"Lessons from My Spiritual Fathers" by James Goll

Below is an excerpt of an article by James Goll about his spiritual fathers, interesting enough that he shares his spiritual perspective in each experiences he had with them.

 

I also have a spiritual father, who loves and supports me as a real son (together with my twin brother). He has taught me well, corrected and rebuked me but more importantly allowed me to minister hand in hand with them in every opportunity. - Vir

 

Lessons From My Spiritual Fathers

James Goll

 

Well, that is my perspective from the chair I sit in today. I did not always know or experience these principles, as I grew up in a rather unsafe home with verbal abuse occurring almost every day. We each have a personal pilgrimage – and for a moment I would like to invite you into a window of mine. Jesus I loved without reservation, but the premise that God the Father was a "good God" unfortunately was a foreign concept to me.

Fatherhood determines identity and identity releases security. Security produces a culture where it is safe to be unique, an environment where dreaming is the norm, and an expectation that dreams really do come true!

 

Imprints From Spiritual Fathers

 

Unlike some, I have not had just one major, primary "spiritual father." But I have had the distinct honor of walking with and being impacted by several different fathers in the faith throughout my walk with the Lord, which has included over 40 years of full-time ministry.

 

As I grew up in the things of the Spirit, there were many teachers but few fathers and mothers. In this generation, I believe we actually have fewer teachers, but a plethora of authentic fathers and mothers and even grandfathers and grandmothers in the faith. One of my great joys over the years has been to nestle up to one of these spiritual veterans, speak honor to them and ask questions.

 

Yes, ask questions!

 

Perhaps questions like, "Do you have a life Scripture verse that has guided you?" "What was one of the most difficult challenges you ever faced?" "What moves of the Holy Spirit marked your life?" "If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?" "Tell me about your family?"

 

"What legacy do you want to leave for the next generation?"

 

I have always asked questions. Maybe it has been one of the keys to help me keep going in my roller coaster life and ministry. My mom always said I was the most curious child – asking questions like, "Mommy, where do babies come from?" Ha! I remember those days of wonder and awe. And I still live in those days of wonder and awe. You can too!

 

Word-based Discipleship

 

I always want to be a Word-based disciple. If I had no relational mentors, I would still have my Bible. I would still have the heroes of the faith inscribed in this Holy Book. They are the fathers and mothers I look to the most. They always have been, and frankly, always will be.

 

I have also been an avid reader. I keep feeding this insatiable desire for knowledge, lessons from history, and a desire to know and experience more of God by reading. Thus today, I have a vast library that is filled with both old books and new ones (Matthew 13:52). These books have acted as some of the primary spiritual mentors that the Holy Spirit has used as tools in my life. The shadows of these great men and women of God still exist today.

 

Perhaps that is one of the reasons I am so committed to writing. Books have been my primary source of teaching and mentoring. In one of my many journals I have written that when I am 70 years old I will compose a book called "Lessons from the Woodshed!" I can't wait to write it. But I can't yet – I guess I still might have a few more "behind the scenes" encounters! Ouch!

Key Scripture Verses

 

So here are some basic Scriptures to use as stakes in the ground in the process of establishing your own relational culture of honor as it pertains to fathers and mothers of the Faith. These Scriptures are immoveable markers in my life.

 

Ephesians 6:2-3 "HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH."

 

Psalm 68:5-6 "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, only the rebellious dwell in a parched land."

 

2 Kings 2:9-14 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." He said, "You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so." As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to Heaven.

 

Elisha saw it and cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over.

 

Four Key Fathers that Imprinted My Life

 

By the Lord's grace I continue to cultivate relationships with forerunners. In recent years this list has included C. Peter Wagner, Don Finto, John Sanford and others. (I am not attempting to name drop, but am speaking in truth of the authentic relational impact of these men!) I would also add to the list many of my "peers" who are some of the dread champions of the faith in our generation. And I have not even mentioned the Women Leaders who have impacted my life! (I will hold that one for another time – but it is extensive for sure!)

 

So, you ask, who have been some of the most significant relational mentors in your life? Who helped shape your Spiritual DNA while your cement was still wet? Glad you asked. With great joy I share them with you!

 

Derek Prince – The Late International Bible Teacher

 

I observed and learned more from this brilliant British Bible teacher and scholar than anyone. These lessons included themes like: Prayer and Fasting Shapes History, God's Heart for Israel, Church Government, Deliverance, Breaking of Curses, and so much more. The thing that probably impacted me the most was his reverence towards and relationship with the Word of God.

