered successful lifestyles:


3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11 "Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.
12 You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even!-for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. Matthew 5 (The Message)


PRAYER;

Heavenly Father, help me to listen to the words of Jesus. I pray that my life will be blessed because I live as he would have me live. Amen.


[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3524.mp3 ]


There's no other name but this name,
And no other name will do.
There's no other name but Jesus
For folk like me and you.
For no other name brings pardon
And sets everybody free,
There's no other name but Jesus
For you and me.

Say, is there a name to live by?
Is there a name for joy?
Is there a name to change men,
Their hate and greed destroy?
Have we a name for healing?
Have we a name for peace?
Have we a name for freedom,
Deliverance and release?

Say, is there a name for meaning?
Is there a name for might?
Is there a name for mercy,
A name for life and light?
Have we a name for laughter?
Have we a name for grace?
Have we a name for glory
Transcending time and space?

Say, is there a name for pardon?
Is there a name for power?
Is there a name to guide us
Each day and every hour?
Have we a name for cleansing?
Have we a name for care?
Have we a name for all men
For always, everywhere?
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 71
Author: John Gowans

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