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Together in Christ: 'Wanted: Wise Advisers!' — Proverbs 11:14 Thursday, July 4, 2024 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many [wise] advisers. — Proverbs 11:14 NLT Key Thought The benefits of having wise and knowledgeable advisers are obvious for any field of endeavor, including in our lives of faith. But then, we should seek advisers who are not only wise and knowledgeable but who, even more so, are also godly. So, wouldn't it be nice to get good results from a LinkedIn® or Indeed, Inc.TM search that advertised a job opening with these words: "Wanted: Godly adviser!" Finding wise and godly counselors is not that simple. The long-term health of any nation is highly dependent on the quality and character of godly advisers! When we look at the lack of morality in many of our political leaders today, we shouldn't be surprised that the nations of our world are in such perilous situations! What is true for nations is also true for each of us as we make our personal decisions and lead our families, influence our friends, and seek to make a difference in our world's future. When I was a young preacher decades ago in the 1980s, an old and influential pastor challenged us as emerging church leaders to read 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul's pastoral letters, monthly. Paul used these letters to mentor and advise two younger evangelists who were also church planters and leaders. His words are inspired and provide truth given to all of us who lead churches, if we listen. All leaders need close Christian brothers (for men) and sisters (for women) to encourage, advise, and hold us accountable as we make our decisions and seek to influence others for Jesus. Now that I am older, I join with other older leaders in seeking to coach and encourage younger, emerging leaders. I also look to the things I have heard from godly mentors and advisers in my past. We all need guidance, support, encouragement, and sometimes rebuke. We need people we trust whose input influences us in the best directions! No matter whether you are young or old, remember that we need each other to be strong in the Lord. [1] We also need to embrace Paul's example of helping coming generations win their victories for Christ: Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. [2] [1] Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. [2] 2 Timothy 2:1-2. TODAY'S PRAYER Almighty God, I need Your wisdom to guide me in my life, decisions, parenting, work, and leadership. Please lead godly mentors and advisers into my life who will give me wisdom that aligns with Your will and wisdom. To You, O God, be the glory for all the good things I accomplish. Without Your grace and guidance, I would have little that has a lasting and good influence on others. In Jesus' name, I thank You! Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 32:8-11 Psalm 24:3-9