- The Word of God, the Bible – Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12
- Is what I’m hearing in Scripture?
- Does what I’m hearing edify and encourage me?
- The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit – John 10:27, John 16:13
- Is this something Jesus would say to me?
- Does what I’m hearing promote the fruit of the Spirit in my life (Galatians 5)?
- Is what I’m hearing born of love, intended to build me up? Or does it accuse me and tear me down? (God doesn’t belittle his children.)
- Natural Thoughts – Psalm 19:14, II Corinthians 10:4-5
- Is the thought recurring? If so, it MAY be of God, subject to confirmation.
- God provides ideas, concepts, and creativity. – Dr. Oral Roberts
- Have I taken spiritual authority over my thought life?
- Have I prayed, commending my thoughts, motives and judgment to God?
- Inner Peace – Proverbs 16:7, Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:22-26, Philippians 4:7
- Do I have peace about what I’m thinking or considering doing?
- What seems off or out of place?
- What do I feel is missing in order to have peace about this?
- Am I willing to walk away from this if I don’t’ feel peace?
- Circumstances – Common Sense
- God gave me a mind and the ability to reason. Does what I’m thinking make sense?
- Provision = PRO-vision. Has God provided resources for this thought, goal or aspiration? – Jimmy Evans
- God’s timing is perfect. Would schedules, relationships or work-loads be strained if I act on what I’m hearing?
- Dreams and Visions – Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17
- Is this simply my imagination?
- Is this a dream caused by poor sleep?
- Is this a spiritually significant dream or vision that I can ask God to confirm through his word and other, trustworthy people?
- Nature and Creation – Psalm 19:1-4, I Corinthians 14:33
- God created the natural systems and processes around me. Is there a healthy, natural flow to what I’m thinking?
- How would what I’m considering impact the natural order around me?
- Prophetic Voices – People Who Find Us – I Samuel 10
- Have godly people sought me out and drawn my attention to this matter?
- Godly Counsel – People You Find – Proverbs 11:14, Jeremiah 33:3
- Have I sought multiple sources of godly counsel (starting with my spouse)?
- Does their counsel coincide?
- Natural Manifestation – Urim and Thummin – Exodus 28:30
- What stands out in my life right now?
- What confirmations might I be looking for?
- Supernatural Manifestation – Gideon and the fleeces – Judges 6:36-40
- Has God overridden natural laws to get through to me?
- How necessary is supernatural confirmation to this thought or prospect?
- Inner Whisper in Stillness – I Kings 19:11-13, Psalm 46:10
- What do I hear God say to me as I sit and quiet my soul, open my heart and listen to his voice without an angle or agenda?
David Lockwood 