Learning to listen to Jesus

Earlier this month at the "Connected:  Keeping the Work of the Holy Spirit Active in Your Life and Community" conference, I attended a workshop on learning to listen to Jesus.

Here's what I learned from the leaders of the workshop, Burt Casey and Brian Pedersen.

1. Biblical guidelines for the use of prophecy
1. Prophecy is to be eagerly desired (1 Cor 14:1), however the Holy Spirit dispenses spiritual gifts as he desires, to whomever he wishes (1 Cor 12:11)
2. Prophecy should be exercised in love (1 Cor 13:2)
3. Prophecy is not to be despised (1 Thes 5:19-22)
4. Prophecy is to be orderly (1 Cor 14:32-40)
1. Prophecies are controllable
2. Prophecies are to be given in turn
3. Prophecies are to be given under the leadership of the church, to assist the governmental leadership rather than usurp it
5. Prophecy should be weighed and evaluated (1 Cor 14:29-32; Acts 21:10-15)
2. How prophecy might come
1. Scripture, as text or reference
2. Pictures in mind's eye, moving or still
3. Seeing words or ticker tape superimposed over natural vision
4. Phrase pops into your head
5. Impressions
6. Sympathetic sensations in your body
7. Dreams
8. Emotions
9. Smells
10. Tastes
3. I think I have a prophecy, now what?
1. Is it consistent with scripture?
2. Is it consistent with the character of God?
3. Ask God if it is from him; this should be a two-way conversation. Don't rely on physical sensations, for these may dissipate over time.
4. Ask God for interpretation
5. Ask God for his heart on the matter
6. Ask God what to do with it
1. Pray it
2. Deliver it
3. Shelf it
4. How to deliver a prophecy
1. Is now the time?
1. Should a pastor/leader hear it first?
2. Is it appropriate in this setting?
3. Do I have peace about this word?
2. Speak simply, don't dress it up
1. Speak with love. Make sure it is encouraging, edifying or comforting.
2. Usually third person. Not "thus says the Lord..." Don't use King James language, but speak as you normally would
3. Don't let your pet peeves affect the delivery
4. Occasionally first person in small contexts where emotional/relational content is primary
5. Speak revelation and interpretation
3. Leave room to be wrong
4. Protect individual's dignity
5. Write it down, even if spoken

The hour-long session was a condensed version of a six-week course at Evanston Vineyard.