Stewarding the prophetic Sheena Ryan
These notes are taken from my workbook, School of Spiritual Warfare.These are the principles I have taught everywhere I have ministered for many years. The whole workbook is available for sale on my website: https://sheenaryanministries.com. My book 21st Century Prophet is also available along with a video course and many other items.
In this writing, I address such things as;
Hearing clearly from the Spirit of God, and separating soul and demonic interference from revelatory flow.
How should we convey prophetic revelation?
What happens when publicly declared prophecy does not come to pass?
Is God, our God who created the world and all within it with the word of his mouth, able to pick up the pieces, whether they are the mistakes of the prophets, or the demonic interruptions of Gods’ big picture plan, able to still bring his big picture purpose for nations to pass in spite of any human blockages.
YES HE IS.!!
Paul said of prophecy “we know in part, and we see in part”. [you will find the scripture for this and further comment in the rest of the notes.]
If one person is not available for His divine purposes, he will raise up another, do not fear when you don’t understand why your prophetic words seem to have fallen to the ground. Only time can tell If some prophecies are accurate or not. The obscure meanings and purposes in some words have a hidden time stamp which will be revealed at the set time and not before.
God raises up and sets down kings, subject to his divine omniscience, He knows all and places unfathomable value on each human souls’ eternal destiny. He will intervene to change the role of people previously raised up for a specific purpose if for any reason they are in danger of walking away from the scriptural requirements for salvation.
So let us remind ourselves that our God is able!
A DEFINITION OF PROPHECY;
To prophesy means to communicate God’s thoughts to man.
True prophecy is;
A word from God, given exactly as God gave it. Given to the right person at the right time with the right attitudes and motives
THE SCRIPTURAL MEANING OF PROPHECY;
- ‘To gush forth, bubble up, pour forth, belch out, send forth, or to speak or sing by inspiration’.
(Hebrew – Naba – used 220 times in the Old Testament)
b. ‘To ooze, to fall as drops of rain, to speak by inspiration’.
(Hebrew – Nataph – used 4 times in the Old Testament)
c. ‘To gaze at, perceive, to have a vision of, to see’.
(Hebrew – Chaza – used once in the Old Testament)
d. ‘Foretell events divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office’.
(Greek – Propheteuo)
This gift is operated through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Jesus said: “He who believes in me… from his innermost being shall flow continuously springs and rivers of living water.” John 7:37 [AMP]
THE THREE LEVELS OF PROPHETIC MINISTRY;
The gift of prophecy 1 Corinthians 12:10
This is available to every believer and the Word of God tells us to desire to prophesy.
- The‘FiveFold’ or ascension gifted office of Prophet Ephesians 4:11-12
This is a governmental office with great power and authority, and is given to train and equip other to minister
- The spirit of prophecy Acts 4:31
Numbers 25:29
1 Samuel 10:10, 19:21
This is a special manifestation of God’s presence that comes into a meeting when there is a prophet or a company of prophets present. It can come when prophecy is being taught, or at sovereign times. People who have never prophesied before can prophesy easily in these times.
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
We are to especially desire this gift, and any member of the body of Christ can operate in it.
1 Corinthians 14:1, 30, Joel 2
Boundaries of the prophetic gift :
- Edification – oikodomeo: to be a house builder, i.e. construct or confirm: builder, building, build up, renews and refreshes.
- Exhortation – parakaleo: beseech, call for, be of good comfort, desire, consolation, exhortation and entreaty.
- Comfort – paramuthia: consolation, comfort, to encourage someone who is weary or under pressure or afflictions. Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:10
- The prophetic gift needs to be operated by faith. Romans 12:6
The Gift of Prophecy has great potential to bless, but also great potential for harm when used in the wrong way or by those with wrong motives and attitudes.
Prophetic words should bring life and freedom not death. Jesus said, ‘My words are spirit and life’. John 14:10
THE ASCENSION OFFICE OF PROPHECY
Ephesians 4:11 – ‘God Himself’… appoints people to these offices. They are governmental and bring the body to maturity by training and equipping Christians to minister
- The office continues to bring comfort, encouragement and edification.
