Prayer for stronger discernment
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We thank you for bringing this request before us and we join with you in seeking greater discernment, which is a godly and wise desire in these days of many voices.
We understand your question about those online prophetic voices who say they see numbers, perhaps on a clock or elsewhere, and then look up that number in Strong's Concordance to find a Hebrew or Greek word to declare a meaning for their life or for others. We want to help you see the difference between a proper use of that tool and an improper use that does become a form of divination and should be avoided.
Strong's Concordance itself is a good and helpful study tool when it is used correctly, to look up the original Hebrew or Greek word behind an English word in a specific Bible verse in its context. All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work 2 Timothy 3:16-17. But taking a number you happen to see in everyday life and then turning to Strong's number with that same digits to pull out a word and assign it as a secret spiritual message is not studying Scripture in context, it is numerology. It treats numbers as hidden codes and seeks revelation outside of what God has plainly spoken in His Word, which is very close to what Scripture forbids when it says There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer Deuteronomy 18:10. We also are warned not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition Colossians 2:8. The enemy can use fascination with hidden meanings and numbers to lead people away from the simplicity and sufficiency of Scripture.
True biblical discernment does not come from decoding numbers but from the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God and a maturing walk with Christ. We are told But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil Hebrews 5:14. And Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world 1 John 4:1, and Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good 1 Thessalonians 5:21. That testing is done by comparing what is taught and prophesied with the whole counsel of Scripture, with prayer, and with the witness of the Holy Spirit, not with a number lookup. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him James 1:5. God delights to give wisdom and discernment when we ask Him humbly and diligently search His Word like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so Acts 17:11.
We also lovingly point out that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to be clear that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and receive discernment and salvation. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me John 14:6. And There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved Romans 10:9. So we always come to God in prayer in the name of Jesus, trusting in His finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, and it is by His Spirit that we receive understanding.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before Your throne of grace and we lift up this dear one who hungers for greater discernment. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit and with wisdom and understanding that comes from above. Give them a deep love for Your Word and the diligence to study it in context, rightly dividing the word of truth. Guard their heart and mind from deception, from false prophetic voices, from numerology and every form of divination that pretends to be light. Teach them to test every spirit and to hold fast to what is good and to turn away from what is not of You. Increase their sensitivity to Your still small voice through Scripture and prayer and help them to walk in obedience, for obedience sharpens discernment. Draw them ever closer to Jesus, that they may know Him more and be rooted and grounded in His truth, not tossed about by every new teaching. We ask this in the mighty and only saving name of Jesus Christ, amen.
We encourage you to stay grounded in daily reading of Scripture in its full context, to pray continually for wisdom, to fellowship with mature believers who can help you weigh what you hear, and to step away from any teacher who regularly uses numbers or Strong's numbers as secret confirmations. True prophecy will always agree with Scripture, will exalt Christ, and will bear good fruit, and God will give you peace and clarity as you seek Him with a whole heart.
We understand your question about those online prophetic voices who say they see numbers, perhaps on a clock or elsewhere, and then look up that number in Strong's Concordance to find a Hebrew or Greek word to declare a meaning for their life or for others. We want to help you see the difference between a proper use of that tool and an improper use that does become a form of divination and should be avoided.
Strong's Concordance itself is a good and helpful study tool when it is used correctly, to look up the original Hebrew or Greek word behind an English word in a specific Bible verse in its context. All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work 2 Timothy 3:16-17. But taking a number you happen to see in everyday life and then turning to Strong's number with that same digits to pull out a word and assign it as a secret spiritual message is not studying Scripture in context, it is numerology. It treats numbers as hidden codes and seeks revelation outside of what God has plainly spoken in His Word, which is very close to what Scripture forbids when it says There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer Deuteronomy 18:10. We also are warned not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition Colossians 2:8. The enemy can use fascination with hidden meanings and numbers to lead people away from the simplicity and sufficiency of Scripture.
True biblical discernment does not come from decoding numbers but from the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God and a maturing walk with Christ. We are told But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil Hebrews 5:14. And Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world 1 John 4:1, and Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good 1 Thessalonians 5:21. That testing is done by comparing what is taught and prophesied with the whole counsel of Scripture, with prayer, and with the witness of the Holy Spirit, not with a number lookup. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him James 1:5. God delights to give wisdom and discernment when we ask Him humbly and diligently search His Word like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so Acts 17:11.
We also lovingly point out that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to be clear that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and receive discernment and salvation. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me John 14:6. And There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved Romans 10:9. So we always come to God in prayer in the name of Jesus, trusting in His finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, and it is by His Spirit that we receive understanding.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before Your throne of grace and we lift up this dear one who hungers for greater discernment. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit and with wisdom and understanding that comes from above. Give them a deep love for Your Word and the diligence to study it in context, rightly dividing the word of truth. Guard their heart and mind from deception, from false prophetic voices, from numerology and every form of divination that pretends to be light. Teach them to test every spirit and to hold fast to what is good and to turn away from what is not of You. Increase their sensitivity to Your still small voice through Scripture and prayer and help them to walk in obedience, for obedience sharpens discernment. Draw them ever closer to Jesus, that they may know Him more and be rooted and grounded in His truth, not tossed about by every new teaching. We ask this in the mighty and only saving name of Jesus Christ, amen.
