Receiving the Wisdom of God

It is the job of the Holy Spirit to teach you wisdom, to reveal to you things past, present and future:

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26 AMP

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. John 16:13 AMP

But ye have an unction from the Holy One and ye know all things. 1 John 2:20 KJV

The word "unction" is Strong's #5545 chrisma. "...the corresponding noun to No. 2, above, signifies 'an unguent, or an anointing.' It was prepared from oil and aromatic herbs. It is used only metaphorically in the NT; by metonymy, of the Holy Spirit, 1 John 2:20,27, twice. The RV translates it 'anointing' in all three places, instead of the AV 'unction" and "anointing.' That believers have 'an anointing from the Holy One' indicates that this anointing renders them holy, separating them to God. The passage teaches that the gift of the Holy Spirit is the all-efficient means of enabling believers to possess a knowledge of the truth. (Vine's Expository Dictionary under the word "anoint, anointing")

It's a command, not a suggestion. Without the wisdom of God, we are left helpless in a world that is being devoured by the curse. Especially now in the times we are living in, God's direction is vital.

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Prov 4:5-7 KJV

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge... Isa 5:13 KJV

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hos 6:6 KJV

First, it is important to understand that God is not holding out on us. He has said over and over in the Word that wisdom is available to us if we will do what it takes to receive it.

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous... Prov 2:1-7 KJV

First, receive the Word. Acknowledge that the Word is divinely inspired and is our connection to God.

But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them], 15 And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:14-4:1 AMP

Second, hide the Word in your heart- feed the Word into your heart by reading and meditating on it.

Third, incline your ear and apply your heart to understanding, or in other words, set yourself to receive wisdom as you read it and hear it preached, expecting to receive.

Fourth, cry after knowledge, lift up your voice for understanding, not begging God to do what He said He's already done, but simply asking Him in faith for wisdom and believe you receive according to James 1:5-8:

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, 8[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. James 1:5-8 AMP

Wisdom is received by faith, just like salvation is received by faith. God has promised wisdom to whosoever will seek it out.

In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor, 8 Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence), 9 Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). Eph 1:7-9 AMP

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). Jer 33:3 AMP

You get the idea. God is not holding out on us. He has made his wisdom available to whosoever will.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor 4:6-7- 6 KJV

God's wisdom only comes to us through His Spirit.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor 2:6-14 KJV

Notice that it says God has revealed them to us- past tense. It's already done; it's up to us to receive by faith. Also notice that it says we have received the Spirit so that we might know- that is the Spirit's job- to give us knowledge.

Study and Meditating the Word

[Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known. 23 If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. 24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you--and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:22-24 AMP

God cannot reveal to you what you haven't put into your mind. You have to read the Word, study and meditate it. Remember- the wisdom of God is hidden for the righteous, not from them.

God instructed His people to keep the Word in front of them all the time, to "meditate therein day and night (Joshua 1:8). Meditating on the stuff of the world won't give you wisdom. Turn off the TV and meditate the Word.

Read a passage (Proverbs is always a good place to start, or something in red out of the Gospels) and pick a verse that stands out to you. Or if you have a particular need for healing or finances or whatever, find a promise from God for that need to meditate on. As you turn that verse over and over in your mind, the Spirit takes that Word and begins to reveal it to your spirit. And it's that revelation knowledge that will set you free. There are some basic promises from the Word at the end to give you a start.

And we have the prophetic word [made] firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through [the gloom] and the Morning Star rises ( comes into being) in your hearts. 20[Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving). 21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so--it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21 AMP

The Spirit reveals the Word to your spirit. The Word is not a matter of private or personal interpretation. Confusion and divisions come when people interpret the Word out of their own understanding. When you find a passage that you don't understand, meditate on it, look up other similar verses, study, and the Holy Spirit will begin to bring light into your heart.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:16-4:1 KJV

Praying in the Spirit

For those of you who are baptized in the Holy Ghost, praying in the spirit takes what you have put into your mind and transfers it into your spirit. It's like putting the meditation process on steroids. You still have to study the Word, and keep it before you, giving the Spirit something to work with. Feed on the Word, feed it into your mind, and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you by "speaking mysteries."

