Even as we examine the operation of spiritual gifts and bring some needed reforms, let’s also remind ourselves that there is an unseen realm that no one will never be able to explain or proof text. The ways and means of God are not merely written words, but spiritual realities with power.
The word of the Lord in this hour will not come from mighty platforms or large auditoriums. It will not come through commercialized channels or popular brands. It will come through those who are broken of spirit and laid low at the altar of total surrender. It is those who have forsaken the houses of men in order to pursue the House of the Lord who will hear Him speak.
God is doing a radical work within the Body of Christ that is both painful and costly. A Refiner’s fire is sweeping through the Church that is testing both character and conduct. He is lifting the standard of righteousness and seeing who can pass through the flames as purified vessels. And to bring us through safely, He is calling many to walk away from what was once “home.”
Why is it that prophetic ministry always comes under such scrutiny? Why do prophetic voices gain so much attention and cause such a stir? What is it about prophecy that causes such controversy on the one hand, and such hunger on the other?
I believe one of the primary reasons is that true prophecy opens the door to the unseen realm. Pure prophetic operation reveals a supernatural God and realities not otherwise experienced or known to our flesh. It is a tangible demonstration that we can hear God’s voice and even know God’s heart. And though most of our understanding of prophecy comes from the New Testament, I find an interesting statement from Moses in the Old Testament that points to a core value of the prophetic.
The knife that is cutting through His house is no respecter of persons. God does not set aside our favorites. He does not overlook compromise or spiritual corruption to salvage men’s reputations. Nor will allow His anointing to be weaponized by those who only seek the glory for themselves. He is a holy God and NO ONE can touch His glory. No one is above His discipline or correction. And because of the buildup of dung in His pantry, the stench can no longer be tolerated. No prophet or apostle, teacher or pastor, or any other leader in God’s house will escape His cleansing wrath.
Due to what is at stake in these current scandals and controversies, this demonic twisting spirit is operating at full power. The enemy is inserting himself into these situations to cause perceptions and perspectives to be skewed and void of integrity. Regardless of what “side” you are on, I guarantee the enemy is at work. Statements are being made to mean one thing and they are being received as something different. Unless we are aware of this, we will make assumptions and determine a meaning that is only half true.
Not everyone who operates in this spirit intentionally wants to lead people astray. Not everyone who is labeled a Jezebel is even aware of their partnership with her. Though there are a few who deliberately choose to rebel against the Lord and refuse to repent, there are also others who are unaware of their own deception. Jezebel blinds her slaves, and many who partner with her have no idea they are puppets in her hands. I know this because I used to be one of them.
In worship this past weekend a line was sung about death having no grip on me. It struck a chord in my heart as the finality of that statement sunk in. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, not only does death have no grip; it also means that sickness and disease have no grip. Having gone through some extreme physical attacks in the past two years and now walking in renewed health and strength, I was brought to tears in thankfulness. I was now experiencing this reality and my faith was stirred. Then we took communion…
We know by default that this is a spiritual battle. The enemy loves to divide and conquer. He knows what happens when we splinter and fall back due to weariness and discouragement. This is why I have been seeking the Lord and asking how we can cut through the muck and rally for a cause we can all agree upon. The fact is, until our hearts are united by a common conviction, our corporate authority will be weakened, our prayers will be hindered, and the process of healing and reformation will take much longer.
Even as we examine the operation of spiritual gifts and bring some needed reforms, let’s also remind ourselves that there is an unseen realm that no one will never be able to explain or proof text. The ways and means of God are not merely written words, but spiritual realities with power.
The word of the Lord in this hour will not come from mighty platforms or large auditoriums. It will not come through commercialized channels or popular brands. It will come through those who are broken of spirit and laid low at the altar of total surrender. It is those who have forsaken the houses of men in order to pursue the House of the Lord who will hear Him speak.
God is doing a radical work within the Body of Christ that is both painful and costly. A Refiner’s fire is sweeping through the Church that is testing both character and conduct. He is lifting the standard of righteousness and seeing who can pass through the flames as purified vessels. And to bring us through safely, He is calling many to walk away from what was once “home.”
Why is it that prophetic ministry always comes under such scrutiny? Why do prophetic voices gain so much attention and cause such a stir? What is it about prophecy that causes such controversy on the one hand, and such hunger on the other?
I believe one of the primary reasons is that true prophecy opens the door to the unseen realm. Pure prophetic operation reveals a supernatural God and realities not otherwise experienced or known to our flesh. It is a tangible demonstration that we can hear God’s voice and even know God’s heart. And though most of our understanding of prophecy comes from the New Testament, I find an interesting statement from Moses in the Old Testament that points to a core value of the prophetic.
The knife that is cutting through His house is no respecter of persons. God does not set aside our favorites. He does not overlook compromise or spiritual corruption to salvage men’s reputations. Nor will allow His anointing to be weaponized by those who only seek the glory for themselves. He is a holy God and NO ONE can touch His glory. No one is above His discipline or correction. And because of the buildup of dung in His pantry, the stench can no longer be tolerated. No prophet or apostle, teacher or pastor, or any other leader in God’s house will escape His cleansing wrath.
Due to what is at stake in these current scandals and controversies, this demonic twisting spirit is operating at full power. The enemy is inserting himself into these situations to cause perceptions and perspectives to be skewed and void of integrity. Regardless of what “side” you are on, I guarantee the enemy is at work. Statements are being made to mean one thing and they are being received as something different. Unless we are aware of this, we will make assumptions and determine a meaning that is only half true.
Not everyone who operates in this spirit intentionally wants to lead people astray. Not everyone who is labeled a Jezebel is even aware of their partnership with her. Though there are a few who deliberately choose to rebel against the Lord and refuse to repent, there are also others who are unaware of their own deception. Jezebel blinds her slaves, and many who partner with her have no idea they are puppets in her hands. I know this because I used to be one of them.
In worship this past weekend a line was sung about death having no grip on me. It struck a chord in my heart as the finality of that statement sunk in. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, not only does death have no grip; it also means that sickness and disease have no grip. Having gone through some extreme physical attacks in the past two years and now walking in renewed health and strength, I was brought to tears in thankfulness. I was now experiencing this reality and my faith was stirred. Then we took communion…
We know by default that this is a spiritual battle. The enemy loves to divide and conquer. He knows what happens when we splinter and fall back due to weariness and discouragement. This is why I have been seeking the Lord and asking how we can cut through the muck and rally for a cause we can all agree upon. The fact is, until our hearts are united by a common conviction, our corporate authority will be weakened, our prayers will be hindered, and the process of healing and reformation will take much longer.
