We found ourselves in the book of Hosea, looking at a promise that ought to stir every believer’s heart.
1. The Requirement of Study
Our text in Hosea 6:3 says, “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” You will never know much about the Lord unless you read and study for yourself. If you don’t, all you’ll know is what someone else tells you—and half the time, they’re just guessing or making up stuff that ain’t even in the Bible. They don’t know “apple butter” about the Word of God! 1828 Webster’s defines Study as a setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books. You’ve got to apply yourself if you want that glory to be revealed in you.
2. The Fellowship of the Secret Place
Job cried out in Job 23:3, “Oh that I knew where I might find him!” Well, child of God, you can know exactly where to find Him. He fills the atmosphere; He’s with us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
But listen, if you’re living like hell, the only prayer God is going to hear from you is one of repentance. Our fellowship is with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. When I got saved fifty-two years ago, the Lord “set up housekeeping” in my heart. He took away the cussing, the drinking, and the gambling. He cleaned me up so I could finally talk to Him.
Christ in you is the hope of glory. The lost world don’t have that… and they don’t have the teaching they need either. That’s why they can do anything they want to do. Don’t bug them because they don’t have Christ in them.
3. Learning Through the Marriage Union
When I first met Geneva, I didn’t know her well. It wasn’t until we were married and became “one flesh” that I truly began to learn who she was. It’s the same way with the Lord. Once you “marry up” with Jesus, you begin to get acquainted.
You don’t need a fancy Bible college to learn the Lord—though a reputable one is fine. Some of those colleges will try to give you a “New American” version or tell you hell is a black hole in the sky. I told my boy Sean to get out of that! You’ve got the Holy Ghost of God to be your teacher. If you stay faithful, stay in the old King James, and stay “still” long enough to listen, He’ll teach you every word in this book.
I love the Lord. I never had a desire to leave the Lord behind. I’ve never had a desire to quit preaching. I’ll tell you, you probably have to kill me to get me to quit preaching.
Don’t disregard the Lord in your daily life. Practice the Word, pray every day, and be ready when He calls. Whether it’s 10 chapters a morning or a session of deep prayer, get yourself “raring to go” for God!