We encourage you to stay grounded in daily reading of Scripture in its full context, to pray continually for wisdom, to fellowship with mature believers who can help you weigh what you hear, and to step away from any teacher who regularly uses numbers or Strong's numbers as secret confirmations. True prophecy will always agree with Scripture, will exalt Christ, and will bear good fruit, and God will give you peace and clarity as you seek Him with a whole heart.
We are grateful you asked about this. Wanting stronger discernment is a good and humble desire, and we want to pray with you for it.
We understand why the numbers teaching catches your attention. Online prophetic voices can sound confident when they connect a number you saw to a Strong's entry. Strong's itself is simply a helpful language tool to study what a Hebrew or Greek word meant in its original context. When it is turned into a code to decode everyday numbers as hidden messages, it stops being study and starts being a way of seeking signs. That can pull us away from hearing God through Scripture as it was given, in context, and from testing things carefully with others.
Discernment tends to grow more steadily as we stay close to Jesus in prayer, know His Word well, and stay in community where others can help us weigh what we hear. The fruit of something, whether it leads toward humility, love and trust in Christ or toward confusion and dependence on a special insight, often tells us a lot.
A simple next step that may help is when you hear a teaching like that, pause and ask a trusted pastor or mature believer to walk through it with you and look at the passage in its full context together.
Father, we ask You to deepen our friend's discernment and give quiet confidence in walking with You. Guard their mind from confusion, draw them to Your Word with clarity, and surround them with wise counsel. Lead them gently in Your will through Jesus, amen.
We understand why the numbers teaching catches your attention. Online prophetic voices can sound confident when they connect a number you saw to a Strong's entry. Strong's itself is simply a helpful language tool to study what a Hebrew or Greek word meant in its original context. When it is turned into a code to decode everyday numbers as hidden messages, it stops being study and starts being a way of seeking signs. That can pull us away from hearing God through Scripture as it was given, in context, and from testing things carefully with others.
Discernment tends to grow more steadily as we stay close to Jesus in prayer, know His Word well, and stay in community where others can help us weigh what we hear. The fruit of something, whether it leads toward humility, love and trust in Christ or toward confusion and dependence on a special insight, often tells us a lot.
A simple next step that may help is when you hear a teaching like that, pause and ask a trusted pastor or mature believer to walk through it with you and look at the passage in its full context together.
Father, we ask You to deepen our friend's discernment and give quiet confidence in walking with You. Guard their mind from confusion, draw them to Your Word with clarity, and surround them with wise counsel. Lead them gently in Your will through Jesus, amen.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your prayer for greater discernment is a wise prayer, for wisdom is the compass by which a man must steer across the trackless waste of life. Without it we are as the wild asses colt, running here and there and wasting strength which might be profitably employed. With it we rise to the dignity of true manhood, and stand near to God, for Christ has espoused our nature and linked us to Himself. Where then shall this wisdom be found. Not in coral or pearls, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. It is to be found in Christ, who is Himself the power of God and the wisdom of God, and in the word of revelation which testifies of Him. If you would find wisdom you must find it there.
It is well therefore that you would be made to know wisdom in the hidden parts, and that you cry to God to search you and teach you. The Lord gives wisdom liberally to those who ask in faith, and true discernment comes not by curious arts but by abiding in His Word, by the teaching of His Spirit, and by a simple trust which looks to God for everything. Be as a child and sit down and let the Lord Jesus teach you. Take what He tells you in Scripture to be true and do not doubt again.
Concerning your question, the Concordance made by Mr Strong is a useful help for the study of the Hebrew and Greek words which lie behind our English translation. It was never intended to be a key to hidden meanings in numbers which a man may happen to see in daily life. To take a number that catches the eye, to turn to that number in the Concordance, and to read the definition of the Hebrew or Greek word bearing that number as if it were a secret message from God, is to misuse a good tool and to turn it into a form of seeking after signs.
This practice has no warrant in Scripture. It treats the numbering system of a modern reference book as if it were inspired, and it seeks revelation outside the plain sense of the Word rightly divided. When men look for voices in numbers and then hunt for confirmations by such methods, they walk very near to that divination which the Lord forbids, for they are seeking to know the mind of God by lots and omens rather than by His revealed Word and by Christ who is our wisdom. The prophetic voices who encourage this do not show the way of wisdom, for the way of God is not to be judged by such fancies.
True discernment tests all things by Scripture. Try the spirits whether they are of God. Ask, does this teaching exalt Christ, does it agree with the whole counsel of God, does it lead to holiness and humility and love for His Word. Flee from any method that promises new revelation through numbers or codes, and cleave to the sure Word which is able to make you wise unto salvation.
I will pray for you that the Lord will give you a clear eye and a steady foot, that you may know the path of the truly wise, which is to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. May He keep you from every counterfeit and cause you to find all your wisdom in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and to rest not in curious knowledge but in His love and His truth.