 

Mahesh Chavda – Man of Prayer, Fasting and Miracles

 

My dear friend and mentor Mahesh Chavda. Where do I begin? I carried his briefcase, coffee mug and even had the honor of bringing more comfortable shoes for him to wear when he stood in healing lines for hours. He has been one of my primary mentors in the anointing, fasting as a lifestyle and obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit.

 

Bob Jones – The Late Seer of Seers

 

Mercy! Where do I begin to describe the impact Papa Bob Jones had on my life? I got joined at the hip with this unusual man in 1983; he rocked my world and I am still left shaking from that quake. Dreams, visions, angelic encounters were Bob's daily bread. I absorbed, watched and learned a lot from this man who was so "heavenly minded he was of earthly good."

Dick Simmons – Intercessor behind the Scenes

 

This elderly man today might be lesser known before men than some, but he is a greatly known before the throne of God. I learned and entered into greater authority in intercession, the power of "reminding God of His Word", and the value of Church history through the hours of personal intercession I spent with this forerunner. His shadow has deeply impacted my life, ministry and global reach.

 

 

 

I have said for years, that the Holy Spirit did not give me one mentor but different ones for different purposes. These are but four of the godly men that the Lord has brought into my life. Oh my, none of them are the same – not even close. But what they have carried in common is a love for God, His people, His purposes and the integrity of His Word.

 

Thank You Lord for the impact of these Fathers in the Faith in my life, and the opportunity to share with others what has been imparted to me. May the ceiling of my generation truly become the next generation's floor!

 

I also pray that each of you will glean from the lessons of the mentors that God has placed within your path – through His Word, books, and personal relationships. May God continue to raise up fathers and mothers of faith who will mentor others – including you!

 

Wisdom from the Trenches!

 

James W. Goll
Founder of Encounters Network • Prayer Storm • God Encounters Training e-School
Email: info@encountersnetwork.com
Website: www.encountersnetwork.com

 

 

Dr. James W. Goll is the president of Encounters Network, director of Prayer Storm, and coordinates Encounters Alliance, a coalition of leaders. He is director of God Encounters Training – an e-school of the heart, and is a member of the Harvest International Ministries apostolic team. He has shared Jesus in more than 50 nations worldwide, teaching and imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. James is the prolific author of numerous books and has also produced multiple study guides and hundreds of audio and video messages. James was married to Michal Ann for 32 years before her graduation to Heaven in the fall of 2008. James has four adult children who all love Jesus, and continues to make his home in Franklin, Tennessee.

Read More

The Isaiah 22:22 Prophetic Act That Breaks Down Barriers By Jennifer LeClaire

Jesus gave us the keys to the kingdom, and whatever we bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matt. 16:19). As spiritual warriors, many of us have become experts at binding and loosing. But there's another key that believers can use to open doors that no one can shut and shut doors that no one can open. The Word of God reveals this prophetic key in both the Old and New Testaments. It's the key of David.

 

 

Some call it the "Isaiah 22:22 key" but you could also call it the Revelation 3:7 key because the prophetic Scripture is mentioned in both books. Isaiah 22:22 reads, "The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder. Then he shall open, and no one shall shut. And he shall shut, and no one shall open." Of course, the "He" in this verse is Jesus. Jesus has the key and can open and shut as He wills. When Jesus opens the door, no man can shut it and when Jesus shuts the door, no man can open it. Our job as prophetic people is to discern His will and kingdom purpose so we can exercise our authority in His name to open what He wants opened and shut what He wants shut. Breaking Down Barriers

 

Again, the key is discerning His will. Jesus has not called us to be reckless with the key of David, nor will the Isaiah 22:22 key work if we try to turn it in a direction opposite His will. But when we hear from the Lord, we can turn that key with confidence and decree and declare that doors will open or close. It's a powerful prophetic act that breaks down barriers.

 

Here's a good example of how this works in action: In February, Ken Malone of Forerunner Ministries ministered at Awakening House of Prayer in the Fort Lauderdale area. When he walked into our little prayer room, he told me it was not big enough to accommodate what God wanted to do in the ministry. Of course I agreed, but we didn't have any other open doors at the time. What I didn't know was that he brought his big silver Isaiah 22:22 key and was led to unlock new property for the ministry in a prophetic act. At the end of the service, the man of God brought out that key by the unction of the Holy Spirit and decreed and declared property to open up for the ministry. The authority on his words and the anointing in the room was strong.

