YouCanAllProphesyA Balanced Approach to Giving and Receiving

PERSONALPROPHECYByDennisCramer

DedicationToallmy friendswho encouragedme to revise and

republishthisbookTotheChurchofJesusChrist,andhermemberswho

hungerforclarityregardingthegiftofprophecy.

PROPHECYA supernatural, verbal gift of the Holy Spirit given

for the purpose of “strengthening, encouraging andcomforting” a believer or group of believers. (See FirstCorinthians14:3.)

“...beeagertoprophesy...”!(1Cor.14:39)“Foryoucanallprophesy...”!(1Cor.14:31)

TableofContentsIntroductionOneHowYouCanBegintoProphesyTwoWhattoLookforinProphecyThreeHindrancesWhenGivingaProphecyFourHindrancesWhenReceivingProphecyFiveTheSecrettoPowerinProphecySixCautionsRelatedtoProphecySevenPersonalThoughtsonProphecy

IntroductionWhyDoWeWait?Sincefirstwritingthisbookin1981,Ihavebeenamazedatthegrowththe

Church has experienced in the area of prophecy. There has been a mightyrestoration of many aspects of prophecy. This restoration has made thisparticular book evenmore relevant today than when it was originally writtensome12yearsago.

Propheticallyspeaking,theChurchhascomealiveandscoresofbelieversalreadyhavebeguntooperateinthegiftofprophecy.Yetmanymorebelieversareeagertooperatein thegiftofprophecywhohavenotyetdoneso.Perhapsyou,thereader,areonewhoneedsto“stepout”andbegintoexperiencethisgiftofprophecy.Yes,youcanprophesy!Fortunately,fortheChurch,Godhasbeenjustaswillingtoteachusaswehavebeentolearn.Forallthose“hungry”and“thirsty”believers,thereisplentytolearnaboutprophecy.Thisbookcanteachbelieversaboutthegiftofprophecyandhowtomakeitarealityintheirlives.

This updated and slightly expanded version of You Can All ProphesycontainsseveralalterationsthatreflectpersonalchangesinmylifeasamemberoftheBodyofChrist.First,beginningsomeyearsago,Idecidedtochangefroma King James Version of the Bible to a more accurate and contemporarytranslation. My personal choice was the New International Version, althoughthere are several other good translations. Consequently, almost all of thereferencesinthisbookarenowfromtheNIV.Second,Idecidedtoupdateoneof the mechanics I utilize when I am operating in the gift of prophecy. I nolongerprophesyin“KingJamesEnglish,”butspeakinmodern,,contemporaryEnglishBothoftheseadjustmentshavemadememoreeffectiveinthelivesofthebelieversIamattemptingtoinfluenceforChrist,Theremainingchangesinthis edition of You Can All Prophesy are an accumulation of the additionalknowledgeandexperience

Ihavegainedoverthepast12yearssince“YeMayAllProphesy”wasfirstwritten. Hopefully all of these changes will benefit you, the reader, to betterunderstandandtobetteroperateinthegiftofprophecy.

Perhaps thesinglegreatestmisconception in theChurch todaydealswithour failure to take God at His written Word literally. Usually that can beattributed to two basic errors in our reasoning toward God. The first

misconceptioninourreasoningleadsustobelievethatthereisanotherspiritualrealmthatwemustsomehowdiscover,experienceorachieveinordertooperateinthegiftofprophecy.However,this“allegedspiritualrealm”doesnotexist.Consequently,wecannotdiscover,experienceorachievesomethinginarealmthatsimplydoesnotexist.Thereisnootherspiritualrealm!Itdoesnotexist!WearelivingintheKingdomofGodrightnow,today.ThereisnogreaterspiritualrealminwhichtolivethantheKingdomofGod.God’s“Kingdom”istherealmHe has prepared for us (believers) while here on earth. It is in this presentspiritual realm,orKingdom, that theScriptures teach thegiftofprophecyhasbeenmadeavailabletoeverybeliever.

Thesecondmisconception iswhat Icall the“oldschool” theologywhichstates thatGod has only a few, choice, select individuals through which Hespeaks to the Body of Christ prophetically. That is simply not a scripturalperspective.TheapostlePaulwrotetothechurchatCorinthandsaid,“Foryoucanallprophesy...”(1Cor.14:31).Thiswasalargechurchwiththousandsofmembers.Paulsaidtheycouldallprophesy.ItistruethatPaulwrotetheywereto do all things “decently and in order” (I Cor. 14:40 KJV). However, thispresupposed that theywere going to doall things!We have always seen thisverseasarestrictionofsorts,orawarningagainstprophecy.Onthecontrary,itwasandisanencouragementtodoallthings!Justremembertodo“allthings”in an orderly fashion, as outlined throughout the fourteenth chapter of FirstCorinthians.That includes theoperationof thegift ofprophecy specifically inthe setting of the public gathering or assembly. Furthermore, if only a few,choice, select individuals have been called of God to operate in the gift ofprophecy,thenobviouslythedisciplesatEphesus(Acts19:1-6)wereunawareofthis“supposed”theology.Thesemenweremerelybelievers(likeyouandme),newly filledwith theHolySpirit (v.6), andyet theyall spoke in tongues andprophesied!Obviously, it is our contemporary theology that is in error. It hasbeenthe traditionsandunbeliefofmanthathas limitedtheChurch’saccess tothispreciousgiftandnotthewillofGod!God’sWordhasalwaysbeencrystalclear on this point. That point is, all Spirit-filled believers can immediatelyoperateinapropheticgiftasaresult,orevidence,ofbeingfilledwiththeHolySpirit(Acts19).Thisfactwastrueandapplicabletothebelieversthenanditistrue and applicable to believers now. Amen! Whether we are referring to a“brandnew”convertortothe“seasoned”believerwhohasbeenservingGodforyears,clearlyallcanprophesyasinspiredbytheSpiritofGod.

Let us use the words general and special to better clarify this gift of

prophecy.Inthisbookwedealwiththeso-called“general”giftofprophecy.Wewilldefine thewordgeneral as“universalandavailable toallbelievers.”This“general” gift seldom, if ever, contains any revelation or specific divineinformation.Itseldomcontainsanydirection.Itseldomcontainsanycorrection.This “general” gift is simply (yet effectively) used by God to strengthen,encourageandcomfortthebeliever(1Cor.14:3).ThisisthegiftGodhasmadeavailable to all believers. In addition, God has His prophets and there is that“special”giftofprophecyreservedfortheoffice(ministry)oftheprophet(Eph.4:11). This “special” gift of prophecy contains specific revelation (divineinformation) into the mind and counsel of God. It can be directive andcorrective.This“special”giftofprophecyisonlyforthosecalledtotheofficeofa prophet and not for theBody ofChrist in general. That iswhyPaulwrites,“Are all prophets?” (1Cor. 12:29). The implied answer is no.ButwhenPaulfurtheraddressesthesamechurch,hewrites,“Therefore,mybrothers[menandwomenalike],beeagertoprophesy,anddonotforbidspeakingintongues”(1Cor14:39).Doesthisrepresentaconflict?Ithinknot.Itshowsusthatthereareclearly two types of prophecy in the Church (excluding false prophecy, ofcourse). The “general” gift of prophecy is for us all. On the other hand, the“special” gift is a specific gifting for certain believers (prophets) as Godsovereigntychooses.TheScripturesteachthatGodhasplacedsome,notall,intheChurch tofill thesefive“ascensiongiftministries.”Ephesians4:10and11says,“He[Christ]...ascended...,”thenHegave“...sometobeprophets....”Thusthe term “ascension gift ministries.” Not everyone will be a prophet, buteveryone canprophesy.Noteveryonewillhave the“special”giftofprophecy,buteveryonewillhaveaccesstothe“general”giftofprophecyasGodinspiresthem.

Concerning this “general” gift of prophecy for all believers,what do theScriptures really say?What does the New Testament really give us today asworkingexamplestofollowinourlives,onthissubject?FromScripture,hereisthe conclusion I have drawn: if we can all speak in tongues, then we cancertainlyallprophesy.Whythenistheresuchconfusion?

Manydearsaints(perhapsyouareoneofthem)havebeenwaitingforthatotherspiritualrealmmentionedearlier.OthersofyouhavebeenwaitingforGodtouseonlyafew,choice,selectindividualsinprophecy.AsIstatedpreviouslyinthisintroduction,boththeseconceptsarefalse.Therefore,myquestiontotheChurch is:Whydowewait?Thosefalseconcepts runrampant inbelievers’thinking today.However, asHealwaysdoes,Godhasgivencleardirection in

HisWordonthissubject.LetuslookatafewscripturestogetherandrecognizethepurposeofGod,whichistomotivateusalltoprophesy.

Truly,theHolySpirithasbeenpouredoutuponallpeople(Acts2:17).Weall are templesof the indwellingHolySpirit (1Cor6:19).Thepromiseof theHolySpiritandHismanifestationsaretoyouandyourchildrenandforallwhoarefaroff—forallwhomtheLordourGodwillcall(Acts2:39).iftheBookofActs says that in the last days prophecy will be a sign of the Holy Spirit’soutpouringtotheChurch(Acts2:17),thenyoucanexpecttoprophesysinceyouareamemberofthatchurchtoday.IfthechurchatEphesuscouldprophesyassoon as they received the baptism in theHoly Spirit, then so can you (1Cor.14:31). if thechurchatRomecouldprophesy, thensocanyou (Rom.12:6). IfsonsanddaughtersofGodcanprophesy,thensocanyou(Acts2:17).IfallofPhilip’s daughters prophesied, then so can you (Acts 21:9). Even the troubledchurch at Thessalonica was apparently a prophetically active church. Theoperationofthegiftofprophecy,althoughitmayhavebeeneasyto“despise”attimes,wasstillapartoftheirspiritualexperience(IThess.5:20KJV;

2 Thess. 2:2). Paul encouraged all of the believers at Thessalonica tocontinuetorespectprophecyandtogiveititsrightfulplaceintheirgatherings.Today,eachofusneedstohavethatsameattitudetowardprophecy.

Itisahistoricalfactthattheearlychurches,asawhole,operatedinthegiftofprophecy.Thatis,theearlychurchhadaveryactivelaity,intermsofbeingprophetic. It was not just a few, strange, unapproachable “prophetic types”sittingonmountain topssomewhere,dressed incamel’shair,eating locustandhoney,andhearingvoices.Rather,theentirechurchbodyunderstoodtheactivityoftheHolySpiritasHeinspiredbelieverstospeakGod’spropheticword.Theearlychurchapproachedprophecyasthesupernaturalmanifestationitis,andyetwithaverypracticalapplication.Prophecywaspartoftheirlives.TheybelievedGod’s Word concerning prophecy and acted upon it. They were a propheticpeople. This same propheticmovement among today’s laity is precisely whatGod isonceagain restoring.God isnotendorsing the“spookyspiritual” typeswhocontinuetoreinforcemisconceptionssurroundingpropheticministry.Heisdevelopingapractical,yetpowerfulChurchintheselastdays.Heisraisingupanarmyandanation tooperate inpowerfulpropheticgifting‘s.Thepropheticpurpose and plan of God for the Body of Christ is coming to pass in ourgeneration.

Remember,Godhasnofavoriteswhenweconsiderthegiftofprophecyinourlives.Heisindeedtheoriginal“equalopportunityemployer.”Godwantsto

employyoutooperateinthiswonderfulgiftofprophecyforHisglory!We know that Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb.

13:8). Consequently, we can expect that the testimony of Jesus, which is thespirit ofprophecy (Rev.19:10), is also the sameyesterday, todayand forever.Yes, we can all prophesy! Miraculously, God is still speaking to His peoplethroughHispeople!Jesus isaliveandwell in theChurch.Hehasgivenusallthe gift of prophecy to prove His desire to cornmunicate with us all! Howexcitingareality!

Followthewayofloveandeagerlydesirespiritualgifts,especiallythegiftofprophecy.(1Cor.14:1)

DennisCramer

ChapterOneHowYouCanBegintoProphesy!Asdifficulttocomprehendasthisconceptmayfirstappear,youcanbegin

toprophesy!Yes,you!Howdoyoubegin?The first step is tohave the initialdesire to do so.Webster defines the word desire as “to long for or crave, toexpressawishfor.”

Asbelievers,weallneed“tolongforortocrave”theHolySpirittouseusinprophecy.WeneedtoexpresstoGodour“wish”tobeinspiredbytheHolySpirit to prophesy. To put it anotherway, ifwe donotwant to prophesy,weprobablywillnotprophesy.Theissuehere iswillingnessandcooperationwiththeWordofGod.

For the purpose of clarity, the following is the “groundwork” that eachreader of this book needs to have in place. This spiritual “groundwork” is aprofileofcurrentcircumstancesfromwhichyouwillbebestabletoincorporatethematerialfoundwithinthesepages.

1.Youarea“bornagain”believerinJesusChrist.(John3:3)2.YouareBaptizedintheHolySpirit(Acts2:4)3.Youhavesomeknowledgeofspiritualgifts.(1Cor.12:1;8-11)4.Youeitherhaveseenspiritualgiftsinoperationonsomelevel,orhave

personallyoperated(participated)inspiritualgifts.If this “groundwork” is incomplete in your life, act now to remedy this

situationbydoingthefollowing:1.AccepttheLordJesusChristasyourpersonalLordandSavior.2.ReceivethebaptismintheHolySpirit.3.Obtainsomeknowledgeofspiritualgiftsthroughpersonalstudyofthe

Scripturesandbyreadingtrustedauthorswhohaveexperienceinspiritualgifts.4.CommittoalocalchurchwheretheoperationofthegiftsoftheSpirit(1

Cor.12)areencouragedandpracticedonabalancedandregularbasis.Thegreater your level ofknowledge and level ofexposure to this gift of

prophecy, the greater your chances are of understanding the material in thisbook.Ifyouareabelieverandhavewitnessedprophecyinoperationandhavedesiredtoexperienceitforyourself,thisbookismostsuitedforyou.Ifyouhaveabsolutelynoexposureofanykindtothegiftofprophecy, thisbookcanhelp,butitmaybeabitmorethanyoucan“digest”allatonce.Twoorthreereadings

ofthismaterialshouldsolvethatproblemforanybeliever.So,assumingthattheinitialdesiretooperateinprophecyispresentinyourlife,letusbegintoexplorethisexcitinggift.

InitialDesireThedesire toprophesy isessential.Thisdesire isnota theological issue,

but rather a heart issue. In other words, we, as believers, should want toprophesy.Peoplehavetoldme,whilediscussingthisgiftofprophecy,thattheypersonallyhavelittleornodesiretoprophesy.Iimmediatelyreply,“Thencheerup,youprobablyneverwith”Afterall,whatdoweexpectGodtodo?Hewillnotoverrideourwill.Hewillnotgiveusanymore incentive toprophesythanHehasalreadygivenusintheScriptures,whichhappenstobeHisie-vealedwillforallmankind.ItisasifGodallowsustogointothe“river”ofexperienceasfaraswewantto.It’sourchoice.IfwehungertobelikeHim,Hewillleadusandguideus intoall truth. Ifwearewilling to settle for secondbest, thenweliveoutasecondclasssortof life,asfarasexperiencingthefullnessofGod’sSpirit inourlives.Yes,wemisssomethingofGodwhenweignoreHisWord.Thisprincipleistrueinrelationtoprophecyaswell.Frankly,Imaintainthatifwe have no desire to prophesy, then there is something missing from ourChristian experience. Iwould evengo so far as to say that there is somethingwrongwithourexperience.

Concerning prophecy, the Scriptures say that we should eagerly desirespiritualgifts,especiallythegiftofprophecy(1Car.14:1).Wecontinuetoreadin the same chapter (v. 12) where Paul says we should be “eager to havespiritualgifts.”Weshould“eagerlydesirethebestgifts”(1Cor.12:31)andweshould“be eager to prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:39). It is abundantly clear that theWord ofGod commands us to desire this experience. It is for all believers—great or small, minister or layman,man or woman, adult or even responsiblechild. However, we must have that initial desire to speak forth a word ofprophecy.Godleavesthatuptous.Letusall“launchout”infaith,andtakeonthedesiresGodhasprovidedforusall.Oneofthesedesiresistobeactiveinthegiftofprophecy.

Again,havinganinitialdesireisaheartissue,notatheologicalone.Searchyourheartanddetermine toobeyGod. It isexciting tobeusedofGod in thisblessedgift.Weshouldnothave theattitudeof“Do Ihave toprophesy?”Weshouldhave theattitudeof “BlessGod, Iget toprophesy!” It is aprivilege tohavetheHolySpirituseus!ThankYou,Jesus!

LookforOpportunitiesOnceourpropheticdesiresbegintoagreewithGod’sdesires,wemustthen

lookforanopportunitytouseourgiftofprophecy.Letme illustratewhat Imeanbyexamining thiswordgiftas it relates to

prophecy. Failing to look for an opportunity to obeyGod in prophecy is likeleavingagiftinitsbox,fullywrapped,unusedandunappreciated.Thatcanbeapotential waste of great proportion.Gifts, given by God to the Church, weremeanttobeopened,usedandenjoyed.ThebeautyofaGod-givengiftisfoundintheactofgivingit!PassivityisnotafruitoftheSpiritanditcancauseustomissGod in the area of operating in prophecy. The gift of prophecy needs to be“activated”withinus.

Paulwrote,“Sinceyouareeagertohavespiritualgifts,trytoexcelingiftsthatbuildup thechurch”(1Cor.14:12b).Notice thathewasmakingadirectreference tousing thegiftsof theSpirit toaccomplishbuildinguporedifying.SurelyprophecyedifiestheBodyofChrist.Weallneedtohaveahumble,yetaggressive desire to bless others, instead of looking to be blessed ourselves.Your gift orministry is not for you personally, but has been given to you inordertoblessothers.Therefore,lookingforopportunitiestoblessGod’speopleis essential. Everybody loseswhen you fail to yield toGod in prophecy.Youlose because you disobeyed the leading of the Holy Spirit and chose not toprophesy. The person or group of people to whom you were supposed toprophesyalsoloses.Butobediencealwaysbringsablessing!

Peter and John stated this principle of looking for an opportunity sobeautifullyinActs3:6.“ThenPetersaid,‘SilverorgoldIdonothave,butwhatIhaveIgiveyou.InthenameofJesusChristofNazareth,walk.’”

Let me interject here just a word or two of caution about looking foropportunitiestoprophesy.Althoughweneedtobediligentintheuseofourgift,wealsoneedtoexercisepatienceandwisdom.Wemustneveroverlookthefactthat prophecy does not find its inspiration in the “will ofman.” Second Peter1:21says,“Forprophecy[inthiscasethepropheciesnowcanonizedastheOldTestamentforyouand1]neverhaditsorigininthewillofman,butmenspokefromGodas theywerecarriedalongby theHolySpirit.” Isn’t thatabeautifulillustration of how personal prophecy operates in our lives today? Personalprophecy also has its origins in the Holy Spirit asHe “carries us along” byinspiring us to prophesy.Always remember thatGod is theOnewho initiatestrueprophecy,not the impulsesofman.Nomatterhowsincere those impulsesmaybe,theystandinsharpcontrasttotheinspirationoftheHolySpirit.Oneis

Spirit(inspiration)andtheotherisflesh(impulse).Itispossibletobetooaggressive,soweneedtounderstandbalanceinthis

area aswell.Myexperiencehas taughtme, however, thatmorepassivity thanaggressiveness seems to plague the Church today. Nevertheless, I need tomention at this point that some of us can become too eager to prophesy andconsequentlymisstheinspirationoftheHolySpirit.Thus,weriskgivingafalseprophecy.Thesolution to thisproblemis for thebeliever to learn tobe ledbytheHolySpiritinknowingwhere,whenandtowhomheshouldprophesy.Thatis accomplished through timeandexperiencewithprophecyandwith learningthevoiceoftheHolySpirit.Itisnottheintentofthisbooktocreateapropheticfree-for-all.

There is great joy when God has used you to bring a blessing intosomeone’s life throughthegiftofprophecy. It is indeed“moreblessed togivethantoreceive”(Acts20:35).TheblessingoccurswhenyouareenabledbytheHolySpirittogive“strengthening,encouragementandcomfort”(1Cor.14:3)toa brother or sister in Christ because you obeyed God and spoke a word ofprophecytothem.

Yousee,prophecyisthedirecttestimony(evidence,statement,witnessandspoken reputation) of Jesus Himself, although it is spoken through a believer(Rev.19:10).Givingaprophecy isspeaking theactual testimonyofJesus toabelieverorgroupofbelievers,usually inachurchorsimilarsetting.TheLordJesus is using you as a “vessel” to contain and then “pour out” His preciouswordstotherecipient.Whatabeautifulsetting!Itisindeedanexampleof“bodyministry”atwork.Soasbelievers,weneed tominister tooneanother throughthespiritofprophecy.That ishowChrist intended it tobe.“Butwehave thistreasureinjarsofclaytoshowthatthisallsurpassingpowerisfromGodandnotfromus”(2Cor.4:7).Asthisverseplainlystates,thepowerissurelyfromGod.ItisalsoequallyclearinthisversethatGodhaschosentouse“jarsofclay”tocontainthistreasureofHisHolySpiritwithallHispowerandgifts!

StartSmallInitially operating in prophecymeans starting out small.Zechariah 4:10

says, “Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when.... ”Initially,GodinHiswisdomoftenrestrictsus,confinesusandguardsusfromtoomuchpropheticactivitytooquickly.Inthisweshouldallrejoice!Isaiah28furtherillustratesthisprincipleofstartingoutsmallinverses9and10:“WhoisitHe is trying to teach?Towhom isHeexplainingHismessage?Tochildren

weanedfromtheirmilk,tothosejusttakenfromthebreast?Foritis...alittlehere and a little there.”Hebrews 5:12 and 13 tells us further thatwe “...needmilk,notsolidfood[yet)!Anyonewholivesonmilk,beingstillaninfant,isnotacquaintedwiththeteaching....”

