There is one sure and infallible guide to truth, and therefore one, and only one, corrective for error, and that is the Word of God. G. Campbell Morgan1
When we read and pray God’s word, we are looking for three things:
- To understand human history and how God has dealt with people in the past.
- To learn life lessons which is to find the moral of the accounts we are reading and to learn God’s way for success in life.
- To hear the voice of the Lord in our current situation which is to get a confirmation for action as the word and the Holy Spirit work together in us to bring revelation and to receive wisdom from God for our lives today.
An excellent starting point is the book Acts 29 by Dr. Terry Teykl2 where he outlines these steps at the close of the book:
Expect God to do again in our generation what he has done in the past.
Ephesians 3:20–21 Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us, 21 to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Confess the work of the Holy Spirit to establish the Kingdom of God in our lives and through us in our community
Romans 10:8–10 But what does it say? “The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), 9 that if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
Encourage one another as you pray.
Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us think about how to stir one another up to love and good works, 25 not abandoning our meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging each other, and by so much more as you see the day drawing near.
Continue to pray using God’s word as a guide, praying over your family, your church, and your neighborhood.
Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being strengthened. And living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was increasing in numbers.
References
- 1. Ritzema, E. (Ed.). (2012). 300 Quotations for Preachers. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
- 2. Teykl, T. (Dr.). (1997), Acts 29: 50 Days to Invite the Holy Spirit. Prayer Point Pr. https://www.amazon.com/Acts-29-Days-Invite-Spirit/dp/1578920450/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=nav_signin&&linkCode=ll1&tag=prayny-20&linkId=f53533b082e7ab3aa9a206bf08fd85db&language=en_US
