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Prophetic
Have you ever received a prophetic word that felt more hurtful than helpful? Maybe you’ve received a word that left you more confused and uncertain, walking away with more questions than answers. These interactions are a reminder that delivering prophetic words requires love and wisdom. Some ask, “Isn’t God in control of everything?” He is in charge, but he is not in control. Think about it; if God was in control of the planet, there would be no more sin, no death, no sickness, no child abuse, no murder, no hatred, etc. God is in charge of everything, but He has left us in control.
The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “The one who prophesies speaks to men for edification, and exhortation, and consolation.”
We understand from this passage that the main purpose of the gift of prophecy is for edification, exhortation, and consolation. Edification means “to build up,” exhortation means “to call near,” and consolation means “to cheer up.” In fact, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are some of the love languages of God. When we prophesy over someone, that person should feel kissed by God. When we operate in the gift of healing, the person we are ministering to should feel embraced by God, and no one should have to be delivered from his or her last deliverance!
In a world more connected than ever through the internet and social media, the deep, authentic connection we all yearn for has become increasingly elusive. Created in God’s image, we instinctively desire to be known, loved, and belong, yet so many of us wrestle with invisible barriers that keep us isolated. What if the secret to breaking through these barriers lies not in more connections but in deeper, more meaningful ones with both God and others? How can we identify and overcome what prevents us from experiencing true connection in our daily lives?
In early December, I began seeking a prophetic word from the Lord for 2024. He told me, "I am not going to give you a word for 2024. Instead, I am going to give you a word for the Body of Christ for a new era." He explained that January 2024 would be a half-time; marking the closure of an era and the beginning of a new one. This period would be characterized by immense transition, culminating in the discipling of nations. A supernatural metamorphosis, metaphorically akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, would occur right before our eyes.
As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, I have been reflecting on moments where I've stood in awe of the doors the Lord has opened for our team, allowing us to engage in ministry across diverse spheres of influence. I am reminded of the time I was invited to Google Headquarters to teach about spiritual intelligence. I feel prompted to share this blog post originally written on October 23, 2020. This blog not only explores my encounter at Google but also delves into the profound reality of our identity as sons and daughters of God.
As School of the Prophets 2023 comes to a close, I am refreshed and expectant to see a company of prophets deployed into their unique prophetic calling, equipped to know people by the spirit, and partner with God in this cultural kairos moment. This week-long intensive training school was a marking moment as prophets and prophetic people from all over the world gathered both in-person and online with a unified heart to pursue the voice and presence of God.
Have you ever felt like the odd one out? Maybe you’ve questioned if, for some reason, you were not made to be like the rest. Not because you feel any less valuable, but simply because you’re just different. It can feel isolating and even confusing. So, often I have prophets and highly prophetic people come to me with this very concern. They feel confused and misunderstood; often unaware that the “different” that they feel is simply the call that is on their life that needs to be surrounded by community, given guidance, and to be embraced.
I often look back on my prophetic journey - I wish I could say I had a ten-step plan to share or a linear track you could take to stepping into the fullness of your prophetic calling. But, I think God is more brilliant than the step-by-step plans we often like to take or the courses we try to fit Him in for our comfort.
Rather, stepping into my prophetic call was a faith walk; each step of the way required my belief and conviction.
Have you ever felt unsure how the prophetic operates outside of the confines of a church setting or prophetic gathering? Maybe you have even wondered if and how it’s possible to function in your gifting in the unique industry or sphere you feel called to.
I often see people count themselves out from the fullness of their gifting because it doesn’t look like the prophets or prophetic people that stand behind the pulpit making powerful prophetic proclamations. But, the truth is that all throughout scripture we see prophets prepare the way, influence cultural change, and minister to priests and kings. They were not subjugated to the confines of cultural comfortability or religious regularity but took the sword of the prophetic into places that despised the word of God to cut through cultural chaos with truth that changed history and saved entire nations.
NEWSLETTER
