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It's July! Which means it's time for... Christmas?
That's right! Join us for our new July-only series Christmas in July...
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Wonderful Counselor
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A popular way businesses try to drum up sales in the slow summer months is to hold a "Christmas in July" sale. Many nonprofits have jumped on this bandwagon, using "Christmas in July" as an opportunity to ask for donations.
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While I am not trying to sell you something, nor am I asking for your money (we just did that through the Building Lives campaign), I am also going to jump on the "Christmas in July" bandwagon here in the Riverwood News & Notes. For the month of July, we are going to look at the four titles given to the Messiah in the famous verse of Isaiah 9:6 so often used at Advent. So even though it isn't December, take a moment to re-read these famous words...
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"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)
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In the coming weeks, we will see how Jesus is the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. But before we get to those mind-boggling titles given to a baby, we need to look at the first title - Wonderful Counselor.
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Jesus the Counselor
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When a person visits a counselor/therapist, he or she is usually there for some insight that will explain the past, correct behaviors in the present, and/or give hope for the future. The understanding is the counselor might have enough experience and/or knowledge to give advice or ask the right questions that will change the life of the counseled.
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This is why kings and presidents have advisors. It is why professional athletes have coaches. It is why some people seek out mentors. And it's why self-help books continue to sell well year-in-year-out. No one has all the knowledge they need for every situation. They need insight from someone or something that has more wisdom than them that will aid in life.
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When God said through the pen of Isaiah that this "son" who would be "given" would be the "Wonderful Counselor," the Hebrew word He used for counselor can also be translated as "strategist, adviser, planner." In other words, this Child would grow to have such insight into life that he would be wiser than Solomon and become the most gifted strategist the world had ever seen. Isaiah restates this idea in chapter 28, verse 29 as being "wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom."
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Jesus - Your Counselor
So if you lack wisdom, unsure of what to do, "let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5) In other words, turn to the Wonderful Counselor, the Extraordinary Strategist, and let Him guide you in the way you should go.
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But keep in mind, this doesn't mean you should ignore trusted mentors, teachers, friends, parents, and such in order to listen only to Jesus. Rather, ask Jesus the Wonderful Counselor to give you wisdom, but be ready to gain that wisdom through whatever God may choose to use to give you insight. He might simply give you an inner sense of what to do. Or He might speak to you through the Scriptures, a sermon, a song, a book, a friend, a parent, or through an earthly counselor.
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The point is to let Jesus and the Triune God be your first and foremost trusted counselor. For He is Wonderful!
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Erin Bird - Teaching Pastor
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Baptisms at Kohlmann
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Don't forget, this Sunday we are meeting at Kohlmann Park for our Baptism and Worship Sunday service at 10am. Be sure to bring along your own lawn chair or blanket and a picnic lunch for afterward. Contact us via email if you'd like to be baptized to identify as a follower of Jesus.
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Food Pantry
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This Tuesday, July 12, you are invited to serve at the mobile Food Pantry. The location has been changed permanently to the Waverly City Hall to better accommodate those we are serving. Please sign up here if you can help!
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July Summer Hangout
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This coming Wednesday, July 13 at 6pm is our second summer All Riverwood Hangout. Hope you can join us (or cheer on) a friendly game of kickball at the Shell Rock ballpark. Light refreshments will be provided.
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Community VBS
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There's still time to sign up to help out at our Community VBS (ages 13-adult), or to sign up your incoming K-5th grader. We are looking forward to "Celebrating God's Greatness" with you July 18-21 (6:00-8:00pm).
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Revibe
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Mark your calendars for this annual Christian concert that kicks off the Bremer County Fair. This free concert begins at 5pm on July 24. The headliner is Jordan St. Cyr; Jason Gray will be returning, and our very own Jake Epley will be part of the opening act. Bring your lawn chairs and the whole family for a great night of fun and music!
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Just For Fun
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Jordan St. Cyr is a father of four who sings songs of hope for every person in every season of life. Jordan's hits "Fires" and "Weary Traveler" remind us all that the trials and tribulations are only temporary and our Father in Heaven does not leave us or forsake us. Join us for a night of worship with Jordan at Revibe 2022.
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