The Heart of Good Counsel

“First seek the counsel of the Lord”

1 Kings 22:5

Decision making can be a grievous challenge. Have you ever been so confused you just longed for some wise person to tell you what to do? Or perhaps you’ve had those times when everybody else seemed to know what you should do but you could find no peace in their solutions.

The Bible instructs us to seek counsel. The counsel of others can be a very important part of our success (Proverbs 15:22, 24:6). God can use people to help us see difficult matters in a different light. Although God certainly speaks through people, there will be times when the voices we hear disagree. Some may say, “Whoa – hold on a minute, think about what you’re doing!” God often puts people in our lives that hold up the yellow light of caution. He gives us those who warn us.

He also gives us those who say, “Go – what are you waiting for, the answer couldn’t be any clearer!” God often puts people in our lives that hold up the green light of progress. He gives us those who wave us on.

We need both the warners and wavers in our lives. I am so grateful for the times when God has used someone to caution me not to do what I was about to do. I am also thankful for the times when God sent some cheerleader to wave me on past my irrational fears. I don’t think God gives us these folks to confuse us, but to remind us to seriously seek Him. No one can really tell us what to do, but the tension of the opposites can keep us seeking the heart and will of our Heavenly Father. The tension reminds us of Paul’s counsel to the Philippians to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (2:12-13).

At the heart of good counsel is always the advice to seek the Lord first and continually. When you are not sure, sit before the Lord, cry out to Him and long to hear His voice. He will give you His wisdom in His time.

In praise of His counsel,                             

Sunday – Pray for God to use Dr. Abiade to touch and change our lives.

Monday – Pray for those who do not have sufficient air conditioning in this hot weather.

Tuesday – Praise God for those who serve in our Children and Youth ministries.

Wednesday – Pray for school teachers and administrators as they begin a new school year.

Thursday – Pray for safety, wisdom and Godly influence for our children as they begin a new school year.

Friday – Praise God for His unconditional love and grace.

Saturday – Pray for hearts prepared to worship tomorrow.

Weekly Need: $5,386
Last Week's Giving: $2,062
Over/Under: -$3,324

All contributions given to The Orchard Church will be used exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with laws governing a tax-exempt organization organized under state law provisions and that of the Internal Revenue Code. In keeping with the foregoing commitment, we reserve the right to distribute all funds contributed to the area of greatest need.

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Don't Miss This Sunday

Dr. Zawdie Abiade will be our special guest preacher.  "Doc" as he is affectionately called ast a pastor, family therapist and consultant.  He currently pastors a church in Michigan and teaches at Baker College.  Dr. Abiade is a man anointed to share the Word of God and encourage the body of Christ.  He is married to Nancy, his wife of over twenty-five years and has three beautiful daughters.  We are believing that Sunday will be a spiritual feast that no one will want to miss.  Please come and bring a friend!  Doc will also be sharing with us in Acts 2:42.

Doc has insisted that he will not receive a love offering on Sunday from the Church.  We will honor this request.  However, if you feel led to express your love and appreciation for his ministry, please give him your expression personally.

August 4 Kidz Blitz...a BLAST!!

Wednesday night the children and youth went to three first stations and took trays of  cookies to say "thank you" for their service to our community.  Isn't it just like God that we should go to bless the firemen and the firemen blest us.  They showed us the fire trucks (we even got to sit in them), they gave us firemen hats and one station even got a call and we got to watch the trucks zoom out of the firehouse.  What a great time we had.

Once again this year the Orchard will be collecting new shoes and socks for children who have no shoes or socks.  If you would be willing to share with those in need, please bring shoes and socks to the church on August 22.  Your gift will make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Wednesday Night Small Group and Dinner

Beginning Wednesday, September 8 we will be having catered dinner and small group opportunities each Wednesday evening for the whole family.  Dinner will be $5 for adults/youth and $3 for children 11 and under with a $20 family maximum. Start planning now to spend your Wednesday nights with your church family.  What better place to feed your body and your soul.

Sunday, August 8 will be our monthly opportunity to worship with the residents of Belvedere Commons at 2:00. Feel free to join in this ministry opportunity.

Dates at a Glance

Mark your calendars for the following events:

Aug. 8 -Worship at Belvedere Commons

Aug. 22 - Shoes for Orphan Souls collection

Sept. 8 - Wednesday Night Program begins