Searching the Scriptures does not mean letting the Bible fall open and taking the first verse your eyes fall on as your answer. Searching the Scriptures is a detailed examination of the Word and application of its principles to the decisions you must make. Every open door, every opportunity, every other leading you think might be from the Lord should first be tested by the written Word of God. Jesus used this principle when He was tempted by Satan to act apart from God's will. He answered repeatedly "It is written. . ." according to Matthew 4. He analyzed everything on the basis of God's written Word.
As you search the Scriptures, be sure to study the many promises for direction. As you study these passages it will increase your faith that God does speak and that you can know His voice.
Through prayer and study of the Scriptures, God speaks His will into your spirit by the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows the perfect will of God and will pray through you in harmony with that will:
Romans 8:27 "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. "
Remember that Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would "shew you things to come." This means He reveals God’s plan to you. He guides you according to the will of God.
God also uses Christian counselors to assist believers in the decision making process. The Bible says in Proverbs:
11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is a safety."
12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
It is important that believers seek counsel only from mature Christians. Never seek counsel from secular psychologists or psychiatrists. They will give worldly counsel. They are "blind leaders of the blind":
Psalms 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly."
Never seek counsel from new Christians, as they lack experience and spiritual maturity.
Some people only go to a counselor hoping to get them to agree with their own opinions. You will receive little benefit from counseling if this is your attitude. Some believers consult many counselors comparing the counsel they receive. They appear to be taking a poll as to how many are in favor of one course of action as opposed to another. This is not the purpose of counseling. Most important, always remember that all counsel of man must agree with the written Word of God.
Analyze the circumstances relating to the decision you need to make. These should be considered in relation to the guidance God gives through prayer, study of the Word, the inner voice of the Spirit, and Christian counsel.
Circumstances should not be used alone to determine God's will, but they do define the context of the decision which is to be made. Sometimes circumstances limit choices or provide opportunity for new direction in life.
11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is a safety."
12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
It is important that believers seek counsel only from mature Christians. Never seek counsel from secular psychologists or psychiatrists. They will give worldly counsel. They are "blind leaders of the blind":
Psalms 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly."
Never seek counsel from new Christians, as they lack experience and spiritual maturity.
Some people only go to a counselor hoping to get them to agree with their own opinions. You will receive little benefit from counseling if this is your attitude. Some believers consult many counselors comparing the counsel they receive. They appear to be taking a poll as to how many are in favor of one course of action as opposed to another. This is not the purpose of counseling. Most important, always remember that all counsel of man must agree with the written Word of God.
Analyze the circumstances relating to the decision you need to make. These should be considered in relation to the guidance God gives through prayer, study of the Word, the inner voice of the Spirit, and Christian counsel.
Circumstances should not be used alone to determine God's will, but they do define the context of the decision which is to be made. Sometimes circumstances limit choices or provide opportunity for new direction in life.
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