To hear the Lord speak through his word, first join his family by making his Son your saving Lord. We must be close enough to hear his voice. Otherwise, we cannot understand the Spirit's speech to our hearts (1 Cor 2:10-11, 14).

Second, be willing to work and study hard. Paul's encouragement to Timothy applies to us: "Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching" (1 Tim 4:13; "devote yourself" in the Greek requires previous, private preparations). Start with a good study Bible. Then acquire study tools such as a Bible dictionary, a concordance, an atlas, topical Bibles and encyclopedias, and good commentaries. But use such tools only to assist you in your personal study of God's word.

Third, choose to obey what you discover. Jesus was clear: "If any one chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or I speak on my own" (Jn 7:17). The Lord of the universe will not reveal his word as an option for us to consider. Only when we choose to follow his will, can we fully hear his voice.