Daily Word

Let’s talk about another quality Jethro possessed: he did not pressure Moses to accept his advice. We can see in the Scripture, which I would like us to look at:

«If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace» (Exodus, 18:23).

We can see here that Jethro did not demand Moses to accept his advice, but gave him a chance to make a choice himself. The phrase “if you do this thing” means that even if Moses did not listen to Jethro, he would not be upset. So he knew he could not take it personally if Moses chooses a different way.

One of the ways we make ourselves qualified is to learn to listen to people, listen to their hearts and feelings; only then we can really help them.

Besides, we must be ready to show the problem from a different perspective. It is not satisfactory to point out person’s problem or his or her mistakes; we must be able to highlight how his or her present lifestyle or approach to life has caused the problem.

Today I would like us to look at another passage of Scripture.

A good counsellor should help a person to perceive his problem from God’s viewpoint. People must first notice the problem, and only then they will have any interest in solving it. Very often we do something wrong simply because we do not believe our actions to be erroneous. So, one of the tasks of any counsellor is to open person’s eyes so that he or she can discover what actually is going on in his or her life, how God sees the situation, realize that his or her lifestyle is causing problems. It is a very important quality that we must develop in ourselves so that we can be effective in helping others.

Every one of us tries to help people by giving advice or recommendations. There are moments in life when we want to reveal certain truths to people so that they could make right choices. Every one of us needs counsel and guidance. It says in the Bible: «Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counsellors they are established» (Proverbs, 15:22).

I would like to start talking about how to not give up in the midst of problems and trials. It is not a secret that our whole life is filled with problems and tests, but we have to learn to overcome them, if we want to move forward in this life.

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5-6).
This Scripture confirms that the one who sows and labours – even if it takes tears – will doubtlessly reap with joy. If we use our God given seed correctly, which means if we sow the seed even with tears then God promises us abundant harvest and lots of joy.
All these parables of Jesus tell us of the kingdom of God.

If we have seed and sow it in good ground, then we will definitely see a harvest. Seed will grow.
Sown seed first gives blade, then head and then grain in the head. Multiplication and growth always imply process. It is unavoidable if we want to receive harvest. We just have to do our part.
First, that we have to understand in order to receive harvest is that we need some seed. The truth is that we already have seed. If you want to see multiplication in some area of your life you should know that you already have seed from God.

What does fruitfulness depend on? On the level of understanding of the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. As we mentioned, if a person listens to the Word of God but does not understand it, then Satan comes and steals the Word. Those who understand the Word bring forth fruit – thirtyfold, sixtyfold and hundredfold.

That is why the first requirement for being fruitful in His kingdom is an understanding of the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. Today I would like you to see to whom God reveals the mysteries of His Kingdom.

I want you to notice that it is required of us to accept the Word if we want it to bear fruit. People with stony hearts also accept the Word, but there is a difference between them and those whose heart is identified as being good ground. People with stone hearts receive the Word on the emotional level, on the surface; besides, they are not consistent, and as a result the Word cannot take root in their hearts.

«…and they have no root in themselves…» (Мark 4:17)

Our attitude towards God’s Word is very important. God sends His Word into our lives so that His Word would bring to us that which we need. In order for the seed of God’s Word to grow in our hearts, the condition of our hearts is particularly important.
«For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing which I sent it.» (Isaiah 55:10-11).