ABF 19.33 LN

GOOD MORNING!
To inquire about things is a natural part of life … be it God or governments.
To inquire is to seek an answer or information about something specific … this is different than prayer
Even Jesus demonstrated a desire to inquire as a natural part of his character and life in general
John 12: 49
David was similar to Christ in this way. He made inquiry a natural practice. We ought to do the same
Psalm 5: 1-3
David made a point to acknowledge God as the only person he would seek answers from, recognizing that it’s God who can provide the greatest wisdom and clarity to David.
We should challenge ourselves to this same base line … does our day start out coming to God in this way and with this kind of recognition of Him?
Are there inquiries within our daily prayer/conversation with God?
Jesus made a practice of getting up early to be alone with the Father
Mark 1: 35
1 Samuel 23: 1-2
Normally we go through a discerning period to determine whether something is “our problem” or not … need/risk/reward/relationship are all factors in considering issues we face and how we might handle it
Like anything there is a good way and a bad way we can respond to these times in our life, a way which honors God and a way that falls short
David proved in his life that he wanted to please God even if he didn’t always succeed–in fact there are several times we can pinpoint that David probably did fall short. But his heart was correctly oriented nonetheless
Hebrews 4: 14-16
God gives us ample opportunity to approach Him. Inquiry is meant to be a repetitive process between us and God
1 Samuel 23
Sometimes inquiry means being bold in the way we come to God …. Not to be mistaken with arrogance or entitlement or faithlessness
David is engaged in his circumstances and always involves God in the process
As we fast forward to another time in David’s life–his kingship–we see him demonstrate another brand of inquiry
2 Samuel 5: 17
Seeking after God wields powerful wisdom when we come to him with our inquiries
David also shows us the consequences when he didn’t seek out God first
2 Samuel 6: 1-13
When we don’t inquiry of God, we suffer the consequences and God is not glorified. When that happens, do we course correct and come back to Him?
1 Samuel 30: 1-8
1 Thess. 5: 17

QUESTIONS:

HOW CONSISTENTLY DO YOU SEEK SPECIFIC INFORMATION OR UNDERSTANDING FROM GOD?
WHAT BATTLES ARE ON YOUR HORIZON THAT YOU ANTICIPATE NEEDING GOD’S SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND UNDERSTANDING?
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, HOW CAN YOU RESPOND BETTER WITH SPECIFIC INQUIRY?