A Broken Clock is Right Twice A Day!

Ready for part 2 of Dino Rizzo? If not, no worries, here we go! We chatted about how he used peaks and valleys to teach us about life, but it was way funnier than I can describe. You had to be there to really get it, but I’ll do my best to share the story. He told this one about watching a Super Bowl rerun where the Saints won! (You know, the usual stuff.) During the lesson, Dino playfully poked fun. He’d walk around the stage, pointing at people and saying, “I prophesy,” and he did it a few times. Then he’d stop, look at someone, and say, “I prophesy a valley in your life,” and we all laughed. Then he’d stop, look at someone, and say, “I prophesy a peak in your life,” and we all laughed again. Dino eventually tied everything together with the Super Bowl rerun, the peaks, and the valley. Dino Rizzo is hilarious, but he’s also a great teacher.

As Dino poked fun at those who wanted to “prophesy” things in our lives, I knew he was genuinely serious about his words. I recall when I rededicated my life to the Heavenly Father, I constantly sought His word. So, when I came across videos or people claiming the Lord had spoken, I would listen, and sometimes they were right. At least, I thought so until I truly understood how the Heavenly Father operates. We all yearn to hear from Him, crave the Red Sea moment, and that yearning, if not carefully managed, can lead us astray. We must be cautious about who we allow to give prophecies. Lord Jesus warns extensively about this in scripture:

Matthew 7:15 (NIV) “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

I won’t claim to know what the Heavenly Father will or won’t do, as I’m not the Lord. However, Lord Jesus did instruct us on how to avoid being deceived by those falsely claiming to be prophets. Here’s what Lord Jesus taught about false prophets:

Matthew 7:16-20 (NIV) 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Listen up! Do you all recall that viral video of the baby boy talking to his momma, “Listen, Linda, Linda, Linda, listen…” That’s exactly how much I implore you to listen. If you ever do some research, you’ll discover that prophets were often killed when they delivered messages from the Heavenly Father. These prophets didn’t always bring good news. They were messengers of the Heavenly Father, and that was their duty. Yes, they sometimes delivered great news, but it was still part of a message sent by the Heavenly Father. I understand that we desire good blessings from the Heavenly Father. Yes, you will receive good news, and yes, you can and will receive news that you don’t like. However, if these “prophets” are constantly proclaiming that this person is getting a house, car, job, or whatever else they’re claiming the Lord said, please be cautious. Paul wrote about this:

Romans 16:17-18 (NIV) 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

Before I conclude, I want to clarify that I’m not claiming to know the will or actions of the Heavenly Father. If the Heavenly Father can use a donkey, HE can use anyone. What I’m emphasizing is the importance of understanding scripture, particularly the word “discernment.” This single word, often misused, is not limited to a select few. It is meant for everyone to use. How do we acquire discernment? By praying, seeking the Heavenly Father, and reading and studying the word of God. The Heavenly Father desires to communicate with you, but you must know HIM to hear HIM!

Next step:

Think about how you can cultivate a discerning heart to recognize the true teachings of Christ amidst competing voices?

God bless you, God keep you. God loves you and I love you too!

If you’re looking for weekend reading, you may enjoy spending a little unhurried time in these passages:

Romans 1

Romans 2