It also…
- Makes way in the spirit realm for God’s will to take place. John the Baptist had this gift. The Word of God accomplishes. Isaiah 55:11
Matthew 3:1 – ‘… The voice of one crying in the wilderness and shouting in the desert, prepare the road for the Lord, make his highway straight and level…’
Or as Isaiah says, Clear away the obstacles. Isaiah 40:3-5
Impacts for God – Influences positively – Affects society.
- Brings down the glory (anointing) of God. Isaiah 40:5
- Brings life. Ezekiel 37:7
- Releases the captive in all areas – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual so that they can rebuild their lives. Isaiah 61,Luke 4:18
Psalm 107:20
- Brings revelation and direction – ‘foretells the future’ generally and individually.
- Is not satisfied with the status quo – it is never neutral.
- Cannot stand injustice and feels a desire to change it.
· Discerns but does not criticize – gives answers, vision, and wisdom.
- Discerns the times – the sons of Issachar knew the times and seasons.
1 Chronicles 12
- When the prophetic gift is used at any level, wisdom is needed to know when to give it, and how to express it, to avoid causing hurt or confusion.
- The boundaries of the prophetic office are different from those of the prophetic gift.
- Boundaries of a prophet who is recognised by peers and spiritual authorities;
Can bring direction Acts 11:27-28
Correction 1 Samuel 2:27
Call Ministries Acts 13:1-3
Ordain Ministries 1 Samuel 16:13
Bring Judgement 2 Chronicles 21:12
Activate Spiritual Gifts 1 Timothy 4:14
Receive God’s messages before others Amos 3:7
INDICATORS OF THE PRESENCE OF A CALL TO THE PROPHETIC OFFICE;
All of these indicators will increase as you move closer towards the maturity of your gift
- Prophetic words that are very accurate and that come to pass regularly and fairly soon after being spoken
- Prophetic words that carry spiritual weight and have impact
- An abundance of revelation from the word and insight into the lives of people and churches and nations
- A mantle that is recognised by their peers, [other prophets and five fold ministries]
- A Strong awareness of the spirit realm from a very early age, as well as a deep sensitivity to atmospheres. As children, they often speak prophetically without knowledge
- A sense of separation and walking a unique pathway, God seems to require more, and keep stricter boundaries around them
- An early salvation experience is common with a strong hunger for God and church
- A desire to train and equip others in the prophetic
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE PROPHETIC OFFICE;
The prophetic, both the office and the gift, can be manifested through;
- PRAYER – KING SOLOMON used this type of prayer when the temple was opened. It spoke out God’s Word, blessed the people and established the presence of God in the temple. 2 Chronicles 6
- PREACHING – PETER’S SERMON was anointed and powerful. It convicted of sin and 3,000 people were saved. The power of God was operating through him and lives were changed. Acts 2:40
- TEACHING – JESUS words brought life and changed lives. John 7:40, 46
1 Corinthians 14:3
- PRAISE AND WORSHIP – Prophetic song. Jesus sings praise in the midst of the congregation. When the singers and musicians sang and played, the presence of God filled the temple. Hebrews 12:12
2 Chronicles 5:13
- INDIVIDUAL WORDS – The GIFT of prophecy was not given to the Church until Jesus ascended to heaven. Ephesians 4:11-12
- DECLARATION Samuel 17:26-46
- MARKETPLACE MINISTRY word of knowledge
John 4 – Jesus shared what he knew about the woman at the well, and she was converted
John 1:47-49 – Jesus saw Nathanael at the well in the spirit before he saw him in the natural
What to do with your personal prophecy
When you receive a personal prophecy, you need to understand several things. Please read the following guidelines thoroughly so that you can appropriate the maximum benefits from your personal prophecy.
- Personal prophecy must never take the place of you seeking God on a personal basis for yourself. It must never be a substitute for prayer and fasting and studying the Word. Neither must it replace the inner voice of the Holy Spirit in your life.
