To the 7000,
There are false prophets in the church practicing sorcery and divination, practices that God strictly forbids. Why? Because the source of these messages cannot be trusted. While some individuals may have a gift for perceiving details about a person’s background or future, we must be cautious and discerning when encountering such spirits.
It is critical that we ensure we are listening to the Holy Spirit of God and not being led astray. Today, many are turning to the wrong spirits or guides, often in moments of crisis or uncertainty. They seek answers about the future—whether more sorrow, lack, or illness awaits them. It’s human nature to want to know what lies ahead. Investors wish they could predict the stock market; others long to know if tomorrow will bring disaster or joy. But God calls us to focus on Him, trusting in His love and guidance instead of seeking control over the unknown.
Even within the church, we must exercise caution when listening to someone prophesying about the future. Many mistake prophets for psychics, hoping they will reveal personal fortunes or predict events. This misunderstanding can lead us to misuse or misinterpret prophecy.
The Purpose of Prophecy
Paul gives us a clear guideline in 1 Corinthians 14:3:
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.”
True prophecy serves to edify, encourage, and bring comfort to the body of Christ. It is not a tool for fortune-telling or satisfying personal curiosity. The Greek word for prophecy, προφητεία (prophēteia), emphasizes its sacred purpose:
• The inspired message delivered by a prophet.
• It can include teaching, encouragement, correction, or revealing future events.
God knows when someone is speaking from their imagination rather than His Spirit. If He has not given His word, it is not to be declared as His message. Declaring personal thoughts or opinions as divine revelation is deceitful. Imagine someone delivering a message or using your name to give it credibility when it didn’t come from you—it would make you angry, wouldn’t it? This is exactly how God feels when His name is misused to deliver human messages.
Warnings from Scripture
God’s Word strongly rebukes false prophets. Consider the warnings in Ezekiel:
• Ezekiel 13:2-3:
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!’”
• Ezekiel 13:6-7:
“Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. Even though the Lord has not sent them, they say, ‘The Lord declares,’ and expect Him to fulfill their words. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, ‘The Lord declares,’ though I have not spoken?”
• Ezekiel 13:8-9:
“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign Lord. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.’”
Additionally, God’s law in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 is clear:
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
A Call to Discernment
Practicing divination or falsely prophesying in God’s name is detestable to Him. As believers, we must use discernment when speaking and hearing messages presented as prophecy. Distinguishing between divination and God’s voice requires maturity and spiritual practice.
How to Discern God’s Voice
Hearing God’s voice and recognizing it comes from daily communion with Him:
• Spend time in prayer and in the Word.
• Be still in God’s presence to learn His voice.
• Test every message against Scripture and seek confirmation through prayer and godly counsel.
• Walk in faith, trusting that His Spirit will guide you.
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). It takes consistent practice—through hearing and obeying—to truly know the voice of the Lord.
A Prayer for Guidance
Lord, I pray that we may hear Your voice clearly and follow You faithfully. Teach us to listen and obey, and to discern Your Spirit from all others. Draw us nearer to You each day. Transform our hearts and minds so we may walk in Your ways, just as Jesus did, doing what He saw the Father doing. Thank You for Your love, guidance, and patience. Speak to us daily, Lord—we are listening. Amen.
Let us commit to seeking God’s voice and walking in His truth. Trust Him, for He is faithful.
