LOVER OF MY SOUL

So, in the previous chapters, I shared how the Holy Spirit hooked me up with my first divine instruction: to devour God’s Word. Funny thing is, I was totally into those gritty criminal serial killer stories back then. And guess what? The Holy Spirit got me hooked on some seriously gory Old Testament tales, which made it super easy for me to transition into the Word of God. We have to give props to Jesus for meeting us right where we’re at. His grace is mind-blowing!

Here’s the deal: the whole point of your purpose is to get people back to the centre of God’s Word, this is God’s design and order.

Stay right there on top of things so that the teaching stays on track. Apparently some people have been introducing fantasy stories and fanciful family trees that digress into silliness instead of pulling the people back into the center, deepening faith and obedience.

1 Timothy 1:3-4 (MSG)

It’s all about deepening our faith, rewiring our thoughts, and keeping our hearts devoted and obedient to Him. Don’t get caught up in selfish indulgence and fake faith, though. Take your struggles seriously, stay fearless, and hold on to what God’s Word says. Embrace those unique qualities that God intentionally gave you to bring glory to His name. That’s the real you, my friend!

I can also remember during my time serving at an Aged Care home, I had the privilege of encountering a remarkable woman. Though Alzheimer’s had stolen much from her, there was one precious possession she clung to dearly—her Bible. The worn pages were adorned with countless markings, evidence of her deep devotion to studying God’s counsel (refer to the below picture of her cherished Bible). Despite her frailty, she clung to one verse in particular from Revelation 2:7 NLT, which she lovingly repeated to me.

This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open.

Revelations 2: 7 (NLT)

As she carefully opened her Bible, a spark of excitement lit up her eyes, and her hands trembled with anticipation. In that profound moment, I realized that God’s Word was not merely ink on paper, but a priceless treasure that had found its home within her heart. It was a treasure that no ailment could steal, a beacon of truth that shone brightly even in the darkest corners of her memory.

In witnessing her unwavering devotion, I was reminded of the immense significance of God’s counsel in our lives. Regardless of the challenges we face, His Word stands as an unshakable foundation, guiding us through the storms and uncertainties. This extraordinary woman, robbed of her memory, possessed an unwavering grip on the eternal wisdom encapsulated within those pages—the very essence of God’s unchanging love and guidance.

This touching encounter serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of living according to God’s counsel and design. When we embrace His wisdom and align our lives with His purpose, we can navigate our journey with clarity and purpose, regardless what we are facing.

By immersing ourselves in His Word, guarding it as a precious treasure, we find guidance and strength for every step we take. As we seek His counsel and allow His design to shape our choices, we can live a life marked by intentionality and fulfillment.

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.

Psalm 119:1-8 (MSG)

When we anchor our lives in God’s counsel, we can approach the sunset of our days with confidence and contentment, knowing that we have lived a life aligned with His perfect design. May we hold fast to His Word, cherishing it as our guide, so that we may walk a path that brings fulfillment and leaves no room for regret.

So, to establish God’s order in your life—both in the natural and spiritual realms—let’s talk about God’s counsel and design in a bit more depth. Get this: it’s all about His will for you. You’ve got an inheritance, you’re handpicked by God Himself. You were predestined for a purpose, and everything He does aligns with His will and design. That’s some serious divine coordination right there!

In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will.

Ephesians 1:11 (AMP)

1. God’s Counsel

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well-constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (MSG)

Often, when the powerful and influential lose their footing, it’s because they’ve disregarded, ignored, or hastily dismissed God’s counsel and His revealed purpose. This invaluable counsel can be found within the pages of the Word of God. When we neglect to meditate on His Word and fail to prioritize spending time in His presence, we become susceptible to stumbling and succumbing to temptation. The Word of God serves as a wellspring of wisdom and guidance, offering insights for navigating any circumstance we may face. Without the guidance of His Word, we run the risk of being deceived, whether by the influence of others or by our own distorted perspectives. In a world that promotes self-centeredness and the pursuit of personal glory, we may unknowingly wander down a path of self-destruction. However, God’s design calls us to embrace self-sacrifice. By becoming more attuned to God’s counsel, we cultivate healthier behavioral responses that bring glory to Him, sparing others from stumbling along the way.

But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life! —even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

James 1:25 (MSG)

Now, here’s the deal with God’s design.

2. God’s Design

In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Genesis 1:1 (AMP)