The initial assumption is that scripture is literal —I’ve known the Lord for a little over fifty years. But I agree with this basic position more every year.

Every year I find more places where scripture is meant to be taken literally. That applies from Genesis through Revelation. This is not a place to argue specifics. What we want to encourage you to do is make it one of your prime tools to study scripture. “Is this passage literal?”

Always assume that scripture is literal

Let the Lord tell you specifically when it’s not. It all begins with asking the Holy Spirit to show you the Truth. What did God mean when He had it written? Don’t try to figure it out—trust the Holy Spirit to show you.

Give Him the time He needs to do that. It is important that this is learned and held by faith. The little quirks in His varied responses will cause you to rely on faith.

Another prayer that is equally important is also simple and straight forward. “Lord, I need to be able to hear your voice and communicate clearly with you. Show me how you want to do that in my life.” You will be led into your specific individualized method. You will have to work at it, and practice a lot. This is what Paul was talking about in I Thessalonians 5:17. Pray without ceasing. Pray constantly.

You will discover that an ongoing conversation works best. All day, every day, asking questions and getting help from the Holy Spirit.

This is the core of our training. This disposable universe was created to train us to be like Jesus. Our goal needs to be that we are in as good a shape spiritually as possible when He calls us home, or comes to pick us up.

Our relationship with Yeshua is all that matters while we are in the flesh. Ask Him to show you what that means.