- Personal prophecy is in part progressive and conditional whether conditions are stated in it or not. Obedience to God is an example of inbuilt conditions.
1 Corinthians 13:8 & 9
“in part” – because “we prophesy in part”.
“progressive” – consider the life of Abraham and the promises given him.
Genesis 12 & 13
“conditional” – whether any conditions are mentioned or not.
Genesis 22:12, 16-18
d. You must receive your word in a spirit of humility, meekness and submission so that you don’t negate the words God has spoken by having a wrong spirit.
e. Write out your prophecy, meditate on it and ask the Lord about parts which may be unclear to you. Take your prophecy to your spiritual covering (Pastor) and go over it with him/her.
f. If you have other prophecies from previous times, compare the content to see if there is a consistent theme coming through. (“Out of the mouth of 2 or more witnesses…”)
g. Recognise that first interpretation is not necessarily a true application. Several interpretations may be possible for the same word.
h. Witness to your prophecy with your spirit – not your mind, emotions, personal opinions or goals. Recognise too, that God can use a prophet to speak new revelation as well as confirming words.
i. Do warfare with your prophecy. 1 Timothy 1:18
j. Do not do anything differently unless you are definitely directed. You need to continue doing whatever you have been doing unless God has given explicit instructions to act upon; you have consulted your spouse and spiritual oversight, and have peace.
k. Receive the prophetic word with faith and acceptance Hebrews 11:6
l. Add to your obedience faith-“Be doers…” James 1:22
m. Cultivate Patience which is required to see the fulfillment of God’s will.
SPECIFIC HINDRANCES TO RECEIVING THE FULFILLMENT OF YOUR WORD
- Unbelief Hebrews 3:19
- Mindsets Matthew 18:21-22
- Wrong self-image Exodus 3, 4
- Soul blockage Jeremiah 38:19
1 Samuel 15:24
- Impatience 1 Samuel 13:12
- Negligence,procrastination and slothfulness Exodus 4:24
- Misapplication and misinterpretation. E.g. Saul substituted sacrifice for obedience
- Pride Isaiah 14:13-14
- Disappointment, disillusionment, blame-shifting, self-deception and people p easing
1 Samuel15:20-21
14:11-21; 20:7-12
The purpose of gifts
Having gifts, we need to think soberly (evaluate and assess) our gift, and do the ‘good, acceptable and perfect will of God‘ Romans 12:1-6
The Purpose of Gifts
- Gifts are given by God’s grace, they are not a reward …as He wills
1 Corinthians 12:11
Called for a purpose; gifted and enabled by God’s grace to reach that purpose.
- Gift = Charisma
- Grace = Charis
- Church leaders affirm and activate gifts through the laying on of hands.
1 Timothy 4:14
- All gifts have equal value but different roles
- Everyone has at least one gift 1 Corinthians 12:7
- Gifts are given to enable us to fulfill our calling – the big picture
- Gifts are a part of our spiritual job description
- Gifts are given without repentance – God does not change His mind
Romans 11:29
- Gifts are operated by faith and powered by the anointing Timothy 1:12-14
- Gifts are meant to be used “…a good steward of the grace’’ 1 Peter 4:10
Gifts are multiplied through use – only fearful, wicked and lazy servants refuse to use their gifts Matthew 25:15-18
- Gifts are meant to be identified so they can be used
- Accountability will be required about the use of the gift 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
not what you had but what you did with it
· Gifts are complementary to your personality
· Gifts are given to bless others and glorify God Corinthians 12:7,1 Peter 4:10-11
· Developing gifts and not fruit produces an unbalanced life 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
When you do something more consistently and with better results than others, it is a gift.
SCRIPTURAL BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPHETIC GIFT
1 Corinthians 14:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
THIS IS YOUR ‘SAFETY NET’ WHEN DELIVERING PROPHECY-IT WILL MAKE YOUR WORDS A BLESSING EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT 100% ACCURATE
1 Cor 12 God gives spiritual Gifts to all.We are commanded to desire to prophecy
Prophecy is for believers, tongues and interpretation are for unbelievers when the tongues are know languages to those believers
1 Cor 14:39 “ Desire earnestly to prophesy
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPHETIC GIFT :
- Edification – oikodomeo: to be a house builder, i.e. construct or confirm: builder, building, build up, renews and refreshes.
