Words Supposedly from God

Today's Reading:
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20
Revelation 14:1-20
Proverbs 5:1-14 
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Focus Verses: Jeremiah 23:25-26, 30-32
25 "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? - - - 30 "Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31 Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.' 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the LORD. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the LORD.

Insight:
Not every claim of a message from God is true. Sometimes people say, "God told me this or that," but, at best, it's nothing more than wishful thinking, or, at worst, a flat out lie or delusion. God is against those who wag their tongues and carelessly profess to speak for God or claim to have special revelation from God. False claims of hearing from God are worthless!

Response and Action:
I will be very careful about believing or making claims about hearing from God or speaking for God. I will look to the Bible and the teaching of Jesus and the apostles for guidance. Critical thinking and faith are not mutually exclusive. Claims need to be tested and evaluated. Discernment requires humility, a readiness to ask questions, sound counsel, and a thorough knowledge of Scripture.

O God, show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Help me to live with integrity and wisdom. Strengthen my faith, but protect me from foolish gullibility. I want to hear your voice clearly and never confuse it with my own thoughts or ideas. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 7:22-23
22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Resources:
God Talk: Cautions for Those Who Hear God's Voice
by Ruth Tucker