Proverbs 31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him. NIV
I have chosen the New International Version to express inspiration rather than my standard King James because the KJV uses the word prophecy rather than inspired utterance. I want to shy away from thinking about prophecy here because of the wide misconceptions of the prophetic.
Inspiration is a mental or emotional stimulation which by design is intended to direct thought or action. Inspiration without effect is vanity, emptiness as to results. An inspired utterance must be received and recognized for what it is in order to produce a change.
Since I write what I hope is inspired devotionals, it is important to me to deliver what I believe by faith is from God. I have no desire for you to think “That was really smart.” I would love nothing more than for you to think, “Now that was God speaking to me.”
Reception and understanding of inspirational utterances is based on one important issue shared by two or more parties. The speaker and the listener must be acquainted with the quality and character of God in order to discern the voice of God.
John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Without knowing His voice any inspired utterance in the Spirit would be heard at best as a distant noise of undetermined origin. Key to understanding is the presence of the Spirit in bother the speaker and the listener.
Many times I have sat in Sunday school or life groups or Men’s Fraternity and said, “Now that is the Word of the Lord.” This is why I can say that.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
His Spirit is my witness.