- Exhortation – parakaleo: beseech, call for, be of good comfort, desire, consolation, exhortation and entreaty.
- Comfort – paramuthia: consolation, comfort, to encourage someone who is weary or under pressure or afflictions. Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:10
KEYS TO ENLARGING YOUR PROPHETIC GIFT;
- DESIRE TO PROPHESY 1 Cor 14:1-5 ,39
We can and should ask God for the gift of prophecy to be activated in our lives.
[operate from the platform of-pursuing love [more than desiring prophecy]
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for[a] he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification, comfort and encouragement.”
We are to especially desire this gift, and any member of the body of Christ can operate in it. Some people have the gift resident within them, they can always have a word, easily find one when asked and they are very accurate. 1 Corinthians 14:1, 30, Joel 2
Maturity and intimacy with Jesus, will automatically enlarge all gifts, especially the gifts of revelation and communication. [ Ephesians 4:15 “grow up into Christ”]
- USE FAITH TO SPEAK AND FAITH TO HEAR FROM GOD Romans 12:3
Stay within your faith boundaries. Don’t copy someone elses’ style when they are far more experienced than you. Also, you need to take the first step in faith, say that first word, believing that other words will follow.
- TAKE YOUR TURN
“ For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Cor 14:31
YOU HAVE GOD’S PERMISSION AND COMMAND TO DESIRE TO PROPHECY AND TO DO IT IN LOVE BUT NOT FROM DESIRE FOR MANS’ APPROVAL OR PRIDE
- IDENTIFY YOUR GIFT LEVEL-Gift of prophecy,or Office of prophecy
ALL may operate the gift of prophecy, but the bible does not, tell us that we can ASK FOR ONE OF THE EPHESIANS 4 OFFICES, Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher Evangelist. They are given to people by Jesus Christ for the activation of the Body of Christ. They have greater authority and revelation than the gift of prophecy because Jesus Christ has given them from His position on the throne of authority given to him by his father, when he ascended upon high.a mantle.
Although the term prophet is often used as a general term for everyone who operates in the prophetic, my personal view is that those who are not called to be a “five-fold”, prophet, come under a mantle of “sons of the Prophet”. [1 Kings 20:35, 2 Kings 2:3, 2 Kings 2:5, 2 Kings 2:7, 2 Kings, 2:15, 2 Kings 4:1, 2 Kings 5:22, 2Kings 6:1,2 Kings 9:1]
Within that mantle, the gift of prophecy is operated at various levels. Some people have a simple gift and some have a high level gift, very accurate, but still not the office of a Prophet.
- SEEK AND APPLY THE WORD OF WISDOM to determine practical application of words of knowledge or prophetic words.
- PRACTICE YOUR GIFT- Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
- SERVE THE GIFT OF A MINISTRY which you feel called to, or which is part of the broad picture which is an umbrella for your gift. If you operate in the gift of prophecy, then serve a prophet as you will receive impartation and training that is essential to the growth of your gift. [Paul and Timothy]
- REMOVE MIXTURE- the mixed multitude CREATED the complaining. Numbers 11:4
They were not Israelites but from heathen tribes. Ungodliness in our lives can dilute or twist the word of God. Consecration and holiness are needed.
9 SENSITISE YOUR SPIRIT THROUGH OBEDIENCE. A hardened or reprobate mind can develop through repeated disobedience
10.JOURNAL AND COMPARE YOUR REVELATIONS, specifically listening for Gods voice as distinct from your own mind
11.PRACTICE by asking God for information on coming events, so that you are not going to damage someone through your immature gift.
FOR EXAMPLE;
Ask God to show you the subject of the Sunday sermon, or other simple things so that you can confirm your discernment, not display it or use it to control. For instance, telling the preacher they have missed it with their sermon because you have heard differently.
