“Why Is The Gift Of Prophecy So Important?” James W. Goll, Franklin, TN

A Human Report of Divine Revelation

It may surprise you to know that people who have been given the gift of prophecy do not necessarily predict future events. In fact, most of the time they don’t. And most of us who prophesy have never considered wearing a John-the-Baptist-style hairy shirt! Despite popular depictions of prophets as solitary wilderness-dwellers, today’s prophets are distinct and unique members of the Body of Christ who have the ability to present a straightforward “human report of a divine revelation.”

A lot of change and progress has happened in the global prophetic movement. Over the years, bridges have been built among the diverse prophetic community. Whether it is the “Seer” visionary anointing versus the “Nabi” spontaneous flow; whether it is the combustion of the “Inspirational Preaching Prophet” versus the gentle, sage wisdom of the “Interpretive Teacher Prophet;” or whether it is delivered in worship, art, writing, media, evangelism or prayer we celebrate diversity versus uniformity.

Raising the Bar

I want to see the bar raised high in the prophetic community (as well as for all the 5-Fold ministries and any in leadership). Let’s not compromise the standard of integrity while being people of authentic grace.

Now let’s be real. We all fail. Prophetic types might become territorial, insecure, feel threatened and even jealous. At times we get off track and promote gifting ahead of intimacy. In turn, leaders can sometimes promote one person over another based upon who has the biggest draw. We can lose our balance and forget to keep the “main thing the main thing.” Remember, the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus. (Photo via James Goll)

There are significant standards that I attempt to hold myself to (as well as those within my sphere of influence).

1. That we find our identity in Christ Jesus first and foremost.

2. That the written Word of God is our final authority.

3. That we cultivate character to carry the gift.

4. That we walk in a culture of honor.

Yes, integrity matters. The fruit of the Spirit is as valuable as the gifts of the Spirit. I want to see prophets who build up the Body of Christ, including the local church, and who walk in accountability and community. These are high goals – I know. And yet, these are basic standards that every true disciple of Jesus should have as their aim – no matter their gift or function in life and ministry.

An Honest Assessment

In recent days, I have been pondering the purpose of the prophetic all over again. You see, it can be easy to become jaded and disillusioned. In my 40 plus years of full-time vocational ministry, having been involved in numerous movements and emphasis in the Body of Christ, I have watched many Believers become observers who are no longer active participants. With this in mind, let’s review some of the purposes of the prophetic.

Purposes of the Prophetic Gifting

God is our good Father, and He wants to encourage us and advise us. For each new generation, He chooses prophets to deliver fresh words to accomplish His purposes. Paul wrote about three main purposes of prophecy: “One who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Edification refers to building up people in the faith and enabling them to be more effective in ministry. Exhortation pertains to admonishment and motivation for people to perform good deeds, and it is the same as encouragement. Consolation means giving comfort or solace, or alleviating some kind of distress.

We each need encouragement. “Barnabas” was a nickname for a man named Joseph who was a Levite from the island of Cyprus (see Acts 4:36.) Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” We can never have too much encouragement and up-building. This is one of the reasons I value prophetic gifting. (photo by Jennifer Page “In His Presence” via elijahlistshopper.com)

The gift of prophecy is also used by the Holy Spirit to convict people of sin and to convince them of God’s good intentions toward them. Some people today wrongly teach that the convicting work of the Holy Spirit only applies to unbelievers. But I believe it applies to all of us, since all of us need additional convicting and convincing as we make our way toward holiness.

Just as the light of God penetrates the hearts of unbelievers and inquirers, so it penetrates ours, layer by layer. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to, “Convict [or convince] the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). One of the ways the Spirit does this is by speaking His rhema words through prophets like you and me. The true prophetic promotes the fear of the Lord and that results in greater purity.

Prophecy is a revelatory gift as well as a vocal gift, and God uses it to instruct and teach us: “For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged” (1 Corinthians 14:31 NIV). This is probably one of my personal strengths. I am primarily a prophetic instructor and intercessor. No single prophet or teacher can teach everything—it takes a “cluster anointing” to do the best job. But working together, we make a great team and God’s people are made stronger.

Maturing in the Gift of Prophecy

With regard to maturing in the gift of prophecy, let us recognize that there are four categories of prophetic revelation: the spirit of prophecy, the gift of prophecy, the ministry of prophecy, and the office of a prophet. It is important to understand how they are distinct and how each has its place.

