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The Discerner: Hearing, Confirming, and Acting On Prophetic Revelation
“I want to do more than hear a word from God. I want to become that word.
That is revelation’s ultimate purpose—for the Word to become flesh.”
—James Goll What is “prophetic revelation” from God? And what is the believer’s role in receiving and activating it? James Goll, author of the best seller The Seer , explains that although some believers are especially gifted as prophets, every follower of Jesus receives the gifts of revelation and discernment. And every believer needs to use them! In fact, without discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, we cannot progress in our use of any of the gifts and callings. With clear explanations, scriptural illustrations, and real-life contemporary stories, Goll demonstrates how we can receive revelation through the natural senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—and how to open ourselves up to the comparable supernatural senses through which God wants to speak. He also removes uncertainty about how to discern revelation and test the spirits, so that every believer can fulfill their ultimate extending Jesus’ powerful kingdom on earth. The Discerner is both a wonderful introduction to the prophetic lifestyle and a challenging call for those already immersed in prophetic revelation.
That is revelation’s ultimate purpose—for the Word to become flesh.”
—James Goll What is “prophetic revelation” from God? And what is the believer’s role in receiving and activating it? James Goll, author of the best seller The Seer , explains that although some believers are especially gifted as prophets, every follower of Jesus receives the gifts of revelation and discernment. And every believer needs to use them! In fact, without discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, we cannot progress in our use of any of the gifts and callings. With clear explanations, scriptural illustrations, and real-life contemporary stories, Goll demonstrates how we can receive revelation through the natural senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—and how to open ourselves up to the comparable supernatural senses through which God wants to speak. He also removes uncertainty about how to discern revelation and test the spirits, so that every believer can fulfill their ultimate extending Jesus’ powerful kingdom on earth. The Discerner is both a wonderful introduction to the prophetic lifestyle and a challenging call for those already immersed in prophetic revelation.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2017
287 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
James W. Goll
282 books138 followersJames W. Goll, formerly known as Jim Goll, is the Director of Prayer Storm (founded 2009), Coordinator of Encounters Alliance, and author.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 4, 2018
Great reading
I enjoyed reading this one from James W. Goll. I received some very interesting information from this book. Great for study. Opened my eyes to some experiences that I have encountered. Thank you
I enjoyed reading this one from James W. Goll. I received some very interesting information from this book. Great for study. Opened my eyes to some experiences that I have encountered. Thank you
May 31, 2020
As always, James Goll brings a lot of common sense and biblical stability to the table. He can be counted on not to go weird places with the prophetic.
At times, I felt he strayed from the topic of discernment for lengths of time. I was looking for more how-to info on growing in discernment. It was there, but not in the depth I had anticipated.
That said, he made many fine points. Here are a few:
"You and I can grow into this kind of seeing, if we surrender ourselves to God and follow the instruction He gives us along the way. You do not have to be a highly gifted person to do it, just a willing one, yielded to Him."
"Followers of Jesus Christ must continually maintain their spiritual balance by keeping their eyes on Him.... We are able to walk in a straight line only if we focus our attention on Christ."
"All true spiritual warfare ultimately centers on the prominence of the Son of God."
"The God who created communication in all its forms is perfectly capable of making Himself understood; He speaks to each of us in ways that we not only can pick up on, but also comprehend."
"if our receiving of revelation does not lead others into a greater awareness of who Christ Jesus is, and if it does not lead us into a more passionate pursuit of Him, then something is askew.... So when we talk about receiving and releasing prophetic revelation, we are not primarily referring to predicting the future, but rather to displaying the message and person of Jesus to the world around us."
I felt the section where he explained the religious and political spirits, and how to avoid their snares, was particularly good.
At times, I felt he strayed from the topic of discernment for lengths of time. I was looking for more how-to info on growing in discernment. It was there, but not in the depth I had anticipated.
That said, he made many fine points. Here are a few:
"You and I can grow into this kind of seeing, if we surrender ourselves to God and follow the instruction He gives us along the way. You do not have to be a highly gifted person to do it, just a willing one, yielded to Him."
"Followers of Jesus Christ must continually maintain their spiritual balance by keeping their eyes on Him.... We are able to walk in a straight line only if we focus our attention on Christ."
"All true spiritual warfare ultimately centers on the prominence of the Son of God."
"The God who created communication in all its forms is perfectly capable of making Himself understood; He speaks to each of us in ways that we not only can pick up on, but also comprehend."
"if our receiving of revelation does not lead others into a greater awareness of who Christ Jesus is, and if it does not lead us into a more passionate pursuit of Him, then something is askew.... So when we talk about receiving and releasing prophetic revelation, we are not primarily referring to predicting the future, but rather to displaying the message and person of Jesus to the world around us."
I felt the section where he explained the religious and political spirits, and how to avoid their snares, was particularly good.
June 5, 2020
I recommend this book to every Christian - especially those who desire an obedient heart and a true, authentic walk of faith. I think the quote that stuck with me the most is "If you move your boundary once, it will be a lot easier to move it again. So you need to walk wisely if you're thinking of moving your boundary the first time." This was powerful. In the book, Goll recalls a moment when his daughter was tempted to step away from her walk with Christ to comply with her instructor. How many times have we been tempted to compromise our faith and how many times have we drifted and stepped away from our walk with Christ due to the outside influences of man or "testing spirits"? He humbly acknowledges that at some point, most of us have fallen victim - but it is through the power of deliverance and gift of discernment we can put ourselves back on the right track. The book does a great job at laying out how we discern good and evil and cast down strongholds. It has truly encouraged me to have the faith and obedience to let Christ "incarnate" in me.
