Your Sons & Daughters Shall Prophesy - Prophetic Gifts Today In The New Testament Church

Insights on How to Prophesy

day service the tendency should be to select prophetic contributions that are stronger and more edifying for the whole body of Christians.A word for the congregation will be in the realm of comfort, edification and exhor tation.It will not focus on personal needs or state of mind but will help all the people. Timing. Timing is of utmost importance.No one should break into the high praises and worship of God with something that could go unsaid or wait until later.Hasty prophecies do not inspire. Clarity. If a person has only bits and pieces of thoughts, yet feels these are from the Lord, the lack of clarity suggests that it is premature to speak the thoughts forth publicly.A public prophecy must make sense to the people; we cannot rely on the leadership to clarify something that con fuses even us. Confirmation. Sometimes you may not be sure about a thought.Don't become agitated but consider it an opportunity to seek the Lord.He is not so anxious to see His will accomplished that He must rely on con fused messengers.Cindy Jacobs says, "A good thing to remember is this: God never minds confirming His word to us. Matthew 18:16 says, 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' If you are unsure whether something is from God, ask Him for further con firmation.I have had Him graciously confirm prophecies to me again and again until I was sure they were from Him.He will confirm the word in many ways for you....It rarely hurts to wait." 3 Direction. There are two types of directive prophecy-one positive, the other negative.A prophecy that gives direction and flows with the mood and frame of mind of the congregation and leadership will be received in a positive way, and even acted on in faith.In contrast, a direc tive prophecy that asserts itself to lead the congregation or an individual to do or say something strange, bizarre or in obvious conflict with the policies of the church is inappropriate and should be adjusted by the pas toral leadership. Kindness. The privilege of prophetic ministry must not be abused through negative statements or personal concerns.Let the message declare good news.Glenn Foster advises, "Wash out the negatives." Then he adds, "All prophecies should be washed through the faith of Jesus until they reflect only God's grace." 4 Avoid bringing a rebuke or harsh word.This is extremely rare and should be reserved for the proven ministry of the prophet or pastoral leadership.A word can be strong and challenging without being destructively critical.Larry Randolph says, "The main pur pose of the prophetic is positive affirmation, not correction and rebuke." 5 Patience. On occasion time does not permit a prophetic word, or else the leadership feels compelled to move the service in another direction. 367.