A Lifestyle of Divine Encounters by Patricia Bootsma

Author:Patricia Bootsma [Bootsma, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Destiny Image, Inc.

Chapter 8

REVELATION

There are basically three aspects to prophesy. Revelation, meaning what we get from God; interpretation, the meaning of the revelation; and application, what do we do with the revelation?

HOW DOES GOD SPEAK?

There are various ways that the Lord may choose to speak to us by way of revelation. We will examine some here:

The Word of God—The most important way we hear God is through His Word. As discussed earlier, the scriptures are the ultimate plumb line by which we measure other revelation. The Holy scriptures are able to make us wise (see 2 Tim. 3:15).

Still, small voice of God—Elijah did not hear God in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but only in the still, small voice (see 1 Kings 19:11-13). Often, the still, small voice sounds like our own thoughts as the Lord communicates to us subtly as His thoughts invade ours (see Ps. 40:5).

Visions / Pictures—We can see in the spirit through still pictures or unfolding visions as the eyes of our understanding are enlightened by the Holy Spirit. (More on this is in the section entitled, “The Seeing Realm.”)

Dreams—Dreams are an important way God speaks to His people. (See more on dreams in the coming section entitled, “Dreams.”)

Things in the Natural that speak of the supernatural—God can speak spiritual messages through nature. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” How can one deny the existence of God when you see the multitudes of stars, the complexity of human anatomy, or the beauty of a sunset? Additionally, the Lord can use seemingly ordinary things to speak to us: a newspaper heading, a billboard, or a particular object that crosses our path at a specific moment in time.

John and I were once driving on country roads while discussing our children’s department in the church we pastored at the time. We realized the department needed help and we were discussing if we should take turns leading kids ministry or what should be done. At that moment we came upon a car in front of us with the license plate ACTZ 636. Immediately we said to one another, “Acts 6:3-6! I wonder what that says.” I got out my Bible to read how the apostles were faced with a need for practical help in the ministry. They decided it wise to seek out others to lead this department and they said, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). It goes on to say how they chose Stephen and six others and laid hands on them to commission them. Amazingly, it was a couple months after this incident where the Lord gave us a man named Stephen to lead our children’s ministry.

Word of Wisdom—When the Lord gives divine instruction, blueprints, or insight into certain situations, it can be called a word of wisdom (see 1 Cor. 12:8). As we ask for wisdom in life circumstances, we will receive it.

Word of Knowledge—A word of knowledge is simply insight or information given divinely (see 1 Cor.

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