When we feel like the Holy Spirit is speaking we have to first make sure it is Him because it could actually be one (or more) of the following: the Holy Spirit, ourselves or demons. So I think the first step is making sure that it is the Holy Spirit speaking/leading us. There are several ways we can do that.

1. Ask yourself does what you are hearing and feeling line up with scripture? The Holy Spirit will never speak something that contradicts God’s written Words in the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2. Does what you are hearing/feeling glorify Jesus?

John 16:13-1413 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. 14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.

3. If you follow what you hear will it produce good Godly fruit in your life?

Romans 14:17 17 for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [what one likes], but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Notice righteousness comes first and then peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

4. Does what you are hearing/feeling encourage obedience to God?

Galatians 5:16 16 But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].

5. Does what you are hearing/feeling release bondages or create them?

2 Corinthians 3:17 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].

Bondage, confusion and fear are not products of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:15 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!”

1 Corinthians 14:33 33 for God [who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people),

2 Timothy 1:7 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

I have recently heard many prophetic words that have been covered and delivered with fear.

6. Does what you are hearing/feeling bring forth life?

2 Corinthians 3:6 6 He has qualified us [making us sufficient] as ministers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not of the letter [of a written code] but of the Spirit; for the letter [of the Law] kills [by revealing sin and demanding obedience], but the Spirit gives life.

7. Does your spirit bear witness (discernment) to what you are hearing/feeling?

1 John 2:27 27 As for you, the anointing [the special gift, the preparation] which you received from Him remains [permanently] in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you. But just as His anointing teaches you [giving you insight through the presence of the Holy Spirit] about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as His anointing has taught you, you must remain in Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him].

Once you do this list several times you will get used to His voice and His leading and it will be much easier to know for sure it is Him speaking and leading. How to be lead by Him:

1. Take time to really get to know Him. Do a topical study about Him in the Bible, talk to Him and spend quality time getting to know Him. Learn how He operates in our lives. Learn to know the sound of His voice.

2. Walk in total submission. Start everyday with welcoming Him and telling Him to have His way. Ask Him to do whatever He wants no matter what it looks like. Really open your heart and be ready to do whatever He wants you to do. Have full trust in Him and His leading.

3. Ask Him to train and teach you, especially when you are reading the Bible. Always pray for His assistance before you start to read. Ask Him to teach you and draw you closer to the Lord through your study time.

Blessings,
Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry