I just want to say that this was one of the hardest messages to preach, not because I don't think it is needed, but it really hard to get across to people their need for others to guide them at times. Honestly I felt flat today, but the subject is important. Probably just me.
Guidance happens on all levels
1. Individual
2. Group -2 or more people
3. Church
4. Nation
5. World
The basic sense of guidance is to hear from God on issues and get a better perspective that you couldn't get just looking at an issue or problem yourself. For group and higher levels the issue becomes about following the Shepherd and it is about discerning where Christ is leading us. The Nation/World thing rarely happens. The USA has experienced it on some occasions but not on many others.
Acts 13-15 is a great example of guidance on all levels. Read it. The Spirit was in all cases working though other people to give guidance to groups, and the church as a whole.
You can either follow God by seeking guidance or go your own way without it. A disciplined disciple seeks it often and develops relationships where such counsel and guidance can take place regularly.
There are some pitfalls and restrictions on guidance.
1. No guidance should be accepted if it would cause you to sin.
2. No matter how well guided even by God -- the freewill of others and circumstances can change things. As an open theist I can tell you that some things are better possibilities even for the mind of God, but people can change and for the worse. Don't blame God if things go wrong.
3. In Group Guidance, everyone being in prayer is important. It is possible -- say on boards and councils -- that this is not the case and thus guidance can be false or misleading or worse based on personal ambition or politics. Be advised that group and church guidance requires committed spiritual people.
Blessings.
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