 

The next week I approached the building owner about moving us into a larger spot they had in mind for us when we outgrew our current square footage. That's when I discovered something unexpected—not only was the spot unavailable but the owners were planning to relocate us into an even smaller area. My jaw dropped.

 

Within three weeks, they had downsized us. But also within three weeks, God opened the door to a second facility 10 minutes (rather than 45 minutes) from my home; a larger facility that was more suited to our training center. There's much more to the prophetic swirl, like the 1948 Tyler Street address (1948 was the year Israel was reborn); the fact that the owners are Jewish and their last name is Morningstar (Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star, according to Revelation 22:16) and the building was a gold color just like our logo. I could go on and on with the prophetic breadcrumbs.

 

A Governing Key of Authority

 

The Isaiah 22:22 key also carries a governmental authority. Through our intercession and Spirit-inspired prophetic acts, we can impact our society. God wants to bring an awakening to your city, to your state and to your nation. In April, I went to Florida's state capitol building in Tallahassee with Malone and a large group of people to pray over our state along those lines. Malone brought his big silver Isaiah 22:22 key and many of us gripped it in our hand as we decreed and declared God's will over the state. We opened the door for righteousness and closed the door to racism. We opened the door to godly government and closed the door to corruption—and more.

 

We believe we were in God's will and we're believing God for transforming revival in the Forerunner State. "Some of you may be instructed of the Lord, as I have been, to use your Isaiah 22:22 key within the sphere of government, and particularly within Washington, D.C.," says Dutch Sheets, author of intercessory prayer. "Some of you are called to pray for your state capital, your city or even another nation. Others of you may be assigned to use your kingdom keys in the financial realm, for educational institutions or for the entertainment sector. As you seek the Lord, He will reveal these and other assignments to you." Amen.

 

Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening; Mornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of God.

Read More

Word of the Lord for June 2015 and Beyond by Phyllis Ford

What will June and July will be? Amazing things are about to happen and you'll see it in the prophetic article below sharing what God will do in the next two months. Be blessed! - Vir

 

"Word of the Lord for June 2015 and Beyond"

Phyllis Ford, Arlington, TX

 

"I am positioning My people in order that they may walk in an overcoming anointing to advance and assist others into breakthrough. This is a time for further advancement, great opportunities, doors, and even access granted into venues that will all bud forth, bring fruitfulness and increase. This will prepare My people for new sources and resources to be obtained by My own hand," says the Lord.

 

"For the time of testing has now yielded forth the fruits of your labor in prayer and consecration unto Me. The provision and favor that I am releasing in this hour will lead to new places of understanding so that new strategies can be walked out in this hour for great salvation and deliverance of a people. It is an hour when many can and will be brought into the Kingdom. It will seem almost effortlessly, as I am opening the hearts and minds of My people to receive, believe, and even leave what has hindered them into a new liberty. Kingdom awareness will increase and spark an ushering into the place of My presence."

 

There are some key adjustments being made and these changes will improve the overall synergy of groups and movements ready to touch others lives through the power of deliverance and revelation teaching. This is the time where people will awake from sleep and major works of divination and witchcraft will be broken because of the Blood of Jesus Christ being applied upon the doorpost of many peoples lives. It is a time when chains will be broken, bondages will be destroyed over those who have battled addictions. Many will no longer be stuck and confined by the strongholds of the past and they will literally break free.

In this month many will receive spiritual insights that will lead to the realization that the manifestation that they are looking for is present before them. There has been a birthing forth and even a completion in the incubation stage concerning spiritual enlightenment (see Ephesians 1). Last month, the Lord was changing significant things behind the scenes and they will now become very apparent in this month of June. As a result of May's pressing in, changes will now rapidly occur to resolve and avert some future trouble. (Photo via pixabay)

 

But we must continue to contend for the victory that will ultimately come through much prayer and consecration unto Him. Some occurrences were caught up in divine delays and they are now being released and with interest. The spoils from the enemy's plans are now being delivered into our very hands, and the Lord is raising us up and positioning us above our enemies so that they can't reach us.

 

Ephesians 2:1-6 (The Message Bible) It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose His temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, He embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on His own, with no help from us! Then He picked us up and set us down in highest Heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.

 

Psalm 27:4-6 (NASB) One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

 

All Things are Possible for Them that Believe!

 

"Know that in the heavenly realm all things are possible and all things are being prepared so that you are not just the recipients of blessings. But you may also carry My identity, My character, and My grace in order to handle and execute matters in the same way I would. So handle your affairs with great prudence and wisdom while staying in the place of My presence, for I have placed victory into your hands.

