How Do I Know that’s God?

How Do I Know that’s God?

A bit of teaching on the prophetic.

With all the avenues media presents, we all get information that is both accurate and not. Even from the prophetic world. So how do we discern if what is being said is God?

Aside from the basic “Is it biblical,” are many more questions. Many prophetic words are not biblical in word or principle. Those are not up for debate—throw them out. Others, though, are biblical in principle, but may or may not be in the Bible, per se. What I mean is that the prophetic gift itself is biblical, but much of what is prophesied is not found in the Bible, i.e. is not quoting scripture. Even at that, just because someone quotes scripture it doesn’t mean it is a prophetic word. Note the devil also quotes scripture. So how do we know?

Here are a few ways to decide.

First, it may be a real prophetic word, just not for you. Not all real prophetic words are for everyone. I will often read a word, think “oh that’s good,” and then move on. Because though it was God speaking it wasn’t a word for me. I know people who live in fear that they have to receive and take to heart every “prophecy” out there. And that if they don’t they aren't living in faith and apprehending what the word was presenting. That is living in fear. More superstition than faith.

When I read or hear a prophecy my first question is “Is it biblical?” Then, “Is there an anointing from the Holy Spirit on it for me?” If not, then I often won’t finish reading. Why bother? If I continue reading after I have decided there isn’t an anointing on it for me, it can lead to confusion or disgust. Confusion, because then I'm focusing on the words instead of whether or not the Holy Spirit is resting on it for me. 1 John says that we have an anointing from the Holy One that is true and is not a lie. In the supernatural realm it is essential to have both the Word and the Spirit as witnesses to what we receive as true. And yes, I do get disgusted when people mishandle the Bible. Also when someone who should know better continues in their immaturity. Instead they should growing up. If God has stopped speaking, turn off the spigot.

Levels of prophetic authority. There are levels of authority when it comes to prophetic gifts. Just as Paul said to the Corinthians, “If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” The point is that people are called to a group, a church, a city, a state, a nation, or the world. Trying to operate outside their realm of authority is wrong. Not everyone in Christendom is in the same place spiritually. What is God saying to the nation is far different than what He is saying to an individual or to a local church. 

With the age of technology many people post prophecies online. This ups our responsibility individually as to what we hear and take to heart as a word from the Lord. We no longer have gatekeepers in our church saying “yea” or “nay.” Be responsible both as the speaker and hearer. All true prophecies have an intended audience. It may or may not be you. Some need a kind word of encouragement, some a rebuke, some comfort, some warning, and on and on. How tragic when someone hears a rebuke when they need comfort. (2 Corinthians 2) Therefore, when reading an online word, ask the Holy Spirit, “Is this for me?” Be willing to toss it if the Holy Spirit isn't bearing witness to it for you. 

It's ok to reject what someone is saying, “God said”. 

If Need Be...

If Need Be

Imagine yourself driving along a highway named 1 Peter 1. Mile after mile you journey along on the highway. The sun is high is the sky. Trees line a magnificent river rushing along beside you, roaring over boulders and meandering through meadows. Your road paved with 1 Peter 1’s words. You voice your route to the Lord, bellowing from deep within you the words of 1 Peter 1.

“Yes, I am Your chosen no matter where I am. I am in Christ—Your precious Son.”

“I am His through His foreknowledge. Holy Spirit You have given me new birth and set me apart to God. I am so grateful. I will obey Jesus Christ. His blood…the precious blood. Grace and peace are mine in the fullest measure!”

You cruise along through the wonderfully adorned landscape. Your day is bliss. You crack your window and now the aroma of pine, your companion.

“I bless You God! I am born again through Your mercy into a living hope. You rose from the dead, Jesus. Nothing could stop You—not even death could hold You. I am Yours forever!”

“An imperishable perfect inheritance is waiting for me in heaven. Nothing can make it rust. Nothing can devalue it. My inheritance, given to me by my Father. What a wonderful Father Your are.”