TIPS FOR INCREASING YOUR GIFT;
Listen for key words/s– what is given emphasis in your spirit, or repeated.[Don’t repeat unless that word is being emphasised in your spirit]
ASK GOD QUESTIONS, IE:
- How will this happen? Mary asking angel, “ how shall this happen?”
- When will this happen? David When you see the balsam trees move
SLOW DOWN YOUR DELIVERY
Fast delivery leaves you open to mistakes. Feel your way from word to word, unless you are in a strong anointed flow.
STOP when you feel the anointing lift or when it gets HARD TO SEE THE WORDS OR THEME.
If you try too hard, you may just dig up mud, which is not accurate or out of timing. We know in part and see in part, someone else may have the other puzzle pieces.
REPHRASE negative words or pictures-prophesy the answer. The Holy Spirit can and will enable people to read between the lines, filling in what you don’t say.He should be the one who interprets prophetic words directly to the recipients’ heart. Don’t try and explain what the person does not understand, it can become a preach or in fact not be what God is actually saying.
DEDICATE YOURSELF TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE
Hebrews 5:14, John 10:1-11, 1 Corinthians 14:10, Heb 4:12
PREPARE YOUR HEART THROUGH THE WORD, PRAYER AND WORSHIP. Hebrews 4:12
Don’t arrive at church with an unsettled spirit or mind.Release anxieties and issues to God and receive His peace. It is very hard to hear from God when your soul is stirred up.Close down thoughts and worries, write them down then release them to God.Ask God to speak to you, and wait quietly to hear Him. Create space to be quiet before God.
Speak in tongues, as this allows your spirit to take ascendancy over your soul.
Develop a sensitive spirit by listening to God regularly, and obeying Him when you do hear His voice.
EVALUATE YOUR FRAME OF REFERENCE, IT FILTERS WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHAT YOU CAN HEAR FROM GOD
Your family of origin, peers, and cultural beliefs, become filters which can block or distort the voice of God
Evaluate your learning styles and personality-they influence our spiritual reception
DISTINGUISHING FACTORS ABOUT THE VOICE OF GOD
- It resonates in our spirit, our spirit says yes, His spirit bears witness to our spirit
- It produces good fruit- life, joy, freedom
- It leads us to Jesus, to truth, not to confusion
- It Agrees with the word of God, witnesses to our spiritual authorities
RECOGNISE THE WAYS THAT GOD SPEAKS TO YOU PERSONALLY
GOD SPEAKS IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS Hebrews 1:1
Audible Voice (this is rare), however there are examples of this in the Bible.
Adam and Eve heard the audible voice of God Genesis 3:8
Saul heard the audible voice of God Acts 9:4
External Visions
Numbers 12:6, Cornelius Acts 10 Elisha’s Servant 2 Kings 6:17
Internal Visions (mental images).
Jesus saw Nathaniel under the tree before his natural eyes could see him John 1:48
Dreams
God often spoke to Joseph in dreams Genesis 37
The Still Small Voice (inner witness) 1 Kings 19:12
Physical Feelings (word of knowledge).
Angelic visitations, Visitations of God [Apostle Paul on road to Damascus]
Through the fivefoldministry Ephesians 4:11
Through other Christians (personal prophecy, general conversation).
Through the Media
Through Non-Christian conversations
[When a conversation quickens to your spirit, it can be God speaking to you whether the person is a christian or not.] Don’t be locked in to only one communication method, God may also speak differently.
GOD MAY USE MORE THAN ONE OF THESE TO SPEAK TO US, AND CHANGE THEM FROM TIME TO TIME
TESTING THE VOICE 1 John 4:1
IS IT SCRIPTURAL?
It must line up with both the written Word of God and the spirit of the Word.
DOES IT GIVE A GOOD ‘INNER WITNESS’ OR A SINKING FEELING?
