About Dr. Jay Forrest Expertise I can answer any question dealing with mysticism, such as questions concerning the awakening call, the purgative way, the illuminative way, the unitive way, spiritual experiences, spiritual direction, spiritual disciplines, prayer, ecstasy, the rule of life, internal monasticism, asceticism, mystical theology, devotional helps, chanting, meditation, contemplation, hesychasm, kabbalah, sufi, tao, zen, theosophy, and more.
Experience
Dr. Jay Forrest is an ardent student of mysticism in all the major religions of the world (Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam). Jay was a Pentecostal/Charismatic minister for over 20 years, pastoring churches in Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Arizona, and New Mexico. He is the author over over 150 articles and poems and several books. He holds a doctorate in ministry from Trinity Institute.
Question Hello Jay, I was able to experience an encounter with God about a month ago with my church. I received the holy spirit and my life is forever changed. What do you know about the gift "eyes of (discernment)" I dont even know if I spelled it right. Anyways, God gave me the gift and I would like to know where I might be able to read it in the scriptures. Thank you for helping. Respectfully, Angel
Answer Hi Angel,
I am glad to hear about your mystic encounter with God. There is nothing more important than first hand experience with God. Keep pursuing His presence.
The Bible speaks about several spiritual gifts in the Bible. One of those gifts is the gift of "discerning of spirits" found in 1 Corinthians 12:10. Many have this gift manifest in visions. I have experience these types of visions, which I call composite visions.
In my book "The Deeper Life" I explain, "Composite visions are visions in which the spiritual is superimposed over the physical. In this case one is aware that they are looking at a composite picture, one in which the spiritual overlays the physical, at least in part. It is seldom a complete composite, but rather a partial and limited one. I have experienced this on a number of occasions. For me it is usually demonic eyes superimposed over a persons face. It is a composite of the spiritual and physical, like two pictures combined into one."
But this is, of course, only one way the gift can manifest. For some people the gift takes on more of a feeling state. They inwardly sense things. They sense the presence of spirits, good or evil.
Proverb 2:3 says, "cry out for discernment." It would seem that God has given you a very special gift. My only advise is that you are careful who you reveal your discernments with. Some are not mature enough to handle them. Some will misunderstand you and think that you are being judgmental. Sometimes the Lord will show you things just so you can pray for that person. The Lord will lead you on this.
Just remember that God does not enlihten you to judge someone elses darkness, He enlightens you to enlighten them.
