Wonderful Counselor

 
God works in mysterious ways. Earlier this week, For the past few days, I planned to title today’s message “The Secret,” but this morning Holy Spirit made it clear His title was “Wonderful Counselor.” Let me explain.

Yesterday afternoon Julia (my wife) and I drove to northern Virginia to meet Seth Ross’ parents. Seth is our daughter’s finance and his parents live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, about a six hour drive from us. Caren (our daughter) and Seth plan to get married in August 2013. Caren planned the whole date day.

After eating the wonderful dinner Caren had prepared, the six of us drove into Washington DC and walked to President’s Park near the White House to see the huge National Christmas Tree and the 50 smaller Christmas trees, one for each of the 50 states. That was the first time I can remember doing that.

The 90th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting (2012)

After seeing the National Christmas Tree, we walked to Lisner Auditorium on the George Washington University campus to watch the 30th annual production of The Christmas Revels, welcoming in the season of joy. I found the theme of this musical play very uplifting.

After the play, Julia and I chose to stay overnight in northern Virginia at her mother’s condo. While we were driving back home this morning to Culpeper, I felt to prompted to ask Julia if she wanted to stop in for the 11 am worship service at Mountain View Community Church. She said “yes.”

That was my first time attending a worship service in that venue. Pastor Mark Jenkins began by saying he was going to preach a 4 series Christmas message from one verse of the Bible

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Mark explained how names are very important, especially to God. Today’s topic was “Wonderful Counselor.” Mark went on to share how one of the definitions for the Hebrew word for “wonderful” means “too good for words.” I like that.

For those of us who are reborn, we have Holy Spirit within us. In John 16:13, Jesus told his disciples “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;” What a promise.

So my challenge to you and each of my other followers this week is to make a 45-60 minute appointment with Wonderful Counselor to discuss your mess, whatever you are struggling with in your life.

I also encourage you to watch some of these short videos about Wonderful Counselor.

The Maranatha! Singers – Wonderful Counselor

 
Whitney Houston, Wonderful Counselor

 
Wonderful Counselor Lyrics (kid’s version)

 
For Unto Us A Child Is Born (best viewed in HD)

 
Blessings to seek the help of Wonderful Counselor this week to make this your most special Christmas ever!

Joseph

More blessings

1) Commonwealth Joe – Support “coffee for a cause”

This past week, our son Robbie along with 3 of his business partners officially launched their own business called Commonwealth Joe. They are partnering with my wife to rebrand, market, and sell her coffee. Robbie says this aligns with his passion in entrepreneurship and his desire to bless his parents. At the same time he wants to offer hope to many people around the world.

Robbie and his partners are packaging their coffee in collectible 12 oz. jars that sell for $15 each (on par with other high-end brands at the grocery store), and commit to donating 10% of our profits to a local charity that their customers and fans select every month. This first month, the charitable organization they are supporting is Make-A-Wish Foundation, which brings hope and joy to children with life-threatening conditions.

They decorate and wrap every jar with care as if it were a gift, so it makes the perfect purchase for our customers’ friends, neighbors, or family members over the holiday season.