Podcast Summary: The Encounter Podcast with David Diga Hernandez

Episode Title: How to Know You're Actually Prophetic - 9 Important Signs
Date: March 1, 2026
Host: David Diga Hernandez
Theme: Encounter the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit

Episode Overview

In this episode, David Diga Hernandez explores the biblical foundations and the practical signs that indicate whether someone possesses a prophetic gift. He carefully distinguishes between genuine expressions of prophecy and common misconceptions, emphasizing Jesus as the central focus and the Word of God as the ultimate foundation. David outlines nine clear, scripturally supported signs that may indicate a prophetic calling, offering personal insights and practical examples throughout.

Key Discussion Points

1. Biblical Foundation of Prophecy (00:16 – 02:40)

• Prophecy's purpose is to glorify and point to Jesus, not to elevate the prophet, the gift, or any sense of spiritual “wow” factor.
  • "Jesus is the central figure of prophecy. He's the purpose of prophecy. Prophecy is to point to Jesus... to glorify Jesus... to give us a clearer look at Jesus." (00:45)
• The Word of God (Scripture) is described as the “more sure word of prophecy”; all prophetic manifestations must be grounded in the Bible.
• Prophecy edifies, exhorts, and comforts (1 Corinthians 14:3).
  • “Edification, which can involve correction. Exhortation, that's encouragement and comfort, that brings peace to the heart in times of suffering.” (02:29)

2. Nine Signs You May Be Prophetic (02:41 – 15:00)

1. Discernment (03:00)

• Not to be confused with suspicion or criticism—true discernment is spirit-led wisdom regarding spiritual sources and intentions.
  • “The gift of discernment isn't just saying, I don't like this person, I don't like that person. The gift of discernment isn't just suspicion.” (03:29)
• Discernment differentiates between the spirit of God, the human spirit, and demonic spirits.
• Example: Sensing something is spiritually “off” with someone, not based on personal feeling but divine prompting.

2. Words of Knowledge (05:00)

• Supernatural knowing of facts about someone’s present or past, not gained by natural means.
  • “Sometimes I just know things about people and it’s just so random. No, take a very good look at that because it could be a sign that you're prophetic.” (06:13)
• Example: Knowing someone’s birthday, illness, or life details without prior knowledge.

3. Words of Wisdom (06:58)

• Divine wisdom for complex problems, giving solutions that others cannot see.
  • “Others are confused and frustrated. You pray about it a little bit, and all of a sudden you have a solution that fixes the problem and everything moves with ease after that. That is the word of wisdom.” (07:21)

4. Prophetic Dreams and Visions (08:10)

• God communicates through nighttime dreams or daytime visions, often revealing forthcoming events or insights.
  • “A dream is like a vision in the night. A vision is like a daydream... sometimes you will get divine visions.” (09:40)
• Example: Dreaming of a person and soon hearing from them unexpectedly.
• Caution: Scripture (the “more sure word”) remains the ultimate foundation; dreams and visions are valid but must be tested.

5. Foresight (Prophecy for the Future) (10:36)

• Receiving Holy Spirit impressions about future events, situations in the family, church, city, nation, or world.
  • “You might get a prophetic impression regarding a nation or the world where you know something's coming and then something big hits the national scene.” (11:30)
• Differentiates from words of knowledge (past/present) and wisdom (problem-solving).

6. Insight into Minds and Hearts (12:15)

• At times, the Holy Spirit reveals the thoughts or intentions in people’s hearts (not mind reading, but Holy Spirit revelation).
  • “The Holy Spirit can read minds and we as believers can hear from the Holy Spirit.” (12:25)
• Example: Speaking prophetically exposes secret thoughts in others, leading them to recognize God's presence (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

7. Passion for God's Word (13:40)

• True prophetic people have deep love and unwavering commitment to Scripture.
  • “Prophetic people love God's Word. It is their foundation, and they're willing to submit their lives to the Word.” (13:51)
• Warning against those who claim to be prophetic yet disregard or contradict God’s Word.
• Humility: True prophets can admit mistakes. Arrogance or refusal to be corrected is a red flag.
  • “True prophets can admit when they get it wrong. If you get someone who's arrogant, prideful... that's a red flag.” (14:24)

8. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (14:52)

• Ability to sense the Holy Spirit’s joy or grief, both personally and in others.
  • “Prophetic people can sense this grieving... not in a judgmental way to where you think you're better than them, but in a way where your heart breaks for them and your heart breaks for the Holy Spirit.” (14:56)
• Includes discernment of spiritual atmospheres and happenings beyond the natural.

9. Boldness (15:30)

• True prophetic boldness is humble and loving, not arrogant or dogmatic.
  • “When you've received the Word from God in humility and love, you can deliver that with the fierceness of heaven and not back down and not worry about what other people think...” (15:35)
• Contrasts humility-driven boldness with immaturity and spiritual pride.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Prophecy is to glorify Jesus. Prophecy is to give us a clearer look at Jesus.” (00:47–00:54)
• “Discernment is being able to distinguish between the source of the power.” (03:44)
• “True prophets recognize there's a more sure word. And if there is a more sure word, then by default there is a less sure word that should be questioned and measured and weighed and discerned and filtered through the Word of God.” (14:31)
• “That boldness is a sign of being prophetic.” (15:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Foundation of Prophecy: 00:16–02:40
• Sign #1: Discernment: 03:00–04:59
• Sign #2: Words of Knowledge: 05:00–06:57
• Sign #3: Words of Wisdom: 06:58–08:09
• Sign #4: Prophetic Dreams and Visions: 08:10–10:35
• Sign #5: Foresight: 10:36–12:14
• Sign #6: Insight into Minds and Hearts: 12:15–13:39
• Sign #7: Passion for God's Word: 13:40–14:51
• Sign #8: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit: 14:52–15:29
• Sign #9: Boldness: 15:30–15:45

Summary Conclusion

David Diga Hernandez’s teaching centers on demystifying the prophetic, calling listeners to stay anchored in scripture and humility. He emphasizes that prophecy exists to glorify Jesus, not the messenger, and that genuine prophetic experiences are marked by discernment, spiritual gifts, humility, and deep sensitivity to God's presence. The episode offers practical, biblically-rooted signs to help discern authentic prophetic inclination, urging listeners to embrace the spiritual gift with holiness, humility, and focus on Christ.