God anoints certain people to
function in the prophetic ministry. Certainly, many preachers are blessed with
this function; but also, other individuals are so in-tuned with God's Spirit
that they hear from God in a prophetic way.
Prophets never direct our life or
behavior. God does not use them as our "daily horoscope" or compass
to guide our steps. That is the Holy Spirit's function in the life of each
Believer (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Hearing God's voice is a coveted
aspect of our Christian walk. Prophetic "words" bring conviction,
inspiration and counsel into our life. They confirm for us the direction which
God is already speaking into our life.
Prophecy is intertwined with the
word of knowledge and wisdom to bring us enlightenment, encouragement and a reprieve
from anxiety about the future (1 Corinthians 14:3).
God calls His Saints to love mercy, to abide humbly in His presence, and to live ethically according to His Word, not according to worldly standards (Micah 6:8).
To hear from God, we first plug
into His Spirit's direction each moment of the day (Proverbs 3:5-6), and we live
honorably and morally. We prove our love to God by obeying His commandments (John
14:15).
Prayer:
Father God, Your Word is our
authentic source of authoritative prophetic words to us. Biblical verses are fluid,
dynamic and personal to each one of us, although there is only one
interpretation of each verse (). Remind us to drink at the well spring of Your
Word each day and to depend upon Your Spirit to enable us to abide in Your
will.
Remind us that unforgiveness
creates static in our connection with You and keeps us from clearly hearing You
when You speak to us. Help us to love those who despitefully use us. Thank You
for giving us mature Christians in our church family, pastoral ministry and
counsel, and verses from Your Holy Word to speak to us.
Thought for the Day:
Refusing to forgive those who
abuse and persecute us will keep us in bondage to Satan's lies and will prevent
us from hearing God's voice in our life.
