Introduction to the Devout Life Pt1 Ch4: The Need of a Guide
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah4
Heb 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Many advisers, counselors and directors have been set before us to teach us and guides in spiritual matters yet we still chase after the faulty wisdom of the world that can no more lead to our Heavenly destination than a dead horse can pull a carriage into the barn! In the Bible itself is great counsel taught by the Spirit of God through men and women on that Heavenly journey who have charted a path through dense forests, dangerous waters and steep ascents.
“For My people are foolish. They have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”
In that day this was spoken through Jeremiah, today we have this testament in our hands in which contain the revelation and declarations of God for each one of us, yet we are wont for that lack of starting here. The cloud testifies to us that He is beginning, our end and our life in between. Within we find counsel when in despair, strength in weakness, wholeness when broken – all is there! It is wise to have accountability partners and spiritual directors, but these are to be persons among the great cloud having trodden ahead of us to point us to the cross of Christ when our sight is dim for trials and to point us to glorify the Father when our victories are made manifest if open triumph!
O Lord you are worthy of my praise! You know the intimate and hidden places in my heart and I pray Lord that the water of Your Word would deluge my heart to where water flows into every hidden chamber cleansing and purging hidden filth! I thank you for those among the cloud who stand with me in prayer and beside me in battle – those Lord whom you have made my trusted Spirit filled advisers. Your provision for me not only in dark times of many tears and aches, but also in joy and laughter to strengthen and prepare me for my arrival to Your Throne!
It does surprise me how so many people, Christians included, will look all over for answers… and yet neglect looking into the Word. There is so much amazing counsel! I find that the more I study the Word, the more peaceful my life is and the better advice I’m able to give others. Haha… I love knowing the Word well so I can point people to it when they need direction.
Going to the Christian bookstore validates your point, there are fewer and fewer books dealing with the Bible directly meanwhile self-help books are growing exponentially. I find it amazing books on prayer, discipleship, etc are in the bargain bin often time multiple markdowns because they don’t even sell out of the bin.
Amanda the Word and the Spirit have served you well I know in our discussions over the last 8 mos or so and you don’t even have a Counseling Certificate haha