1. Stephen Hanson Prophet Original Painting by Stephen Hanson

2. July 24, 00 This is a teaching that I believe is very important for us as the body of Christ. As we grow in our callings and prophetic gifts and abilities, it becomes more and more crucial that these "words" are discerned properly, and that they come from a clean and a pure heart.

3. It becomes very easy for other things to come in that can add a mixture to the pure stream of God's river and prophetic flow.

4. Now, we also don’t want to go obviously to the other extreme, where the "spirit will be quenched either," and we "despise prophecy."

5. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. I Thess. 5

6. Perhaps we know of some of these things, but do we practice them; do we put them to use?

7. If we don’t then, we are accepting EVERYTHING that comes our way in a church service, a gathering, conference, or across our computer screens. There are so many voices out there in the world, and there are also perhaps, many "voices" which we have heard and seen from the prophetic community--- some are good and pure;

8. but others leave us with a taste of cardboard and are defiled. To be sure, "We prophesy in part and we know in part," and I am not referring to a type of perfectionism here, but merely so that we can develop and use better discernment towards the prophetic.

9. CRITERIA: 1. Does it bear witness with your spirit that it is of the Holy Spirit? 2. Does it line up with the word? 3. What is the spirit of the prophet? Does it line up with spirit of the message?

10. 4. Content flow, clarity----Is it simple...is it readable, is it clear...or is it muddled? Does it change persons in the midst of the word? 1.) Here is where discerning of Spirits is important. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.(I Co. 14) Others should "weigh carefully" what is being said, or "discern" the message, whether it be from God or not.

11. *It is interesting to note that we are told here in scripture that if something is given to someone else who is sitting down, then they should give their message, and the first speaker should stop. Now, this obviously needs to be done in a decent and orderly fashion.

12. ( 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. I wonder how often this sort of thing happens. The first speaker then, must have enough sensitivity to know when to stop speaking, so that someone else will be able to speak forth his or her message from the Lord.

13. We also have some solid teaching in I John as well: 4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:

14. because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4) We need to be more like the Bereans:

15. (Acts 17:11. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.) *They examined the scriptures every day and checked to see what Paul was saying was indeed true. We need to be of the same mind.

16. 2.) Obviously the prophetic word needs to have as its basis, the content of what can be substantiated in scripture.

17. Any true prophetic word will not violate or go against the simple truths that may be found in scripture.

18. I believe that those who are young in the prophetic gift prophesy a word from the Lord, which is mostly scripture in content. What I mean here is that much of the prophetic word can be found "word for word" in scripture.

19. As we grow in our maturity and are more experienced with hearing from God, He then can trust us with words that have as their content,

20. more of a directional flow, or are more profound in content. They still will have as their basis and foundation though, the foundational truths which may be found in scripture.

21. In other words, they will build-up and edify, while at the same time, they will point to the severity of God as found in His judgment for a nation or an individual. 3.) By this I mean, is the message angry, does it have a sense of self-pity, or is it coming from a spirit of being hurt?

22. It is so very important that we "empty ourselves," and not carry things inside us that may well cause a root of bitterness to spring up, or that could obstruct the prophetic flow. These things can easily creep in, and taint the message of the word that we speak.

23. We are called to build-up and edify the body of Christ, not to scold or embitter others. Does the message portray attitudes that come out of unhealthy or damaged relationships with others, or can we see a patient and fruitful character portrayed in the word which is given?

24. I am not saying that there will not be judgment in any of these words, nor correction, nor anything less than the "full counsel of God." 4.) God is not the God of confusion, but He wants us to understand what He is saying to us. Thus the message needs to be one of clarity and not to be obscure.

25. 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds,

26. how shall it be known what is piped or harped? I Cor. 14 (By this I don’t mean that it is wrong for a prophetic word to change from a word which is spoken from the Father’s heart to that of Christ.

27. It becomes very important who our audience is also in the prophetic word, which is given. There are times I have seen words which say, "My daughter", or "my jewel," and this word has been sent out to the entire body of Christ and even posted on a site.

28. These types of words are NOT meant for the entire body, but are PERSONAL words that should be kept by the individual. In the content of the message are there words which seem to single out the person speaking as if they are more important or "above others?"

29. If so, then the word is coming from a source other than God. We are called as servants not that others would "serve us." We need to ask God for wisdom and ask Him "who" the prophetic word is for. If it is a word for a specific church or group of people, then ask the Lord when and how to deliver it. rd is for and He will inform us.

30. If it is for an individual or simply something said for one’s self, then ask Him about that as well. Finally, if it is for the body of Christ at large, and is "universal" in nature and content, then:

31. 2 And the L ORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

32. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Hab. 2 Stephen Hanson

33. April 1, 02 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. Jeremiah 1:10 This portion of scripture was spoken to the prophet Jeremiah as the Lord reached out his hand and touched his mouth. Jeremiah 1

34. This portion of scripture was spoken to the prophet Jeremiah as the Lord reached out his hand and touched his mouth. He said that he had put his words in his mouth and had appointed him to be a prophet over nations and kingdoms.

35. I believe that the above-mentioned scripture is one that present-day prophets must consider when assessing their ministries, and understanding the tasks that God has appointed for them. However, there is a danger here that oftentimes, can get misconstrued.

36. I find that some prophets are very quick to take on the first part of this mandate but they often leave off the second. Oh, how often have we heard how God is judging this unrighteous nation of ours--or, this church, or this group of people? To be sure, God is in the process of bringing judgment to us, but remember that "judgment must first begin with the household of God."

37. I have read, and perhaps you have as well, the scathing prophecies pronounced from these types of individuals. They seem to be "hell- bent" on sending God's wrath and fury upon us. They sincerely believe that their commission from God is to follow this mandate. But where is to be found how God is going to build and to plant?

38. If a house is to be demolished or torn down, would there not be a plan for how the next structure would be built? I think so. Within the pages of Isaiah or Jeremiah’s prophecies, I find "hope mixed with judgment." I see God's plan for restoration for his people and for a nation there.

40. An true word from the Lord will include this element in it as well. If it doesn't then perhaps we need to consider the source. 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the L ORD ; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the L ORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. Jeremiah 3: 12-13

41. Dear prophets and prophetic people, may we not forget the need to include God's mercy in the words we speak from Him. May we not forget to include God's restorational plan. May we uproot, but may we also encourage. May we destroy the works of the enemy and the flesh, but may we also then, rebuild. Let us be a reflection of God's character in this.

42. I am not calling for weakness here, but for balance. Surely, God's judgment will come on those who continue to ignore His voice and His warnings. May we be like Hezekiah was who when he heard the prophet's pronouncement, chose rather to humble himself, and thus was given fifteen more years to live.

43. Within the pages of Isaiah I find salvation mixed with judgment. I find God's promise standing beside His justice. For those who are obedient and listen to His Spirit, there will be times of refreshing and peace. Those who continue in their willful disobedience however, will experience His rebuke and anger.

44. 12 For thus saith the L ORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66

45. 14 And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the L ORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies. 15 For, behold, the L ORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

46. 16 For by fire and by his sword will the L ORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the L ORD shall be many. Let us be careful though, and not dole out God's fury and wrath too quickly. He is long- suffering and patient towards us, and desires that none would perish.

47. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. James 2 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Roman 11 Stephen Hanson