Isn't it funny how in some Christian circles there are those who want to be a "prophet"? You know them....they want to hear everything for everyone and tell everyone what God is saying. Some truly have a heart for God, but they have a strong fear of making mistakes or of being victimized. Others are simply desirous of fame or fortune. Still others are truly hearing from God and may some day continue on to a mature, prophetic voice.
For those who are afraid of mistakes or victimization, often God's voice is filtered or diluted by their own fears or voices from the past. For those seeking fame and fortune, I think of Jeremiah. His life wasn't exactly plush and pampered. On the contrary, it was traumatic, impoverished and tortured. For those who are still growing in this gift, I listen. I listen carefully. Not to find out what the future holds, but to what God is saying about today. I'm not as concerned about tomorrow as I am about serving Him today, loving Him today and walking with Him today.
There are people who appear much like the real deal, but are motivated by their own will and selfish plans. Many times, they do not recognize themselves. They are convinced the plan is God's plan. Often, they are so stuck on the plan, they ignore obvious indications they have not heard well. For example, the woman holding on to the man "God told them would be their husband". Unfortunately, the man is either married to someone else, shows no interest in her or keeps the woman on the back burner for years because he knows she will wait in obedience to God forever. She puts her life on hold, not making major decisions about the future because "he might ask me to marry him". Yet, he never does. It is easier to stay stuck, than to let it go and see if God brings it about. (I use this example due to its common occurrence; there are other examples).
There is a Jezebel spirit who pretends to be a prophet but uses control rather than offering guidance. She/he will "out of fear" dictate, torment or use passive/aggressive behavior to manipulate situations. Sometimes they are allowed to reign for years eventually ending in disaster.
Discernment tools I use based on biblical teaching and experience: 1) No person knows everything for everyone. 2) God will speak to you first (the "prophet" will simply be a confirmation). 3) There will be a peace along with any word from God spoken. No peace, not God. 4) God does NOT nor will NOT contradict Himself. 5) If it doesn't line up with scripture, it isn't Him. His character is always the same and He doesn't change. He will never tell you to be immoral.
There's more and these are not fool proof. But, it's a baseline for me. All of these line up with scripture and I've considered putting the verses in for you, but if you are interested it's important for you to search the bible for yourself. I am not inerrant.
Challenge for today: Borrowing Oprah's line - "one thing I know for sure": Unless you know God's character through bible study and reading, you cannot discern what is NOT God and what is God. Think about it. There are things you know your spouse or best friend would NOT do simply because you know them. Get to know God and learn to discern His will. Read, study and discuss with others the bible version of your choice. If you don't have a bible, visit www.biblegateway.com to read on line.
For those who are afraid of mistakes or victimization, often God's voice is filtered or diluted by their own fears or voices from the past. For those seeking fame and fortune, I think of Jeremiah. His life wasn't exactly plush and pampered. On the contrary, it was traumatic, impoverished and tortured. For those who are still growing in this gift, I listen. I listen carefully. Not to find out what the future holds, but to what God is saying about today. I'm not as concerned about tomorrow as I am about serving Him today, loving Him today and walking with Him today.
There are people who appear much like the real deal, but are motivated by their own will and selfish plans. Many times, they do not recognize themselves. They are convinced the plan is God's plan. Often, they are so stuck on the plan, they ignore obvious indications they have not heard well. For example, the woman holding on to the man "God told them would be their husband". Unfortunately, the man is either married to someone else, shows no interest in her or keeps the woman on the back burner for years because he knows she will wait in obedience to God forever. She puts her life on hold, not making major decisions about the future because "he might ask me to marry him". Yet, he never does. It is easier to stay stuck, than to let it go and see if God brings it about. (I use this example due to its common occurrence; there are other examples).
There is a Jezebel spirit who pretends to be a prophet but uses control rather than offering guidance. She/he will "out of fear" dictate, torment or use passive/aggressive behavior to manipulate situations. Sometimes they are allowed to reign for years eventually ending in disaster.
Discernment tools I use based on biblical teaching and experience: 1) No person knows everything for everyone. 2) God will speak to you first (the "prophet" will simply be a confirmation). 3) There will be a peace along with any word from God spoken. No peace, not God. 4) God does NOT nor will NOT contradict Himself. 5) If it doesn't line up with scripture, it isn't Him. His character is always the same and He doesn't change. He will never tell you to be immoral.
There's more and these are not fool proof. But, it's a baseline for me. All of these line up with scripture and I've considered putting the verses in for you, but if you are interested it's important for you to search the bible for yourself. I am not inerrant.
Challenge for today: Borrowing Oprah's line - "one thing I know for sure": Unless you know God's character through bible study and reading, you cannot discern what is NOT God and what is God. Think about it. There are things you know your spouse or best friend would NOT do simply because you know them. Get to know God and learn to discern His will. Read, study and discuss with others the bible version of your choice. If you don't have a bible, visit www.biblegateway.com to read on line.
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