This principle of God’s teaching and weaning us is especially relevantwhenwebegintooperateinprophecy.Indeed,Godteachesus“littlebylittle”inallthings.Accordingtothesetwopassages,Godteachesusandexplainstruthtous(weansusfromthebreast)justasamotherwouldayoungchild.Goddoessogradually andwithmuch love. Be reminded that “the day of small things” isGod’splan.

It is often the novice who becomes impatient and hastily moves out inprophecy.Itispossibletoweanourselvesprematurely.Weallarelookeduponby God as children who need time to grow. Children also need supervision,trainingandcorrection.Itisthesamewiththebeginnerinprophecy.Ultimately,Godwill feed solid food touswhoaremature inprophecyasweconsistentlyuseourgift.

ManyyearsagoIreceivedaprophecyfromaprophetofGod.Hisprophecytomeclearlyillustratedthatpointofafather-childrelationshipwithGodwhenlearningaboutprophecy.Hereis thatprophecy:“TheLordhasa jealousyoveryou asa father to a son andHe is not going to let anything spoil you.He isgoingtoworkwithyouuntilyouhavebecomethefullgrownsonthatcanlaborwithHim....”Aswe train our earthly children in the natural areas of life, wegraduallygivethemmoreandmoreresponsibility.Apparently,accordingtotheprophecyIreceived,Goddealswithusthesamewayanearthlyfatherwould.

I have seenmany Christians “start out” in prophecy “full steam ahead,”only to wind up spiritually “shipwrecked” six months later. They becamedisillusioned at their own humanity. They wanted everything right at thatmoment with no mistakes. They misunderstood the learning process of God.Why?Theyfailedtorecognizetheimportanceoftakingtheirtime,“provingallthings”and“notdespisingthedayofsmallthings”concerningprophecyintheirlives.

Plainlyandsimply,ittakestimetogetacquaintedwithhowGodwantstouseyouinthegiftofprophecy.Prophecyisnearlyasmuchaskillasitisagift.Skills take time to learn., fine tune and perfect. So do not underestimate theimportance of “starting out small.” There is divine protection there for thebeginner in that. This principle is clearly seen in Proverbs 20:2 1: “Aninheritance[gift]quicklygainedatthebeginningwillnotbeblessedattheend.”

Everyone certainly desires the blessing of God on all that they do, frombeginningtoend!

For example, I personally began to prophesy to those Christians I feltcomfortablewithas friends.That isoneof thebestways tostart.Thismethodallows you to be less apprehensive of rejection, failure or misunderstanding,since there is some credibility already established in. your friendship. Thisapproach helps eliminate much of the fear surrounding the actual delivery ofprophecy.ThenexttimeyouarepromptedbytheHolySpirittoprophesy,yourconfidencewillbegreater aswell as,hopefully,youreffectiveness.Donotbeconcerned if you have certain fears thatmake it difficult to prophesy at first.That iswhy I encourage beginners tominister first to thosewhom they knowwillcooperatewiththeirlearningexperience.Eventually,mostoftheprophetic“butterflies”willdisappear.

Anothergoodwaytostartoutsmall inprophecyis to“stepout” insmallinformal meetings, such as cell groups, home meetings, house groups orotherwise less public gatherings.Do not pressure yourself by trying to “breakinto”prophecyduringa largepublicmeeting.Usuallyyourmeasureof faith istoosmallforsuchspiritualresponsibilities.Itispossibletodoso,butitisrare.Personally,Ibegantoprophesyinsmallinformalmeetingsforthisveryreason.Wherethereislesspressure,thereislesschanceoferror,hence,youwillwanttoprophesyagain.Thatisthekeytomaturinginthegiftofprophecy.

Weallneedtodevelopslowlybutsurelywithagradual,steadyincreaseinthe frequencyandqualityofourpropheticactivity. Iamnotadvocatingahighnumberofpropheciesforthesakeofmerevolume.Godalwaysprefersqualityoverquantitywhenoperatinginprophecy.Iamonlytryingtohelpyourealizethatweneedtobe“preparedinseasonandoutofseason”(2Tim.4:2b),incaseaneedarisesandGodchoosesyoutodeliveraprophecy.Wecanmaturefullyonlybyexercisingourpropheticgift inaccordancewith thepromptingsof theHolySpirit.Eventuallywecandevelopasensitivitytoprophesyingthatremainswithus.Soonceyouhavebeguntolearnthis“voiceoftheLord”inprophecy,youarehalfwayhometobeingatrusted“vessel”forprophecy.Strivetobesafewhenoperatinginprophecyratherthansorry.Theraceisnotalwayswonbytheswiftest!Takeyourtime!

Confirmation:AToolforBeginnersStill another way in which to begin to prophesy is to take advantage of

what I call the confirming prophecy. This opportunity arises when someoneother thanyourself stepsout first andgives awordofprophecy that agrees in

content with yours, although your prophecy is yet unspoken. Neverunderestimatetheeffectivenessofsuchaconfirmingprophecy.Manybelieversfailtoseethatassignificantpropheticactivity,buttheoppositeistrue.ItisverysignificantthatGoddeemsitnecessarytospeaktomorethanjustonepersonforanother.GodisgivingyouaconfirmingwordbecauseHewantsHispropheticwordheeded

Thisconfirmationisafantasticaid to thebeginner. Itbuildsyourfaith toknowthatyoureceivedthesamecontent,eithergenerallyorspecifically,astheindividualwhoactually first deliveredhisprophecy. It is agoldenopportunityforyoutorejoicethatyoutooheardfromGod.MorethanlikelyGodhassimplyconfirmedHismessagebygiving“doublewitness,”orconfirmation,tothegivenprophecy.Whatathrilltoknowthattwoorthreepeopleinameetingatthesametime have received similar, if not identical, prophecies! This will surelyencourage everyone involved and especially those who ministered theprophecies. Paul wrote, concerning the confirmation of God’s plan, “Everymattermustbeestablishedby the testimonyof twoor threewitnesses” (2Cor13:1b).

Also,letusrememberittakeslessfaithtomerelyconfirmaprophecythanitdoestoinitiateaprophecy.TheScripturessay,“Ifaman’sgiftisprophesying,lethimuseitinproportiontohisfaith”(Rom.12:6b).Therearelevelsoffaith.There are areas inwhichwe can havemore faith than in others (Mark 9:24).Fruit grows, so faith can also grow since it is a fruit of theHoly Spirit (Gal.5:22).Yes,faithcandramaticallyincrease!(Luke17:5).Whenwefirststarttoprophesy,ourfaithwillneedtodevelop.Sousewhatfaithyouhavetobeginandthenmorewillmanifestinyourlife.However,donotgobeyondyourmeasureoffaithandattempttoinitiateprophecyuntilyouareconfidentyoucandoso.Induetimeyouwillcrossoverathresholdoffaithandbegintoregularly initiateprophecy.Byconstantusewetrainourselvestodistinguish,ordiscern,howtooperateinprophecy(Heb.5:14).Practicedoesindeedmakeperfect.AsIstatedearlier,prophecyisagiftfirstandforemost,butitisalsoaskilltobeexercisedastheLordrevealsandspeaks.

LearnasYouGoThe word learn is defined as “gaining knowledge, comprehension, or

mastery throughexperienceor study.”Oneof themisconceptionspeoplehaveabout God is that everything supernatural is received and that nothingsupernatural is ever learned. Nothing could be further from the truth! JesusHimselflearnedobedience(Heb.5:8)andHewasaboutassupernaturalasOne

can be! Learning and receiving apply to the supernatural gift of prophecy.Frequently,inprophecy,youlearnasyougo.Inonewayprophecyisagift.Theidea is that the “gift” is the ability to prophesy, to speak a directly inspiredmessagefromtheHolySpirit.Inquiteanotherwayitisalearningprocess.Thisprocessincludesseveralaspects.First,thereistheskillindelivering(speaking)theprophecy(throughaneffectivechoiceofwordsorphrases).Second,thereistheaspectof timing, as towhen togive theprophecy.Third, there isknowinghowtodelivertheprophecyinahealingmanner,whichmeansknowinghowtodeliver the prophecy in the right “spirit.” Fourth., you must learn whether todeliverthatprophecyinpublicorinprivate.Remember,alloftheseaspectsofprophecyneed tobe learned inorder todeliver thesupernaturalmessagemosteffectively.

My own life and ministry in the prophetic has been an example of thisprinciple.Godsovereignlyandsupernaturallygiftedmetoprophesymanyyearsago.YetItoohadtolearnallthesesameaspectsofprophecy.Oneofthemosteffective ways I learned was by observing others who were reliable, provenministers of prophecy. Many times a good example (i.e., a proven propheticminister),isabetterteacherthanthatofreadinganumberofbooks,listeningtoteachingtapesonthesubject,oreven“experimenting”withprophecyyourself.All of thesemethods are fine in and of themselves, but they are not themosteffectivemethod.Therightexample canshowyoua successful“track record”and, hopefully, the reason for the individual’s success. To put it intocontemporaryterms,Ibelieveingoingwithaspiritual“winner.”Inotherwords,Paulsaid,“Followmyexample,asIfollowtheexampleofChrist”(1Cor.11:1).I amnot, however, advocating copyingothers. I amsuggesting thatyou studytheprinciplesinvolved,notjustthemethodorpersonaltechniquealone.Also,asa note, letme encourage you thatmethods and personal techniques of how toactuallyoperate inprophecycanalsobetaught, ifdonesocarefullyandin theSpiritofGod.

Someaspects toobserve in thesepropheticministerswhen theyprophesyincludethefollowing:Doyouobservethemmovingcautiouslyorimpatientlyintheir gifting? Are they ministering love or selfishness? Are they bringing a“healing”propheticwordtoabelieveroraretheirwordssharpandcutting?Dotheyconcentrateonblessing thehearerandmagnifying theLordJesusChrist?These are just a fewof the principles you should look for in an exampleof aprovenministryinprophecy.

Becarefulwhomyoulook toand learn fromasexamples.TheScriptures

say to “know themwhich labor among you...” (I Thess. 5:12 KJV). Gowithproven ministry. If I wanted to learn plumbing, I would ask a licensed,professionalplumber to teachme. If Iwanted tobecomeaphysician, Iwouldattendmedicalschool,whereIcouldbetaughtbytrainededucatorsinthefieldofmedicine. Similarly, if Iwanted to learn how to operate in the gifts of theSpirit,IwouldstudysomeonewhoactuallyisusedofGodinthisarea.Iwouldlookforanindividualwhohasabalancebetweensoundpropheticdoctrineandsoundpropheticpracticealike.Donotattemptonyourownto testaprophetic“theory.” Go with proven methods, principles and people who get positiveresults.There isa reasonGodhasplacedsucheffectiveministryas this in theChurch. It isGod’spurpose forus toobserveand learnfromwhatweseeandhear.Letusnowdistinguishbetweenfollowinggoodprinciplesascomparedtooutrightcopyingofothersinstyleandtechnique.Thereisafinelinebetweenthetwo.FortobetrulyuniqueasGodwouldwantyoutobeinprophecy,youneedtolearnthedifference.

DoNotCopyOthersIfullyappreciatethebiblicalconceptsof“discipling”(NewTestament)and

“mentoring”(OldTestament).Althoughbothhavebeenabused,theyare,intheirproper place, very biblical concepts. So is following the examples of biblicalcharactersorpatterningourlivesafterspirituallysuccessfulpeopleweencountertoday.Theseconceptsareallvalidintheirproperroles.Theseconceptsalsocanplayamajorroleinthespiritualdevelopmentofabeliever.Inadditiontothesevalidconcepts,weasbelieversmustrememberamost importantone.It is:Donorcopyothers—beyourself’Howimportantthesewordsarewhenitcomestooperatinginthegiftofprophecy.To“copy”inthiscontextmeanstoexcessivelyduplicate, to become a forgery or replica, and to become a counterfeit! Godwantsusalltobe“originals,”not“copies”!

Oneof thebiggest temptationswe facewhenwebegin toprophesy isofcopyingothers.Astheexpressiongoes,weeitherconsciouslyorunconsciouslyattempt to“keepupwith theJones’.”Theironyis,mostbelieversbasicallydonotwanttodothat.Atfirstweusuallycopyothersoutofadmiration.Wemaynoticeabelieverwhohasbeenusedinprophecyforyearsandtrytoequalhisorheraccuracyanddepthofprophecy.Wemayactuallyimitatethephrases,termsorstyleofdeliveryofabelieverwhomwehonor.Nomatterhowsincere,theseattemptstoimitateanotherbelieveroperatinginprophecycanbedangerous.Wecanloseourownindividualityanduniquenessbycopying.

Godwould never approve of prophecy becoming amere performance in

yourlife.Deliveringaprophecyinastyleunnaturaltoyouwouldbeloweringitto just that, a performance. God wants you to be yourself God wants you tooperate in the gift of prophecy naturally. If, for example, thatmeans you aremorecomfortableusingthemoretraditionalstyleofprophesyinginKingJamesEnglish,thenuseit.PerhapsyoufeelbetterusingmodemEnglish,whichIuse.As long as you are honestly being yourself, go ahead and use the style withwhichyouaremostcomfortable.

If you are attempting to be yourself, there are actually very fewinappropriatepropheticstyles.Therearesimplynohardandfastrules.StrivetodoyourbestandstrivetobeyourselfYourresponsibilityistogetthepropheticmessageacrossasclearlyandasnaturallyaspossibletothepersonforwhomitis intended. Usewhatever style of delivery“fits” you. Prophecy can even begiven in song, or spoken in perfect rhyme as poetry. Prophecy also can bewrittendownonpaperorrecordedontapefordeliverylater.Alltheseformsofprophecyareeffectiveandablessing to receive.Anyof theseformsmayverywellbeyournaturalstyle.However,mosteffectivebelieversnormallywillusethestandardspokenformofpropheticdelivery.

If you are quiet and reserved, then give your prophecy in a quiet andreservedway. If you are outspoken, aggressive and not afraid of being heard,thengive your prophecy in likeman-net Just remember to carefully speak theprophecy in the love of God and you will be effective. I have heard sometremendouspropheciesruinedbyanunnaturaldeliveryorstyle.Soaboveall,beyourself—donotcopyothers!

ConcentrateonContentNothing is more crucial in a prophecy than the actual content of the

prophecy.We should always concentrate on propheticcontent first—propheticstyle second. If style is important (which it is), then content is infinitelymoreimportantinaprophecy.

Letuslookatsomecontrastsbetweenstyleandcontentinprophecy.1. Style means “expressing the significance of something, a manner of

presenting the substance of a thing.” Content means “the meaning orsignificanceofsomething,thesubstanceofathing.”

2.Styleinprophecycanbelearnednaturallybyobservation.Contentinprophecymustbesupernaturallyreceivedbyrevelation.

3. Style in prophecy, by its very nature, can be flexible. Content inprophecy,byitsverynature,isfixedandrigid.

4. Goddoesnot fulfill (bring topass)prophetic style.Goddoes fulfill(bringtopass)propheticcontent.

5.Goodpropheticcontentcancompensateforpoorpropheticstyle.Goodpropheticstylecannotcompensateforpoorpropheticcontent.6.TheBiblesayslittleabouttheimportanceofpropheticstyle.TheBiblesaysmuchabouttheimportanceofpropheticcontent.7. How you prophesy (style) is limited in its importance.What you

prophesy(content)iscritical.8. Style inprophecyspeaksof thedeliveryof theprophecy.Content in

prophecyspeaksofthedivineinformationoftheprophecy.I cannot emphasize enough the priority you must place on striving for

propheticclarityandaccuracyofcontent.Asyoubegintooperateinthegiftofprophecy,establishthehighestofstandardsofhonesty, integrity,andcharacterforyourpropheticgift.Youwillneverregretthisdecision.Thecontentofyourprophecieswillreapthebenefitsofthisqualitydecision.

Tremendousintrinsicpowerisinpropheticwords(content).Sometimestheverypowerof lifeordeathcanbe in thewords (content)of theprophecyyouspeak (Pray. 18:21). For example, look at the importance of your prophecies.JesussaidHiswordswere“spirit”and“life”(John6:63).WeasbelieversmustapplythisstandardtowhatwespeakinJesus’name,especiallywhenweoperateinthegiftofprophecy.

“TheSpiritoftheLordspokethroughme;Hiswordwasonmytongue.”(2Sam.23:2)

“...mytonguewillutternodeceit.”(Job27:4)“...therighteousman...histonguespeakswhatisjust.”(Ps.37:30)“...mytongueisthepenofaskillfulwriter”(Ps.45:1)“...thetongueofthewisebringshealing.”(Prov.12:18)“...keepatightreinonhistongue....”(James1:26)“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening,

encouragementandcomfort.”(2Cor.14:3)TimingWhenoperatinginthegiftofprophecy,understandingtimingiscritical.In

ordertobetterunderstandprophetictiming,letusreviewthethreebasicstepstodeliveringaprophecy.Herearethosethreesteps:

1.Weuseastylethatisasnaturaltousaspossible.

2.WemakesurethatthecontentisexactlywhattheHolySpiritissaying,tothebestofourability.

3. We deliver the prophecy when the timing is as perfect as we candetermine.

Asyoubegin tooperate in thegiftofprophecy, it ispossible tomiss theproper timing to deliver your prophecy.According to FirstCorinthians 14:31,theHolySpiritwillpresentopportunities forall toprophesy in turn:“Foryoucanall prophesy in turn so that everyonemaybe instructed and encouraged.”This means that there are proper time slots in which prophecy is to operateduringapublicgatheringofbelievers.Thereisusuallyapreordainedtimeslotinwhich God would have you deliver your prophecy. The Scriptures put it thisway:“Amanfindsjoyingivinganaptreply—andhowgoodisatimelyword!”(Prov.15:23). Ihaveheardperfectlygoodpropheticcontentseverely“diluted”because the believer waited too long before giving the prophecy. The otherextreme, of course, is prematurely delivering your prophecy. Both untimelydeliveriesadverselyaffecttheeffectivenessofprophecy.

The question I am often asked is, “How will I knowwhen to give theprophecy?” My answer has always been, “You will know when to give aprophecybythesamewayyouknowthemessageoftheprophecy.”Youknowby the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The responsibility of the Holy Spirit istwofoldinthisinstance.First,Hegivesyoutheinspirationofwhattoprophesy.Second,Hegivesyoutheinspirationofwhentoprophesy.BeconfidentthatGodknowswhatHe’s doing and that you can followHis leading.Hewillmake itcleartoyouexactlywhentospeak

Ihaveonlyonecautionforthebeliever,asfaras“timing”inprophecyisconcerned.The issue isnotwhetherornotwewillmake“timing”mistakes inprophecy.MistakesintimingwilloccurWeallwillmakethem.Theyaremerelythe result of learning. Mistakes are normal and must not be blown out ofproportionwhenwediscusstiminginprophecy.However,thecautionis,timingin prophecymust be learned and perfected. I caution all believers to strive tobetter understand the proper timing in prophecy. Prophesying is not an exactscience,butlearningthepropertimingisanessentialingredienttosuccessfullyoperatinginthisgift.Ultimately,learning“timing”inprophecyissimplyaresultofoperatinginthegiftoveranextendedperiodoftime.

PrefixandSuffixAnother important aspect of learning to prophesy is understanding the

words prefix and suffix. Let us define both words. Prefix is “an affix

(attachment) put before a word.” Suffix is “an affix (attachment) put after aword.” How then do we apply this information to operating in the gift ofprophecy?

Itisabsolutelyimperativethatyoumakeyour“inspiredmessage”whatitissupposedtobe:Prophecy!BythisImeanthatGodmakesityourresponsibilitytoproclaim:“TheLord says,”“TheHolySpirit says,”or somesuchpropheticprefix. It is necessary since you are declaring that Jesus is actually speakingthrough you. You are not giving your anointed opinion. You are not merelyreciting Scripture from a page. You are not reading some religious-soundingpoem or quoting from some author’s writings. By your act of faith, you aredeclaringverbally thatyouareGod’sspokesperson,speakingonGod’sbehalf.WhataprivilegetobepropheticallyusedandinspiredbyGodinsuchamanner!

By placing this prophetic prefix and suffix on your content, you aredeclaring that your message is from the Lord Jesus Christ. In otherwords,prophecy must be prophesied! There are various ways to convey theprophecy,butnomatterwhattheparticularstyleordelivery,youmustprophesytheprophecy!

I recommendusing a propheticprefix to yourmessage and, if necessary,endyourmessagewith a prophetic suffix such as “So says theLord” or othersimilar endings which denotes that prophecy was spoken. What you areattempting to do is to introduce the prophecy, deliver the prophecy, and thencloseoutyourprophecyastheLordconcludesthemessagethroughyou.ifyou,thebeliever,donotdeclarewhatyouare speaking tobeaprophecy, thenyouwillbeviewedas relegating thatmessage toamereopinion.At themost,youmay be sharing a “revelation” (1 Car. 14:26), and there is certainly nothingwrongwiththiscontribution.However,evena“revelation,”asitismentionedinthis context (1 Cor. 14:26), is not a true prophecy. Prophecy is separate anddistinctfromallothergifts.Therefore,itmusthaveitsownuniquequalitiesthatdistinguishitfromallothergifts.

One of the distinguishing features of prophecy is in its presentation as averbal gift. Prophecy must be presented or spoken as prophecy. It is thebeliever’sspeakingtheprophecythatmakeswhatheisspeakingeitherprophecyorsomethinglessthanprophecy.Again,itisuptothebelievertoprophesytheprophecy. Your opinions may be anointed and even contain some truth.However, they are still just opinions, not prophecy. The spiritual impact of agenuineprophecyismuchgreaterthanwhenyoushareyourfeelingsoropinionsto another believerRemember that you, the believer,must andwill determine

whetheryouaretodeliveraprophecyandthususethepropheticprefixorsuffix.It does require more faith to actually prophesy than it does to merely sharefeelingsaridopinions,but that iswhat isnecessaryforprophecytobespoken.We prophesy “according to the grace given us.. .[and] in proportion to [our]faith”(Rom.12:6).