 

"Walk in the elevated position (heavenly places) by My Spirit and not the spirit of the world. For I am exalting the low tree and abasing the high tree, for things will not remain the same. And My glory will be manifested in the midst of this change. So it is time for you to walk as children of the light and walk in the light even as an example to others who would come into the Kingdom in this time."

Marketplace Shifts: Right People, Right Timing

 

"This month will release a time of great marketplace ventures during this next two months (June, July) and many deals will be secured and will be presented on the table that will release Kingdom benefits. But it will be very important to be watchful so that you join with those who are like-spirited and like-minded. Covenants must be secured with the right partners, because My Spirit will also be in the midst of these agreements, securing and sealing that which is rightly prepared with My integrity.

 

"I will help you create, prepare, and secure the right deals with the right people for the right timing. You must allow Me to guide you, direct you, and orchestrate these agreements. They will become key testimonies carrying blueprints and wise business maneuvers detailing what I am doing in the earth with My people right now in building reserves and backup financial vehicles."

Open Heavens, Open Doors

 

"For I will open the heavens and even open doors in the heavens to prepare My people a gateway into higher realms of My anointing for healing and deliverance. I will bring hundreds even thousands into the Kingdom in one sweep. Look for Me and look for My plans for I am beginning to take this land and many other regions by storm and I will pour out My Spirit, and I will usher in My people to a new exciting life in Kingdom righteousness. Major people-groups and regions will be positioned and prepared for visitations, liberation, and a fresh new move not orchestrated by man but ordained of Me." (Photo via pixabay)

 

Isaiah 52:15 (New Living Translation) And He will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in His presence. For they will see what they had not been told; they will understand what they had not heard about.

 

"Some of these things will occur when people least expect it. I will cover the atmosphere with My presence and they will all know that they have experienced time with the Lord. There will be miracles, there will be restoration and the increase of My Kingdom shall come, for the time is near and the work of the Lord shall come forth mightily. So open your heart and open your eyes so that you may experience this 'new day anointing.'

 

"And even as My hand is moving, know also that the enemy will try to set fear, destruction, and discouragement in the hearts of the people. Yes, there will be terrorist attempts on this soil and the news of more plots, even attempts to overthrow governments from many levels. But I now speak to My leadership, 'Do not allow these things to unnerve and scare you for I am protecting, covering, and helping My people to maneuver through these situations, in months ahead.'"

 

Prophetic Insights

 

This is an exciting time in the Kingdom, because this is a time of great salvation and increase. We are living in a time that many have waited for and prayed for. I believe the Lord is strategically preparing great times of visitation with His people. The Spirit of God is truly brooding over us and is forming and creating a new atmosphere over our lives. The Lord told me there would be many Open Heaven occurrences.

Prayer Points for Stealth Warriors

 

1.) I saw a bridge collapsing on one side. Please pray around bridges here in the U.S. and speak God's protection over them.

 

2.) Pray over court rulings that water down our nations standards according to God's Word. He said we would see victories in this area, but we must press in. Pray! Pray! Pray!

 

3.) Pray for an outpouring of God's presence over all the jail systems in the state where you dwell.

 

4.) He said to pray protection against "bombings" and biological warfare in liquid forms in coming months.

Please join us in praying over these and many other areas to release God's hedge of protection, His presence and His anointing over all people. Pray that God uncovers any plots, plans, or traps of the enemy. It is time for a climate shift in Jesus Name! Amen.

 

Personal Word to Prayer Warriors

"I have freed your hands to build and to war, and to speak forth My words. When you do as I will lead you, you will see things shift and your circumstances will give way to the words that you speak as I reveal them to you in this hour. This is the time that I am releasing before you the strategies of Kings and Priests.

 

The true pathway is being laid out before you and you must move forward with a humble heart and embrace the power being handed to you in this hour.

 

 

You will walk the way I walk, speak the way I speak, and advance in the way of Kings." (Photo via Wikimedia)

 

Ecclesiastes 8:4 (KJV) "Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?"

 

Phyllis Ford
Phyllis Ford Ministries
Email: PhyllisFordMinistries@gmail.com
Website: www.phyllisfordministries.com

 

Phyllis Ford has been called by God's grace to be a prophetic vessel. For the last 30 years she has been active in women's ministry and carries a strong emphasis toward prayer and intercession. She travels internationally and has released the Word of the Lord on the Internet for the past 10 years, and has conducted training in spiritual warfare, prophetic schools, and deliverance workshops, and has worked with abused and addicted women in secular settings for the State of Illinois. Phyllis lives in the DFW area in Texas and has three sons and one daughter.