“I am protected by Your Spirit’s power, defended as in a fortress—a castle; You keep me. Faith is real! My salvation will become ever more glorious as I approach the end of my days. Your face—I will see Your face, God. What a day that will be!”

“I am undone! You have done it all Lord Jesus! I am forever Yours! I am overwhelmed with Your glory. What a life! What a God!”

Coming around another bend in the road, you notice the scenery has changed. Even the sky. The sun no longer visible. Dark clouds—“Is that lightening?” Rumble. Boom. The river has even become more tumultuous. It happened so fast.

You think to yourself, “Did I take a wrong turn?” You pull over to look at the map. “Nope, this is the right route.” Hesitantly you continue along your highway.

You see a sign—finally. It reads, “Highway of Holiness.” Ok good, it is the right road. Wait, what does it say? You didn’t see it on the map when you started out, but there it is on the sign under “Highway to Holiness.”  “If Need Be” it reads. You look again at the map. There it is. The alternate route is named “If Need Be.”

You remember seeing an alternate route, but chose the direct route, didn’t you? How did you end up on the alternate route? You aren’t sure. You don’t remember the sign or the turn. You consider turning around. “The direct route, back to the direct route.” You look behind you just in time to catch a glimpse of a landslide moving across the road behind you. Fear, just for a moment, grips you.

You look forward, then up, then at the raging river. A soft but determined whisper, “I will trust and not be afraid” intercepts your breath. Putting the car back into drive you again start out. Slowly.

That sets the stage for verse 6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, IF NEED BE, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”

If need be…

If need be…

If need be…

you have been grieved by various trials,

that the genuineness of your faith,

being much more precious than gold that perishes,

though it is tested by fire,

may be found to

praise,

honor,

and glory

at the revelation of Jesus Christ…

Faith, genuine faith, is an imperishable inheritance that will not fade or corrode. It is of highest valuable to God. It is so valuable to God that He will take us on the alternate route when it is in our best interest. All the seeming valuable losses are nothing to be compared to the refining taking place in us.

Christian, take a deep breath. Renew your commitment to believe God against all circumstances that He is good. He is a good God Who loves you with an unrelenting passion. He is determined to make you more like His Son and to help you focus on the eternal rather than the menial natural world that is temporary.

Let the fire burn and take a knee.

A Word for 2017

Faithfulness

By now we have all read or at least seen many prophetic words surrounding the New Year.  

I too have a word: Faithfulness.

How about focusing on faithfulness. 

Be faithful to the general will of God. 

Be faithful to the specific will of God for you.

Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and Jesus, the Bible says, were all faithful. Each of them in different circumstances, but the same faithful character. 

Faithfulness is not perfection. None of us are perfect, but we can all be faithful. 

Faithfulness is not dependent upon our situation, circumstances, wealth, maturity, or anything else except us—our choice to be faithful to God and people.

If you're a stay-at-home mom, be the best mom ever. Train your kids to love God and love people. Pray as you fold clothes and make meals.

If you're a leader, serve the people with grace and humility. Devote yourself to it. In your heart. Not just in action. Pray for those who God has put in your care. Some of you need to realign yourself in your heart. Why are you doing what you are doing? 

If a you're businessman or woman, serve your employer no matter who is watching. Be honest. Work hard. 

If you are a teacher, prayerfully study the Word to get a message from God. Present it the way He wants you to—with anointing. A message that will excite people to study and go after the Word themselves. 

In whatever gifts God has given to you, wait on your ministry and pray about your call.

As a Christian be faithful wherever you are in life and to whoever you serve. 

Even if it's a cup of water in the Name of the Lord.

Faithfulness is something we can all do.

Finally, be faithful to pursue Him.

His Presence

His Face

Whoever you are love His Presence. 

Love His interaction with you moment by moment, day by day, year by year. 

Faithfulness.