CBMC Get Connected5116 West 96th Street

Bloomington, MN 55437

asmith@cbmc.com

CBMC NORTHLAND AREA DIRECTOR – ALAN SMITH

 

 

December, 2012

 

Dear Friends,

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Of the various characteristics which Isaiah ascribed to Jesus in this well-known Christmas passage, the most meaningful to me on a day-to-day basis is Wonderful Counselor.  When Jesus left this earth, he gave us His Holy Spirit so we could know the mind of God; and, He uses His children, speaking into one another’s lives, to provide wise counsel, advice, wisdom, and encouragement. For over 80 years CBMC has provided such counsel in the form of one-on-one and group discipleship. What a blessing to be in the position of both giving and receiving godly counsel.

I recently enjoyed a phone call with a very good friend, who, since we met three years ago, has encouraged me by his wise, Holy Spirit-led counsel. As we concluded our time together, I thanked him for not only speaking into my life, but also believing in the good fruit of his counsel by faithfully supporting my family this last year as we transitioned into raising financial support.  He and his wife have been so encouraged by all that God has worked through CBMC Northland this past year that they are now considering increasing their monthly level of support. I am humbled and very thankful.

I want to thank each of you for the investment of time, talents, and finances you have given to me and others in supporting the mission of CBMC in the Northland area over the years.  As you think of giving gifts this Christmas season, I would encourage you to give that which holds eternal value; those may be the greatest gifts of all.

Sincerely,