Proverbs 31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him. NIV

I have chosen the New International Version to express inspiration rather than my standard King James because the KJV uses the word prophecy rather than inspired utterance. I want to shy away from thinking about prophecy here because of the wide misconceptions of the prophetic.

Inspiration is a mental or emotional stimulation which by design is intended to direct thought or action. Inspiration without effect is vanity, emptiness as to results. An inspired utterance must be received and recognized for what it is in order to produce a change.

Since I write what I hope is inspired devotionals, it is important to me to deliver what I believe by faith is from God. I have no desire for you to think “That was really smart.” I would love nothing more than for you to think, “Now that was God speaking to me.”

Reception and understanding of inspirational utterances is based on one important issue shared by two or more parties. The speaker and the listener must be acquainted with the quality and character of God in order to discern the voice of God.

John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Without knowing His voice any inspired utterance in the Spirit would be heard at best as a distant noise of undetermined origin. Key to understanding is the presence of the Spirit in bother the speaker and the listener.

Many times I have sat in Sunday school or life groups or Men’s Fraternity and said, “Now that is the Word of the Lord.” This is why I can say that.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

His Spirit is my witness.

Exodus 33:13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.

Do me a favor is the most heard expression of favor. I want something, you can provide it, and I am asking it of you. This is not the expression of favor in Kingdom living.

Moses expresses here in Exodus 33 a better understanding of favor. Some translation use the word grace for favor and the definition of grace is unmerited favor. So allow me to expand on that in this issue of finding favor.

First consideration is that favor is an attitude and attention which is bestowed upon one who is unworthy and has done nothing to deserve God’s favor. We must understand favor from the viewpoint of our perfect God’s perfect love and any grace shown towards us is without harm, and it given to draw us closer to Him.

Moses expresses this in the way that God has already shown him favor and Moses desires to know more about God, His ways, His gracious intent, which is His will for us. The end of the verse is critical for understand the basic character of grace, to be extended to others. “This for Your people.”

The humanistic design of favor is selfish. Grace from the Father is anything but selfish. Its design is fruit bearing, it brings forth more of itself. Thinking of it in this way shows me that the tree does not consume its own fruit. Grace to me produces grace in me, which is extended to others.

This is why I say grace received is grace extended.

John 1:16 And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.