The Spirit of Prophecy

First, the spirit of prophecy refers to those occasions when the Spirit of God encompasses a group of people. God manifests His presence in the midst of the assembly in such a way that anybody can hear God and thus prophesy; whether or not they otherwise claim to have a gift of prophecy (see 1 Samuel 19:20-21 for one example). It is simply amazing when this takes place! (Photo via James Goll)

The Gift of Prophecy

Second, the gift of prophecy is the spiritual gift that God gives generously to His people in order to build them up and to help them walk with sure steps of faith (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:6, 24, 31). This gift of the Holy Spirit is for edification, exhortation and comfort, but it does appear to include correction and direction.

The Ministry of Prophecy

Third, people who exercise the gift of prophecy consistently over time have a ministry of prophecy, developing what you could term a “residential” gift, a ministry that is not only circumstantial or occasional. Consistency is important here and it takes time to develop that narrative.

The Office of a Prophet

Beyond the ministry of prophecy is the office of a prophet (or prophetess). Those in the office of prophet are equippers; they can instruct others in how the gift operates. Lots of people who prophesy are not necessarily equippers because—they just do it (some of them brilliantly). Leaders in the office of prophet are like spiritual fathers or mothers or equippers, whose emphasis (besides broadcasting the words God gives them) is on multiplication.

They teach and model a prophetic lifestyle, not just a prophetic gift. They have earned the credibility and the authority to give direction and correction in addition to edification, exhortation, and comfort. They are not self-appointed, they are recognized by other leaders and confirmed into their appropriate spheres of authority. (photo via James Goll “Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today”)

In other words, there is a difference between revelation and authority. The bottom line is: God uses all of the varieties of prophetic categories in order to speak to His people in every situation. He uses not only the office of prophecy but also the spirit of prophecy, the gift of prophecy, and the ministry of prophecy.

Releasing the Testimony of Jesus

Ultimately, all prophecy is about this: releasing the testimony of Jesus. Here is John’s visionary picture from the book of Revelation:

“Then I [John] fell at his [the angel’s] feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'” (Revelation 19:10)

Jesus wants to testify, and He uses men and women to do it. Those who serve as His voice do not draw attention to themselves but rather to the message and to the Messenger. Yes, the testimony of Jesus is released through the spirit of prophecy. None of the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased. The gifts of the Spirit are not for the elite few; they are for every Believer today!

Thank God it is a new day with diversity being celebrated including the joining of the generations. That is why, after 40 plus years, I still value the prophetic gifts. The best is yet to come!

Thank You, Lord, for pouring out Your Holy Spirit today! I am so grateful to be alive at this time in Church history. Give me more opportunities to release the fragrance of Jesus everywhere I go and to encourage and comfort others through the gift of prophecy. Come, Holy Spirit, more powerfully in my life and in the lives of my family members. In your love, empower us with Your revelatory gifts, for the sake of Your Kingdom. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List go here.)

Walking in His Ways,

Dr. James W. Goll
Founder of Encounters Network • God Encounters Training e-School • Prayer Storm
Email: info@encountersnetwork.com
Website: http://www.encountersnetwork.com / http://www.prayerstorm.com

Dr. James W. Goll is the President of Encounters Network, the International Director of Prayer Storm, and the Founder of God Encounters Training – an eSchool of the Heart. With great joy James has shared Jesus in more than 50 nations, teaching and imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. James is the prolific author of numerous books, including The Seer, The Lost Art of Intercession, The Coming Israel Awakening, Deliverance from Darkness, A Radical Faith, and many others. He has also produced multiple study guides and hundreds of audio and video messages (click here for more).

James and Michal Ann were married for 32 years before her graduation to Heaven in the fall of 2008. James has four adult children who are married and all love Jesus: Justin, GraceAnn, Tyler, and Rachel, and multiple grandchildren. James continues to make his home in Franklin, Tennessee.