Anothermethodtomakeyourpropheticeffortsmoreeffectiveistospeakinthefirstperson.Whenyouprophesy,youareatthatmomentamouthpieceforGod.Why not then deliver yourmessage as such?When I am deliveringmypropheticmessages, I always speak in the first person—as if Iwere the Lorddirectly speaking. After all, prophecy is the testimony of Jesus, is it not? SoJesusChrist, theKing ofKings arid Lord of Lords is testifying through you!Speakinginthefirstpersonwhenprophesyingdoestakefaithandsomepractice.However, this is the very form, style and delivery that prophecy had in theScriptures. (Study the prophets in theOldTestament to see thismore clearly.Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21 also give you an example of this first persontechnique.)IfthebelieversintheScripturescouldprophesyinthisway,thensocanthebelieverstoday!

AcceptMistakesThewordmistake isdefinedas “anerrororblunder.”Whenwebegin to

operate in the gift of prophecy, we all can expect to make some errors andblunders.

Letmesharewithyoumyfirstexperienceatattemptingtoprophesy.Iwasinaveryinformalandyetintimatespiritualatmospherewithsomebelieversatalocalcollege.Weallhadprayed togetheroftenandhad just finisheda timeofprayerandpraiseinourweeklyfellowshipmeeting.IfelttheLordwantedmetogive amessage in prophecy. I was nervous since I had never done it before.FinallyIgotupenoughcouragetotryit.(Wemustneverbeafraidoftrying.Weoweit toourselvestoseeifGodcanuseus,dowenot?)Well, themomentoftruthhadarrivedforme.SoIwaitedfortheperfecttimetodelivermypropheticmessage.ThenIwasready!Iopenedmymouthandsaid,“TheLordwouldsay...“ and that is as far as I got’ Fear took over, my thoughts left me, and anychance of hearing God’s voice died within me. I failed totally! I had doneeverything exactly as it should have been done, except for one thing. I saidabsolutelynothingatall!IstillsmiletodaywhenIthinkaboutthisbeginningofmypropheticministry.

We all need to have a positive attitude toward ourselves. Do not takeyourselftooseriously.Weallmakemistakes,especiallywhenweareinlearning

situations.Acceptingyourmistakeswillfreeyoutokeepgrowingandtobecomean effective believer who can bless others prophetically. Jesus was the onlyperfectspokesmanGodeverusedinanearthlyministry.

Some time ago, the Lord spoke to me and told me He was going to“remove error frommyministry.” Thatwas spoken tome over 12 years ago.How exciting it was to me! It did not mean that I would never make anymistakesagain.ButitdidmeanthatIcouldexpecttoimproveinmypropheticgifting as I gained more experience. Experience is the best teacher! You cancertainlyclaimthispromiseforyour lifeaswell.Godindeedwants toremoveerrorfromallofourlivesandmakeusamoreeffectivepropheticpeople.IamconfidentGodwilldothesameforyouandhelpyoutobecometrulyskilledinprophecy!Justdonotloseyourpropheticmomentumbecauseofafewfailures.Keepon flowingandgrowing inprophecy.Keeponkeepingon!Take it fromsomeonewhohasmadeplentyofmistakes.Godnevergivesuponus!

Acceptingsomethingmeans“towillinglyorgladlyadmit,consent,and/oragree.”Bewilling and glad toaccept the growing process of learning how tooperateinthegiftofprophecy.Youwillbegladyoudid!

DoNotQuitOne of the greatest temptations we can experience when we begin to

operateinthegiftofprophecyisthetemptationtoquit.Ithappenstoallofus.We may argue with ourselves that we have made too many errors. We maycondemn ourselves for not being as nearly polished and refined as theexperienced believer in prophecy.How do you think the experienced believergotsopolishedandrefinedinthefirstplace?Patience!Persistence!Practice!

Manytimes,inoperatinginanygiftoftheSpirit,wecangiveupbeforewereallygetstarted.SurelyItoohavewantedtoquitmanytimes.IoftensaidthatIwouldneveragainopenmymouthandprophesy. I laterasked for forgivenessforthatimmatureattitude.Wemustbewillingtobewrongandtobecorrected.Weallmustlearntohumbleourselves.Onlypracticeandexperiencecanmoveustowardthatgoal,whichiserrorfree.

Godhasmadeprovisionforallofustogoonto“perfection,”ormaturity,in our walk with Him. That includes going on to perfection and maturity inprophecy as well. The Scriptures tell us, “Let us not becomeweary in doinggood,foratthepropertimewewillreapaharvestifwedonotgiveup”(Gal.6:9).Sowhenyouexperienceamistakeinprophecy,learnfromit,butcertainlydo not quit. If your delivery was less than perfect, and you stumbled around

tryingtogetoutwhatyoufeltin-side,keepgoing,donotquit.Prophecyislikeanythingelse in the lifeofabeliever. It takes timeto learnaboutprophecy, todeliveryourprophecy,and toperfectormature in thegiftofprophecy. It justtakestime!Ifyoudoquit,youwilljustbehurtingyourself.If,however,youdodecide to continue toprophesy, asyougrow,youwill be able toblessothers.HaveconfidenceinGod.BelievethatGodcanuseyouagaintoprophesywithgreatereffectiveness.BeencouragedwiththesewordsfromFirstPeter4:11:“Ifanyonespeaks,heshoulddoitasonespeakingtheverywordsofGod....”ItisGod’s plan that you speakHiswords.He is expecting you to and you shouldexpecttosoaswell.Sodonotquit!

Toquitsomethingmeans“toendone’sinvolvement”insomething.Donotend your personal involvement in the process of learning what prophetic giftGodhasforyouasabeliever,ifthatsoundslikeIamtryingtobeacheerleader,youareright!Cheerup,donotquit,andthankGodforHisgrace,unconditionalloveandacceptanceofyouasHischild.

PrepareforReproachTheintentionofthisbookistoinspireyoutobegintooperateinthegiftof

prophecy.Therearetimes,however,whenthisgiftandthebelieveroperatinginitmayexperiencesomedifficultyintheareaofacceptance.Thereareessentiallytworeasons.Thefirstreasonistruthandthesecondreasonisfear.

Throughout the Scriptureswe have accounts ofmen andwomen ofGodwhosufferedfortruth’ssake.ItseemedthatthemoretruththeyreceivedfromGod, the greater the reproach they suffered. Again, Jesus Christ is our bestexampleofthisunfortunatereality.JesusChristsaid,“Iamthewayandthetruthandthelife”(John14:6)andtheycrucifiedHim.Likewise,prophecyisoneareain which we must learn to suffer reproach, since prophecy does contain andrevealtruth.

TheChurchtodayismuchlikethechildrenofIsraelwereinthewilderness.InExodus20:19 theysaid toMoses,“Speak tousyourselfandwewill listen.ButdonothaveGodspeaktousorwewilldie.”Mosestheycouldhandle,sothey thought,but theyknew theycertainlycouldnothandleGod’svoice.ThissameattitudeoffearexistsintheChurchtoday.ItseemsthatthemoreofGod’struthanindividualmayhavereceivedfromGod,themorethatbelievermaybemetwithfear.MosestoowaseventuallyrejectedbecauseherepresentedGod’struth. It is the same situation with the gift of prophecy. In some instancesbelieverscanbeafraidoftruthandreactwithmuchfear!ifyouarethebelieverwhomGodhaschosen topresent thisprophetic truth,youmaybe targeted,as

wellasthetruthyouspeak.Operatinginthegiftofprophecycanqualifyyoutosufferreproachforthe

nameofChrist(1Pet.4:14).Youneedtobewarnedthatprophecyisnotalwaysreceived with an open mind and heart by other believers. Here is part of aprophecyIreceivedoncefromabelieverthatvividlyillustratesthispoint:“Myson,, fear not, fret not, because you do not always preach the message thatpleases the people. Fear nor because you do not always minister things thatmakepeoplehappy. Ihavecalledyou toreveal, toawakenMypeople,and toawakenthemtorighteousnessthattheysinnotandthattheywalkbeforeMeinpurity and holiness.” A similar prophecy spoken over me said this: “I havecalledyoutoahardministryandahardplacewhereyouwillhave toreproveand rebuke.Youwill have to prophesy aword of theLord that isnot alwayspleasingtotheflesh.”

I trust these twoexamplesmakemypoint. in spiteof thedifficulties thatwemayencounterinpropheticministry,wemustpersevere.Itmaynotalwaysbe easy. It may not always be fun.Wemay suffer for it. Yet wemust forgeaheadnomatterhowstrong theopposition to thegiftofprophecy inour livesmaybe.Jesussaid,“RememberthewordsIspoketoyou:Noservantisgreaterthan hismaster. If theypersecutedMe, theywillpersecute you also...” (John15:20).“Blessedareyouwhenpeopleinsultyou,persecuteyouandfalselysayallkindsofevilagainstyoubecauseofMe.Rejoiceandbeglad,becausegreatisyour reward inheaven, for in thesameway theypersecuted theprophetswhowerebeforeyou”(Matt.5:11,12).

“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take theprophetswhospokeinthenameoftheLord”(James5:10).

Thismatterofreproach,ultimately,doeshavea“silverlining”toit.Thereisnobetterwaytobuildpersonalconfidenceinyourpropheticgiftthantodosoin the face of criticism. It is, of course, God’s purpose that you continue toprophesy regardless of who agrees or disagrees with your message. We areassumingherethatyourmessageisfromGod,andthatyouareinsubmissiontosomebody,somewhere.However,inthefaceofreproach,thesecretistodelivertheprophecyarid thenallowGod tovindicateyou.Yourpart is todeliver theprophecyandGodpartistofulfilltheprophecy.Assomepropheticministersoaptlystated,“Wedon’twritetheletters[thepropheciesGodgivesusforothers]wejustdeliverthem.”Youaresimplythemessenger(mailcarrier)ofGod!

LearntoBeUnselfishLearning how to begin to operate in the gift of prophecymeans learning

how to be unselfish.We could also use the word submissive to describe thisprocess of learning to be unselfish.Unselfishness occurs in our livesafterwehavelearnedtobetrulysubmissivetothepromptingsoftheHolySpirit,Failingto learn thisparticular aspectof functioning in theprophetic can lead to someproblemslaterinyourpropheticservicetotheLord.Forexample,adictatorialattitude can develop if you fail to learn unselfishness (submission) whenoperating in the gift of prophecy. You can begin to dominate ministry aridbecomeoverbearingtowardotherswhoarejustbeginningtooperateinthisgift.Youcanevendevelopatypeofpridesimilartothatofthefallenangel,lucifer,whenhewantedtobeequalwithGod(Is.14:12-17).Luciferwasneversatisfied.He was driven by unholy ambition and pride. We can all face this sametemptation inministry.Sowemust learnhow to takeour timeandbecontentwithwhatwehaveintermsofourpropheticgifting.

It is important to remember thatGod is never in a hurry andHe seldompushesanyonethroughalearningsituation.Especiallyinthisphaseofprophecy,as the saying goes, “hastemakeswaste.” If a temptation such as a dictatorialspiritoradominatingattitudeinministryisevident,thenweneedtotakestepsto prevent it. If it is possible that pride can develop in our attitudes towardministry, can we successfully combat that pride? Dowe have this attitude ofnever being satisfied with what we have? Do we feel compelled, that “Godalways has to use me”? Remember, no ministry, no matter how dynamic,accurateoranointed,hasacorneronthemovingoftheHolySpirit.Godisnotraisinguppeoplewhowant tocontrolHisSpiritorcontrolHispeople.GodisraisingupthosewhowillunselfishlycooperatewithothersandtheHolySpiritinthisgiftofprophecy.

Thereareatleastthreebasicstepsweallmusttaketolearnunselfishnessinourpropheticministry.Thesebasicstepswillhelp tocontrolpride.Too, thesestepsnotonlywillhelptoregulateyouingivingprophecy,butalsowill teachyouabalancebetweenoperatingin thegiftyourselfandallowingothers tobeused.Ifyoufollowthesesteps,youwillcontrolspiritualprideandnotbenearlyas tempted to dominate others.Most of all,Godwill be able to trust you foradditional prophetic ministry in the future. God is looking for mature,experienced individuals who know how to spiritually restrain themselves andwhowillnotoverextendthemselvesandlosethe“anointing”andtheimpactthattrueprophecycontains.Toput itmore simply,God is looking forquality,notquantity.Soherearethethreebasicsteps:

1.Learntotakethe“backseat.”

2.Learntopatientlyholdontotruth.3.Rejoicewhenothersareused.LearntoTaketheBackSeatFirst,weallmustlearntotakethe“backseat”whenwespokentoyou,it

maybethatGodwantsyoutoallowanotherbelievertogivetheprophecy.Thisprinciplemaynotmakesensetotheimmatureandinexperiencedbeliever,butitis true nevertheless. Many times in a meeting, there may be a “spirit ofprophecy” that would allow any believer to operate in the gift of prophecy.Obviously, everyone could not simultaneously begin to prophesy. ThatwouldnotbeGod’sorder for apublicmeeting.That is anexamplewhere taking the“backseat”(prophetically)isquiteapparent.PaulwrotetotheCorinthianchurchconcerningthesameprinciple.Hesaid,“Andifarevelationcomestosomeonewho is sitting down, the first speaker should stop” (1 Cor. 14:30). The KingJamesVersionsaysitthisway:“Ifanythingberevealedtoanotherthatsittethby,letthefirstholdhispeace.”Thiswasalessonintheproperuseofrevelation(prophecy) that theCorinthian churchhad to learn, and it is a lessonwemustlearn today. Remember, “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control ofprophets”(1Cor.14:32).

Many times God can place you in a time of rest as far as the gift ofprophecyisconcerned.Itisanotherwayyoulearntotakethe“backseat.”WhenGod is using you, then “give it all you have.” When the time for rest andrelaxation from prophetic activity comes, then accept it as also being part ofGod’splanforyourlife.ItiseasytofearthatGodwillneveruseyouagain,butsuchisnotavalidfear.YouactuallymaybelievesomethingiswrongwhenGodismerelygivingyoua“vacation”fromactivepropheticministry.Personally, IcherishthosetimesbecauseafterwardsIcomeoutofmyrestreadyformore.Ihavenotoverextendedmyselfprophetically,andIdidnotgivefalseprophecy.Why?These timesofdivinelyordained restdeveloped inmea“take thebackseat”attitudeorspirit.Remember,youwantqualityinyourpropheticministry,notnecessarilyquantity.

Certainly you neverwant quantity at the expense of quality. Learning to“takethebackseat”willhelpyouinmaintainingrealpropheticqualityinyourlife.

LearntoHoldontoTruthSecond,youmustlearnhowtopatientlyholdontotruthinministry.This

principle can be very difficult to learn,, but the Scriptures do validate it. The

BibleteachesthatthereisatimeandaseasonforeverythingGoddoesandsays(Eccl. 3:1).There is a “due season” inGod (Gal. 6:9KJV).This is especiallytruewhen itcomes togivingprophecy.Godmayspeak toyouandgiveyouadefiniteprophecyforsomeone,yetHemayrequireyoutowaituntilthetimeisright to actually deliver it. This is the “due season” of prophecy. I personallyhavereceivedpropheticinformationfromtheLordandwaitedmonthsandevenyearsbeforeHewouldallowmetodeliverit.TherehaveevenbeentimeswhentheLordwouldnotallowmetogivewhatIhadatall!Hewantedmetolearnhowtoholdontotruth.

Perhapsinyourlife,asapropheticbeliever,Godmaywantyoutosimplypray about the situation He shows you. This particular situation may not besomethingthatmustbe“shared”ordeliveredtoanotherbeliever.Discretion inpropheticministry is always desirable. If youdevelop a tendency to “spill thebeans” every time you hear fromGod, it can have a negative effect on yourpropheticministry.AfaithfulstewardofprophecywillhandlewhatGodshowshimwith great care and patience.Hewill not allowGod’s precious propheticword to be hastily delivered. A prophetic steward will learn that unless theprophecyisdeliveredattheappointedtime,itcoulddomoreharmthangoodtothoseinvolved.

RejoiceWhenOthersAreUsedThird, we learn unselfishness in ministry as we rejoice when others are

used. The Scripture says, “Each of you should look not only to your owninterests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4). “Honor one anotherabove yourselves” (Rom. 12:lOb). If another believer is being used of Godprophetically, rejoice with him (Rom.. 12:15). We must always unselfishlyencourage others wien they are being used of God. This again is a sign of ahumbleandproperattitude inministry.“Donothingoutof selfishambitionorvainconceit,butinhumilityconsiderothersbetterthanyourselves”(Phil.2:3).IfyourdesireistoseetheKingdomofGodgrowandtheBodyofChristbuiltup,thenyouwillwantotherstobeused.Sothemorebelieversoperatinginthegiftofprophecy,thegreaterthelevelofedification,exhortationandcomforttotheBodyofChrist.Afterall,isthisnotourgoal?Workingbymyself,Icangetonly a limited amountofwork accomplished.So, logically,whenothersworktogetherwithme,theamountofworkcompletedincreases.ItisthesameintheChurch today.There is certainlyplentyofwork todo forGod.Therefore,ourattitudeshouldbe“Lord,Iwanttobeateamplayer.”

Again, these three stepswill help you to acquire an unselfish attitude in

ministry.ThedaywhenGodraisedupaMosesispast.TodayGodisraisingupapeople,anarmyofbelieversequippedtoprophesyandministertooneanother.LetusallflowtogetherasoneinGod’sSpirit.LetusputtheothermembersoftheBodyofChristfirst,andprayfortheirsuccessandeffectivenessinministry!

ReproduceYourselfThenextstepinlearninghowtobegintoprophesyhasanewdimensionfor

thebeliever.Now,insteadofbeingamerestudentwhoislearning,youbecomea teacherwho instructsothers inwhatyouhave learned.Paulput it thisway:“...evenasItry’topleaseeverybodyineveryway.ForIamnotseekingmyowngoodbutthegoodofmany...”(1Cor.10:33).Teachingothershowtobegintooperateinthegiftofprophecyisasignofthematuring“veteran.”

This maturity in you indicates two things. First, you have growntremendouslyinyourpersonaluseofthegiftofprophecy.Second,yourattitudeis to see theKingdomofGodadvance.TheScriptures refer to thisprocess as“discipling.” In other words, you actually reproduce yourself (spiritually) inanotherbelieverorgroupofbelievers.Proverbs11:24and25 says, “Onemangives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes topoverty.Agenerousmanwillprosper;hewhorefreshesotherswillhimselfberefreshed.”

Keeping our ministry to ourselves is both an outdated and a pridefulmentality.Godwantsustoshareoursecretswithotherswhodesiretooperateinthegiftofprophecy.That isexactlyhowJesus trained the12disciples to takeHisplaceinearthlyministry.HesharedbothHimselfandHisgiftswiththemforthreeandahalfyears.HehadadesiretoreproduceHimself inothers.Whatamarvelousvisionthisisforustoday!WeasbelieverscanfurthertheKingdomofGodhereonearthbyunselfishlytraining,equippingandeducatingothersinthethingsofGod.

Learninghowtoreproduceyourself inothers isnot thatdifficult.DidnottheOldTestament have a “school” of the prophets?Did notElisha teach andtrainthesonsoftheprophets(2Kings6:1-6)?Beginbybeinganunderstandingexampleandbylettingcompassionflowfromyoutothosebelievershungrytolearn. Pray for beginners so they can avoid some of the problems youexperienced.Answerasmanyoftheirquestionsaspossible.Encourageotherstopursuethegiftofprophecywhileprovidingopportunityforthemtobegin.

InaNutshellBeginningtoprophesycanbe“boileddown”toaverysimpleformula.Itis

essentially the same formula we have used for years when we minister thebaptism of theHoly Spirit with speaking in tongues. Here is the step-by-stepformula:

Ittakesnomorefaithtoinitiallyprophesythanitdoestoinitiallyspeakintongues.Itisthesameoverallformulaforbothgifts.YoucancertainlyspeakintonguesimmediatelyafterreceivingtheHolySpirit.Youcanalsooperateinthegift of prophecy immediately after receiving theHoly Spirit, asHe “inspires”you to do so. “Inspiration” (divine influence) by the Holy Spirit is alwaysnecessary in order to operate in the gift of prophecy. However, speaking intongues seems to be a resident gift available to the believer at all times forpersonal edification.The kind of inspiration needed to prophesy is simply notrequiredwhenspeakingintongues.

Therearenoscripturaldistinctionsas faraswhomay receive thesegifts.Both gifts (tongues and prophecy) are available to all believers. The onlydistinction that exists between these twogifts (other than the actual form theytake)dealswithwhoinitiatestheiroperation.

It is apparent fromScripture thatweasbelievers can initiate speaking intonguesforprivate,personaledificationatanytime.However,thepublicuseofspeaking in tonguesfor interpretation (1Cor.14:27,28) isagiftseparate fromtheprivate,personaluseofspeakingintongues.Thisgiftofspeakingintonguesfor interpretation inpublic is the result of a specialmanifestationby theHolySpirit asHe wills (1 Cor. 12:11). In the same way, to operate in the gift ofprophecy requires a manifestation by the Holy Spirit. Believers can initiatespeakingwithtongues(forpersonaledificationanddevotion),butonlytheHolySpiritinitiatesprophecy.