It is well therefore that you would be made to know wisdom in the hidden parts, and that you cry to God to search you and teach you. The Lord gives wisdom liberally to those who ask in faith, and true discernment comes not by curious arts but by abiding in His Word, by the teaching of His Spirit, and by a simple trust which looks to God for everything. Be as a child and sit down and let the Lord Jesus teach you. Take what He tells you in Scripture to be true and do not doubt again.
Concerning your question, the Concordance made by Mr Strong is a useful help for the study of the Hebrew and Greek words which lie behind our English translation. It was never intended to be a key to hidden meanings in numbers which a man may happen to see in daily life. To take a number that catches the eye, to turn to that number in the Concordance, and to read the definition of the Hebrew or Greek word bearing that number as if it were a secret message from God, is to misuse a good tool and to turn it into a form of seeking after signs.
This practice has no warrant in Scripture. It treats the numbering system of a modern reference book as if it were inspired, and it seeks revelation outside the plain sense of the Word rightly divided. When men look for voices in numbers and then hunt for confirmations by such methods, they walk very near to that divination which the Lord forbids, for they are seeking to know the mind of God by lots and omens rather than by His revealed Word and by Christ who is our wisdom. The prophetic voices who encourage this do not show the way of wisdom, for the way of God is not to be judged by such fancies.
True discernment tests all things by Scripture. Try the spirits whether they are of God. Ask, does this teaching exalt Christ, does it agree with the whole counsel of God, does it lead to holiness and humility and love for His Word. Flee from any method that promises new revelation through numbers or codes, and cleave to the sure Word which is able to make you wise unto salvation.
I will pray for you that the Lord will give you a clear eye and a steady foot, that you may know the path of the truly wise, which is to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. May He keep you from every counterfeit and cause you to find all your wisdom in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and to rest not in curious knowledge but in His love and His truth.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your desire for greater discernment is a good and biblical desire, and God promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask Him in faith. Scripture says that we do not know what we ought to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us according to the will of God. True discernment does not come from hidden codes or special techniques, but from the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God, making us mature so that by constant use of Scripture we learn to distinguish good from evil.
That is why it is important to test everything by Scripture. The Bereans were commended because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were taught was true, and we are told to test all things and hold fast to what is good, and to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.
Concerning your question about using Strong's Concordance numbers to interpret numbers you see, that practice is not a proper use of Strong's and should be avoided. Strong's Concordance is simply a reference tool created by James Strong to help English readers find the underlying Hebrew and Greek words. The numbers in Strong's are only catalog numbers for that system. They are not inspired and they do not carry hidden prophetic meanings.
When people see a number in daily life and then look up that same number in Strong's to find a Hebrew or Greek word and treat it as a personal message from God, they are practicing a form of numerology. This is not interpreting the Bible in context. It is seeking guidance through signs and hidden meanings apart from the plain teaching of Scripture, and Scripture warns us not to practice divination or soothsaying. God speaks to us clearly through His Word rightly understood in its context, not through mystical connections to numbers.
If you have followed those prophetic voices online, it would be wise to turn away from that teaching and not follow it further. Instead, seek discernment in the ways God has appointed. Pray regularly for wisdom in the name of Jesus Christ, read and study Scripture in context, and seek counsel from mature and faithful believers in your local church who know the Word well.
We pray for you now that the Father of spirits will grant you a spirit of wisdom and understanding, that He will help you to pray according to His will, that He will ground you firmly on the rock of His Word so that you are not tossed about by every new teaching, and that He will give you clarity to recognize what is true and what is false and to walk in obedience to Christ. May the Lord increase your love for His Word and make you firm and steadfast in the truth.
That is why it is important to test everything by Scripture. The Bereans were commended because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were taught was true, and we are told to test all things and hold fast to what is good, and to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.
Concerning your question about using Strong's Concordance numbers to interpret numbers you see, that practice is not a proper use of Strong's and should be avoided. Strong's Concordance is simply a reference tool created by James Strong to help English readers find the underlying Hebrew and Greek words. The numbers in Strong's are only catalog numbers for that system. They are not inspired and they do not carry hidden prophetic meanings.
When people see a number in daily life and then look up that same number in Strong's to find a Hebrew or Greek word and treat it as a personal message from God, they are practicing a form of numerology. This is not interpreting the Bible in context. It is seeking guidance through signs and hidden meanings apart from the plain teaching of Scripture, and Scripture warns us not to practice divination or soothsaying. God speaks to us clearly through His Word rightly understood in its context, not through mystical connections to numbers.
If you have followed those prophetic voices online, it would be wise to turn away from that teaching and not follow it further. Instead, seek discernment in the ways God has appointed. Pray regularly for wisdom in the name of Jesus Christ, read and study Scripture in context, and seek counsel from mature and faithful believers in your local church who know the Word well.
We pray for you now that the Father of spirits will grant you a spirit of wisdom and understanding, that He will help you to pray according to His will, that He will ground you firmly on the rock of His Word so that you are not tossed about by every new teaching, and that He will give you clarity to recognize what is true and what is false and to walk in obedience to Christ. May the Lord increase your love for His Word and make you firm and steadfast in the truth.
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