God’s voice should resonate within us. Resonance is a vibration that occurs when two objects are on the same sound frequency. If we are tuned in to God’s frequency, our spirit will have a positive reaction to anything which comes from Him, and a negative reaction to things that don’t. The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit. Romans 8:16
DOES IT WITNESS TO YOUR SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT?
This is the third time that I am coming to you”. By the testimony of two or three witnesses must any charge and every accusing statement be sustained and confirmed
2 Corinthians 13:1
WHAT IS THE FRUIT?
Does it draw us closer to God or further away? Does it produce emotional distress? Does
It cause strife and division between us and other people? Does it glorify God? Hebrews 12:9
THE THREE VOICES THAT SPEAK TO US ARE;
- Our Soul (the mind, will and emotions) Romans 8:6 [Amp]
1 John 2:16
Ezekiel 13:2-3
- The demonic spirit realm (deception) 1 Timothy 4:1-6
1 Kings 22:22
- The Spirit of God (Truth) 1 Peter 1:21
John 16:13
PROPHETIC GUIDELINES
TRUE PROPHECY IS…
A word from God, given exactly as God gave it.
Nothing more, nothing less, given to the right person at the right time,
with the right attitudes and motives.
WHAT IS THE PROPHETIC PROCESS?
Receive the message
Receive permission from God to deliver it
Let the Holy Spirit interpret it
WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR PROPHECY?
It must stay within the boundaries of the prophetic gift; comfort, edification and encouragement 1 Corinthians 14:3, James 3:17
It should not be directional, speaking of change of work, relationships or location, unless you are released by your Pastor to operate in that realm.
Prophecy must not take the place of the written Word of God, or of the inner voice of the Holy Spirit in your life. It is not a substitute for seeking God for your-self.
It must line up with both the written Word of God and the spirit of the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 14:29, Galatians 1:8, 1 John 4:1
THE SCRIPTURAL PLATFORM FOR PROPHETIC MINISTRY
LOVE without love for God and man as your motive, prophecy can be destructive or empty 1 Corinthians 14:1
COMFORT, EDIFICATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT 1 Corinthians 14:3
SELF-CONTROL I Corinthians 14:32
“For the spirits of the prophets [speakers in Tongues are under the speakers control and subject to being silenced as may be necessary.” We are told to exercise Godly self-control over our words.
WISDOM-wait on God for timing and presentation style
HOW CAN I DELIVER MY PROPHECY?
Do not embarrass people by being specific about personal areas of their life. Say it indirectly, or change your wording. It is often better to make it a pastoral discussion if they have given you that place in their life. If not, then speak to their pastor if possible. Otherwise, you can leave it to the HOLY Spirit to convict them, even when you don’t say it, people can be convicted in any area of their lives.
Be short and simple. Do not repeat yourself too much, unless the anointing to do this is very evident.
Prophecy does not need to be lengthy to be effective.
Stay within your faith level. Don’t seek the sensational and dramatic.
Be wise about how and where you touch someone.
It is not wise to sing prophecy unless you have an ability to sing pleasantly, in tune, and can enunciate words clearly. A poorly sung prophecy distracts people’s attention onto the person’s voice and off what God is saying.
Be normal Speak in a conversational tone of voice and convey the message effectively.
Avoid too much emotion. This can be the flesh wanting attention. This, and old fashioned terminology etc, draw attention away from what God is saying and onto what the person is doing.
Use every-day English God does use your vocabulary, word content, education and storehouse of experience and revelation. E.g: Jesus did not speak about planes, trains, or Space shuttles.
Words that are hard to understand or not relevant to today’s culture tend to confuse and
block reception of the prophecy.
We no longer speak in King James English, and it is not necessary to use it when prophesying.
It should not ‘cross’ the general direction of the flow of the Spirit in a meeting, unless you are a recognised prophet in that church, and are released by your Pastor to do this.
[The spirits of the prophets are under the speakers control and subject to being silenced as necessary. ] 1 Corinthians 14:32
WHEN CAN I DELIVER MY PROPHECY?
Use wisdom about the time, place and method.
There is usually a specific spot during a service when the anointing is right, and the leadership allows space for the prophetic word.