TONGUES1.HavefaithinGod’sWordthatthisexperienceisforallbelievers.(Acts

2:4;2:38-39;8:15-17,implied;10:44-46;19:1-6;1Cor.14)2.Receivethegiftbyfaith,thenstepoutandspeakit.(Heb.11:1)3.Exercisethegiftwheneverappropriate.(1Cor.14:18)4.Thisgiftisforpersonaledification.(1Cor.14:4;Jude20)PROPHECY1.HavefaithinGod’sWordthatthisexperienceisforallbelievers.(Acts

2:17;19:1-6;1Cor.12:7;14:15,12,31,39)

2.Receive thegiftby faith, thenstepoutandspeak it. (Heb.11:1;Rom.12:6)

3.Exercisethegiftwheneverappropriate.(1Cor.14:12)4.Thisgiftisforedificationofothers.(1Cot14:3)Summary Outline: How You Can Begin to

Prophesy1.AskGodfortheinitialdesire.2.Lookforopportunitiestoprophesy.3.Alwaysstartsmallinprophecy.4.Confirmation:atoolforbeginners.5.Learnasyougo.6.Donotcopyothers.7.Concentrateoncontent.8.Strivetolearntiming.9.Useapropheticprefixand/orsuffix.10.Acceptmistakes.11.Donotquit.12.Prepareforreproach.13.Learntobeunselfish.14.ReproduceyourselfInANutshell1.Tonguesandprophecy:aworkingformulaforallbelievers.

ChapterTwoWhattoLookforinProphecyThe ancient Greek’s understanding of prophecy [propheteia] meant “to

speak [phemi] or flow forth [pro].” This tells us something of the nature andcharacter of prophecy. It is a verbalmessage. It is a “flowing forth”ofGod’swillandpurposefortheoccasion.Itislikea“stream”flowingfromthethroneofGod,spokentothebelieverandexpressingGod’sownhearttoHispeople.This“flowing forth” characteristic of prophecy iswhatmakes it unique among themanifestationsoftheHolySpirit, ifyouhavewitnessedprophecyinoperation,youknowexactlywhatImean.Prophecydoesindeed“flow”like“water”whenthegiftisinproperoperation.

For example, an individual “gives out” or “flows forth” with the verywords of God in a prophecy, meant for “strengthening, encouragement andcomfort”(1Cot14:3).Ifyoualsohappentopersonallyknowtheindividualwhois giving the prophecy, then youmay knowverywell thatwhat the person issaying is surely fromGod and notman.Your spirit tells you that there is noconceivable way that such a carnal, imperfect, finite individual couldmanufacturesuchspiritualwealthas that inagenuineprophecyfromtheHolySpirit. Speaking symbolically, the difference between the “vessel” and the“precious ointment” in the “vessel” is apparent.Your spirit tells you that thispropheticmessagehasfounditsorigininGod,andthatthis“treasure”hasbeenmerelydepositedin“earthenvessels”forthepurposeofthepropheticdelivery.

We,aspropheticbelievers,simply“receive”andthen“transmit”whatGodhassaidtous.Knowingthathelpsustounderstandtheverynatureofprophecy.Spirituallyspeaking,prophecyisa“receivingandtransmitting”ofwhatGodissaying, through a bs-liever. The believer does not “produce” the “signal,” thebeliever merely “receives” and then “transmits” the prophecy to anotherbeliever.The“signal”originatesfromtheHolySpirit.

Here is another simple, yet clear picture of what prophecy is. Picture inyourmindalengthoftypicalcopperpipeusedtocarrydomesticwaterinyourhome. Inside that pipe flows clear, pure, safe water for drinking. The pipe ismerelythecontaineranddelivererofthewater.Itisnotthewater.Thewater,ontheotherhand, isnot thepipe.Bothareseparateanddistinct fromeachother.Nevertheless,theybothworkhandinhand,complementingeachother,tobring

yourhomeanecessary life-supportingelement,which iswater.That isexactlywhat prophecy and the individual delivering the prophecy are like. Together,these two can bring the very mind (testimony) of Christ into others’ lives,“strengthening,encouragingandcomforting”themembersofHisBody.

Justasprophecyisa“flowing”process,itisalsoawell-orderedcollectionofrigidfactsinGod’smind.Thebestwayto“fully”rememberaprophecyistoactuallydissectitintospecificparts.SinceeverythingthatGoddoescontainsanorder and method (sometimes not always understood by man), we need toattempttorememberprophecybasedonthisprocedure.

Thatis,takethiscollectionofrigidfactsanddissectthemintocategoriesorpoints.Why?Myexperiencehastaughtmethattoomanyofusfailtorememberwhat God has said to us through prophecy.We get all excited that we havereceived a prophecy from someone and completely or at least partially forgetwhatwasspokentous.Whatatragedy!TothinkthatGodactuallyspeakstous,and thatmany timeswe can only recall the excitement of the experience andlittleofwhatHesaidtousintheprophecy.Weoftenrespondtothe“thrillofthemoment” and become overwhelmed at the idea that we are actually getting aprophecyfromtheLord.Thisreactionisunderstandable,butnotveryeffective.Wethengoourwayremembering75percentoftheexperienceandperhaps25percent of the actual content of the prophecy. How can we overcome thisproblem?

Weasbelieverscanovercomethisproblembydissectingtheprophecyintocategories.Byfollowingthisprocess,weshouldbeabletoremember75percentto95percentofaprophecy.Soletusexaminehowwemayachievethisgoal.

Prophecycanbe“dissected”intoatleastthefollowingcategories:1.Themainthemeoftheprophecy.2.Thekeywordsoftheprophecy.3.Theconditionsoftheprophecy.4.Thetimeslotsoftheprophecy.5.Thenewmaterialorconfirmationintheprophecy.6.The“spirit”oftheprophecy.7.The“vessel”whodeliveredtheprophecy.TheMainThemeThemostimportantaspectofanyprophecyisthegeneralormainthemeit

conveys.Forexample,atypicalprophecymaycarryathemeofencouragement

toworshipGodwithnewvigorandenthusiasm.Anotherprophetic thememayinstruct,directorwarn(exhort)anindividualorgroup.Thus,wewouldidentifyeachprophecybyitscontentor,aswehavestatedhere,its“generaltheme.”Yet,inallthesediverseformsofprophecy(intermsoftheirsubjectmatter),eachhasitsownuniquegeneraltheme.

Apossibleexceptiontotheimportanceofaprophecy’sgeneralthememaybe found in what is called an “inspirational prophecy.” An “inspirationalprophecy”saysmoretoanindividualbyhowitmakeshimfeel(inspired)thanbywhatitactuallysays(content).Theactualcontentoftheprophecymaynotbeasimportantastheinspirationitproduces.Prophecyofthisnature(inspirational)is perfectly acceptable, although it does have a limited application. Usually,prophecy has a message to remember or contains instructions, or a generaldirection, for the believer. Since that is the case, we as believers need to gobeyond just being emotionally affected by the prophecy, to allowing it toactually change our lives. But it can be done only by developing a way toaccuratelyrememberwhatGodhassaid.

ThisprocessofrememberingwhatGodhasspokeninaprophecybeginsbysurveying the prophecy in your mind. You then mentally assemble a generalthemeormessageofwhatwasspoken.Next,youmayaskseveralquestionsofthe prophecy. For example, did the prophecy generally encourage you tocontinue in your present direction? That is, was God saying, in effect,“EverythingisfineandIamjustconfirmingyouandthedirectionofyourlife.”Or,wastheLordsayingprophetically,“ItistimetomoveoutinanewdirectionanddowhatIhavecalledyoutodo.”

Perhaps theprophecycontaineda lovingyet firmwarning foryounot totakea certain “path.”Someprophecymay even seem to“chastise”you ifyouhave been disobedient or have neglected your responsibilities in theLord.Nomatterwhatthecontentoftheprophecy,everyonecanmakeageneralreviewofeachprophecy they receive. Ifyoudonotdevelop thisdisciplineof reviewingprophecy,youcouldmissmuchoftheblessingGodhasforyouthroughit.

Personally,whenIamministeringtoabelieverinprophecy,Ialwaystrytoreviewtheprophecywiththerecipientastoitsgeneraltheme.Itrytotouchonthemajorpoint(s)ofthemessageandrelatethefeelingorspiritoftheprophecy,to help the recipient remember. I have found that this quick review of theprophecydoublestheirchancesofrecallingallormostofthepropheticmessage.Wheneverpossible, I encouragepeople to immediatelywritedown thegeneralthemeandhighpointsoftheprophecy.However,weallneedtothanktheLord

fortaperecorderstoo.Often,thefactthataservicewastapedhashelpedmanybelieverstolaterrecordtheprophecyonpaperandbetterapplyittotheirlives.

Some people ask, “Does not the Holy Spirit help us to recall theprophecies?”Yes,HeveryoftendoeshelpustorecallwhattheLordhasspokento us, both in the Scriptures themselves and in personal prophecy. However,writing down what the Lord has spoken to you is a scriptural principle too.“ThentheLordsaidtoMoses,‘Writedownthesewords,forinaccordancewiththese words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel’” (Ex. 34:27).Also,GodspoketoJeremiahandsaid,“...‘WriteinabookallthewordsIhavespokentoyou’“(Jet30:2).ItshouldalsobenotedthattheBookofRevelationisactuallyarecorded (written)prophecy that theapostle John receivedwhileontheIsleofPatmos.WeneedtothankGodthatMoses,Jeremiah,JohnandothersobeyedGodinrecordingallthatGodhadgiventhem.

Asabeliever,IhaveseenprophecythatIhaverecordedconsistentlyunfoldinmy life.What a thrill to see that the “Word of the Lord” is actually alive!Alwaysrememberthatasingleprophecymaycovermanyyearsofyourlifeandbringunderstandingtoyouyearslater.PraisetheLordforthespiritualstrengtheachofuscangainbyreviewinghowGodhasfaithfullyguidedusinprophecy.WeallwillappreciateprophecymoreaswetakethetimetorecorditontapeorpaperandrefertoitasaguidelineforthemovingofGodinourlives.

TheKeyWordsAnothereffectivemethodinrememberingprophecyistorecallkeywords

and phrases. We mentioned earlier that in receiving prophecy, we oftenremember75percentoftheexperienceandonly25percentofthecontentoftheprophecy.Oneofthebestwaystoavoidthisimbalanceistoconcentrateonthekeywordsandphrasesoftheprophecy.

Letmeillustratethispointbyusingtheexampleofatypicalbaseballgame.Thepitcher, ifhe is talented,willhaveseveraldifferentpitches fromwhich tochoose. He will also have the ability to create various movements, motions,fakes andpitchingdeliveries.The responsibility of the batter at the plate is toignoreallthatandtoconcentrateononesinglething:theball.

Afterall,theonlythingthatwillmeananythingtothebatterishittingtheballby“keepinghiseyeontheball.”Whenwearerememberingprophecy,weneedto“keepoureyesontheball,”whichrepresentsthekeywordsandphrasesof the message. Do not be distracted by the “delivery.” Like that batter,concentrate on the “ball.” Remember to always listen for any key words orphrasesinaprophecy.

Another potential distraction to remembering a prophecy is what I’vetermed“prophetic filler.”Prophetic fillercansometimesbeconfusedwith theactual content of a prophecy. I amnot implying that prophetic filler is in anyway inappropriate in aprophecy.Mypoint is, it is still only filler andnot the“realstuff”ofwhichprophecyismade.Inotherwords,propheticfillerismerelythevehicle,modeorstyleofdeliveringaprophecy that thebelievergiving theprophecyuses.The importantpartof theprophecyisnothowmanytimesyouhear,“TheLordwouldsay”or“Yea,Mysonordaughter,”etc.,etc.Obviously,these kinds of phrases (prophetic filler) are not the actual content but are,nevertheless, a part of the prophecy that you are hearing. These phrases, or“filler,”canhelpinthedeliveryoftheprophecyandarethereforeproperintheirplace. Prophetic filler many times helps the believer to deliver the prophecy.Prophetic filler keeps the prophecy fluid and smooth by supplying certainphrases that help to identify the message as a prophecy. However, the mostimportant part is the content of the prophecy between these “filler” phrases.Yourresponsibility,astherecipientofaprophecy,istoputthe“filler”asideinyourmindandkeyinonthecontent.Asillustratedpreviously,weneedtokeepoureyeontheball!

WheneverIreceiveaprophecyfromanotherbeliever,Ilookforthewordsthat stick out in my mind. I do not even think about the filler or mode ofdelivery.Iconcentrateonthekeywordsthatgivemeagoodunderstandingoftheprophecy.Theremaybeonlytwoorthreekeywords,butitiscertainlymorefeasible to recall six or seven points than an entire prophecy word for word.WhatItrytodoisskipfrompointtopoint,puttingtheprophecyinthesimplestform.

WhenIpersonallyreviewaprophecyIhavejustgivensomeone,IusuallytrytorecalltheactualwordsIused.Forexample,Imightsay,“DidnottheLordsay something about your financial needs being met?” Or, “Did not theprophecymentionthatGodiscallingyoutofasting?”Sometimesitisliterallyawordortwothatwillhelpyoutorememberthewholeemphasisoftheprophecy.

Keywords and phrases also can be divided into two groups: active andpassive.Thepassivewords inaprophecyare thosewords thatstatewhat isorwhat has been or evenwhat potentially can be. These types of wordsmerelyexplain situationsGod is awareof inyour life,but that requirenoaction.Theactivekeywordsarethosewordsthatrelatetoanyactionyoumayhavetotake.Forexample,aprophecymightstate,“My(sonordaughter),begin to fastandpray regularly for the government.” Here is an example of where action is

requiredbythehearer.Itisaprophecythatinstructsthebelievertoactuallydosomething(inthisexampleit is tofastandpray).Thetenorof theprophecyisactive and the key words and phrases denote action to be taken, rather thanmerelystatingapassiveexplanationofeventsintherecipient’slife.

TheConditionsConditionsandinstructionsareultimately themost importantpartofany

prophecybecause, inmanyprophecies,Godmakesakindofspiritualcontractwith us. That is, God says in effect, “I will if you will,” thus forming thecontractualagreement.Ifwefailtoobeytheconditionsoftheprophecy,thenwecannotexpectGodtoberesponsibleforHisparteither.Adeal isadeal,so tospeak.Isaiah1:19and20asays,“Ifyouarewillingandobedient,youwilleatthebest from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by thesword.”OneofthemosttragicoccurrencesinprophecytodayisGod’snotbeingable to fulfill His promises in our lives because we failed to fulfill ourresponsibilities.Could itbe that someofourproblems, in termsofpropheciesnotbeingfulfilledinourlives,areourownfault?AreweignoringtheconditionsGodattaches tovariousprophecies?Is thatwhywesometimesfail torealizeacloser,more intimate relationshipwith our heavenly Father?As believers,wemustlearnto“playbytherules”ofprophecyifprophecyistobenefitourlives.We must learn to respond to the conditions or instructions of the Lord inprophecy.

Equally as tragic, in prophecy, is our shifting the blame to others forpropheciesthatseeminglyfailtobefulfilled.Wetendtoblamethebelieverwhodelivered the prophecy instead of searching our own hearts to see ifwe havebeendisobedienttoanyconditionsintheprophecy.Usually,ourfirstreactionisto point an accusing finger away from what we might not have done(conditions),straight toward theobedientbelieverwhodelivered theprophecy.Thatisahardlessonthatanyonewhodeliversprophecyneedstolearn.Hecansometimesbeblamedfor“false”prophecywhen,inreality,thehearerfailedtomeet the guidelines of the prophecy, as laid down by the Lord Jesus Christ.Remember, conditionsand instructionsarenotoptions.Theyare the“rules ofthe game” in God’s sight. If we do not respond, He will not respond. If wecannotdoourpart,HecannotdoHispart.HowIpraythatwecanbegintoobeyGod’s specific conditions inprophecy!What agloriousnew realmofblessingtheChurchwillthenexperience.Letusallstrivetobe“willingandobedient”sowecan“eatthebestoftheland.”

TheTimeSlotsOurGodisaGodofexactorderandprecise,perfect timing.Nothingjust

“happens” in God, for all things are divinely planned. This powerful truthespecially applies to our relationship with God. Nothing in our lives merelyhappens.Instead,everythingispreciselytimedaccordingtoHiswill.“Thereisatime for everything, anda season for everyactivityunderheaven” (Eccl.3:1).“Hehasmadeeverythingbeautifulinitstime...”(Eccl.3:11).“Aman’sstepsaredirected by theLord” (Prov. 20:24a).This idea of precise and planned timingfromGodalsoappliestothepropheciesweasbelieversmayhavereceived.

When remembering prophecy, you need b recognizeGod’s“time slots.”Obviously, as in all measurements of time, the time element in prophecy isdividedintothreeparts:past,presentandfuture.Byplacingprophecyintooneormore of these time categories, you will be able to recall a much greaterpercentage of the total message. By mentally placing each segment of theprophecy into the appropriate time slot, you have simplified the memoryprocess. Now, when attempting to recall the prophecy, you have only threecategoriestodealwith:past,presentandfuture.

Thisparticularsystemhelpsyouto“cutthrough”theprophetic“filler”andget right to the “meat” or “core” of the prophecy. Many times when I ampersonally going over a prophecy, I follow this exact procedure. I simplyassociatedifferentsubjectmatterintheprophecywiththeparticulartimeslotitcoincidedwith.Forexample,IstartwithanythingtheLordsaidaboutmypast.Then I reviewany subjectmatter in theprophecy that dealswithmy lifehereandnow,inthepresent.Last,andmostimportant,Itrytorecallallmaterialintheprophecythatappliestomyfuture.Weneedtoputprophecyinorderasfarastimesequenceisconcerned.Goddoesnotwasteasinglewordinprophecy,soweneedtobediligentinrecallingit.Icantrulysaythatmanyprophecieshavebecomemorerealtomebymyfollowingthis“timeslot”procedure.

TheNewMaterialorConfirmationStillanotherwaytobetterrecallaprophecyistoassignoneoftwolabelsto

its subject matter. Does the prophecy contain confirmation (the first label) ordoestheprophecyrelatenewmaterial(thesecondlabel)totherecipient?

First letusdiscuss theelementof confirmation ina prophecy.Whenyoureceive a prophecy from another believer, you need to ask yourself, “Have Iheard this before from the Lord?” The Lord will often repeat propheticinformationtoyouforseveralreasons.First,theLordwantsyoutorecognizethe

importanceofthatinformation.Second,youmaybe“tested”inthespecificareaGod is addressing, and you simply need to be reassured by the prophecy.SometimeswhatGodsaystoyoupropheticallyandwhat isactuallyhappeninginyoureverydaylifecanseemtobeinoppositiontoeachother.So,GodinHiswisdomandloveremindsyou(confirms)thatHehasnotchangedHismindandthatyouneedtocontinuetobelieveGodforwhateverHehaspromisedyouintheprophecy.

Third,mostmajorpropheticstatementswillbeconfirmed.ThisprincipleisclearlyseeninthecallofSamueltheprophet,whenGodspoketotheyoungboythreetimes(1Sam.3).ManytimesthatiswhyGodseemstorepeatHimselfinprophecy.Ifyoucontinuetoreceiveprophecywithsimilarcontent,then“situpand take notice,” for there surely is a reason. It seems themore significant astatementbyGodinyourlife,themoretimesyouwillhearitrepeatedbyGodina prophecy. Lastly, if you tend to ignore the instructions of the Lord, thenrepetitious(confirming)prophecyservesasawarningthatGodseldomletsHischildren go their own way. God wants you to obey Him, not “miss” Him.Therefore,He iswilling torepeatHimself foryou.That iswhyconfirmingorrepetitiousprophecy is somethingyou shouldheed.Sohereagainare the fourreasonsforpropheticconfirmation:

1.Theimportanceofthegeneralcontent.2.Thetestingoftheprophecyinourlives.3.TheestablishingofamajorstatementbyGod.4.AwarningfromalovingandpatientheavenlyFather.The second “label” we can assign to prophecy says, “Does the content

represent any new material to the individual for whom it is intended?”Obviously,we all face this situation from time to time sinceGod continuallyunveils His will for us by means of prophecy. How then can we prove newmaterialinprophecytobegenuineandcorrect?Theansweristowaitonit.Thatis of extreme importance, since not all newmaterial is necessarily true. “Test[prove]everything.Holdontothegood”(1Thess.5:21),and“Dearfriends,donot believe every spirit, but test the spirits to seewhether they are fromGod,becausemanyfalseprophetshavegoneoutintotheworld”(1John4:1).Thesetwo verses are scriptural safeguards given by God that we all can apply toproving(testing)aprophecy.

Basically,whenitcomestonewmaterialinaprophecy,weneedtotakeacautiousapproach.Now,beingcautiousandbeingunbelievingaretwodistinctlydifferent attitudes of the heart. God does not want us to totally disregard

somethingmerelybecauseitisnewtous.Justasweneedtobecareful,wealsoneed to be open to newmaterial. The best way to do that is to let the Lordconfirmwhathasbeenspoken.Ifweadoptthisapproach,thentherewillbelittlepressuretoprematurelydiscardtheprophecyoractontheprophecy.Again,therule of thumb is to do nothing right away, especially with new propheticmaterial.

Whateverthecontentoftheprophecy,donotoverreact.Iftheprophecyisofthatgreatasignificance,thenGodwillsurelyreaffirmittoyoubyrepeatingthe “message” again. You need not judge the prophecy (prematurely) “false”unless,ofcourse, it isunscriptural, illegalor immoral.Otherwise,waiton theprophecy.

Unfortunately, I have seen some believers disregard legitimate prophecybecausetheycouldnotseeitatthemoment.Ashorttimelater,Godfulfillstheprophecy.Newmaterialisexcitingifthebelievercanrespondtoitcalmlyandinfaith!Somehaveaskedme,“Whatdoyoupersonallydowhensomeonegivesyouaprophecywithnewmaterialinit?”I“practicewhatIpreach”andcalmlyfollowthesesteps:

1.Donothing,wait,proveandtesteverythingintheprophecy.2.Remaincautiousbutcalm.Remaininfaithconcerningtheprophecy.3.Expectconfirmationsontheprophecy.4.Acceptmylimitationsinfullyunderstandingtheprophecy(especially

timing).5.“Donottreatprophecieswithcontempt”(1Thess.5:20).TheSpiritoftheProphecyMy experience with prophecy has made me realize that how one says

somethingcanbejustasimportantaswhatonesays.WhenIlistentoprophecy,IconcentrateonwhatIcallthe“spirit?’oftheprophecy.Inotherwords,Itrytoanalyze the impression, feeling or sense the prophecy gives me. I use thisanalyticalprocessbothinmymindandinmyspirit.Sometimeswhatdoesnotmake sense inyourmind seems tomakeperfect sense inyour spirit.At othertimes,whatseemstomakeperfectsenseinyourmindleavesyouunsettledandundecidedinyourspirit.Thatiswhybothyourmindandyourspiritneedtobeinvolvedinunderstandingthe“spirit”ofaprophecy.

