His_Name_Shall_Be_Called_week_1.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Choose the kingdom that outlasts every empire

Earthly power is loud, impressive, and temporary. Empires rise with banners and armies, and leaders carve their names into monuments, but history shows how quickly those things fade. The steady, quiet claim of Christ’s kingdom is different: it outlives crowns, outlasts fear, and rewrites where people put their hope.

This reality calls for a hard look at where life and loyalty are invested. If security, identity, or future hopes are placed in institutions, possessions, or prestige, then disappointment and instability will follow. The invitation is to reorient daily choices—time, money, influence—so they reflect trust in a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Daniel 2:44–45 (ESV)
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever. As for you, O king, the dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.

Reflection: List the three things you currently invest most time and money in. Which one most competes with trusting Christ’s kingdom? This week, make one concrete change to reallocate time or money toward a kingdom-centered practice (prayer, serving, generosity).

Day 2: Jesus: strategic wisdom, not just a listener

“Wonderful Counselor” carries two truths: wonder and counsel. He is marvelous in being God with us, and He is wise in ways that move people forward. This counseling is not a gentle platitude; it is divine strategy that leads toward life and victory in the struggles that matter.

When seeking counsel, look beyond comfort and ask for direction that changes behavior and brings freedom. The same Spirit who rested on the Messiah brings wisdom and discernment to daily decisions. Practically, that means bringing real problems to Jesus, asking for his plan, and expecting specific next steps that shape how to live tomorrow.

Isaiah 11:2–3 (ESV)
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.

Reflection: Identify one situation today where you need strategic wisdom (a relationship conflict, a work decision, a habit). Ask God for one clear next-step and write it down. Take that step before the end of the day or plan when you will do it this week.

Day 3: Christ advocates for you against every accusation

Jesus does more than sympathize from a distance—he stands in the courtroom on your behalf. He intercedes, silences the charges, and points to the reality that forgiveness and righteousness come through him. That advocacy removes the need to live under the weight of shame and suspicion.

This truth changes how one approaches God and others: instead of hiding or defending, the believer can draw near confidently. The work Christ has done is active and present, and it invites a posture of courage before God—confessing honestly and receiving the affirmation that guilt does not have the final word.

Hebrews 7:24–25 (ESV)
But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Reflection: Think of a recent moment you felt condemned or ashamed. Write down three truths from Scripture that counter that accusation (for example, forgiven, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, loved). Speak those truths aloud when the accusation returns this week.

Day 4: The Spirit guides with truth that frees

The Holy Spirit is not a soft whisper that avoids hard things; he is the presence of Christ with direction that convicts, clarifies, and frees. Guidance from the Spirit often redirects, opens doors, or closes them—not to control, but to guide toward life and mission. This guidance is practical and relevant, shaping everyday choices.

Learning to hear the Spirit requires practice: quiet attention, obedience in small things, and testing impressions against Scripture and wise counsel. The Spirit sometimes blocks a path, sometimes points with urgency, and often leads people into places they would not have chosen on their own but where life and fruitfulness grow.

Acts 16:6–10 (ESV)
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Reflection: Name a decision you are facing (big or small). What one practice could help you hear the Spirit about it today? (Examples: 20 minutes of silence and prayer, a short fast, asking one wise friend, or reading a specific Scripture.) Do that practice and record what you sense God saying.

Day 5: Healing starts the moment truth is spoken

Pretending keeps wounds alive; honesty begins healing. When people stop performing and admit weariness, confusion, or sin, the Wonderful Counselor meets them with mercy and direction. The first honest word—“I’m tired,” “I don’t know,” “I failed”—is often the doorway to recovery.

Courage to tell the truth about inner life invites practical help, community, and God’s immediate care. Healing is not conditional on having the right language or fixes; it begins when one stops hiding and opens up to God and a trusted companion who can walk alongside in the next steps.

Psalm 32:3–5 (ESV)
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Reflection: What truth are you avoiding about your inner life right now (fear, anger, exhaustion, a pattern of sin)? Choose one person you trust and plan a specific time this week to confess this truth to them or to your small group leader. If you cannot speak to someone yet, write the truth down and bring it to God in prayer today.

