Topic: The necessity to search the scriptures
Text: Daniel 9:1-19
Key verse: And during his first year as king, I found out from studying the writings of the prophets that the Lord had said to Jeremiah, “Jerusalem will lie in ruins for seventy years.” Verse 2
Precious gems are not found on the surface of the earth, the same goes for a revelation of the scriptures. You need to dig deep to find real treasures. The human mind has a desire and ability for research, man loves to search out hidden facts from history that can be beneficial for the future.
Daniel was in exile in Babylon, even though he was very comfortable, being one of the prominent leaders, his heart was still in Israel and the future of his nation. He committed himself to study the writings of the prophets and then he discovered that the duration of Jerusalem’s judgment was specified. This information gave him insight on what to do.
“Jerusalem will lie in ruins for seventy years.”
“Then, to show my sorrow, I went without eating and dressed in sackcloth and sat in ashes. I confessed my sins and earnestly prayed to the Lord my God”.
Daniel understood that since the time was completed, the only way to approach God at this time was by repentance for the restoration of Israel, according to the promise the Lord had made to King Solomon.
“But if you or any of the people of Israel disobey my laws or start worshiping foreign gods,  I will pull you out of this land I gave you. I will desert this temple where I said I would be worshiped so that people everywhere will think it is only a joke and will make fun of it.” 2 Chronicles 7:19-20
“ If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
When we are faced with complex and challenging situations, we are bombarded by many questions and the mind will begin to seek the answers. The ‘Go to’ place for answers is the Bible. 
We must develop the habit to search the scriptures for ourselves rather than relying on other people’s opinions.
When Jesus was born and the wise men came to ask of him from Herod, the chief priest and teachers of the law provided the answers from the scriptures.
Herod brought together the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” They told him, “He will be born in Bethlehem, just as the prophet wrote, ’Bethlehem in the land of Judea, you are very important among the towns of Judea. From your town will come a leader, who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.’” Matthew 2:4-6
Another example of the necessity to search the scriptures is in Acts 2:14-21. On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out, it was a new phenomenon to the crowds that heard them speak in new tongues, Peter arose and gave them clarity based on what he knew from studying the scriptures.
We are in the last days perilous times when people are deceiving many and are also being deceived, knowing the truth, and understanding the times is a necessity. The sons of Issachar had understanding in their own time.
And of Issachar, men who had an understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs; and all their kinsmen were under their command
Are you exercising your mind to search for truth? Do you have a good understanding of the times? Do you know the appropriate response to the many contemporary issues challenging the Christian faith? Jesus committed himself to research the scriptures starting at an early age, how about your children?
 Three days later they found Jesus sitting in the temple, listening to the teachers, and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was surprised at how much he knew and at the answers he gave. Luke 2:46-47
These are not the days to be slothful, to rely on men of God to give us answers, you must put your mind to work! To develop a winners mentality, your mind must have insight, revelation, and understanding of the scriptures. 
Pray for a hunger for  deep insights and revelation from the scriptures.

Seek answers for the difficult issues you may be facing from the scriptures, wait on the Lord for as long as it will take to receive  revelation .

Grace to you as you search for truth.!

Roses&Thorns