Let me share with you one brief caution of which you should be awarewhendeterminingwhetherornot the“spirit”ofaprophecyisappropriate.Butfirst, to better understand the “spirit” of a prophecy, we need to recognizesomethingthatistrueofallbelievers:Weneedtorecognizeourlimitations.We

needtobehonestwithourselves.Weneedtogivetheprophecythe“benefitofthedoubt.”

Thus,allbelieversmustunderstandthatsometimesourownprejudicescangetinthewayofimpartiallytestingorjudgingthe“spirit”ofaprophecy.Yet,ifwe can accept this fact, we should be able to get a fairly accurate “witness”(determination)ofthe“spirit”ofaprophecy.Duetothehighlysubjective(basedonpersonalopinion)natureof thisparticularstep, inrememberingaprophecy,we as believers must admit at least the possibility of prejudiced judging of aprophecy and the “spirit”we feel it conveys. Just because a believer does notfullyunderstandtheentireprophecy(content),thatdoesnotmeanthe“spirit”iswrong or the prophecy false. For example, if theLord speaks firmly and in acorrectivemanner toward you in a prophecy, it does not necessarilymean the“spirit” is wrong. In other words, if you can be honest enough to separateprophetic content (which we will assume is accurate) from the “spirit” itconveyed,youshouldgetabetteroverallviewoftheprophecy,andthusabetterunderstanding.Thecontentmightseemsomewhatfirmtoyou;nevertheless,the“spirit”oftheprophecywaspeaceful,lovingandmostofall,true!

Strong prophetic content does not necessarily indicate a harsh “spirit” inprophecy.Learntoseparatethetwo.

Prophecy is supposed to be for “strengthening, encouragement andcomfort” (1 Cor 14:3). A good way to remember prophecy is to review the“spirit” of the prophecy and see if it accomplished those three things. Forexample, did the prophecy sound firm and fatherly, or was it pushy anddegrading? Did the “spirit” of the prophecy sound bossy, dictatorial andoverbearing,orwasitmerelyrequiringobediencetoGod?

We must understand the difference. The difference is, the first “spirit”humiliates,degradesanddemands.Thesecond“woos”ustowanttoobeyGod,aswewould aFatherwe love andwant to please.Also, in the “spirit” of theprophecy, is there an undertone of discouragement or an expectation of hope?GodalwayshashopeforusandHeoftenexpressesthishopeforusinprophecy.Ihavelookedatabelieveraridthoughtdoubtingly,“HowcouldtheLordhaveanything good to say to this person?”Then as the prophecywas delivered, inspite of my lack of faith, the Lord, through me, prophesied hope andencouragement to that believer. It was necessary for me to change my mindabout the believer over whom I prophesied. God never judges according tohumanstandards.Butifwejudgethatway,accordingtothenaturaleyeor theflesh,weriskquenchingorlimitingtheHolySpirit’soperatingthroughus.

Another way to determine the “spirit” of a prophecy is to look at thequestion of fear. Ask yourself if the prophecy is conveying godly fear (Prov.1:7)orthefearwhichhas“torment”(IJohn4:18KJV),thatis,thetypeoffearassociated with punishment. The first fear is a healthy, positive attitude ofrestraint which leads you to obedience. The other fear is empty, hard on theemotions, and contains no sense of safety or security. This latter type of fearcondemnsyouandgivesyou“nowayout.”Whenrememberingprophecy,youneedtoidentifythe“spirit”ofthe“message”astothetypeoffearinit.Wasitgodlyfearortormenting,punishingfear?ThefearoftheLordisthebeginningof wisdom and knowledge and the other fear (empty, hollow, condemning,vague)istheresultofawrong“spirit”inaprophecy.

Godalso tends topleadwithus inprophecy.Believers shouldbeable torecognizethepleadingoryearningofGod’sheartinaprophecy,ifthe“spirit”is right. God does not threaten or use “scare tactics” to make us serve Him.Instead, as a loving Fatherwould,He pleads, yearns and cries out for a rightrelationshipwithHisearthlychildren.HowweneedearstohearthispleadingofGod in prophecy. I still cannot comprehend that the Almighty God humblesHimselftopleadwithsinfulman.HowwecanignorethecryofGod’sheartisbeyondme!LordJesus,helpustobesensitivetoYourvoice.HelpustohonorourheavenlyFatherandtoobeytheyearningandpleadingofGodthatwehearinthe“spirit”ofaprophecy.

Finally,concerningthe“spirit”ofaprophecy,doestheprophecyeventuallybring healing or does itwound unnecessarily?All prophecy should ultimatelyheal.

Howoften IhaveseenGodcutaway thedeadareasofour lives throughthehealingwordthatisprophecy.Atfirst,itmayseemlikea“wound”forGodtobesoblatantlyrealwithusthroughprophecyofthisnature,butitdoesbringhealing.WeneedtoallowGodto“surgically”removecertainpartsofourliveswheresinandthefleshstillreign.SometimesGodwillusethegiftofprophecytoaccomplishthissurgery.Sodonot losesightof thefact that thisstillbringshealing.HolySpirit surgery is sometimesnecessary tosaveourspiritual lives.TheScripturestellus,“Woundsfromafriendcanbetrusted...”(Prov.27:6).TheinitialwoundingfromGod(God’slovingdiscipline)inprophecy(incontrasttotheunnecessarywoundsinflictedonusbybelieverswhoarenotministeringinlove when prophesying) is only a stepping stone toward complete healing.“BecausetheLorddisciplinesthoseHeloves,andHepunisheseveryone

Heacceptsasason”(Heb.12:6).Ifwecanembraceandnotmerelyendure

this aspect of prophecy, then we know that God considers us true sons anddaughters,matureandreadyfor“correctioninrighteousness.”

Ihavealwaysattempted toheal and toencouragewhen Iminister in thegiftofprophecy.Mygoalhasalwaysbeentobringlifetothebelieverreceivingtheprophecy.Mymotivationhasalwaysbeentoprovidehope,evenforthemostdesperateindividual.Ihaved-waystriedtoseethe“cup”ashalffullinsteadofhalfemptywhenspeakingpropheticallyintothelivesofbelievers.

Occasionally,inordertorealizehealing,encouragementandlife,prophecymust beginwith the judgment (adjustments) ofGod, followed byHismercies(acceptance). “Let a righteousmanstrikeme—it is akindness; lethimrebukeme—itisoilonmyhead”(Ps.141:5a).Also,DavidcontinuedinPsalm119:71:“ItwasgoodformetobeafflictedsothatImightlearnYourdecrees.”Inverse67hesays,“BeforeIwasafflictedIwentastray,butnowIobeyYourword.”Aslongasthe“spirit”oftheprophecyisoneofhealing,thenweshouldbeabletosay,“...in faithfulnessYouhaveafflictedme” (Ps.119:75).ThatmeansGod’sjudgmentsarealwaysgiventokeepusinrightrelationshipwithHim.Prophecycan be one way in which God achieves this in our lives, if it has the right“spirit.”

The“Vessel”WhoDeliveredtheProphecyOur final point concerning what to look for in prophecy deals with the

“vessel.”Inotherwords,thecharacterofthepersonwhogaveyoutheprophecyisoftheutmostimportance.TheveryfirstquestionIliketoasksomeone,whenIheartheyreceivedaprophecyfromanotherbeliever,is“Whodeliveredit?”Tome, the “vessel” or spokesperson who delivered the prophecy can be adetermining factor in the credibility or genuineness of the prophecy. For onereason, the person or the vessel can pollute, dilute, pervert and otherwisenegatively affect perfectly “good” prophecy. How? By not guarding his heartagainstunholyandimpure“input”(whatyoufeedon)orbecauseofselfish,self-seekingmotives,tonametwo.Aprophecyoncespokenovermeillustratedthisgeneralideaoftheimportanceofa“pure,”althoughnotperfect,“vessel.”“Son,Iamgoingtobegintoflowfromyouinapureflowofthewordofknowledgeandwisdom.Therewill not be anydirt or foreignmatter in your “pipes” thatwillhaveaneffectontheprophecy.”

Plainly stated, I personally trust some “vessels”more than others.Why?Because I see less rust, corrosion anddebris (“dirt or foreignmatter”) in their“pipes.”Iknowhowtheylive.Iknowhowtheytalk.Iknowwithwhomtheyareinrelationship.Iknowoftheirreputationandintegrityinministry.Iknowthem

to be “vessels”who “know how to possess [their] vessel in sanctification andhonor”(1Thess.4:4KJV). Inconjunctionwithall thesequalities, theyhaveahistoryofaclearandaccurategiftofprophecyoperating inand through themthatglorifiesJesusChrist.

I have difficultywith a “vessel”whose life is a continual battle betweenstableandthenunstableliving.IalsorecognizethataprophecycanbeaffectedbyanuntrustworthycharacteroraquestionablereputationWrongmotivationina believer who has a personal “agenda” can literally destroy his chances ofdeliveringanyprophecyclearly andwith accuracy.Remember, itmatterswhogivestheprophecy!Donottakeany“vessel”oranyprophecyatfacevalue,ifIhave a choice, I look for “vessels”who have some “track record” of fulfilledprophecy.Iliketolooktosourceswhohavearegularconsistencyandcredibilityabouttheirlivesandtheirprophecies.Idonot“despise”ortreatwithsuspicionthe prophecy from inexperienced “vessels.” I am only more cautious whenreceiving a prophecy from inexperienced believers, until I see it confirmedand/orfulfilledinmylife.Weallneedtostriveforreliabilityinourvesselwhenpersonallyoperatinginthegiftofprophecy.

AsGodlovinglytakestimetospeaktousinprophecy,weshouldendeavorto look for at least these items.These items are not “hard and fast rules,” butthey are aguide to understanding prophecy ona general level. So study yourprophecy. Take time to meditate on your prophecy. Dissect your prophecy“pointbypoint”Keepyoureyeonthe“ball”inprophecy.

In the end, through experience, you will have your spiritual sensessharpened todistinguishbetween trueand falseprophecy.Mostof all, ask theauthor of prophecy, the Lord Jesus Christ, to give you understanding andguidanceinresponsetoyourprophecy.

SummaryOutline:WhattoLookforinProphecy1.Themainthemeoftheprophecy,2.Thekeywordsoftheprophecy,3.Theconditionsoftheprophecy,4.Thetimeslotsoftheprophecy,5.Thenewmaterialorconfirmationintheprophecy,6.The“spirit”oftheprophecy,and7.The“vessel”whodeliveredtheprophecy.

ChapterThreeHindrancesWhenGivingaProphecyIn the introduction to this book,we established that speaking in tongues

andprophecyareavailable toallbelieversasa resultof theoutpouringof theHolySpiritonthedayofPentecost.Whythendosomanybelieversfailtoseethesegiftsoperatingintheirlives?Perhapsthesebelieversaretheexceptiontothe rule that thegifts are for all.Wrong!Theonly reasonwedonot see thesegifts operatingmore in the Church is,we do not believe God! Hebrews 3:19says, “So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief”Later in thesamebook(chapter6,verse12)wefind thesewords:“Wedonotwantyou tobecome lazy, but to imitate thosewho through faith andpatienceinheritwhathasbeenpromised.”

There are many examples of the importance of faith in our lives. Allprayers toGodaremadeby faith.Allprogressin theChristianlife ismadebyfaith.We also prophesy according to the proportion of our faith (Rom. 12:6).Faith is thekey that“unlocks”everything in thespiritual realm.“AndwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod...”(Heb.11:6).Strangelyenough,however,unbelief(lackorabsenceoffaithinGod)isnotthe“numberone”hindrancetooperating in the gift of prophecy. There are a number of reasons we do notoperate more freely in this gift. Common reasons include fear, pride, lack ofscriptural teaching, lack of exposure to good examples, etc. These are allhindrances, but none of these are the greatest or “number one” hindrance tooperatinginthegiftofprophecy.The“numberone”hindrancetooperatinginthe gift of prophecy is underestimating ourselves in God. To underestimatemeans“toplace too lowofavalueonsomethingorsomeone.”Specifically, itmeans placing too low of a value on our ability to operate in the gift ofprophecy.

AsChristians,weoften thinkalike.Did iteveroccur toyou thatatsomepointweallhavefeltasifGodcannotuseus?WeallhavequestionedGodandourselves and said, “This cannot beGod speaking tome.” I personallywouldliketoknowwherethismentalityoriginates,whichstatesthatourleadingsandpromptings to prophesy cannot be from God. It is time to stop “passing thebuck”intheBodyofChrist.IfGodcannotuseyou,thenwhocanHeuse?Ifyoucontinue to say, “Who, me?” then you will not “enter in because of your

unbelief.” Underestimating ourselves is a strong undercurrent in the Churchtoday,anditisnotfromGod.

IntheScriptures,believersaredescribedinmanyways.Letmesharesomeof thecharacteristicsof theaveragebeliever,asGodseesus.According to theScriptures,wearecalled (Eph.4:1)andwearechosen (Eph.1:4).Weare thetemples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16). Imagine, we are the actual dwellingplace of God’s presence, filled with the Holy Spirit!We are sanctified or setapartforGod’suse(1Cor.6:11).TheScripturesfurthertellusthat“Goddoesnotshowfavoritism”(Acts10:34).Helooksatusallashavingequalpotential.Weareequally“inHim[Jesus]...therighteousness[havingrightstandingbeforeGod]ofGod” (2Cor5:21).Finally,wecan“doeverything throughHimwhogives [us]strength” (Phil.4:13). JesusHimselfsaid that“greaterworks.. .shall[you]do...”(John14:12KJV).There isnodoubt that theseversesapplytoallbelievers.

We are looked upon by God as being equals in terms of our potential.Realizingourfullpotentialisourresponsibility.Sonshipawaitsallbelievers,iftheywant it!Wecan experience asmuchor as little ofGodaswechoose to.AlthoughGodisAlmighty,Heleavesthisdecisiontous.

IbelievethatyoucanandhavebeenhearingtheShepherd’svoice.AllHissheepdo.Ibelievethatyoucanprophesy.Allbelieverscan.Youprobablyhavenot operated in the gift of prophecy because you underestimate yourself It ismore likely that you have been hearing God’s voice than not hearing it. Theleadings and promptings you may have to prophesy are more likely God’spromptingsthannot.Thatisright—morelikelytobeGod!Itisascripturalfact.I just gave you a number of reasons you probably are hearing God. I say“probably” because nothing is automatic in God, and you need to proveeverything.However,accordingtoGod’sWord,youshouldbeabletoprophesyregularly,withaclearandaccuratemessage.

Another commonmisconception is the attitude that says, “I do not thinkGodwants touseme.” Imagine ifeveryonein theChurchhadthatsamemindset. There would be nobody “in faith” for God to use. Again, we have beencaught“passing thebuck.”Godearnestlydesires touseyou.Specifically,Goddesirestouseeverybelieverinmanyways,includinginthegiftofprophecy.WeneedtobegintotakeGodatHisWordliterallywhenHesays,“Foryoucanallprophesy...”(1Cor14:31).

Godhasnotordainedtheungodlytooperateinthegiftofprophecy.Hehaspreparedbelievers,likeyouandme,todoso.HehasmadeusHisBody.Hehas

madeusHisBride.It isthevehicleknownastheChurch thatwillalwaysbestexpress the “whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13), whichincludesexpressingourselvesinprophecy.

Contrary to somebeliefs,Goddidnot stop speaking throughbelievers inprophecywhenthelastapostle(oftheoriginal12)died.Thatargumentsimplydoesnot appear in theScriptures anywhere!TheScripturesdo state, however,that “God’sgifts andHiscall are irrevocable” (Rom.11:29)andaccording toEphesians4:11and12,GodiscurrentlymaturingandequippingtheChurchbyusingtheapostle,prophet,evangelist,pastorandteacher.BothGod’sgiftsandGod’scallingsareactivetodayintheChurchthatHeisbuilding.

Canallbelieversthen,regardlessoftheirspecificstationinlifeorlackofa“call”toaspecificministry,stilloperateinprophecy?ApparentlyamannamedAnaniasintheBookofActsthoughtso.Wehavenorecordthathewasadeaconor an elder.Wehave no record thatGodhad particularly “called” him to anyspecialministryoroffice.WehavenoevidencethatAnaniaswasgiftedinsomeunusualway.YetAnanias,ameredisciple(Acts9:10),actedasGodsmessenger(v.17)!Soifadisciplecouldprophesythen,youasadisciplecanprophesynow.ThegiftsofGodareirrevocable,whichmeansGodhasnotandwillnorrevoketheabilityforbelieverstooperateinprophecyoranyotherspiritualgift.

It is very difficult for me to understand why Christians, of all people,“throwaway”ordisregardsomuchofGod’sWord.Somebelieversspendmoretimeandeffort“takingaway”fromGod’sWordthanothersdoagreeingwithit.Wespendevenmoretimedebatingamongourselves,asbelievers,whatwethinkGodcanandcannotdo.Every timewe turnaround, somenew“truth” revealsthatGod“isnotdoing that today.”Asbelievers,whatweshoulddo instead ispreachmoresermonsonwhatthedevilcannotdo,notpreparesermonsonwhatGodcannotdo!ManyofourtraditionslimitGodand“nullifythewordofGod”(Mark7:13). If theentireCorinthianchurchcouldprophesy, socanwe. If theEphesian church operated in the gift of prophecy, then so can we. Weunderestimateourselvesbecausewefailtobelievethefollowingtruths:

1.Thereexistsnootherspiritualrealm.2.Wearesufficientlyholynow.3.Wearesufficientlyequippednow.We have given support previously as to why all these reasons are true.

However,letusrestatethemforthebenefitofall.Pleaseconsiderthefollowing:1.WearecurrentlyintheKingdomofGod—thisistherealm.2.Weareholybythegiftofrighteousness,whichweacceptbyfaith.

3.WearesavedandfilledwiththeHolySpirit;therefore,we“qualify.”Ourfaithisourequipment.

Godhasbeenusing imperfect“vessels”ever sinceAdamfell.Except forJesusChrist,weallhaveourfaults.ThekeytosuccessinGodistoacceptthecomplete redemption of the cross and claimour birthright as sons ofGod.Soacceptyourselfasimperfect,butdonotletyoureffectivenessinGodbelimitedbybelievingthatsonshipmeansperfection.Moses,forexample,complainedofhis faults before the Lord. He said hewas “slow of speech and tongue” (Ex.4:10).ButGodsimplywouldnotaccept thisexcusefromMoses.Godbecamevery angry with him because Moses needed to believe God and notunderestimatehimself.

AnotherexamplecanbefoundwiththebiblicalcharacterofGideon.Godsaid tohim,“TheLordiswithyou,mightywarrior”(Judg.6:12).ImmediatelyGideonmadetwoexcuses.Firsthesaid,“IftheLordiswithus,whyhasallthishappenedtous?”Second,hesaid,“WhereareallHiswondersthatourfatherstoldusabout...?”(Judg.6:13).Gideonwasunderestimatinghimselfasa“mightywarrior.”TheLordwaswithhimlaterinbattle,andhewasindeed“mightyasawarrior.”

NextwehaveJeremiahtheprophet.HisfirstreactiontoGodwassimilartoMoses’.Hesaid,“Idonotknowhowtospeak;Iamonlyachild”(Jer.1:6).TheLorddisagreedwithJeremiahintheverynextverse:“Donotsay,‘Iamonlyachild.’ Youmust go to everyone I send you to and saywhatever I commandyou” (v. 7). The point is, all these godly men had “weak starts” but “strongfinishes.”At least theyobeyedGod. In spite of their own inadequate feelingsabout themselves and regardless of their circumstances, they forged ahead inGod.TheyallactedonwhatGodsaidtothem.

The great king and psalmist David further illustrates this point for us.Davidhadsininhislife;nevertheless,Godusedhim.Yes,hepaidthepriceforhissin,andwasobviouslyfarfromperfect,yetGodusedhim.

Petermademistakes,butGodstillusedhim.PeteractuallydeniedtheLordthreetimes,yetGodstillchosetousehim.

Godusedanex-prostitute(Rahab),lowlyfishermenandanextaxcollector(Matthew).Heevenusedanolddonkeytopronouncejudgmentonadisobedientprophet(Mum.22).CertainlyHecanuseyou.

When Ibecameabeliever through faith in JesusChrist, Iwasa sinner. Ibecamemarvelously saved frommy sin in spite ofmy sin! Iwas baptized inwater and received the Holy Spirit, still with some sin inmy life. Then God

“called”meintotheministrywhileIstillhadsininmylife.EitherGodmadeagrossmisjudgment,orithasalwaysbeenHisplantouseimperfectpeople.Yes,weneed to continually overcomeour faults.All of us should strive to be likeJesus.In themeantime,donot let imperfection(sin)“holdyouback”or“keepyoudown.”JesusChristtookcareofoursinsonthecrossandwearerighteousbyfaithinHim.Thatiswhytheglory,praiseandhonormustgotoHim.Heisourrighteousness!Heis thereasonwecanbeeffective inall things, includingthegiftofprophecy.

