I wanted to challenge us this week in the area of understanding the truth of God's Word - more specifically in regards to Paul's charge to not be "carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). When Philip had his divine appointment in the wilderness, the Ethiopian eunuch was reading from a scroll containing the words of the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked him: "Do you understand what you are reading?" (Acts 8:30).

        We are less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine if we purpose to have a more intelligent understanding of God's Word. The Holy Spirit, the Author of the Scriptures, is also the One who enlightens so we can rightly understand the Scriptures. We should constantly be asking for His teaching and His guidance into all truth when we break open the bread of Life. Consider Daniel: before he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream he earnestly prayed that God would open up the vision. John saw a book sealed with seven seals which no one was worthy to open. Later, Jesus Himself opened the book but only after John "wept much" (Revelation 5:4). John's prayers, along with the brokenness of spirit demonstrated by his tears, were the sacred keys by which the book was opened.

        Remember: understanding of God's Word is opened by prayer. Stone masons cannot break rocks, except by earnest use of their hammer - and often this is done on the knees. Use the hammer of diligence and fervent prayer when we open God's Word and there will not be a stony doctrine in God's revelation that He deems useful for us that will not open up into shattered rock under the exercise of prayer and faith. As one writer said, "You may force your way through anything with the leverage of prayer. Thoughts and reasonings are like steel wedges which give a hold upon truth; but prayer is the lever, the lever which forces open the iron chest of sacred mystery, that we may get the treasure hidden within." Amen.

        Pastor John