For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. 1 Cor 14:2 AMP

The Holy Spirit takes what you have fed into your mind and reveals the hidden meaning into your spirit. It is a Spirit-to-spirit process that brings revelation knowledge when you need it. The word was written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and it takes the Holy Spirit to reveal it to man.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Rom 8:26-27 KJV

The Spirit prays the perfect will of God when we don't know how. And this process will bring prayer results. Infirmities refers to our inability to produce results (Dave Roberson).

But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. 1 John 2:27 AMP

The anointing of the Holy Spirit teaches us all things. As you pray in the spirit, you are building yourself up in faith and love (Jude 20, 21), you are mortifying or killing the deeds of the flesh (Rom. 8:13), you are speaking mysteries, revelation knowledge, truth that will protect you from false doctrine and you are speaking the perfect will of God over your situation. (Rom 8:26).

Now look at Isaiah 28:9-12-

9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. KJV

God says stammering lips and another tongue is how He speaks to His people. This is the rest and this is the refreshing. There is rest and refreshing as you pray in the spirit. To be spiritually minded is life and peace (Rom. 8:6). Praying in the spirit puts your mind at rest and brings peace.

God says stammering lips and another tongue is how He speaks to His people. This is the rest and this is the refreshing. There is rest and refreshing as you pray in the spirit. To be spiritually minded is life and peace (Rom. 8:6). Praying in the spirit puts your mind at rest and brings peace.

You will find rest for your soul. Your soul is your mind, your will and your emotions. God never intended for us to be wrought up and distressed about anything. His answer for your situation is available to you as your meditate His Word concerning that need, and pray in the Spirit.

As you pray in the spirit, your mind is unfruitful (1 Cor. 14:14). The devil will come immediately to try to convince you you're not doing any good, that it's just gibberish and you're wasting your time. He comes immediately to steal the Word out of your heart. Don't fall for that one. Be persistent, knowing the Spirit is working whether your mind actually gets anything at the time or not.

I was praying in tongues one day for a specific need, and had prayed maybe 30 or 45 minutes in the spirit, then had to go take care of some housework. As I was folding clothes an hour or so later, the Spirit chose that time to reveal to me the answer to the question I had. The time spent actually praying in the spirit was earlier, but the answer came when I was busy with other things. Don't think your time in the spirit is wasted; it never is. Answers will come, sometimes when you least expect to hear from God.

God's wisdom isn't something that only some people can receive. It is available and waiting for anyone who will receive it.

First, ask for wisdom, but ask in faith.

Next, believe that God will do what He said He will do. Expect wisdom to come.

Then begin to study the Word and meditate His promises for your situations, giving the Spirit something to work with. Much wisdom can be had this way.

Last, pray in the Spirit for the true rest and the true refreshing that comes as you allow the Holy Spirit to do your praying for you.

God's wisdom is available to whosoever will. Set yourself to hear the voice of God. Ask, and you shall receive.

What follows is a sample confession of the Word of God that you can use for yourself and personalize according to your specific circumstances. Personalizing verses makes the Word really speak to your heart and goes a long way toward building your faith in God. Never beg God for anything; use the Word in your prayer time instead. God honors faith, and the more you pray the Word, the more it will build your faith. The verses used are referenced at the end.

I thank You, Father, that Your Word will not return to You void, but it will accomplish what You please and it will prosper in my life, for You watch over Your Word to perform it. I thank You, Lord, for the covenant of blood I have with You by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. I receive that blood and the covenant promises of life, health and prosperity over my life today.

