HOW CAN I OPERATE IN THE PROPHETIC part2

3. I follow the flow of the Spirit.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (New Living Translation)

In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns.

1 Corinthians 14:31-32 (New Living Translation)

Too often people expect the Holy Spirit to basically possess them and then have these wonderful things come from them. God never operates this way. He will prod the willing heart to speak forth His mysteries, but “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” (1 Corinthians 14:32) It’s up to us to refrain and its up to us to proceed.

4. I start with what He gives us.

God leads us gently along. You will not instantly be expected to operate at a level of someone much further along the way. But faith requires you take what have been given and make use of it.

You’ll never know the blessing you could be to the person you’re ministering to if you keep it to yourself. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, share it in love – remembering that you need to do your part…but it’s up to God.

5. I need to be gentle to all.

When you’re ministering to a person, avoid the “Thus sayeth the Lord”. Instead, use phrases like,

“I don’t know if this means anything to you, but I sense…”

“This may not be for you, but I think God is saying…”

There is value in humility. There is value in honouring the individual.

Until you learn how to know that you know, it’s perfectly legitimate to say, “I’m new at this” and “I’m learning how to hear the Father.” Doing so puts the one you’re ministering to at ease and gives you the freedom to be more adventurous.

6. I look for the gold.

When you start to move in the prophetic, you may be able to see a lot of garbage in a person’s life. Un-confessed sin can jump out at you.

First of all, understand that prophecy can be from one of three sources.

a. The Holy Spirit

b. The human spirit

c. satan

Satanically-inspired prophecy is subtle, deceptive, manipulative and domineering. We need the gifts of discerning spirits to know when we’re being influenced by those thoughts. You can be influenced by someone near-by, so be aware. Don’t be afraid, but don’t forget to speak in love and to honour the individual.

Prophecy inspired by the human spirit is often negative and critical. You may be tempted to speak these out when you see the garbage in people’s lives.

Prophecy from the heart of God will always strengthen, encourage and comfort others.

Always look for the gold. One tool is to ask the Spirit to “give me the words the bring life” or to “let me see the treasure that you see in him (or her).”

7. I have received impartation

a. From the Father (Numbers 11:16-29)

b. From others (Acts 19:6-7, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6-7)