LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
_By Pastor Mensa Otabil_

Thursday 2nd July 2026

LED BY THE SCRIPTURES

Scripture Reading:* Daniel 9:1–9

“In the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Then I set my face toward the Lord God to request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:2–3

The scriptures are God’s sure way of speaking to us. Daniel received guidance from the Lord as he studied the scriptures. That is an experience we must all have. Let’s look at five ways in which the words we read in the Bible guide us.

1. When the word becomes clear to us,

This happens when the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds to give us understanding. When that happens, we would feel as if a veil has been lifted from our eyes, making everything clear. In that moment, the message of a verse or a subject of scripture opens up to us. Our questions are answered. Our doubts are cleared. That is one way the Holy Spirit guides us through the scriptures.

2. When the word comes alive to us.

This is when the word becomes very real. Your senses are awakened by the Holy Spirit to feel the word. When that happens we feel as if we can literally taste the word of God. It doesn’t feel distant again – the word is ‘nigh you’, and so real.

3. When the word speaks directly to us.

This is when you can personally identify with the word. It is no longer God speaking to the world; it is God speaking to you. You have a direct connection to the word.

4. When the word sinks deep into us.

This is when the word touches the core of your being. You respond to the word in a deep emotional way – crying, laughing, shouting, running.

5. *When the word inspires obedience in us.* This is when you become a doer of the word. You don’t need anyone to encourage you; you just do the word. You act with a deep sense of conviction.

When we approach our reading of God’s word with these expectations, the Holy Spirit will guide us to discern God’s will.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, speak to me through your written word. Let your word come alive to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.