Speak to the hungry hearts. For I have hungry hearts among the people that are crying out for My voice and are crying out for My Presence. They greatly desire to know Me. They greatly desire to lay aside the things that have encumbered them. From religion and the burden of doubt guilt and shame. They want to know Me and I want to know them. For I have come that they might know life and life in abundance, says the Lord. I have come that they might know Me, that they may know the Father, the One True God and the one who sent Jesus Christ.
I have come says the Lord for that and the day and the hour has come where I will sweep thru like a Mighty Wind and I will begin to blow and I will begin to shake that which people cling to and that which people have held on to and they will be fearful. They will say, why’s the Lord let this happen? What has it been permitted? The Lord says only trust Me. Only trust Me, for that which is blown away was not of Me, says the Lord. That which remains shall remain and not be shaken and shall stand as a  pinnacle in the world, says the Lord. And the great darkness, the great darkness that mankind has brought upon the planet, the great darkness that the enemy has encompassed the planet with. I will cause light to shine and they will say, There it is. I will go towards the that. I will be led by that, That is where safety is, that is where I will be loved. That is where I will have what I need at this time, says the Lord.
And that is not a building, That is not a group, that is you , says the Lord. For I will plant you here and I will plant you there and I will plant your everywhere, says the Lord. And some shall be scattered and some will remain, but know this that I am with you all the same.
April 7, 2013

“7 Prophetic Words for the Battle-Weary” Jennifer LeClaire, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jesus realized that, without the Holy Spirit, His followers—including us—would not be able to fulfill God’s call on their lives. So He sent the Holy Spirit to be our Helper, Teacher, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby, Revealer of truth and the One who empowers us. He does so much for us!

The Holy Spirit reveals the heart of the Father and the love of Christ. In my book, Mornings With the Holy Spirit: Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of God, I have shared with the world prophetic words the Holy Spirit has spoken to my heart over the years during times of prayer, worship and just everyday living.

I believe the following seven utterances, along with Scriptural references and prayer starters, will put you on a path toward a deeper knowledge of God’s love for you.

1. Who Do You Say That I Am?

Jesus once asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Many people knew He was a great prophet, but only Peter received the revelation that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God.

“Now, I ask you, who do You say that I am? Many people disregard My work in their lives because they don’t understand who I am. And even those who know Me don’t always have a continual awareness of My presence and a deep revelation of My love for them. Who do you say that I am? Search My heart, and I will show you a new realm of My faithfulness, My kindness and so much more. Search My heart.”

Scripture: Luke 9:18-21; Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I know what Jesus said about You, and I’ve read about You in Scripture, but I want to know You more and more—experientially. I want to experience who You are in a fresh way. Help me to search Your heart, and show me more about Yourself.

2. Your Weakness Does Not Disappoint Me

“I know you feel weak on some days. Rejoice! My strength is made perfect in your weakness. Your weakness does not surprise Me or disappoint Me. I knew that you would not always win your inner battles with temptation when I wooed you into this relationship. You are a work in progress, but I see you as a masterpiece despite your failures. I see you as a winner! I see you through the eyes of love. I see you through the Blood of Jesus. So call upon Me to strengthen you, and I will help you overcome your weaknesses.”

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 3:16

Prayer: I’m so glad that nothing can separate me from Your love. Strengthen me in my inner man so I can resist all the temptations of the evil one. And help me see myself the way You see me—complete in Christ.

3. I Love You Just the Way You Are

“You don’t have to try to be someone you are not. I love you just the way you were created. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. I have given you unique gifts and talents, and I have called you for such a time as this. If you allow frustration to flood your heart, you only hinder My grace. So reject comparisons. Reject frustrations. Reject striving. Embrace who you are now. Move forward as the person I’ve called you to be, and your unique gifts will make room for you.”

Scripture: 1 John 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Corinthians 12

Prayer: You see into my heart in ways that I don’t see myself. Help me not to compare myself to others or give in to the frustrations of daily life. Help me to rest in You instead of striving. Show me how to do things Your way instead of my way.

4. I Want to Help You

“I know it’s too hard for you, but it’s not too hard for Me. I want to help you. I am your Helper, and I find joy in coming alongside you, sharing My strength, showing you things to come and giving you the right words to say. I know sometimes things look impossible and you can’t see the way out or the way through. But I know the Way: His name is Jesus. I’m here to lead you and guide you, so follow Me, and the confusion and stress will give way to clarity and peace.”

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:27; John 14:26; John 16:13

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I need Your peace. I need Your strength. I need Your guidance. Please help me become more sensitive to Your leading at every turn, and flood my soul with confidence in Christ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. I am willing to follow You.

5. I Am Your Devoted One

“Even those little moments when you think of Me ravish My heart. You are My devoted one, and I am your Devoted One. I have eyes only for you, and when you so much as look My way, it thrills My heart. Our fellowship is My delight. Your voice is like a sweet melody in My ears. I am always in your presence, and you are always in Mine. Together, we can do anything. I am your Grace. You are Our beloved.”

