“…Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction. In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man, He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword…” Job 33:16-18 (NKJV)
Now, when we talk about receiving instructions from the Lord, it’s important to understand that the instructions of God come in two major forms. First is the instructions already given to us in the Bible. These are the written words that already exist for every believer in Christ Jesus to follow. While the second is the one that would come either through dreams, visions, an audible voice or an inner witness. This one mostly comes on an experiential level and it’s usually specific to you as an individual but not for the general public. In this case, you have to ensure that it is in line with the written Word of God. None of these personal instructions should contradict the pre-existing instructions given to us in the scriptures. So, the written instructions of scripture must always be used to judge the personal instruction because God will not instruct you contrary to the scriptures.
So, as you journey in your walk with God you must watch out for these two forms of instructions so that you can do them. For example, the Bible says “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you…” I Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV). This is one of the general instructions given to every believer.
In Matthew 2:13, we see an example of a personal instruction Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
So, you must learn to identify these two forms of instructions and do them. Interestingly, it is your obedience to the written word that will pave the way for the personal instructions to start coming to you. Your obedience to the written Word proves that you acknowledge and recognize the voice of God. It proves that you have reverence for the Word of God and this goes a long way to open you up to start receiving personal instructions from the Lord. So watch out for these and make it a lifestyle. Remember, as you follow these instructions, you will watch your life move from glory to glory.
Today’s Rhema
As you give attention to these forms of instructions, you will watch your life move from glory to glory!
Confession for the Day
Father, I thank you because the grace to recognize these instructions and do them is at work in me and as I carry out these instructions, I am guided and aligned to the will and purpose of God for my life in the name of Jesus. Amen!
