Scripture Text: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1

We continue today with our lesson on "Does God Speak?" (This is of course a
continuation of our Series on Knowing The Will of God as well - Pt 6 of 9)

We learned yesterday by looking at Proverbs chapter 2 that "Hearing God" is the first step in hearing and knowing the wisdom of God. Proverbs chapter 2 verse 1 says:

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;"

. . . and of course we went into that yesterday, but I want to continue because there are two more "ifs" that God has for us here and I think they are important to Knowing and Walking in the Will of The Lord for our Lives. We find that verse 3 of Proverbs 2 tells us:

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;"

There are many who seek after knowledge, but the understanding part is "not required". You see, we live in a "fast-paced-jet-set" world that can move you or a representation of you (meaning letters or packages of your business or family) all around the world - in a matter of hours! Now, there is a great deal that goes into the preparation and execution of such a feat, yet in our day, we don't need to know all of the particulars - we just need to know and believe that when we get on that plane or when we send out those packages that "we" or "they" are going to arrive "safely" to their destination. In fact, there is an element of risk to every mode of travel - and there is an element of "understanding" that goes into the makings of each of the modes of transportation, yet we don't need to "know" what they are in order to use them. In this day and age, we just need to have some "belief-system" or "faith-base" that allows us to readily "jump in and take off". In other words, it's safe to say that technology has made things easier, and while we may not understand all of the workings behind it, we can enjoy it and use it.

But what if the car breaks down? What if the plane crashes or the boat sinks? Let me tell you that in those instances, people don't want to just know how something could happen - they want to know why? They want to understand why this flight? Why this Cruise? Why this automobile trip?

So it is with Life. We have taken for granted that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made and we stuff them with sugar and tobacco and recreational drugs, and we die just a little bit more everyday. It is that same scenario as before. Technology and "fast-food" dining has delivered us from the dishes and delivered us from the hot stoves and grocery shopping, and has set us free to worship our food at the golden arches or the crowned giant, or wherever you find to relax and take in sustenance.

But can I in the midst of the maze of strip-malls and fast-food chains remind you that God's mercy and God's Grace; that God's wisdom and will for you as an everlasting entity is to receive HIS words, and to hide His commandments within your heart? That it is to cry after His knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding.

David said this to the Lord,

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psa 119:18

What is he saying there? He is asking the Lord to reveal to Him His Word. When we seek the Word of God, we will find the Wisdom of God. When we find the wisdom of God, we will find the Will of God.

One last quick word here on the subject: Look at verses 4 thru 6 there in Proverbs chapter 2, you will find that it says,

"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hidden treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

One of the great men of the Bible was that of Solomon. As just a little child he was made king of Israel, and he made a prayer recorded in the scriptures that I think is fitting enough to end this portion of our lesson on Does God speak. This is a clear depiction for each of us of how to touch the heart of God and to have His anointing rest upon you. He says there in I Kings 3 the following words:

"And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"

The Bible then tells us that Solomon's "... speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing." And God said unto him,

"Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days." 1Ki 3:7-14 (KJV)

Is it time to seek the Lord today? Most definitely! Is it time to rely on knowledge alone to get us through or should we seek Him as we seek out that "hidden tresure" that only eludes us because we sought the prize only and did not seek it's source. You may find gold laying in the sand, but the very richest deposits are found when someone diligently digs their way to the source.

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" Jer 29:13

Let's Pray: Father . . . Today I seek You with my whole heart! I desire to be used of You and directed by You and to be Yours alone. In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.