Jesus, You were made to be sin for me that I might be made the righteousness of God in You. I receive that life over me and my house today. As for me and my house, we serve the Lord. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and I am saved and my house. The seed of the righteous shall be delivered. I thank You, Lord, that You are pouring Your Spirit upon my house and Your blessing upon my offspring. I thank You, Father, for salvation and the blessing that is working in my house today.

I thank You, Lord, for the healing You have provided my house by the covenant of blood. For You bare my sins in Your own body on the tree that I being dead to sin might live unto God, by whose stripes I am healed. You sent Your Word and healed me and delivered me from my destructions. I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. Your Word is life and health to all my flesh and I prosper and am in health even as my soul prospers. I receive the healing in my body that You died to give me. By Your stripes I am healed.

Now Father, I receive Your provision for my life today, for I know the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ that though You were rich, yet for my sake You became poor that I through Your poverty might be rich and abundantly supplied. You are making all grace come to my house in abundance that we may always, and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient- possessing enough to require no aid or support, and my house is furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. I thank you Father for seed for the sowing and bread for the eating. I am enriched in all things and in every way. I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness and all these things are added unto me. I thank You, Lord, for giving me power to get wealth that You can establish Your covenant in the earth through me today. The blessing is working in my house today.

Now Lord, I declare that I am not weak in faith when I consider my circumstances. No unbelief or distrust makes me waver or doubtingly question concerning Your promises for my life. I am growing strong and am empowered by faith as I give praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that You, Lord, are able and might to keep Your Word and do what You have promised in my life. I have the life of God. I live life in abundance, to the full, til it overflows. I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of my testimony. I thank You, Lord, for the life, health and prosperity that You died to give me, so that the world will see Jesus in my life. I give You all the glory, in Jesus' Name, amen.

References- Is. 55;11; Jer. 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:21; Josh. 24:15; Acts 16:31; Prov. 11:21; Is. 44:3; 1 Pet. 2:24; Ps. 107:20; Ps. 118:17; Prov. 4:22; 3 Jn 2; 2 Cor. 8:9 Amp.; 2 Cor. 9:8-11 Amp.; Mt. 6:33; Deut. 8:18; Rom. 4:19-21; Jn. 10:10 Amp.; Rev. 21:11.

Ministries Online

For quintessential faith teachings, see Kenneth Copeland Ministries, one of the best to learn about faith. Check out "Real Help", a section on their website that has loads of online articles, etc, to give you help in lots of different areas, all free.

For loads of free downloadable teachings on faith, finances, healing, etc, etc, see Keith Moore Ministries. He has loads of very practical, every-day, down-to-earth teaching that's strictly in line with the Word of God to help you walk in victory as God intended.

For very practical, down-to-earth teaching that speaks to everyone in their day-to-day lives, see Joyce Meyer Ministries, a ministry that will give you insight into how to deal with the things we all confront every day.

Another website with great teaching available is Andrew Wommack Ministries; I highly recommend his teaching on The True Nature of God, a very good in-depth teaching on the goodness of God that will correct the traditional view of God as a cranky old man waiting to knock you over the head to teach you something. All his radio and tv broadcasts are available in free mp3 downloads, with archives going back as far as 1997.

Yet another ministry that makes their teachings available for free is
Gary Carpenter Minitries.

One more ministry I recommend is Gregory Dickow Ministries; they have podcasts available as most online ministries do now. Gregory has great teachings, one in particular- Winning the Battle of the Mind- is one I recommend.

Other Online Helps

A great Bible reference site with loads of translations and other helps is Biblegateway.com

A site that has a collection of faith-building resources is cfaith.com; I've just found this one and don't know what all is available there yet, beyond loads of free articles by quite a few different authors.

For communicating with other Christians, try Grace Centered Christian Forums.

For help with troubled marriages, check out Marriage Helper with Joe Beam and Lovepath International.

Christian Book Distributors has been a great source of Christian books, videos, cd's etc. for years.

Scripture Songs.com is a place to download free music, all songs using scripture, a great way to get the Word into your heart.