Bonus: I really appreciated the prayers at the end of each chapter and will refer to them again.
"To stay clear, you need to discover how to discern the difference between the devil's doings, God's workings, and everything in between."
Bonus: I really appreciated the prayers at the end of each chapter and will refer to them again.
"To stay clear, you need to discover how to discern the difference between the devil's doings, God's workings, and everything in between."
February 27, 2022
Beautiful insight of the the physicalities of accessing spiritual discernment through the surrending of heart, mind, and soul to the one Truth that is Jesus Christ. The foundation of his book allowed the flow of truth through Holy Spirit and had creative wisdom along with many scriptures.
He went into a couple of stories of others to help the explanation of his stance. Some were impactful, while others were unnecessary to include. This caused a prolonging and drift off of understanding of what he was trying to get across.
Other than that, the Spirit through James Goll allowed revelatory moments of impact that helps the person embody the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven all by hungering for Jesus as the center of it all. The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit. With the equipping and hearing of the Holy Spirit through this book, we will be able to incarnate the heart of the Father through leaning on Holy Spirit’s voice from praising and saying the name of Jesus.
He went into a couple of stories of others to help the explanation of his stance. Some were impactful, while others were unnecessary to include. This caused a prolonging and drift off of understanding of what he was trying to get across.
Other than that, the Spirit through James Goll allowed revelatory moments of impact that helps the person embody the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven all by hungering for Jesus as the center of it all. The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit. With the equipping and hearing of the Holy Spirit through this book, we will be able to incarnate the heart of the Father through leaning on Holy Spirit’s voice from praising and saying the name of Jesus.
June 8, 2020
This is my second book I’ve listened to by James Goll. I love how he so accurately takes you to the heart of the Father.
I especially love that James narrated this book himself, because his love and passion for God just shine through his voice. When he narrated the two or three hymns, I found sense that he actually wanted to sing and deeply worship. Personally I wish he had!
Thank you for such a deep, life changing book that takes one right to the heart of the Father!
I especially love that James narrated this book himself, because his love and passion for God just shine through his voice. When he narrated the two or three hymns, I found sense that he actually wanted to sing and deeply worship. Personally I wish he had!
Thank you for such a deep, life changing book that takes one right to the heart of the Father!
February 11, 2019
Very good book for those interested in discernment. If you wish to be more alert and aware of God's voice, and also more aware of the darker voices tempting you, then this book is a must read. I took in a lot of good information and it was very informative and helpful. It was an easy read, nothing technical or complicated, and I finished very quickly.
April 1, 2019
Every follower of our Lord Jesus Christ needs to read this book! Discernment is essential in the life of a believer and certainly not something for an "elite few". Discerning does not have to be weird or over-spiritualised. James Goll deals with this issue soundly with scriptural support and a heck of a lot of wisdom.
August 8, 2021
Heard about James from Blake Healys book and I’m so thankful for the recommendation. This book was fascinating, powerful and moving!! A must read for anyone who has an interest or gift of discernment. Can’t wait to read more by him!
January 6, 2023
Good book! Has good practical advice for hearing God and discerning what is from the Lord and what isn’t. Had a good mixture of prophetic, discernment, and I love how the author always ties it back to intimacy with the Lord being #1.
May 9, 2024
The Discerner
I enjoyed this book. It was insightful to the things of the Spirit and the last chapter was great about casting the shadow. Goll tells us to get close to Jesus so we can cast a shadow from the light that we are.
I enjoyed this book. It was insightful to the things of the Spirit and the last chapter was great about casting the shadow. Goll tells us to get close to Jesus so we can cast a shadow from the light that we are.
November 19, 2024
Highly Recommend
James Goll shares from his spirit, his heart and personal experiences how to receive and develop the gift of discernment. It is one of the important gifts of the Holy Spirit needed in today's church.
James Goll shares from his spirit, his heart and personal experiences how to receive and develop the gift of discernment. It is one of the important gifts of the Holy Spirit needed in today's church.
December 29, 2025
This is a good starting point for reading on gifts of discernment. He presents a wide variety of good ideas and stories. I feel like I need to pursue the books listed in the footnotes to get to the meat of the ideas.
January 5, 2019
Anyone who wants to deepen their walk with the Lord should read this book. It would probably be more appropriate to say you should experience this book.
March 17, 2019
Goll is a humble expert, if there is such a thing, in discernment. He rightly handles the word of truth; I particularly like the prayers at the end of each chapter.
July 15, 2020
Great book
Really learned a lot on this topic! Highly recommended.
Helps you to see first hand what discernment is, how is works and how to develop the gift.
Really learned a lot on this topic! Highly recommended.
Helps you to see first hand what discernment is, how is works and how to develop the gift.
September 3, 2020
Excellent read! Very encouraging.
January 13, 2021
I really loved this book. It gave so much clarity on things I’ve experienced in my personal life.
February 14, 2021
Late in this book Goll writes the prayer of a discerning heart. That alone is worth the entire read. But there is much more. You must read this book.
May 25, 2021
This book answered a lot of my questions about the gift of discernment. It was encouraging and included practical steps to enhance this gift.
January 3, 2022
An excellent book that lays out discerning the prophetic gift and walking it out. Very deep truths but very practical.
June 4, 2022
excellent book
The author shows knowledge, revelation and application. He going deep in thinking and establish the way to the person that’s received all the information.
Thanks
The author shows knowledge, revelation and application. He going deep in thinking and establish the way to the person that’s received all the information.
Thanks
May 19, 2023
God has made us to hear Him uniquely. This books is a gift those who see His markings that we might learn to use our specific God designed tools well.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews