I just want to take a moment to talk about God's Voice. Around Legacy we call it the "prophetic word". It's not the same as Scripture (which is infallible), but we do tend to take it seriously because the Scripture tells to do exactly that. Those of you who know me well, know that I don't play around with the phrase, "The Lord told me". The reason is because I think we should mean what we say. There are a lot of folks who use that phrase and to be candid it means little more than, "I really want to do this, but want to seem spiritual as I say it". Otherwise, how can God tell you one week to do one thing and then the next week do something else? I have seen it more times than I can count. The truth is...they hadn't heard from God.

Gratefully, that scenario is becoming less and less a feature of our culture here at Legacy. We seem to getting a handle on the difference between "His voice" and our "whims". Having said that, I have also been around the block enough to know that when God opens up the heavens and begins to move and speak legitimately in our midst, people get excited and sometimes forget what I like to call, protocol. Spiritual protocol is when we endeavor to minister to one another with a sense of spiritual order, Scriptural soundness, and pastoral authority. Hey, I think it's great when people start hearing the voice of the Lord. That's what it's all about. You NEED to hear His voice and sense His direction and guidance. That is what a relationship with the Lord is all about. But let me give you some pastoral guidance that can keep you out of ditches and keep you on target without feeling too corralled.

1. Hear from God for yourself for awhile before you start hearing for others.

Granted, we all want to be an encouragement to someone else and sometimes we feel like we have the exact thing that needs to be said and we say it as a "Thus saith the Lord". Can I suggest you be careful when you do that? People hear the phrase, "God told me to tell you", and take that real seriously. You better know it's God and not just an opinion you may have on their situation. Perhaps you might deliver it in a little less authoritative way by saying something like, "You know, pray about what I am going to say because it could be the Lord speaking to you". That tends to be a better way to present something and it puts the responsibility on the hearer as it should be. Along with that, make sure you have a track record of hearing from God for yourself and you are bearing the fruit of that in your life as well. Nothing worse than hearing a "thus saith the Lord", from a person whose life is a train wreck. I have been in the prophetic ministry for 20 years and I have a few experiences and built some credibility to be able to say things perhaps a little stronger than the average person. Doesn't make me any better or more spiritual, it is just a track record. If you learn some protocol, God will raise you up and trust you with even more.

2. Remember that no matter what someone shares with you, you are responsible to hear for yourself.

Ultimately, my life is my life. If someone gives me a prophetic word, I have to be responsible with it and not shift blame to the deliverer for my obedience or lack of obedience to it. Most words confirm things rather than give us new direction. If you hear something new, wait for God to give you another form of confirmation to it. If you hear something that seems out of order, then trust your "discerner", reject it, and move forward. If that was the Lord, He will speak to you again. He is not trying to trip you up. YOU need to be spiritually responsible for your own life and decisions and press into God for your direction yourself.

3. Pick up a Protocol Brochure at Legacy and see how we handle this area.

We are a Full-Gospel Church that believes in the present moving of the Holy Spirit. Tracie and I, as well as the leadership team, have a lot of years of experience in this area. Your spiritual well-being is a priority to us and we can help you if you take the time to see what the Scripture says about this whole area. I really do believe that the heavens are opening and there is a new season upon us that is bringing a fresh sense of His presence.

Don't forget...

THIS SUNDAY WILL BE OFF THE CHART PHENOMENAL. YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU MISS IT!

Love You ALL!
Pastor