Mensa Otabil - Guidance of the Scriptures

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Welcome to day number eight of our 40 days of power. I believe by this time you’re comfortable in your prayer and in your fasting. This week we are talking about guidance and leading from the Lord, and today we are discussing the guidance from the Scriptures.

Daniel chapter nine, verses two and three: «In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make requests by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.» God speaks to us through the Bible, through the Scriptures, and Daniel here says that he received guidance by reading the Scriptures. The prophet Jeremiah’s words, which were about seventy years after Jeremiah had spoken, prompted Daniel to read these Scriptures or the words of prophecy that were given by Jeremiah. He received guidance, and now God still speaks to us through His written word. As we read the Bible, God has a way of guiding us, and I’m going to talk about five ways in which the Scriptures guide us.

First, it’s when the word becomes clear to us. This happens when the Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding; when we read the Bible, it seems as if a veil has been taken off our eyes, and the Scriptures look clear and understandable. It could be a verse or a passage that you’re reading, but all of a sudden it speaks to you in a clear way-your questions are answered, and it seems as if there is no doubt in your mind about that Scripture verse. That’s one way God speaks to us-He gives us clarity.

Secondly, sometimes we read the Bible, and it comes alive to us; the Bible becomes very real, and our senses are awakened by the Holy Spirit. You just feel that this is real; you feel that the word is no longer distant from you; it is nigh you. Many times, when we read the Bible, we feel distant from it; it seems like, «Oh, this is an ancient document. I don’t even know how it speaks to me now.» But often, when you read the Bible, it becomes alive. You may be reading about people who lived thousands of years ago, but the story feels so alive and so close to you-this is God guiding you through the Scriptures.

The third way that the Scriptures speak to us is when the word speaks directly to us. When you can personally identify with the word of God, it’s no longer God speaking to the world or God speaking to David or God speaking to Paul; you feel this is God’s word to me. It fits directly where I am and addresses my current condition. In that case, you have a direct connection with the word of God.

So, God speaks to us when the word of God becomes clear, when the word of God comes alive, and when the word of God speaks directly to us. Two more ways: Number
four, when the word of God sinks deep into us. It touches the core of your being, and as you read the Bible, you’re moved emotionally. Sometimes, as you read the Bible, you may be shedding tears; you just feel that it has touched you. You are crying, or you are happy, or you are clapping, or you are sad. Your emotions are moved at that time; you know God is speaking to you directly from the Bible because the word is moving you emotionally.

Number five, God speaks to us through the Scriptures when the word inspires obedience in us. When we feel that this is something we must do, this is not just something God has written in the Bible, but this is something He wants us to do, and we take steps to do those things He has told us to do.

So, note these five things, and they will guide you as you read the Scriptures to discern the word of God. Let’s pray. Say with me: Heavenly Father, speak to me through your written word. Let your word come alive in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.