Somebelievethatwedonothavetherightqualificationsorequipment tooperate in any gift of the Spirit. But the Scriptures say we “are complete inHim...” (Col.2:10KJV).Thus, ifGodcouldusesomemeal tohealpottage(2Kings 4:38-41), salt to heal the water (2 Kings 2:21), Balaam’s ass to speakjudgment(Num.22:28),Aaron’srodofwoodtobringdeliverance(Ex.7:19),ajawbonetoslaytheenemy(Judg.15:15)andtheravenstofeedElijah(1Kings17:4-6),thenHecanuseyou.IfthosedumbanimalsandinanimateobjectscanbeusedofGod,thensocanyou!Afterall,wereyounotmadeinHisimage?

Whateveryoudo,donotunderestimateyourselfinGod.“...Butifthesaltloses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good foranything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matt. 5:13). The“numberone”hindrancetooperatinginprophecyisunderestimatingyourselfinGod.Soletusbe“overcomers”inGodandovercomethishindrance.Wearetheoracles of God (I Pet. 4:11 KJV)! We are His spokespeople! We are Hismouthpieces!Remember, youare in theKingdom,youare holy, andyouareequipped!

Summary Outline: “Number One” HindranceWhenGivingaProphecy

Weunderestimateourselvesbecausewefailtobelievethesetruths:1.Thereexistsnootherspiritualrealm.2.Wearesufficientlyholynow.3.Wearesufficientlyequippednow.

ChapterFourHindrancesWhenReceivingProphecyOneofthemostimportantaspectsofChristianityisknowinghowtolisten.

Whetheritisthe“voiceoftheLord”orthevoiceofoneofourspiritualleaders,weneedtobecarefullisteners.Listeningisaspiritualdisciplinethattakestimetodevelop.TheBookofRevelationsays,“Hewhohasanear,lethimhearwhatthe Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 3:22). Each believer needs to ask thesequestions:“AmIgoingtoallowGodtospeaktome?DoIhavespiritualearstohear?”

These questions show us that, hypothetically, there may be certainhindrances to receiving from the Lord through personal prophecy. Here aresomeof the hindrances I have noticed as Iminister in the gift of prophecy tootherbelievers.ThesearethegeneralareasinwhichIhaveexperiencedthemostresistance.Theseareasrepresent“strongholdsofourflesh.”Theseallopposetheproperreceptivityofprophecyinourlives.

1. Holding a self-preserving attitude toward the prophecy by therecipient.

2.LookingthroughadistortedviewofGod’sperfectprophetictimingbytherecipient.

3. Drawingpremature (human)conclusionsabout theprophecyby therecipient.

4. Allowinganinsignificantoffensetooverruleamajorprophetictruthbytherecipient.

5.MisunderstandingGod’spropheticplanforyourlife.6.Failingtorecognizeyourlimitationsinreceivingprophetictruth.HoldingaSelf-PreservingAttitudeThemostprevalentof thesehindrances toproperlyreceivingprophecy is

theself-preservingattitudeoftherecipient.Thatmeansthatwealltendtoresistchange.Weasbelieversgenerallyfail toembraceanything thatmayappear tobeuncomfortableinaprophecy.Wekeeptheprophecyatadistanceanddonotallowittoaffectourlives.Aboveall,weconsciouslyorunconsciouslystriveto

maintainourspiritualstatusquoattheexpenseoftheprophecy.A self-preserving attitude can indicate our unwillingness to change. We

want to preserve our present state. Why? Sometimes change means pain.However, pain is natural to the growth process. Even when we considerprophecy, this principle of “no pain, no gain” certainly applies. Growth willalwaysrequire“sweatequity”onthepartofthebeliever.Thiscouldincorporatenewareasofresponsibility,hardwork,commitment,sacrificeandeven“dying”toourowngoalsasoutlined tous inapersonalprophecy. It isoftenour fleshthatresistschange.Therefore,whenwehearprophecythat implieschange,wesometimesrefusetoreceiveordiscernitproperlyinourheartsIwasministeringonce in centralPennsylvania at a small country church.Manyof thebelieverstherewereopentotheoperationofthegiftofprophecy.However,severaltimes,through prophecy, the Lord dealt with the self-preserving attitude of therecipients.Thewholethrustoftheseprophecieswastomotivatethebelieverstogrow in ministry. God wanted them to produce spiritually instead of merelyconsumespiritually.TheLordwassaying, throughthegiftofprophecy, that itwas “time to advance.”He said further that itwas time to stoppreserving thestatus quo in their lives and to get mobilized for God. On that night, Iencounteredaself-preservingattitudeinbelievers.

In my opinion, nothing hinders the “moving” of God more than a self-preservingattitude.Why?Self-preservation is just anicewayofbeingselfish.Selfish or self-centered believers do not like change. They do not like anycommitments or require-merits put on their lives. However, there are usuallyconditions to every personal prophecy and the recipients must meet theseconditions,ormissGod’sbestfortheirlives.

Matthew 16:21-25 illustrates a self-preserving attitude in the life of theapostlePeter.ForPetertoagreethatJesusmustbecrucifiedwouldhaveruinedallofPeter’s(selfish)plans:“‘Never,Lord!’hesaid.‘Thisshallneverhappentoyou!’”(v.22).AsfarasPeterwasconcerned,hispersonalstatusquowasbeingthreatened and change was approaching much too rapidly. Jesus rebuked thisattitude(which,bytheway,wasofthedevil)andsaidtoPeter,“GetbehindMe,Satan!YouareastumblingblocktoMe;youdonothaveinmindthethingsofGod, but the things of men” (v. 23). At times even the devil can use a self-preservingattitudeinbelievers’livesifweareriotonourguard!

Thefinalverseonthissubject,foundinMatthew16,isabsolutelytrueandIhaveseenit inbelievers:“Forwhoeverwantstosavehislifewill loseit,butwhoever loseshis life forMewill find it” (v.25).Doyousee theprincipleat

workhere?Inordertofindourselves,weneedtodenyourselves.DenialmeanstofollowGod’splanandnotourown.WedenyourselvesbyallowingGodtolovinglydismantleourself-preservingattitude.Thisprocessmayseempainfulatfirst,butitwillbeveryrewardinguponitscompletion.Jesusprayedthisprayer“Father,ifYouarewilling,takethiscupfromMe;yetnotMywill,butYoursbedone”(Luke22:42).SoaskGodtohelpyouseethishindranceinyourlife,ifitexists.Itisindeedoneofthemajorhindrancestoproperlyreceivingprophecy.

Looking Through a Distorted View of God’sTiming

Our next hindrance to receiving prophecy is a distorted view of Godsprophetic timing.Luke24:13-35 illustrateshowithinderedthese twodisciplesafter Jesus’ death They too had a distorted view ofGod’s timing. There theywere,totallydiscouragedandwithouthope;theirMessiahwasdead.Atraveler,a stranger to them both, had joined the disciples as they walked along, andinquired about this Jesus of Nazareth. The disciples could hardly believe thisstranger’s ignorance of the events of the last few days. They explained fullywhathadtakenplace,righttothatpresenthour.However, theyhadadistortedviewpoint.Theysaid,“ButwehadhopedthatHe[Jesus]wastheOnewhowasgoingtoredeemIsrael.Andwhatismore, it is thethirddaysinceauthis tookplace” (Luke 24:21). The disciples in this example “missed” God’s timing.Although the actual amount of elapsed time was minimal, in terms of God’seternal purposes, theymissedGod’s timing by a “mile.”They had adistortedviewofGod’stiming.

This traveler (Jesus), with whom the disciples spoke, was the veryfulfillmentofthatstatementtheyhadjustmade.The

RedeemerofIsraelwaswalkingnexttothem!Hehadrisenfromthedead!Itwas the third day and indeedHewas alive, right on time, just as Jesus hadpromised!Yet,duetotheirdistortedviewofwhat

Godwasdoing(God’stiming),theyalmostmissedGod.Then,inverse31,theireyeswereopenedandtheyknewitwasJesus.Godhadnotlied.TheOldTestament Scriptures were true. All that was spoken by Jesus Himself wasfulfilledpreciselyontime.God’stimingwasflawless!

HereisanexamplefrommyownlifeconcerningGod’stiming.Asayoungmaninmyearlytwenties,Godhadspokentomeaboutawife.Hetoldme,“IamgoingtogiveyouDianetobeyourwife.”Shewasbeautiful.Shewasspiritual.Most importantly, God had told me that shewas a gift tome! I likedwhat I

heard!WhatIdidnot likeinthiscasewastheelementofGod’s timing.Itnever

occurredtomethatGodmightnothavetoldDianewhatHehadtoldme.Boy!Wasthatamistake!WeneedtowaitonGod’stimingforeverything.“Missing”God by five minutes can be like “missing” Him by five years. Of course, Iimmediatelycalledmynewwife-to-be.However,shewasnotexactlythrilled,toputitmildly.Yousee,GodhadnottoldherathingthatHehadalreadytoldme!Shedidnothavetheslightesthintthatshewastomarryme.Sheactuallysaid,“But Idon’teven likeyou.”Nowitwasnotvery funny then,but IcanhardlycontainmyselfwhenIthinkofitnow.Sowedolearnfromourmistakes.WhatIthoughtIwas learningat the timewas toavoidwomenfor therestofmylife.The principle God was actually trying to teachme was, “There is a time foreverything,andaseasonforeveryactivityunderheaven”(Eccl.3:1).

Again,Iwastheonewhomadethemistake,notDianeorGod.HejusttoldmewhatHewasgoingtodo.HedidnottellmewhenHewasgoingtodoit!MyerrorwasinnotviewingthetimingofGodcorrectly.Fortunately,GodspoketoDianethreemonthslaterandweweremarriedthreemonthsafterthat.Thatwas18 years ago. Praise theLord! I learned a lesson that day I hope Iwill neverforget.Thereis“atimetobesilentandatimetospeak”(Eccl.3:7b).AllowGodtofulfillHiswillinyourlifeinHistime.Timingiseverythinginprophecy.

DrawingPrematureConclusionsThisnexthindrancetoreceivingprophecyalsodealswithtiming,butina

different area. Sometimes we draw premature (human) conclusions about theprophecy. Doing so can prove to be spiritually dangerous since prematureconclusions can lead to discouragement and despair. Ultimately, drawingpremature conclusions about prophecy could lead to a “hardened” heart orattitude toward the Lord Himself. That is otherwise known as a “root ofbitterness.”Why?WemistakenlyblameGodforpropheciesthatfailto“cometopass”(befulfilled)aswethink(withhumanreasoning)theyshould.

InstarkcontrasttoourwayofthinkingaboutanythingrelatingtoGod,theScriptures declare this: “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither areyourwaysMyways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than theearth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than yourthoughts’”(Is.55:8,9).Romans11:33says,“Oh, thedepthof therichesof thewisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and Hispathsbeyondtracingout!”

Finite man will never fully understand an infinite and omniscient God.

Similarly, we will not always be able to fully understand all prophecy at alltimessince theScriptures tellus that“weknowinpart..” (1Cor.13:9).Whenwe do not recognize this limitation in ourselves, we tend to draw prematureconclusions about our prophecies. Remember that “His paths [are] beyondtracingout.”Whenweseethisverseasadivinerestrictionandrecognizeitasbeing for our own good, we will, hopefully, cease from drawing too manyconclusionstoosooninourprophecies.

Let me give you an example from my own life. My wife, Diane, waspregnantwithour first child.Wehad theusual joyandanticipationassociatedwiththefirstnewarrival.Sincewewerebothcommittedbelieversandembracedthe gift of prophecy, we were thrilled to receive prophecy about our unbornchild.WhatChristianparentwouldnotbe?Weweretold,throughprophecy,thatour babywould be “blessed”!Another prophecy said that our childwould be“used”ofGod.Stillmoreprophecysaidthatthedeliveryofthechildwouldbe“different” than all the others in our church The most exciting of all theprophecieswas,“Heshallbeamiraclebaby!”BothDianeandIwereextremelyhappy.PraiseGod,thedeliverywouldbequickandeasy,weassumed,andwewouldhaveamiraclebabytoo!WhatwefailedtounderstandwaswhatGodsaidand what we thought He meant were two very different concepts. Does thatsoundfamiliartoanyone?

MywifeDianewentintonormallabor.Althoughseveralhourspassedandtherewasstillnobaby, thedoctorsassuredme thateverythingwas fine.Aftermany more hours of prolonged labor (about 14 hours in all), complicationsdeveloped and things began to look somewhat ominous. I tried to ignore thecircumstances because God had spoken to us through several powerfulprophecies. The prophecies were from reliable sources and we were sure weweregoingtohaveamiraclebaby!

Finally,thedoctorexplainedtomethedifficultiesDianewasexperiencingin giving birth. I could not believemy ears and I nearly passed out from thestrainofitall.Thebaby’sheartwasexperiencingfetaldistress.After14hoursoflabor, therewasnohopeof anynormaldelivery. I thought tomyself, “Wait aminute,God,whatareYoudoing?”“WhyallthiswhenYousaidweweregoingtohaveamiraclebaby?”Iaskedmyself,“DidGodforgetwhatamiraclewas?”Miraclesweresupposedtobeexcitinganduplifting.ThenthedoctordeliveredthefinalblowtomeasIstoodjustoutsidemywife’sroom.“MtCramer,wearegoing tohave to take thebabybyC-section,”he said. I replied, “Yes, doctor,that’sfine.WhatisaC-sectionanyway?”AtthattimeIhadneverheardofthe

termC-sectionandhadnoideawhathemeant.Thedoctorthenexplainedtomethat thebabywouldhavetoberemoved

fromDianesurgically.Tosaytheleast,Iwasveryshaken.Whatreallyleveledme,though,wasthefactthatGodseemedtohavefailedme.InmyheartIknewthat could not be.Nevertheless, I almost “blacked out” from the shock of theentireordeal.

ThedoctorquicklysatmedownsoIwouldnotfalldown.Iwasinadaze.Inever felt sounable togiveanexplanationforsomething inmy life.Althoughfeeling mentally “numb,” I had to tell my wife of the doctor’s decision.SomehowIconvincedher that itwasacommonandsafesurgicalprocedure.Itried to assure her that God had everything under control. But inside Iquestioned,“DidHe?”

Sointosurgeryshewant,alone,notfullyknowingwhatwashappeningtoheror to thebaby.Outside in thewaitingroom,Icalledupon theLord.“LordJesus,Idonotknowwhatisgoingon,butLord,IdonotblameYou.Pleasehelpus.DonotletthebabydieorDianesuffer.Jesus,IgivethiswholesituationtoYou.Idonotunderstandit,butIbelieveYouareincontrol.ThankYou,Lord.”ThatwasaboutalltheprayingIhadleftinme.ManyotherprayersweresaidforDianeandthebabyaswellbynumerouschurchesandindividuals.

The emergency Caesarian delivery (C—section) was successful in itself,butthebabywascriticallyill.Duetoallthecomplicationsatbirth,thefirsteighthoursofmynewson’slifewerecrucial.Thedoctorstoldmeofthepossibilityoflung and brain damage to the infant. However, several churches continued topray.Thenthedoctorsbeganaseriesofinjectionsto“cleanup”thepoisonthatwasinthebaby’ssystemduetoafailedplacenta.Morethan25injectionswereadministeredtohiminhisfirstfewdaysof life.Heartmonitors,chest tubesinhis lungs, medications of every kind, and around the clock medical attentionwereallpartofourbaby’snew,fragilelife.IknewGodhadnotliedbecauseHecannotdoso,butwhatkindofmiraclewasthis?

God then began to unfold our promised miracle right before our eyes.Therewasasupernaturalsidetoallofthissufferingandpainafterall.Thetwo-day-oldinfant,byhimself,pulledoutalife-sustainingtubefromhischest,whichhadbeeninsertedearlierduetothecollapseofhislung.Whatshouldhavebeena life-threatening disaster was, in fact, God supernaturally beginning to fulfillour prophecies to us.God used the infant’s actions in puffing out his tube toshowusthatourpersonalprophecywasbeingfulfilled.Fromthattimeon,ourbaby’srecoverybecamethetalkofthematernityfloor.

Thedoctorsandnursesmarveledatwhatthe“Cramerbaby”haddone.Ourowndoctormedicallyconfirmedthebaby’sspeedyrecoveryandwasquotedasdescribing the events of those few days as “remarkable.” Even the ever-conservative nursing staff told us thatwe had a “miracle baby.”Our sonwasbeing identified on the entire fifth floor of that hospital as a literal “miraclebaby” by everyone involved. Remember, these were not born again believersgivingthistestimony.Thesewere“hard-to-convince”medicalprofessionalswhoseldomjumptoanyunsubstantiatedmedicalconclusion.Yet,asgratefulaswewere, there were still the questions about brain damage or problemswith theinfant’sheart.

AsIstated,themiraclewasjustbeginning!Thebaby’srecoverywouldbecomplete within a few days of his birth!None of the expected complicationsevermaterialized.Wehadamiraclebabyafterall!Wejustcouldnotseewithour“natural”eyehowGodhadintendedtofulfillourpersonalprophecies.Ourproblemwasacommonone,whenattemptingtoproperlyreceiveprophecy.MywifeandIhaddrawnprematureconclusionsaboutwhatGodhadsaidtous.

Godwill,attimes,purposelyconcealthemeaningofaprophecyuntil thepropertime.“ItisthegloryofGodtoconcealamatter”(Prov.25:2a).Wecanapply thisqualityofGod to theareaofprophecy.Godwillpersonallyconcealthemeaningofcertainpropheticinformation.Asanexample,letuslookattheBookofRevelation.

When John received these prophecies, many of their meanings wereobscure, ifnotcompletelyunknown tohim.Since that time,Godhas revealedgreatportionsofthisbook,butmuchstillremainsconcealed.Inmanyways,theBookofRevelationremainsa“closed”booktous.Thatiswhysomuchoftheteaching from the Book of Revelation is essentially speculation and not truerevelation from God. Likewise, if God is “concealing a matter” in personalprophecy, thenanyeffortbyan individual to“figure itout”willbeequallyasspeculative,ifnotoutrightfutileforthebeliever.

AllowingOffensetoOverruleTruthAllowingan“insignificant”offensetooverrulea“majorprophetictruth”

isournexthindrancetoreceivingprophecy.Letusexaminethisdilemmaintheearthlyministry of JesusChrist. John6:60 and61gives us the account of thedisciples’ adverse reaction to truth as spoken by Jesus. In this instance, the“truth” happened to be on the subject of communion. After Jesus gave Histeachingoncommunion,therewasaverynegativereactionfromthecrowd.“Onhearing it [the teaching],many ofHis disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching.

Who can accept it?’ “ Jesus, after knowing their heart’s reaction to this truth,said, “Does thisoffend you?”Noticewhere the offense occurred. The offenseoccurred in their hearts! Jesus knewHis “word” brought offense and yet Hiswordswere“spiritand life.”Hiswordswere truth,but therewasan“offense”within that truth. Occasionally, this same conflict exists as we react to truthcontainedinaprophecydirectedtouspersonally.

There may be points of “offense” in a prophecy that we receive fromanotherbeliever.Wemustbecareful,however,notto“throwthebabyoutwiththebathwater”Weneed to askourselveshonestlywhyweareoffended. Is itbecausewe do not understand the prophecy?That could be the case at times.Couldwebeoffendedbecausetheprophecyistrueandwedonotwanttoadmitit? This could also be the case. Does the prophecy “go against our grain” oftraditionor theology?These are all legitimatequestions to ask concerningourresponsetoourpersonalprophecies.

LetuslookagainatthelifeofJesusforamoment.Jesushadmoretroublewith the Pharisees (the religious leaders) than He did with the commonunbelievers of His day. Why? The religious leaders and their followers alsofailedtosurrendertotruth,inboththepersonandtheteachingsofJesusChrist.Today,someofushavethesameproblemwithJesusasthosedisciplesofChristand Pharisees did. Perhapswe toowould have found “offense”with the truththat was spoken by Jesus. There is, however, an answer to this problem ofoffense.Theanswer isopenness,honesty, transparencyandhumility.WemustadmittoourselvesthatwedonotalwaysknoweverythingGodisdoingorwilldoinourlives.Wemustrecognizethat“weknowinpart”(1Cor13:9).

Ifyoudoreceiveaprophecythatcontainssomedoubtfulmaterial,simplydo not overreact. Do not be offended. Ask yourself honestly, “Could thisprophecybetrue?”WaitontheprophecyandletGodfulfil it.YoureallyhavenothingtoworryaboutGoddoesnotfulfillfalseprophecy.HeonlyfulfillsHisplan andHis purpose for your life.He does not fulfillwhat some sincere butmisguidedbelievermightsayisHiswillforyourlife.Iftheprophecycontainsdirectionforyou,letGodconfirmtheprophecybeforeyoutakeanymajorstep.Do not attempt to understand immediately everything you hear in a personalprophecy.Donot“despise”yourpersonalprophecy.

Letusassumeforamomentthataprophecydeliveredtoyouwasclearlyfalse. Ifyouhavehadanegativeexperiencewith receivingaprophecyof thisnature, do notallow the offense to disqualify all subsequent prophecy in yourlife.Donotletthe“false”turnyouawayfromthatwhichis“true”inprophecy.

Donotbeoneofthosediscipleswho“turnedbackandnolongerfollowedHim”(John6:66)becauseofanoffensetothetruth

MisunderstandingGod’sPlanItisnotdifficultforabelievertomisunderstandGod’soverallplanforhis

life.ThatisespeciallytruewhendealingwithGod’spropheticplan.Manytimesprophecy can dealwith an area of our lives that is “hidden” from our naturalunderstandingorperception.WecannotpossiblyknowallthatGodhasplannedfor us.How then canwehonestly expect to understandall prophecy?NooneknowsfullyallthatGodisdoing.Instead,weasbelieverstendtomisunderstandGod’spropheticplanforourlives.ThisfactisillustratedverywellinJohn20:1and2.

