FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

gift ministry prophetic. Rather, Jesus said, “ He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. ” (Matthew 10:41a). The gift of prophecy is not to tear down or to criticize. It will almost always be to build up, encourage and console the people recognizing the word through the gift. The ministry gift, however, may do any and all of these as well as bring reproof or correction, warning, and other needed insight and direction from above. I realize there are those that believe the prophets of today no longer should bring anything but comfort and “kind” things, but this is perhaps in part due to a misunderstanding of the difference between the manifestation of the gift of Holy Spirit and the functioning of the gift ministry of a prophet. It also is a misunderstanding of the nature of our God of grace, “ Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God... ” (Romans 11:22). Those who fall into the trap of believing that the Holy Spirit only brings smooth and “nice” words are ignoring much of the prophecy in the New Testament which was given to reprove and correct the people of God. By only allowing one part of the nature of God to be communicated, the people of God are in deep danger of being deceived. “ Who say to the seers, "Do not see," and to the prophets, do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. ” Isaiah 30:10 One of the reasons the body of Christ today has become weak and has taken on a lot of the sinful weakness found in the world is because of this belief and the way that it has taken root. This belief has limited the necessary functions of the prophetic ministry including direction (point us in the right way) and correction (point us to the way back). “ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.. .” Proverbs 29:18a It is the nature of God the Father to bring correction as well as encouragement. Hebrews 12:5 “ And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He

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