Just because you have a word, does not necessarily mean that you have to deliver it in that service or place. God is sovereign, and can use any person or method to say what He wants to say. It may be for another time, or God may say it through the preacher, or another person.
Be sure that it is not just a personal word, or that you are just ‘reading the spirit’.
Local church protocol about prophecy is determined by the local church pastor.
If you are not sure, ask the Pastor.
It is safer to write a word down and give it to a pastor or elder than to give it straight to the person
Rhema words, corporate or individual, connect with our spirits and bring joy and release
RHEMA – A revealed portion of the Word of God, a specific word, for a specific person or people, at a specific time and circumstance.
These words are anointed and full of life
HOW DOES PROPHECY COME?
Words – We may hear or see words or pictures, the complete message will form as you stay focused.
Our spirit feeling stirred, then a sense of a message will then come.
Ask God for the words – start by faith with a comment like, “I sense, or see, or believe I hear”.
Don’t say “God says”, it puts great pressure on your word to be extremely accurate. It is better to allow some space for mistakes, so that a person who receives your word, feels free to judge it without being intimidated.Say ‘I feel or I think God might be saying”
Pictures – Ask the Holy Spirit for words to express it. If words don’t come, then share the picture without explanation. Pictures can be the start of a complex prophecy.
Songs – either a song you know or a song of the spirit.
A song you know is not necessarily meant to be sung, it may be a memory trigger. Wait on God for the words. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. John 14:26
You may just give the scripture to the person, or it may be the start of a prophecy.
NOTE:
Prophecy should not ‘cross’ the general direction of the flow of the Spirit in a meeting, unless you are a recognised prophet in that church, and are released by your Pastor to do this.
[The spirits of the prophets are under the speakers control and subject to being silenced as necessary. 1 Corinthians 14:32]
SUMMARY
Those operating within the ‘gift’ of prophecy should stay within the boundaries.
1 Corinthians 14:3
Those who are released by their Pastor to operate within the fivefold office of a prophet may operate within the boundaries of that office.
Love should be our motive, not judgement, control or criticism. 1 Corinthians 13:1
Prophecy is subject to being judged by the other prophets and church authorities.
1 Corinthians 14:29
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH NEGATIVE THINGS THAT I DISCERN?
We may have believed that we have to say everything that we discern, but just because we see it, does not necessarily mean that we have to say it.
We are like radios – we can pick up many radio waves that are out there, and must make sure our radio is tuned to the right station, the Holy Spirit.
IF WE ESTABLISH TIMING, SEASON, AND CONTEXT OUR WORDS WILL BE MORE EFFECTIVE
EXAMPLES:
- Joseph spoke about his dream prematurely and was stuck in a pit. Genesis 37:5
- Joseph discerned the negative dream, but also produced the answer. Genesis 41:28
- Mary pondered the revelation in her heart. Luke 2:19
First pray about negative revelation, If the burden cannot be released through prayer, then take it to a pastor or elder for their judgment and action, and leave it with them.
Once you have done this, you have released yourself from the responsibility of the word.
PROPHETIC PITFALLS
- Prophesying what others want to hear. 1 Kings 22:6-18
- Prophesying for gain – support individual stands or convictions. Numbers 22
Nehemiah 6:12-13
- Prophesying out of sympathy. Ezekiel 13:23, Jeremiah 23:16
- Reading the person’s soul. Hebrews 4:12
The word of God must be what separates our soul and spirit. Prophecy must come from our spirits through revelation from the Spirit of God. If we just “read” the soul desires of the person we are praying for, it is not a word from God, but a word from our soul.
DOES IT WITNESS TO YOUR SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT?
This is the third time that I am coming to you”. By the testimony of two or three witnesses must any charge and every accusing statement be sustained and confirmed
2 Corinthians 13:1
WHAT IS THE FRUIT?
Does it draw us closer to God or further away? Does it produce emotional distress? Does it
Cause strife and division between us and other people? Does it glorify God? Matthew 7:15
SUMMARY
- Those operating within the ‘gift’ of prophecy should stay within the boundaries.
