Mensa Otabil - Guidance from God's Word (11/03/2025)
Welcome to day number eight of our 40 days of power. I believe by this time you’re comfortable in your prayer and fasting. This week we are talking about guidance and leading from the Lord. Today, we are discussing guidance from the Scriptures: Daniel chapter 9, verses 2 and 3. 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 70 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 spoke about 70 years, were read by Daniel after Jeremiah had spoken. Daniel goes back to read these Scriptures or the words of prophecy given by Jeremiah, and he receives guidance. God still speaks to us through His written word, and as we read the Bible, He has a way of guiding us. 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 become clear and understandable. It could be a verse or a passage you’re reading, but all of a sudden, it speaks to you in a clear way, your questions are answered, and there is no doubt in your mind about that scripture verse. That’s how 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; our senses are awakened by the Holy Spirit, and we feel this is real. We sense that the word is no longer distant; it is near to us. Many times when we read the Bible, we feel distant from it, thinking, «This is an ancient document; I don’t even know how it speaks to me now.» However, many times 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 close to you. That is God guiding you through the Scriptures.
The third way 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 you. It fits directly where you are and addresses your 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. As you read the Bible, you are moved emotionally. Sometimes, as you read, you may shed tears; you feel that it has touched you. You may be shedding tears, feeling happy, clapping, or feeling 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, «This is something I must do,» it’s not just something God has written in the Bible, but it is something He wants me to do. 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 and amen.»