The Gift of Prophecy
Counting the Cost Any servant of God is going to face opposition, persecution, rejection. Someone given the gifts of prophecy; and called by the Lord to use them will also. At times, it’s necessary to remind ourselves of this fact, and go back to the teachings given to us, to re-establish ourselves in God, to re-gain strength, and straighten our feet on the right course when we are tempted to go astray. Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Luk 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Luk 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Luk 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Luk 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. Luk 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. When God created us; he put in each of us specific character traits, personalities, and gifts. At the time of our salvation, those gifts are meant to be used to bring glory and honor to the Lord. Unfortunately; because of the nature of sin, we are prone to allow the devil to corrupt that plan of God. The gifts can be misused, great harm can be done to people, and reproach brought upon the name of the Lord Jesus. This is the case to a great degree today; and sadly Jesus warned us when he walked among us that many false prophets would increase in the last days. Anyone who has a true calling in the prophetic realm today, is fighting upstream against an onslaught of false prophets, false brethren who are out to make a name for themselves, gross error in doctrine being taught (and to a great degree the chruch is swallowing it), and false manifestations that again, is being accepted by the body of Christ, because of ignorance of what the bible says, and the flesh that wants it's own way. What the prophetic servant of God is facing today is not new; it's the same devil, there's nothing new under the sun. But, the trials, and attacks are much greater, and multiplied many times; because we are living in the last days Jesus warned us about. If you know God has called you into the service of the prophetic, you might as well make up your mind that your going to be to a great degree just as John the Baptist.(Joh. 1:23) He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. A voice crying in the wilderness; and precious few will listen, believe, or heed what God gives you to say. And, even if what you proclaim is identified as being from the Lord; you can expect hatred, resentment, rebellion, great attacks, and attempts to destroy your reputation and integrity. This will especially be true among your own family members; close friends, and those you may be well acquainted with in your church and community. You must expect it. Mat 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. Mat 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Mar 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. Mar 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. Mar 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. Joh 4:44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 1Jn 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. Persecution comes to all believer's; but in the prophetic realm, it seems to be multiplied. A steady stream of this kind of suffering, and persecution can affect our hearts, and spirits. Staying close to the Master in prayer and fellowship is necessary, because we will be prone to give in to these things developing in us: 1. unforgiveness 2. bitterness 3. anger 4. discouragement 5. becoming corrupted, and disobedient You will have to sit down alone with God, and be brutally honest with Him, and yourself. In our own flesh; we cannot do the job He has given us. It can only be done with the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and His power within us to walk in obedience to what God may ask us to do or say. The bottom line of it is; we must die; the Christ in us must be what moves us, gives us the power to do His will, and take the consequences. Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. False Prophets Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before. 2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. In Old Testament times; prophets were dealt strictly by God for disobedience, and speaking false prophecies. Sometimes it cost them their lives. Jer 28:1 And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying, Jer 28:2 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Jer 28:3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD'S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon: Jer 28:4 And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Jer 28:5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said unto the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people that stood in the house of the LORD, Jer 28:6 Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place. Jer 28:7 Nevertheless hear thou now this word that I speak in thine ears, and in the ears of all the people; Jer 28:8 The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence. Jer 28:9 The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him. Jer 28:10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it. Jer 28:11 And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way. Jer 28:12 Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Jer 28:13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron. Jer 28:14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also. Jer 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. Jer 28:16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD. Jer 28:17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month. Also Samson Judges ch. 16 and King Saul 1Sam. ch. 15 Today; the warning Jesus gives concerning false prophets is chilling: Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. I can’t speak for anyone else, but the thought of an eternity in hell; apart from God forever, is enough to make me tremble, and do whatever it takes to heed his words. False Brethren One of the most discouraging costs of this calling is the manipulations, evil motives, and destructive attacks that come to us from those within the church; who desire to attach themselves to us, for their own benefit. Luk 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. Exo 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Jesus was relentlessly persecuted; and ultimately put to death by the actions of false brethren, and false witnesses: Mat 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Mat 17:22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: Mat 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unt Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.o him, Thou hast said. Mar 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. Joh 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Mat 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; Mar 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. Mar 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, Mar 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. Mar 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together. Paul spoke of this problem in his ministry; 2Co 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; Gal 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Php 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: Our response must be the same as the Lords: Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vegeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Heb 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vegeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. Recognizing Satan’s Attacks The areas Satan will attack those gifted in the prophetic are: 1. Our minds- confusion comes from the evil one, we need to recognize it as such. 1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 2. Our past failures-feelings of unworthiness, condemning accusations coming to us in our minds, and doubt which comes when the Holy Spirit gives a message must be rejected; and cast down by the power of the blood of Christ. Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 1. Weaknesses of our flesh-Satan knows us, and will attack the areas in us he knows are the weakest. Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Note: How do we do this? By simply going to the Lord; handing our failures, weaknesses, and imperfections to Him, and leaning on His strength, and His resurrection power. It is not of ourselves, it is for Him, and thru Him. 2. Fear- Satan uses fear to intimidate, and cause us to remain silent when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, and gives a message to speak. God is very gentle, and patient with us. He knows our fears. As a loving Father; he will continue to nudge us, stir us up in our spirits, teach us His voice, and guide us. But, we must stand against fear, and sometimes make up our minds to obey; even when we are afraid. Mat 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Act 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 3. Pride- This is the greatest weapon Satan uses. We must search and guard our hearts continually, or we will fall; Paul gives these admonitions for leaders and deacons in the church, but we who are called with prophetic gifts must heed them as well. 1Ti 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 4. Lack of discernment- We will be prone to error, and being led astray if we don’t learn Godly discernment. There is only one way to do this, diligent study, and prayer. 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 5. Compromise- There will be times when the Holy Ghost will give a very difficult message to speak. The temptation will come to alter it, to either omit part of it, or add to it. This is very dangerous, it is evil, God will not allow it to continue without severe consequences. Obedience to His voice is absolutely necessary; regardless of the outcome, or who is present at the time. Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Deu 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. Deu 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. As servants of the Lord; and soldiers of the Cross, we must be found trustworthy to the best of our ability: 2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. Summary: As servants of God, let those of us who have been given prophetic gifts have this be our hearts cry, and prayer; Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: Psa 139:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Lorna Couillard 1998 Comments are closed.
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God's blessings You may find useful information here; Go to the resource page, you will find many videos and links The NightWatchman
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me,
saith the LORD. Isa 54:17 Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. The Victory of Our Faith
For whatsoever
is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jn 5:4-5 But they that wait
upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isa 40:31 Our Warfare
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2Cor 10:3-5 The Whole Armor
of God Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph 6:10-18 The Prayer Room
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