I'm not trying to convince anyone of the prophetic. I don't need to . So if a discussion of the supernatural is not your cup of tea, click off this page now.
It was a wonderful time in our Men's group this morning, as we had Debra Summers speak with us about her experience as a prophetess. It was awesome to hear her explain how the unction comes upon her to prophecy, as well as see how she views her responsibility as a prophet. One thing I've noticed about true prophets; they are some of the most humble, and sensitive people around. I especially enjoyed her association of the worship music with the message being given. She also referenced 1 Corinthians 14 as what prophecy should be like. She shared some of her personal struggles with when, and how to give a Word. Perhaps the most striking moment, that touched all the men, was when she posited that it was possible to make a mistake in giving a prophetic word. The mistakes can be as simple as 'going too far,' speaking at the wrong time, and injecting your own feelings into the message. This doesn't disqualify your message, nor the gift, but it is a learning experience. Of course this brought to light a teaching from my earlier childhood in a Pentecostal church where you were taught that if you made a mistake in giving a prophecy, you were not a prophet. This doesn't even jibe with the Word. MORE ON THAT LATER!
Pastor Tony also gave his experiences in moving through the prophetic. Pastor Tony made the point that it is important for us to seek the better gifts. We have to want to manifest the gifts. Pastor Tony moves freely in the gift of Knowledge, healing, and wisdom. He often experiences empathetic pain that allows him to identify a specific healing need within the fellowship. At the same time, he stressed that this gift is often at work outside of the 'church' environs. The gifts of knowledge, and wisdom, assist him in doing his job.
Pastor Eric echoed much of what was said by Debra, and Tony. His input into what it takes to be prepared for ministering the gifts of the Spirit is simply valuable for living a Christ centered life. Having a active prayer life, being 'tuned in,' and knowing God's word, make the flow of the Holy Spirit that much easier to manifest. He shared how one word, or even a phrase will come into his mind while ministering to someone, and then the Holy Spirit will expand it as he yields himself to the flow of the Spirit.
As we ended the study, we asked for those wishing to operate in the prophetic to come forward . Every seat was empty.
One thing I was glad to see, was the emphasis upon the doing. It is my firm belief that our flesh doesn't like the prophetic because it reveals sin. The Holy Spirit isn't content to let us muck around in our pig sty. The easiest way to silence the prophetic, is to attack the messenger. I've seen it too many times where the prophet is bashed for being harsh, or speaking an error. "God wouldn't say that," is a phrase I've heard often. "That's not in the bible," is another phrase. "They didn't quote it correctly" is the killer. Jesus didn't quote Isaiah 65 correctly either. He also changed up the parable of the prodigal son. Every true prophet raises the hackles of those who base their 'religion' on the traditions of men.
We are blessed in our fellowship to have a broad spectrum of Spirit led men, and women. Every need in your life can be addressed by the gifts of the Spirit if you allow Him to have his way. It's time to let Him have his way.
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