Message Notes

(I) COUNSELS FREELY OFFERED

1. Advice from physicians

2. Advice from family members

3. Advice from friends

(II) COUNSELS IN THE NIGHT

“I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.” Psalm 16:7
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
Do not be like the horse or like the mule,
Which have no understanding, which must be harnessed
With bit and bridle, else they will not come near you” Psalm 32:8-9

1. The Promise of God giving counsel

a) Instruction

b) Guidance

2. The Promise of a special relationship

a) Not as a Trainer of animals

b) As Personal Trainer

(III) COUNSEL OF GOD TO BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED

1. Nothing to be taken for granted

2. No presumption

3. Our heart must instruct us in the night season

“Say to God, how awesome are Your works!” Psalm 66:3
“O LORD, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep” Psalm 92:5
“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18

a) Awed by the greatness of God

b) Awareness of how puny man is

c) Acquisition of deeper perspectives

i) Of God

ii) Of Life

iii) Of Faith

d) Appreciation of God at a deeper level

i) God’s Presence

ii) God’s Power

iii) God’s Promises