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon:**

This sermon launches the “His Name Shall Be Called” series, focusing on the title “Wonderful Counselor” from Isaiah 9:6. The message begins by acknowledging the stress and chaos that often accompany the Christmas season, drawing a parallel between our tendency to want God to fix everyone else and the real need for personal transformation. The historical context of Isaiah’s prophecy is explored, highlighting Israel’s struggles and the promise of a coming King whose kingdom would outlast all others. The sermon contrasts the fleeting power of Rome and Herod with the enduring reign of Jesus, who arrives not in splendor but in humility, foreshadowing His mission as Savior. The heart of the message unpacks what it means for Jesus to be our Wonderful Counselor: He is both our advocate before the Father and our advisor through the Holy Spirit, offering guidance, truth, and presence. The call is to stop pretending, surrender to His counsel, and experience the healing and direction that only He can provide.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Enduring Kingdom of Christ: Earthly power and prestige, like that of Rome and Herod, are ultimately temporary and will fade into history. In contrast, the kingdom Jesus inaugurates is permanent and unshakeable. Investing our trust and hope in His reign gives us a foundation that outlasts every other authority or system. This perspective invites us to evaluate where we place our allegiance and what we consider truly lasting.
2. Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor: The title “Wonderful Counselor” is not just a comforting phrase—it reveals Jesus as both miraculous in His nature and strategic in His wisdom. He is not merely a therapist who listens, but a divine strategist who leads us to victory in life’s battles. Recognizing Him as such challenges us to seek His counsel not just for comfort, but for direction and breakthrough.
3. The Advocacy of Christ: Jesus stands as our advocate before the Father, not just in a distant, future sense, but actively and presently. He intercedes for us, silencing the accusations of the enemy and reminding us that our sins are forgiven. This advocacy is perfect, constant, and rooted in His righteousness, inviting us to approach God with confidence rather than shame.
4. The Guidance of the Holy Spirit: Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus walks alongside us, offering advice that is both relevant and reliable. His counsel is not sugar-coated or evasive, but truthful and transformative, convicting and convincing us of the right path. True discipleship means surrendering every area of our lives to His leadership, trusting that His guidance leads to genuine freedom and growth.
5. Healing Begins with Honesty: Breakthrough in our lives starts where pretending ends. Like the young woman in the story, admitting our exhaustion, confusion, or pain is often the first step toward healing. The Wonderful Counselor does not require us to have the right words or solutions—He simply asks us to come as we are, ready to receive His help and direction. This Christmas, the invitation is to stop hiding and let Jesus meet us in our real need.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: His Name Shall Be Called – Wonderful Counselor**

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### Bible Reading

- **Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)**
“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.”

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### Observation Questions

According to Isaiah 9:6, what are the names or titles given to the promised child, and what do they suggest about who He is?
In the sermon, what was the historical situation of Israel when Isaiah gave this prophecy?
How did the sermon describe the difference between the kingdoms of Rome/Herod and the kingdom Jesus came to establish?
What does the word “Counselor” mean in the context of Isaiah’s prophecy, according to the sermon?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Isaiah used the title “Wonderful Counselor” to describe the coming Messiah? What does this reveal about Jesus’ character and mission?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus is both our advocate before the Father and our advisor through the Holy Spirit. How do these roles work together in the life of a believer?
The message contrasted the temporary power of earthly rulers with the lasting reign of Jesus. What does it mean for someone to place their hope in Jesus’ unshakeable kingdom rather than in earthly systems?
The story of the young woman in the sermon highlighted the importance of honesty before God. Why is admitting our struggles and weaknesses a necessary first step toward healing?

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### Application Questions

The sermon pointed out that we often want God to “fix everyone else” instead of letting Him work on us. Can you think of a recent situation where you realized you needed God’s counsel for your own heart, not just for others? What did you do about it?
Jesus is described as a “divine strategist” who leads us to victory, not just a comforter. Are there areas in your life where you need more than comfort—you need direction or breakthrough? What would it look like to seek Jesus’ counsel in those areas this week?
The message said that Jesus is our advocate, silencing the accusations of the enemy. Are there lies or accusations you struggle to let go of? How can you remind yourself of Jesus’ advocacy for you when those thoughts come?
The Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of Truth” who gives relevant and reliable advice. Is there a part of your life you have not fully surrendered to His leadership? What is holding you back from trusting His guidance?
The sermon said, “Breakthrough begins where pretending ends.” Is there something you’ve been pretending about—maybe to God, to others, or even to yourself? What would it look like to be honest about it in your prayers or with a trusted friend?
The Christmas season can be stressful and overwhelming. How can you intentionally make space to listen for the Wonderful Counselor’s voice during this busy time?
The message challenged us to evaluate where we place our allegiance and what we consider truly lasting. Are there things you’ve been investing your hope or trust in that are temporary? What practical step can you take this week to shift your focus to Jesus’ enduring kingdom?

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Sermon Quotes

“Rome had the power, Herod had the palace, but Jesus had the promise. This Kingdom that was prophesied is permanent…we can put everything into it, because it lasts. No one talks about Caesar, and Herodium is in ruins…His Kingdom outlasts them all.”

“Breakthrough begins where pretending ends. The way to follow that lead is to surrender every part of your life to Him, and allow Him to lead it. This is the very definition of discipleship.”

“The arrival of Jesus wasn’t announced to important people, but to shepherds—night shift shepherds at that. He wasn’t born in a gilded crib, but placed in a feeding trough, foreshadowing His mission to be the spotless lamb for sacrifice.”

“The reality of God with us, being always with us, is pretty amazing. If the idea of a God who counsels and leads and is always with us were a monster, that would be frightening, but He isn’t that at all. His presence is trustworthy.”

“He doesn’t just get you through the battle; He gives the plan to win it! In the ancient world, a counselor was one who devised military strategies for victory. Jesus is literally a wonderful counselor.”

“Jesus walks alongside believers, if we will let Him. The beauty is not only is He in heaven able to advocate for us, but He is also very present in this moment, walking this road of life with us.”

“His advice is always relevant. Jesus promises to be with us always, and so He is walking this road of life with us. As we allow Him to be Lord of our lives, and follow His lead, He walks it with us.”

“When you finally admit, ‘I don’t even know where to start. I’m just tired,’ that simple confession can become the start of your healing. The Wonderful Counselor doesn’t wait for you to have the right words—He’s just waiting for you to say, ‘Lord, I need You.’”

“With Jesus, one name wouldn’t be enough to capture it, so Isaiah uses several just to give a glimpse. His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—each revealing a piece of His character.”

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