Scripture: Psalm 17:8; Song of Solomon 1:13-16

Prayer: I’ve never known anyone as beautiful as You. Will You keep me as the apple of Your eye? Will You hide me in the shadow of Your wings? Protect me and keep me, and I will lavish my love upon You. You are worthy of my all.

6. I Will Reveal Jesus to You

“It’s My joy to reveal Jesus to your heart. He loves you with a passionate love. He is always interceding for you to Father. And He always has a word of comfort and strength to share with you. I want you to know Him the way I know Him. Will you allow Me to make more of Him known to you through His Word? Open the Gospels in faith, and I will pour out a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. As we gaze upon His beauty together, you will be transformed into His image.”

Scripture: Ephesians 1:17; Psalm 27:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18

Prayer: Your promises overwhelm me, and I say yes! Give me revelation and wisdom in the knowledge of Jesus. Show me Your glory. Show me Your beauty. Fix my eyes on Your heart. Help me to focus on You and You alone.

7. I Am Waiting to Reveal Truth

“I am nearer than you think. I am closer than you know. I am always with you—waiting. I am waiting for you to engage in a conversation with Me. I want to show you things to come. I desire to reveal more of Jesus and Father to you. I love it when you ask Me questions because it is My joy to lead you into all truth. I am right here. I have all knowledge. What do you want to know? Ask Me in faith. I will lead you and guide you to the information and revelation you desire.”

Scripture: John 16:13; James 1:5; Matthew 7:7

Prayer: You are the Revealer of Truth and the Giver of Wisdom. Will You give me the wisdom to ask You what I really need to know? Show me what to ask, and I will grow in Your wisdom and joy. I am open to receiving Your wise counsel in every area of my life.

Used by permission from Charisma Magazine.

Jennifer LeClaire
News Editor at Charisma Media,

When You are going North and Things Go South

There are some things that we need to be careful of when it comes to hearing God. Here are 3 things that we need to watch out for:

1. No response
Not responding to, or not valuing, God’s prophetic words to us can cause us to not hear His voice. God can speak to us—but we need to write it down and pray about it to understand what is being spoken.

2. Misinterpreting
Misinterpreting—this is a big one for those who are learning to discern. God’s ways are often different than ours, and the prophetic ministry is designed to help us grow and mature. It requires us to understand how to test a prophetic word and learn to interpret it.

3. Over-responding
Sometimes we can fall into the trap of not understanding the timing of a prophetic word. We need to be careful not to respond too soon or at a greater level than what God is saying. Oftentimes, we can get overly excited and try to step out in faith and make major decisions based on a small amount of revelation.

Bringing balance

Here are a few things to consider when God speaks to you:
• Does it line up with the Bible?
• Has God spoken something similar to you before?
• How does it feel in your spirit?
• Does it hit you in a positive or a negative way?

Sometimes God is calling you to change, and it will feel different than it has before. Be open about an initial reaction you may have, whether positive or negative, because when we are resistant to change we may react negatively at first. What will help is if you focus on discerning from your spirit, not based on how your mind feels about it.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 NIV, Paul says, “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”

I think there is a misunderstanding these days about how to judge a prophetic word. It tends to be thought of as a negative thing as opposed to objectively looking at the prophetic word and weighing it out. “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14 NIV

It takes practice to learn to discern God’s voice. Training and instruction, from others who are mature in hearing God, will help too.

Activating your prophetic word

When God speaks to us we need to write it down, pray about it and test the word. Once we determine that yes, this is a prophetic word from God—then there are things you can do now to help activate it in your life. These can be small steps like research, reading a book or taking a class on what God is calling you to do.

We do not have to over respond or buy something expensive before the right time. Here is an example of how I have activated prophetic words in my life:

I received several prophetic words years ago about God using me in the area of dream interpretation. So, I did some research, read some books and found a ministry that offered training on it. I took the courses, and then once I knew for sure this was what God was calling me to—I went further.

I made extensive notes on dream interpretation and contacted the ministry I had received the training from. I made a list of questions, and was humble about making some recommendations on how they could develop an Internet based follow-up program to help their students. They, then, offered me a job to implement the program I had suggested, and over a 3-year period I was moved into full-time dream interpretation ministry.

I hope this helps you to grow in your ability to hear God—and to bring balance in how to discern and respond. Get ready for more, as God is about to speak to you in greater ways!

And for even more on this and on how to activate prophetic words over your life, check out my brand new book, God Spoke, Now What?—available now!

Blessings,

Doug Addison

september-news Click on this link to read and see Pictures of Whats going on in Honduras with Victor and Wendy