1 Corinthians 14:3
- Those who are released by their Pastor to operate within the fivefold office of a prophet may operate within the boundaries of that office.
- Love should be our motive, not judgement, control or criticism, or personal power.
1 Corinthians 13:1
- Prophecy is subject to being judged by the other prophets and church authorities.
1 Corinthians 14:29
DISCERN THE COUNTERFEIT
A counterfeit manifestation will override our free will.God has created us with a free will, to make our own choices. ‘… you choose, life or death.’ Deuteronomy 30:19
God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but left him with the ability to choose whether or not he would obey. Genesis 2:16
God Himself will not override our free will, even to the point of allowing us to go to hell
If we will not choose Jesus. At some point, we will have agreed to allow a manifestation to
occur and God will not override our free will.
A demonic spirit likes to control and dominate our will, and this is how cults are birthed. When fleshly manifestations dominate, a counterfeit spirit can start to control. Statements like “I can’t control it. I have to do it”, will be expressed by the person.
2. It will draw attention to individuals or to the demonic. Acts 16:16
3. It will create confusion and distract people from what God is saying through the leader.God requires order when there is a corporate gathering.1 Corinthians 14:4, 5:12, 22-25, 32, 33, 39
I CORINTHIANS 14:32 [AMP] – FOR THE SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS [SPEAKERS IN TONGUES] ARE UNDER THE SPEAKERS CONTROL [AND SUBJECT TO BEING SILENCED AS MAY BE NECESSARY].
God reserves the right to upset our timetables, but when it is truly a sovereign move of God, the majority of people present will be willing and able to take part in it. Acts 2
God will always honour His leaders. He will also speak through His body, but as the head directs the body in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. The ultimate direction and discernment for what happens in a meeting, needs to comes through the head.
Lack of order produces anarchy, which comes from the source of confusion, Satan.
1 Corinthians 14:33
There is divine order in correctly used authority which allows blessing to flow.
Psalm 133:2, Acts 16:16
PROPHETIC PITFALLS
- Prophesying what others want to hear. 1 Kings 22:6-18
- Prophesying for gain – support individual stands or convictions. Numbers 22
Nehemiah 6:12-13
- Prophesying out of sympathy. Ezekiel 13:23, Jeremiah 23:16
- Reading the person’s soul. Hebrews 4:12
The word of God must be what separates our soul and spirit. Prophecy must come from our spirits through revelation from the Spirit of God. If we just “read” the soul desires of the person we are praying for, it is not a word from God, but a word from our soul.
TESTING YOUR WORD
We know in part, our revelation may be right but our interpretation wrong-application comes from word of wisdom which may come from another person especially an apostle [1 Corinthians 13:12]
IS IT SCRIPTURAL?
It must line up with both the written Word of God and the spirit of the Word.
DOES IT GIVE A GOOD ‘INNER WITNESS’ OR A SINKING FEELING?
God’s voice should resonate within us. Resonance is a vibration that occurs when two objects are on
the same sound frequency. If we are tuned in to God’s frequency, our spirit will have a positive
reaction to anything which comes from Him, and a negative reaction to things that don’t.
The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit. Romans 8:16
DOES IT WITNESS TO YOUR SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT?
This is the third time that I am coming to you”. By the testimony of two or three witnesses must
any charge and every accusing statement be sustained and confirmed.
2 Corinthians 13:1
WHAT IS THE FRUIT?
Does it draw us closer to God or further away? Does it produce emotional distress? Does it
Cause strife and division between us and other people? Does it glorify God?
SUMMARY
- Those operating within the ‘gift’ of prophecy should stay within the boundaries.
1 Corinthians 14:3
- Those who are released by their Pastor to operate within the fivefold office of a prophet may operate within the boundaries of that office.
- Love shouldS be our motive, not judgement, control or criticism, or personal power.
1 Corinthians 13:1
- Prophecy is subject to being judged by the other prophets and church authorities.1 Corinthians 14:29
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