‘Viewingthefactsthatwereavailabletoheratthetomb,MaryMagdalenedrewaconclusionconcerningJesus.However,shemisinterpretedherpresentsetof circumstances and reliedonwhather senses andnatural understanding toldher. There it was, the empty tomb, and the stone was, in fact, rolled away!Erroneously,Mary concluded, “They have taken theLord out of the tomb....”Shecontinuedtomisinterpretthecircumstanceandsaidfurther,“...andwedon’tknowwheretheyhaveputHim!”(v.2)

Mary, asmuch as she loved Jesus, was totally in error. However, let usremember that we see this situation from beginning to end. Mary made ajudgmentbasedonwhatseemedtobethe“facts”availabletoher.However,thefactswere actually indicating something entirelydifferent. Itwasnot true thatsomeonehadrobbedthegraveandtakenthebodyofJesustoanotherlocation.In actuality, God’s overall prophetic plan was being fulfilled in full view ofeveryone.Marywasa sinceredisciple, likeyouorme,but shemadeaclassicmistake.LikeyouandI,MarymisunderstoodGod’soverallplan.Lateronintheninth verse of the same chapter we read, “They [the disciples] still did notunderstandfromScripturethatJesushadtorisefromthedead.”IfthediscipleshadbeenfullyawareoftheentireplanofGod(thatonlyGodcanreveal),thentheyperhapswouldnothavemadethemistake.

Godisboththefulfillerofandthefulfillmentofallprophecy.Specifically,allprophecyfinds itsultimatefulfillment inJesusChristandHiswill foryourindividual life. Until God chooses to fulfill a personal prophecy, all otherconclusions aremerely speculation, projection andwell-meaning presumption.Presumption causes error, and error causes discouragement. Many times we“despise”prophecynotbecauseoftheprophecyitself,butbecausetherecipientwas not fully aware of God’s plan for his life and misunderstood God’s

propheticplan.Godseestheendofathingaswellasthebeginning.HeistheAlphaand

Omega. The Lord always operates in the present, the now. Even though aprophecy isgiven inobedience to theHolySpirit, itmaybeyearsbefore it isfulfilled. Yet, the sound, tone or tenor of the prophecy may mislead us intothinking it could happen immediately. That is why we tend to misinterpretprophecy.God’stimingandourtimingarevastlydifferent.Why?TheanswerisinthenatureofGod.Healwayswasandalwayswillbe.Theelementof“time”asmanviewsitandasGodviewsitcanbeyears,decades,evencenturiesapart.I have known prophecy to take years in coming to fulfillment that initiallysoundedasifitwouldbeamatterofdays.SowemustacceptthefactthatGod’stime schedule is far from agreeing with ours. We would all do better withpersonal prophecy if we threw out our “Timex” and began to wait on ourprophecies.Godwillfulfill theminHistimeandaccordingtoHisplanforourlives.Godwillnotbehurried.TohurryHimistofindfaultwithHim.

FailingtoRecognizeOurLimitationsOur last hindrance in receiving prophecy is failing to recognize our

limitations.Justasourphysicalbodiescanhavehandicapsthathinderus,socanourspiritualbeingshavecertainhandicapsthathinderourabilitytoreceivetruthin prophecy. There are no exceptions to this rule.We are all guilty of it, nomatter how spiritualwemay be. Even themost experienced individuals, whodeliver prophecy to other believers, can themselves stumble over receivingprophecyintheirownlives.Wecanbegreatprophetic“transmitters”andpoorprophetic “receivers” at the same time. All of us have “blind spots.” Thefollowing lists the most prevalent spiritual conditions that hinder us fromreceiving prophecy. These conditions are listed in the order of their severity,with“HardnessofHeart”being themostsevere.Thesespiritualconditionsarebestunderstoodaslimitationsinreceivingprophetictruth.

1.HardnessofHeart,2.UncircumcisedHeart,3.Stiffneckedness,4.UncircumcisedEar—DullofHearing,5.BlindedEyes,and6.CarnalMind.Also listed are the appropriate symptoms that accompany each of these

conditions.Bylistingtheconditionfirstandthenanya>companyingsymptoms,

we will better understand our spiritual limitations. No believer has totalimmunity from these conditions.However, all of these conditionsare curable.Butifweignoretheirpresenceanddonotapplysometypeofrepentance,theseconditions can lead to spiritual death. At the very least, we will forfeit theeffectivenessthatpersonalprophecycanhaveinourlivesifwedonote-spondcorrectly to these conditions. Remember, these are responses to receivingprophecy. So view each response as a choice youmake toward your personalprophecy.

This list of spiritual conditions finds its origin in Scripture. The list ofspiritual symptoms, however, is highly subjective. Consequently, it representsthe author’s interpretation based on both Scripture and personal observation.Again,theseconditionsarelistedintheorderoftheirseverity.

PropheticCondition—PropheticSymptomsHardnessofHeart(Matt.19:8)—Displaysatotalrejectionofprophecyand

rejectstheonewhodeliversit.PharaohdevelopedthesesymptomswhiledealingwiththeprophetMoses.Isterminaltoyourspirituallifeifnotdealtwith.Jesusmade reference to this spiritual symptomin regard todivorce.Canevenaffectentirechurchesand lead toapropheticpandemic.When rejectionofprophecyoccurs corporatelywithin a church, it results in awidespread, deadly spiritualdisease (i.e., prophetic pandemic). Is numb, apathetic, closed-minded andotherwiseunreceptivetowardprophecy.

UncircumcisedHeart (Acts7:51)—Notasseriousas“hardnessofheart,”butstilla“critical”spiritualdisease.IsUnyieldedandtendstoresistprophecy.Rebelliousinnatureandalienatesselffromprophecy.“Fleshly”(uncircumcised)response diminishes the effectiveness of prophecy.Defensive toward allowingGodtochangeself.Usuallychronic,butseldomterminal.BecameanepidemicinIsraelseveraltimes(Deut.10:16;Jer.4:4).

Stiffneckedness (Acts7:51)—Lacks flexibility in responding toprophecy.Unableto“see”beyondone’sownlimitedperspective.Stubborn,proud.Refusesto consider the possibility that prophecy may be a reality. Thinks that ownwisdom exceeds anything prophecy can offer. Unyielded to prophecy.Narrowmindedand“know-it-all.”

UncircumcisedEar—Dull ofHearing (Matt. 13:15)—Relies excessivelyon human understanding. Usually bound to a single tradition or set ofpredetermined religious beliefs. Too dependent on own personal “witness” to

prophecy and uses it as an excuse to disobey. Critical spirit. Poor listener.Prophecy viewed as irrelevant. Prophecy becomes inaudible to their spirit.Propheticallydeaf.

Blinded Eyes (Rev. 3:18)—Willfully refuses to see (“scales”). Wouldrather die than have eyes opened. Self righteous. Tends to recruit otherswithsimilarblindnesstosupporttheir“stand.”Thishandicapaffectsone’sreceptivityofprophecy.Almostalwaysfataltoanobjectiveviewofprophecyingeneral.

Carnal Mind (Rom. 8:7)—Sincere but opposes prophecy. Believesprophecyunnecessary inown life.Spiritually retarded in thinking.Self-reliant,proud. Tends to minimize power of gospel through legalistic spirit. Thisindividual dies spiritually at an early age, never growing past childhood inspiritual maturity. Allows “lower nature” to “quench” the Holy Spirit.“Lukewarm”towardprophecy.Spiritualdwarfism(distortion)results.Worldly.Spiritually unbalanced. Analytical. Given to rationalizations against prophecy.Unfocused.

Many of these prophetic symptoms can “overlap,” depending on theindividual.Althoughincompleteinitsdescriptionofaspiritual“condition”and“symptoms”eachresponseshouldserveas“foodforthought”whenexaminingourpersonalresponsetoprophecy.Thesedescriptionsdosufficientlycoverthegeneralproblem.Ifwecanhumbleourselvesandadmitwemayneed“medical”attention, in our responses to prophecy, God will totally heal us. If we canhonestlysaythatwedonothaveanyofthesesymptoms,thenwecan

begratefultoGodforahealthyattitudetowardpersonalprophecy.Summary Outline: Hindrances When Receiving

Prophecy1.Self-preservingoftherecipient.2.DistortedviewingofGod’stiming.3.Drawingprematureconclusions.4.Allowingoffensetooverruletruth.5.MisunderstandingGodsplanforourlives.6.Failingtorecognizeourlimitationsinreceivingtruth:a.Hardnessof/wart,b.Uncircumcisedheart,c.Stiffneckedness,d.Uncircumcisedear—Dullofhearing,

e.Blindedeyes,andf.Carnalmind.ChapterFiveTheSecrettoPowerinProphecyGenuine humility is a rare thing. Once we recognize it in our lives, we

could lose it if we are not careful. Nevertheless, we need to examine someguidelines of humility in order to keep it as a balancing force in our lives asbelievers. The secret to real power in the Holy Spirit is humility, or “lowmindedness”astheKingJamesVersiontranslatesit.

TheScriptures tellus to“clothe [ourselves]withhumility...” (1Pet.5:5).Thatmeanswe are responsible for“putting iton”ourselves.Letusexamineafewfactsthatshowuswhathumilityisbyshowinguswhathumilityisnot.

Humilityisnotsomethingwithwhichyouwereborn.Itisnotapersonalitytrait innate in all human beings. True humility is something you developprogressively throughout your Christian life. It is not something you achieveonce and for all, but is something that keepsgrowing in you.Humility isnothow others view you externally; rather, humility is how you look at yourselfinternally. More accurately, humility is a spiritual condition of the heart. Tohavepower inyour life arid to cooperate in thegift of prophecy, youneed to“puton”(beclothedwith)genuinehumility.

Thebasisforgenuinehumilityissimple.EverythingweareandeverythingwehavecomesfromGod.“Everygoodandperfectgiftisfromabove,comingdownfromtheFatheroftheheavenlylights...”(James1:17).Howthencanwetake“credit” foranything thatGodhasdone inour lives?Weasbelieversaremerelythe“earthenvessels”whileHeisthemostpreciousoilthatfillsus.Thetruevalueofan“earthenvessel”wasalwaysinitscontentsandnotinthevesselitself.Thevesselwasusefulonlyasacontainerofthatpreciousoil.

One night, while in prayer, the importance of practicing humility wasrevealed tome personally by the Lord. I “saw” that there were at least threethingsinGodyouneverwantto“touch.”Inthiscontext,theterm“touch”means“to embrace excessively” either physically, mentally or spiritually. First, younever“touch” (covet) anotherman’shouse,wife,possessions,etc. or anythingthatbelongstoyourneighbor(Ex.20:17).Second,Iwastoldtonevertouch“theunfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11 KJV). Third, and most importantly,GodtoldmethatnightinprayerthatIshouldnevertouchthe“glory”(splendor,majesty,praise,worship,adoration,exaltation,)duetheLord!

A believer will always regret “touching” (coveting) anything from thesethreeareas,buthewill regret“touching” the“glory”due theLordmostofall.Godtoldmethatnightsomethingspecialaboutthissubjectofhumility.Hetoldmethatyoucannever“pay”God“back”forthegloryyousteal!Thereisnowayto properly reimburse God for this type of theft! Isaiah 42:8 says, “I am theLord; that isMy name! I will not giveMy glory to another orMy praise toidols.”InActs12:23Herodwasstruckwithanillnessthenfilledwithmaggots,anddied,becausehedidnotgiveGod theglory.Allbelievers shoulduse thisScriptureastheirmotto:“IhavebroughtYougloryonearthbycompletingthework You gave Me to do” (John 17:4). Remember, the “glory” is due God,withoutreservation,byvirtueofonefact:HeisAlmightyGod!

Wearenotpracticinggenuine(scriptural)humilityjustbecauseweappearshy,bashful,timidorintrovertedinpersonality.Wecanappearhumblebecauseofacertainpersonality typeandstillbeproudinourheart(spirit).Humility isvolitional.Thatis,weconsciouslychooseordecidetopracticehumilitythroughanactofourwill.Humilityhasalmostnothingtodowithpersonality.

Asbelievers,wedonotaskGodtohumbleus,wehumbleourselves,inallcircumstances,bythegraceofGodinus.TheoriginalGreekwordforhumility(tapeinos) means “to be humble in spirit, lowly in mind.” We can be veryoutgoing, classic extroverts, and still behumble in the true senseof theword.Forthebeliever,humilityisaresponse thatoriginatesinourspiritsandguidesourthinking.Thechoiceisuptous!Humilityisalearnedreflexandaskillthatweobtainthroughexperience.

Let us examine thechoice thePhariseesmade in regard tohumility.ThePhariseeschoseapoorsubstituteforgenuinehumility.Theychosetowalkina“religiousspirit”steepedinreligiousprideandhypocrisy.ThePhariseeslookedandacted“humbly”outwardly,butdeniedJesusChristHistrueLordshipintheirlives inwardly. The Scriptures describe this group of religious hypocrites asactuallybelievingintheirownselfrighteousnessandfalsehumility.Theywereclassicexamplesofwhatitmeanstodaytobedeceivedandproud.Weneedtolearn from their mistakes! We must choose daily between humility andhypocrisy.

The practice of “humbling ourselves” as believers is best illustrated by asimplepressuregaugecommonlyseenoncertainpiecesofmachinery.Onthesegaugesthereisalwaysa“safe”zoneandadangeror“red”zoneclearlymarkedbycolor.Thewhitebackgroundonthegauge(safezone)meansthepressureissafeandnoactionneedstobetakentocorrectit.Thered(danger)zoneindicates

excessivepressureandimmediateactionneedstobetakentopreventapossibleexplosion. As long as a believer stays in the “safe” zone, in terms of hishumility,Godwillleavehimalone.Ifhemovesintothe“red”zone,intermsofhis lack of humility, then God willwarn (not kill!) him.. I believe God hasshownme a fewways to stay in this “safe” zone. If humility is the secret topowerinprophecy,thenweneedtofollowtheseguidelines:

1.Donottakeyourselftooseriously.Wecallthishumility.2.Donotletpeopleworshipyou.Wecallthisintegrity.3. AllowGod tobringyou into theplaceof “brokenness” thatHehas

preparedforyou.Wecallthisreality.Looking at our first point, of the three listed, we see that it is themost

personal. It is your responsibility, and your responsibility alone, to not takeyourselftooseriously.OnlyyouandGodcanknowyourheartinthiscase.Asamatteroffact,Godknowsyourheartbetterthanyoudo,butHestillcommitstheactorprocessofhumblingyourself toyou.Eachofusmustwillinglyhumbleourselves,especiallyinourowneyes.Itistheeasiestthingintheworldtofoolothers,butyouknowinyourheartifyouarewalkinghumblywithGod.Weallare acutely aware of our realmotives, innermost thoughts and hidden desiresandambitions.

Ifwewant to be “used ofGod” and operate in the gift of prophecy,weneed tohave a realistic viewofourselves.Weneed tounderstand thatwe arecreatures of pride and must be on our guard constantly. I believe it takes ahumble attitude to be “used of God” in prophecy. The best way to humbleyourselfistonottakeyourselftooseriously.

Conversely,myrelationshipwithGod issomethingI takeveryseriously.However, I do not take myself too seriously. Let me explain the differencebetweenthesetwoconcepts.Ononehand,IneedGodformyeverybreath.Ontheotherhand,GodcoulduseanybodyHewanted. Iamaware thatGoddoesnotneedme;Hehassimplychosenandcalledme.lamtheonewhoneedsHim.ImustneverthinkthatGodisfortunatetohavemearound.IfHewantedto,GodcouldusethestonesthatlayonthegroundtocryouttoHiminmyplace.ButIhave determined that no stone is going to takemy place in praisingGod andwalkinginhumility.(SeeLuke19:40.)

Our second point is: do not let people worship you. This problem hasalways been a deadly tendency in the Church. Our “flesh” gravitates towardexalting man and toward worshiping idols. History tells us that “it is in ourblood.” Unfortunately, one of the most popular idols we have today in the

Church is ourselves! We have a tendency in the Church to idolize men andwomenbasedontheirindividualgifts.

WearewarnedbyScriptureto“keep[ourselves]fromidols”(1John5:21).However,my concern here is about the “other side of the story.”We need totakeastandagainstpeopleworshipinguswhenGodusesus inprophecyor inanyof theothergifts. It isup to the individualwho isoperating in thegiftofprophecy to keep people from going too far where honor and gratitude isconcerned.That isonereasonwhysomebelieverseventuallyfall intospiritualpride.Theyneverlearnhowtogracefullyrefuseworship.

Theproblemreallybeginswhenwethinkwedonothaveanythingpeoplecouldworshipinthefirstplace.YetthechildrenofIsrael(atypeoftheChurch)chose toworship the image of a dumb animal.Theyworshiped an idol in theformofagoldencalf.Welike toworshipwhatappeals to thesenses. It isourflesh that gives idolatry its strength In the “flesh,” that golden calf lookedattractive to the children of Israel. It represented a counterfeit opportunity toworship. Itwasperversely appealing to their lowernatures.Sowhether it is agolden calf or the pastor of your church, both are “fair game” for idolworshipers.There isonlyone thing todowithworship that isdirected towardyou,andthatisrefuseit!

LetmeshareasecretabouthumilitythatGodgavemesomeyearsago.Itistheanswertothisproblemofreceivingworship.Godtoldmethatmycapacitytohumblemyselfwould increaseproportionatelywithmycapacitytomoveinthe gift of prophecy! What a beautiful promise! God will show us ways tohumbleourselves,torefuseworshipandtoremaineffectiveinprophecy.

It is this “other side” of idolatry that God is dealing with today. He isteaching those who are usually the object of false and idolatrous worship torefuse it.God toldme to never take the glory fromHim.He toldme I couldneverpayHimbackforanygloryIreceivedthatwasdueHim.Herodwaskilledbecauseheletthepeoplesay,“Thisisthevoiceofagod...”(Acts12:22).

AdoptarealisticviewofyourselfinGod.Alertyourselfatalltimestothisreality:Youareexpendable!Youarereplaceable!Goddoesnotneedyou.

Learninghowtohandlehumanresponse(gratitude)ispartofhumilitytoo.Weallneedtolearnhowtohumblyacceptthegratitudeofothers.Weneedtolearn thedifferencebetweenhowmuch toaccept forourselvesandhowmuchshouldgotoGod.OnlytheHolySpiritcanmakethatdecisionforeachbeliever.Allowing someone to merely express thanks is appropriate as long as bothpartiesrealizewhothesourceofblessingisand,ofcourse,weknowthatsource

isourheavenlyFather.Weareall“unprofitableservants”fulfillingourservicetoGod.Thisskillofdirectingpeople’sgratitudeandthanksgivingheavenwardwilldevelopfullyovertime.Skillstaketime.

Nodoubtyouwillbeoccasionallymisunderstoodwhenyouprophesy.Youmay suffer many times for obeying God in your prophetic service to Him.“However,ifyousufferasaChristian,donotbeashamed,butpraiseGodthatyoubearthatname”(1Pet.4:16).IfyouarereproachedforthenameofChrist,embracethesuffering,endureitforChrist,andhumbleyourselfforthegloryofGod.Becomebetter, not bitter!Thedisciples rejoiced “because theyhadbeencountedworthy of suffering disgrace for theName” (Acts5:4 1).Through allthissuffering,youmuststillhumbleyourself.Humilityis thekeytogrowthinthe Holy Spirit. Learn how to handle these human responses to prophecyhumbly,whethertheresponsesarepositiveornegative.

Our final thought on humility is a critical one, as far as operating“successfully”inthegiftofprophecyisconcerned.Wemustaskourselvestwofundamentalquestionsaboutourservice toGod.First,willwe“allow”God tobringustoaplaceof“brokenness”?Second,howdoweachieve“brokenness”inGodandstillsurvive?

The answer to achieving “brokenness” is simple and clear. We achieve“brokenness” by giving God permission to establish it in our lives!Wemustdesire forGod todevelopuspropheticallyHisway, inHis time,andwithourcooperation. This “fine tuning” of our prophetic gifting will usually involve“brokenness.” Genuine humility (brokenness) is not found on the spiritual“mountain tops” aswemistakenly imagine. Quite to the contrary, humility isfoundinthe“valley.”AsthePsalmistwrote,eventhe“valleyoftheshadowofdeath”(Ps.23:4).

In order to be mature prophetically, we must be willing to be humbled,brokenandevencrucified.Yes,wemustdie!Why?Godknowsus intimately,insideandout.Heknowswhatmotivatesus.Heknowswhywedowhatwedointhenameofour“service”toGod.Heknowsthatoccasionallyourambitionsandourmotives are not d-ways in linewithHis plan.God is theOnewho neverchanges.Therefore,wearetheonesthatmustchangeorbeleftwanderinginthewil-dernessofunbrokenness,prideandrebellion.Wearetheoneswhoneedto“die to the flesh”Withouthesitation,ourprayershouldbe thesewords:“YourKingdomcome,Yourwillbedone.”

Godhasusedvariousmeanstoaccomplishasmalllevelofhumilityinmepersonally.Forexample,Hehasallowedmisunderstandingtowardmyprophetic

ministryfrombothbelieversandunbelieversinordertohumbleme.Hehasusedbusiness failures and economic pressures to humble me. For example, I tookhumiliatingjobsthatbarelyallowedmetopaythebills.Iwasliving“hand-to-mouth”foryears,neverabletofindanyfinancialstability.Theseweresomeofthe“valleys”Godhad lovinglyprepared forme.These situationshumbledmeandbrokeme.MyextendedfamilythoughtIwasan“underachiever.”Evenmyspiritualfamilycouldnotunderstandmylife’spatternattimes.Goddidallthisaridmoretohumbleme.Itdidnotlastforever,butbelieveme,itwaseffective!Now,symbolicallyspeaking,Godcanbeginto“flow”throughmewithoutalotof“debris”inmypipe.

Ichallengeyou,asabeliever,toallowtheLord,inHisperfectlove,mercy,unselfishness, compassion and wisdom, to break (humble) you. The oil of“anointing”(God’seffectivepresence inyour lifeandministry)will flowfromyouonlyafterconsecration(brokennessandsubmission).Youmayexperiencea“trickle” ofHis “anointing”without beingbroken, but you can experience thefull“flow”ofHis“anointing”inyourlifewhenyouarebrokenbeforetheLord.The“fireofGod”willnotfallonemptyaltarsofsacrifice(seeFirstKings18).Itis you who are required to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy andpleasingtoGod...”(Rom.12:1).OnlyGodknowswhatmayberequiredofyoutoexperiencebrokenness.Yetnomatterwhat“breaking”yougo through,“weknowthatinallthingsGodworksforthegoodofthosewholoveHim...”(Rom..8:28).

Wehaveseentheprincipleofbrokennessperfectlydemonstratedinthelifeof Jesus. As in the example of Jesus, crucifixion (brokenness) was the onlyprerequisite to resurrection. Ifwewant to live the resurrected life ofGod,wemust be willing to experience the death of crucifixion of our selfish desires,ambitionsandways.

Noonewasmoreunwillingasabeliever toexperiencebrokenness thanIwas. Iwas fearfulof thewholeconceptbecause Ididnotunderstand it. Iwasliterallythrownintocircumstancesthatproducedsomebrokennessinmylife.Ihatedeveryminuteof it at the time. I kickedand screamed through the entireprocess.However,itwastheresulting“fruit”ofthesecircumstancesthatbegantoshowmehowvaluablebrokennesscanbe.

Thedarkandevilworldoftheoccultalsoservesasanillustrationfortheneedofgenuinebrokennessinthelifeofabeliever.Wewilldefinetheoccultas“spiritually illegal and illicit supernatural influences, agencies or phenomenainspiredbythedevil.”ItisinthisareaknownastheoccultwhereUnbrokenness

reigns supreme in thosewho participate in its practices. It is unbrokenness or“unsurrendered”power that isat therootof thesinofalloccultpracticesandactivities. It is this “Unsurrendered” power that attempts to circumvent Godinsteadof“goingthrough”(submittingto)God.

In Luke 4:4-13, the devil even tempted Jesus Christ to operate inunsurrendered power. In different ways, but with the same intent, the devilsuggested three times thatunsurrenderedpower be exercised by Jesus outsidethewillofHisFatherThedevilwas trying tocause JesusChrist tooperate inoccult-like behavior! Jesus saw through this scheme and quotedGod’sWord,and He refused to yield to any opportunity to exercise unsurrendered power.Onceagain,JesusisourgreatestexampleofsubmittingourspiritualgiftstotheFather in perfect and total surrendered spiritual power. That is why we asbelievers must experience some measure of God’s divine “school” ofbrokenness.GoddoesnotwantHischildrentooperateinanareaofgiftingthatin any way represents “unsurrendered” power. A submitted and yielded life(includinganygifts)tothewillofGodbringsmuchglorytoGodandagreaterlevel of blessing to theBody ofChrist. So be on your guard against spiritualpower that is “unsurrendered” to the name and Lordship of Jesus Christ,especiallyinthegiftofprophecy.

Summary Outline: Three Secrets to Power inProphecy

1.Humility:Donottakeyourselftooseriously.2.Integrity:Donotallowpeopletoworshipyou.3.Reality:DonotresistthebrokennessthatGodworksinyourlife.

ChapterSixCautionsRelatedtoProphecyA caution is “a forethought to avoid danger or harm.” Therefore,

(prophetic) cautions as they relate to this material are best defined as “forethoughtstoavoiddangerorharmwhileoperatinginprophecy.”

Thepurposeofthisbookhasbeentohelpeverybelieveroperateinthegiftofprophecyfreelyandwithoutunduerestrictions.Ihavepresentedvariousstep-by-step formulas that have been proven, through experience, to actually“produce”prophecy in anySpirit-filledbelieverwhodesires it. I have tried totakeprophecyfromthehandsofjustafewandputitintothehandsofmanyintheBodyofChrist.

Believersfromvariouscharismaticcircleshavebeenabletoovercometheircommon misconceptions, doubts and fears about operating in the gift ofprophecybecauseofthisbook.Ihavereceivedmanytestimoniesfrombelieverswhoneverrealizedhowsimpleitwastooperateinthisgift.Oneelderlybelievertoldme that he had beenwaiting 40 years to operate in the gift of prophecy!Afterfollowingtheseinstructions,heprophesiedwithgreateaseandaccuracy.

The Scriptures say, “...wisdom is proved right by her actions” (Matt.11:19). It generally means that if a truth is producing scriptural results, itswisdom (its application in our lives) is justified. ThankGod thatwe can helpothers operate in this gift, just aswewere helped. Thiswisdom thatGod hasgivenushasproven tobe rightby theactions itproduced in thesebelievers. IcanhearGodsaying,“Rejoice,Mywordistrue,youcanallprophesy!”

Thereare,nevertheless,certaincautionswemustmentionandbecarefultomaintaininourresponsetoprophecy.Wemustmaintaintheorderaswellasthefreedomof theHolySpirit.Godhasmade itour responsibility todoall things“in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Cot 14:40). Let us examine the followingphrases,sincetheyeachpertaintoaparticularcautionnecessaryfortheproperuseofthegiftofprophecy.Thesecautionsaddqualitytotheoperationofthegiftofprophecyinourlives,aswellasanyothergiftGodmightchooseforeachofus.

1.Pickandchoose.2.Bettersafethansorry.3.Free-for-all.

4.SloppyJoe.PickandChooseFirst,letusrememberwhattheScripturesteachusinFirstCorinthians12

aboutthe“giftsoftheSpirit”ingeneral.ItisGod,throughHisHolySpirit,whodecides, distributes and determines who receives which gift (s) of the HolySpirit.ItisGodwhogivesabelieverthe“giftofthewordofknowledge”orthe“giftofmiracles”byHisownchoosing.Wedonothingtodeserveortoqualifyfor this privilege. Simply stated, God gives us gifts because He wants to!Similarly, it is God who decides who will be a prophet and who will be anapostleaccordingtoEphesians4:11.Inotherwords,operatinginthe“gifts”and“callings”oftheLordisnotamatterofpickandchooseatall.

ItistruethatGodintendsforallbelieverstospeakintonguesandprophesy(seeChapterOne).Wehavesupportedthatfactthroughoutthisbook.Whetheritisthe“general”giftoftonguesorthe“general”giftofprophecy,theScripturesteach us that these particular gifts are for us all. Here, at this point, we areconsidering a completelydifferent list of spiritual gifts.Concerning theseninegifts(specialendowments)oftheSpiritinFirstCorinthians12,itisentirelyuptotheLordJesusChristastohowHeuseseachofusinthesespecificgiftings.Weneedtounderstandthatthislistof“special”giftingsisseparateanddistinctfromthe“general”giftsoftonguesandprophecyalreadymentioned.WeknowthattobetruebecauseFirstCorinthians12says,“Toonethereisgiven...”(v.8).Itdoesnotsaytoallthereisgiven.These“specific”giftingsinChapter12aregiven to believers as God wills. We cannot pick our gifts as if they weregroceriesonashelf.Goddidnotgiveusthatprivilege.TheScripturessaythatthe “gifts and the callings” are of God (Rom. 11:29). That means we do notdecide who gets what gift; He does. Now, I believe that God will use onebelievertoimpartagifttoanotherbelieverthroughthelayingonofhandsandthe“giftof thewordofknowledge.”Even then it is stillGodwhodetermineswhogetsthatgift.ifGodgivesusaparticulargift,thenweneedtobefaithfultothatgift.WecannotcomplaintoGodconcerninghowHeusesus.ComplainingwillnotchangeGod’smindatallaboutwhichgift(s)Hehaschosenforus.Heistheonewhopicksandchoosesforus.Wemustonlysubmittothatplanandchoice.

Allowmetorepeatsomethingforthepurposeofclarity.Iamreferringhereto the nine “gifts of the Spirit,” not “general” prophecy or tongues. The nine“special”giftsaregivenonlytothosewhomGodwills(1Cor.12:7-11).Verse11tellsusthat“everyman”(KJV)canandshouldbelieveGodforatleastoneof

these“special”gifts.YetitisstillGodwho“givesthemtoeachone,justasHedetermines.”Inotherwords,GodistheOnewhoinitiatestheirreleaseintoourlives. So, when we go beyond the gift of “general” tongues and “general”prophecy meant for all believers (Acts 19), we must allow God to pick andchoosefromthelistof“special”giftingsinFirstCorinthians12asHewillsforus.IIwefailtoacceptHisperfectchoiceofgiftsfromthislist,thenweforfeitsomethingofthewillofGodforus.FirstCorinthians12:18saysthat“Godhasarranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just asHewanted them tobe.”

BetterSafeThanSorrySecond is another cautionwhich is best described by the phrase,“Better

safethansorry.”Thiscautiondealswithhowothersrespondtoyourprophecies.Ifyoudiscoverthatpeoplearenotrespondingfavorablytoyourprophecies,then“holdoff’ for a time.Donot be afraid towait on your prophecies before youdeliver them..TheLordwouldratherhaveyoubesafe thansorry. Ifbelievers(or your spiritual leaders) are not regularly confirming your prophecies, thentake it as a possiblewarning.Youmay be “slipping” into some error in yourprophecies. It is not the end of the world for you, but it is a warningnevertheless. Generally speaking, there should always be a certain amount ofpositive response to your prophecies. Most of the time you should not be“surprising”people inanegativewaywithyourprophecies.Rather, rememberthat a prophecy’smain purpose is to “strengthen, encourage and comfort,” tobringhealingandhopetothebeliever.

Goddoes notwant you to hastily “blurt out” just anything and label it aprophecy.That issometimes thecasewithover-anxiousbeginners.Godwouldhave you strive for quality rather than for quantity in your prophecies. Youaccomplishthatby“testing”thesourceofyourprophecyaccordingtoFirstJohn4:1-3.Canyou reasonably“prove” that theprophecy is fromGod? Ifyoucansayyestothisquestion,thenyouarepracticingsaferatherthansorrymethodsinprophecy.“Aninheritancequicklygainedatthebeginningwillnotbeblessedattheend”(Prov.20:21).

Do not be impatient to mature in the area of prophecy. God has apersonalized training coursewhichwe allmust go through. Trying to “skip aclass” or two will only increase the likelihood of errors. Do not try to rushthrough thesevital lessons thatGodhasordained foryou.Beingpropheticallyconservative does notmean you are “quenching the Spirit.” Itmeans you arelearningtheproperrestraintsthatmaykeepyououtoftroublelater.Remember,

safetyfirst!Free-For-AllOurnextcautionconcerningprophecydealswiththefree..for-allproblem.

Although this tendency is not prevalent inmost churches, it still represents aproblem in the area of prophecy fromwhich we can all learn. This problem,morethanalltheothers,candiminishtheeffectivenessandqualityofprophecyalmostovernight.Thefree-for-allapproachtoprophecyisusuallytheresultofalackoforderandleadershipinsuchspiritualthingsasprophecy.Itcan,however,be detected in anyone who may have an impatient spirit, whether spirituallyyoung or old. This problem is especially dangerous in publicmeetings, but italsocanrenderrealharmona“one-to-one”basis.Attimesthegiftofprophecycanbeextendedbeyondthepointofblessingandbecomemechanicalanddryorexaggeratedandunrestrained.Remember,thereneedstobeanordereventothemostspontaneousoperationofthegiftofprophecy.Itisnotafree-for-allwherejustanyonecanspeakoract.Thatishowweoverextendprophecy.Thatishowthegift of prophecybecomes “watereddown” arid so “commonplace” that noone listens. It isbetter tobe inameetingwhereoneor twoqualitypropheciesare given than five or six poor ones.Wemust balance the propermixture ofspontaneityandorder inprophecy,especially inapublicchurchsetting. If thecorrect balancebetweenorder and spontaneity is realized, anyprophecies thatarespokenwillhaveaclearandeffectivequality to them,distinguishing themfromthewatered-downvariety.

Ifeitherorderorspontaneitybecomeimbalancedinapublicchurchsetting,thenusuallytheeffectivenessoftheprophecieswilldiminishproportionately.

Theanswer to regulating thisproblemof imbalance inprophecy is rathersimple.First,youmustallowonlythosewhohaveaprovenministryinthegiftof prophecy tomaintain amajor profilewithin a church. If you allow apoorexampletogounchecked,thenothersmayfollow.Itmaynothappeninstantly,buttheseedwillbeplanted.

Theseindividualswiththeprovenministriesdonotnecessarilyhavetobeinchurchgovernmentasleaders,buttheyshouldhaveagood“trackrecord”intheareaoftheirexpertise,whichisprophecy.

Second, teaching the Scriptures concerning prophecy will bring a betterunderstandingtoanychurchorindividualbeliever.Properteachingwillalwaysincrease thechancesofagoodexamplebeingdevelopedwithinachurch. It isalways“theunfoldingofYourwords[that]gives light”(Ps.119:130a) toanysubjectandprophecyisnodifferent.Soreadandstudymaterialonprophecyby

anauthorwhoactuallyoperatesinprophecyhimself.Forexample,ifIwanttolearnhowtobeaplumber,Iexpectmyteachertoknowthetradebecausehehadbeen, at one time or another, a plumber. Theory is fine and has its place inlearning, but I would rather be taught by an author who practices what hepreachesandoperatesinthegiftofprophecyhimself.ThatishowJesustaught—bywordanddeed.

Third,theultimatesolutiontoorderandspontaneityisthepresenceoftheHolySpirit.Whenweinvite thepresenceof theHolySpirit toameeting, thenorderandspontaneitywillfollow.WeneedonlytoyieldtoHisperfectbalance.

Fourth, develop good prophetic examples and eliminate poor propheticexamples.TeachthebasicsofprophecyfromGod’sWord.Mostofall,allowtheHolySpirittotakefullcontrolofthemeeting.Theresultwillbethefree-for-allapproachtoprophecyquietlyself-destructing.Itsimplywillnotwanttoliveinan atmospherewhere it cannot thrive and reproduce itself. Then themeetingswill be more “anointed,” more spontaneous, and will have fewer “highs andlows.”Bothorderand spontaneitywillbeperfectlyblendedas thesemeasuresaretaken.

SloppyJoeIlefttheSloppyJoecautionforlastbecauseallbelieverscanbeguiltyofit

from time to time. It seems very fewbelievers todaywant to be considered a“specialist.”Websterdefinesaspecialistas“onewhohasdevotedhimself toaparticular branch of study or research.” To elaborate, we are referring to a“specialist”asonewhoseekstodevelopandculturethegiftofprophecy.Often,wewanttobea“sloppyJoe”andstillfunctionbeyondourmeasureoffaithandeffectiveness.Paulsaid,“We,however,willnotboastbeyondproperlimits,butwillconfineourboastingtothefieldGodhasassignedtous...”(2Cor.10:13).

God is calling prophetic “specialists” today. He does not need 10,000“general practitioners’ clumsily operating in prophecy. The Church has seenenoughof these “gardenvariety”propheciesdeliveredby thosewellmeaning,butgenerally ineffectivebelievers.Hedesiresan“army”of first-rateprophetic“specialists” who deliver “first-rate” prophecies. This “army” can be anymemberof theBodyofChristwho follows thecautionspresentedhere in thischapter. I am not referring to an exclusive club, but rather to a focus towardwhichallbelieversshouldstrive.Allbelieversmust refine,honeandgenerallybe responsible for thegift of prophecy (or anygift fromGod, for thatmatter)given us by Him. All believers must insist on proper maintenance anddevelopmentofthequalityofwhatevergiftGodhasmadeavailabletothem.We

mustnevertakeGod’spreciousgiftsforgranted.We have had the wrong emphasis in ministry by thinking that to be

effective,wehadtobeabletodoitall!Nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth!God is trying to raise up individuals who can “specialize” (devote, develop,culture)inministryandbringmoreglorytoGod.Iwouldratherbea“specialist”in any area of gifting and ministry, than a perpetually stumbling apprentice,tryingtodoitallforJesus!Thismentalityclearlyisbasedonpride.

MygoalhereistomakeeveryoneawareofthepossibilitythatGodwishesall believers to “specialize” in the gift of prophecy as amatter of focus. Thatmayevenmeanexcludingthestudyofothergiftsthatmightnotnecessarilybetheirs in the first pace. Thereby they “major” (if you will), in the gift ofprophecy. This “army of prophetic specialists” will then be, by definition, acorpsofgiftedbelieversfromwithinthemultitudetowhomthisbookiswritten.However,Idonotwanttoappearcondescendingtoanyonewhoreadsthisbook,whatever his gift or ministry may be. Potentially then, we all could be“specialists”inprophecyorinanygiftofGod.Thispotentialexcitesme,andIhopeitexcitesyouaswell.

Weallmustre-defineourrolesandbegintoviewthemasGodseesthem.Wemustnotallowourselvestobepressuredtomerelyperform.Theexistenceof a need does not necessarily require that we be the one to meet that need.Perhaps God has another “specialist” for that need.We tend to react to needratherthane-spondbecauseweseeagreatnumberofneeds.Reactionstendtobeimpulsive,unproductiveandusuallytemporary.Responses,ontheotherhand,arethought-outsolutionswitheasy-to-followapplications.Strivetorespondandnottoreact.WeneedtorestrictourselvesandconcentrateontheministryGodhasgivenus.Wecallthisrestrictionandconcentrationofourgiftings,obediencetoGod.Anobedientbelieverisa“specialist”!

TodayGodisrejectingan“applesauce”theologyintheChurch.NolongerwillHepermitusto“blend”everythingtogetherandhopeforthebest.Rather,we need to discover our specialty inGod andwork at perfecting it forGod’sglory.Becoming aprophetic specialist and striving for excellence, quality andeternalresults,ispreciselywhatGodisexpectingfromyou.

SummaryOutline:CautionsRelatedtoProphecy1.Pickandchoose.2.Bettersafethansorry.3.Free-for-all.4.SloppyJoe

ChapterSevenPersonalThoughtsonProphecyOver thepast15 (plus)years, theLordhasallowedme toprophesyover

literally thousands of believers.Operating in the gift of prophecyhas been, tome,thehighestofhonors,andIcontinuetobeawedthatGodhaschosenmetobless other believers. This book is the accumulation of knowledge based onthosemanyyearsofministry.Ihavelearnedmuchthroughtrialanderrorintheareaofprophecy.For thebenefitof the reader, Iam includingsomeofwhat Ihavelearnedthroughmypersonalexperiences.Hopefullyotherswillbeabletobenefitfrommysuccessesandfailuresintheareaofprophecy.

Thefollowinginsightsarewrittenin“brief”becauseitisnotmyintentiontocomplicatethissubject,buttosimplifyit.Therefore,thethoughtsgiveninthisfinalchapteraremeanttostimulateyourthought,notnecessarilytobecompletetruthsinthemselves.However,Itrustyouwillfindineachitemsomethingthatcanbeappliedtoyourpropheticministry.(Thefirstsectionisonthedelivering(giving)ofprophecy.Thesecondsectionisonthereceivingofprophecy).

DeliveringProphecy1.Whendeliveringaprophecy,yourpersonalopinionmaydisagreewith

God’s. God’s opinion is neverwrong andHe never changes. Do not let yourviewpointhinderyouwhenyoudeliverprophecy.GivetheprophecyexactlyasGodgivesittoyou.Remember,Godneverasksforyouropinion,justforyourobedience.

2. God will give you a “set of rules” by which you operate whenprophesying. For example, your “rules” may require you to lay hands on thepersonbeforeprophesying.Perhapsyouneedtospeakintonguestoyourselfto“clearyourspirit”beforeministeringtosomeoneinprophecy.Whateverworksbestforyouiscalledyourpersonal“setofrules”ofprophecy.Followtheserulesandyouwillbeeffective.Deviatefromthem,anditcouldcostyou.TheserulesaredesignedbyGodtomakeyoueffective.

3.Godaloneinitiatestheoperationofthegiftofprophecy.Heturnsitonand off according toHiswill.Wedo not control this gift.Wedo our part bymaking ourselves available. Prophecy ismerely the “echo” of somethingGodhas already spoken. Prophecy is then a verbal “reflection” of God to us.We

“echo’and“reflect”Hiswordsinprophecy.4. Do not let others over extend your gift. When you know you are

finished,youneedtostop.Donotcontinueministeringsimplybecausesomeonewants you to. Pressure from others to perform is never of God. Neither ispressuringyourself

5. God will never forceyou toprophesy.He is looking forwilling,cooperativevesselsorvehiclesthroughwhomHecanoperate.Donotacceptaleadingthatseemstoforceorpushyoutoprophesy.

6. God seldom “yells,” but He often “whispers.” Recognize that the“promptings”and“leadings”oftheHolySpirittoprophesyareusuallysubtleinnature.Beattentivetothe“gentlewhispers”oftheHolySpirit,that“still,smallvoice.”Be agood listener; donot expectGod to “yell.”God is seldom in thegreatwind,thepowerfulearthquakeortheragingfire.(1Kings19:11,12).

ReceivingProphecy1. When receiving prophecy,Godmoldsyou to fit the prophecy.God

doesnotmoldtheprophecytofityou.Youaretheonewhowillneedtochangeoracttoconformtotheprophecy.Theprophecyisthe“constant”andyouarethe“variable.”

2. Anyprophecy, at “facevalue,” canbedangerous. “Test everything.Holdontothegood”(1Thess.5:21).Nomatterwhospeaksorwhatthecontentis,donotacceptunconditionallyanyprophecyuntilithasbeenprovenby:(1)aclear inward witness; (2) another specific, confirming prophecy; and (3)cooperatingcircumstances.

3.Inprophecy,Godusually“zerosin”ononeortwoaspectsofyourlife.Do not overreact. Place the prophecy in context with your life as a whole.Prophecyisa limitedgiftandshouldneverbeviewedasthecompletemindofGod in your life. First Corinthians 13:9 says, “For we know in part and weprophesyinpart.”

Whether we are discussing the giving or receiving of prophecy, ourapproachtothesubjectmustbethis:Balance,balance,balance!