Read More

5 More Ways God Speaks to His People By Jenny LeClaire

During this time of year, we hear a lot of prophecies about how God is going to move—and prophetic warnings about what will happen in our nation—but that doesn't always help you in your day-to-day life. Even when you receive personal prophecies, it's no substitute from hearing from God for yourself. But how do we hear from God? How does He speak to His people?

I've been doing a series on this topic for the new year. We started out with 4 Things to Do if You Can't Hear God's Voice two weeks ago. Last week, I offered you 5 Ways God Speaks to His People. Now, we'll look at five more ways God speaks.

Mind you, these articles don't aim to offer an exhaustive list. God can speak to you in many different ways. But whether you struggle to hear His voice or just want to fine tune your ear to His heartbeat, I pray you'll be inspired to press in with a listening ear.

1. Holy Spirit speaks through our conscience.
God can speak to us through our conscience. Our conscience sounds a lot like God because He speaks to our spirit and our spirit speaks to our conscience. How do you know if it's your conscience, your imaginations, or God talking to you?

Consider this example: Have you ever met a set of identical twins? At first, you can't tell them apart—but as you get to know them you discover they have their own distinctive personalities. As you get to to know them, you can tell the difference. That's important because your conscience is not God. You can reason yourself out of God's will by following your conscience apart from God's wisdom.

When God speaks to us through our conscience, it can almost be like dripping water from a faucet. You just keep coming back to that same truth. When you layer this with other ways God speaks, such as through His word and through peace, you can be confident when it's God and when it's just you.

2. Holy Spirit speaks through a sudden flash of inspiration.

Some people just get a sudden flash of inspiration. They just have a knowing in their spirit. You may have heard it said, "It strikes me..." or "It came to me..." You can't really explain it, but you just know that you know that you know it's God. Again, you should temper this with other tests—does it line up with biblical principles, does your spouse, church family bear witness, etc.—especially if you are making an important decision.

But not everything is an important decision and Holy Spirit is interested in helping you with even the small things in life. I've had sudden inspirations to get money out of an ATM and ignored it, only to discover an hour later that I was in a place that didn't accept credit cards and there were no ATMs anywhere in sight. When you get these flashes of inspiration, pay attention.

3. Holy Spirit speaks through impressions.

An impression is a faint feeling in your spirit that you are supposed to say or do something. Intercessors sometimes say, "You were on my heart." That can be an impression or an urge to pray. When it comes to impressions, you don't hear the actual voice of God but you feel a strong urge in your spirit and have a knowing that you need to follow through. You may never see the fruit of obedience to instructions through this mode of communications—or you may see plainly how God worked in the situation. That doesn't matter as much as following Holy Spirit's promptings.

4. God sometimes speaks in an audible voice.

Hearing the audible voice of God is rare indeed. It happened to me once in the midst of a particularly terrible trial. I was down on my knees praying late into the night. I feel asleep. Suddenly, I heard a voice that woke me—startled me—and offered me a promise that I continue to hold on to today. It shook me. I actually thought someone was in the room with me. I could not sleep after that. I could only meditate on the words that were spoken. Holy Spirit reminds me of those words at strategic times in my life to show me how God is bringing them to pass.

5. Holy Spirit speaks in a still small voice.

Last but not least is the still small voice we read about in 1 Kings 19:2. God actually speaks to you—but not audibly from the outside. He speaks to your heart. It can be so quiet that you will miss it if you are not paying attention. At times, it can be so subtle that many people don't even believe it's God. This is how He usually speaks to me. I just hear that still small voice and I've learned to know it's Him.

God speaks in many different ways. We need to pay close attention and establish a pattern of how He speaks to us most often. Monitor the track record with success in this with these different ways.  If you are consistently on target with one of these, then you can be confident in that area. If you are consistently off target with one of these areas, then you don't need to be prophesying to people or making decisions on those ways.

The Bible is the bottom line authority on all things, but some situations are not covered by the Bible in specific ways, like job choices or ministry turning points. We need to hear from the Lord for ourselves and for others. I pray that God will open your spiritual ears to hear His voice clearly.
 
Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale and author of several books, including Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft, and The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Read More

Testing The Prophets By Professor Walter J. Veith, PhD

If God communicates His intention through His servants the prophets, and Satan counterfeits the messages of God through false prophets, then it is vital that we test the prophets to see if the message is indeed from God. On one hand, the Scriptures admonish us to "Despise not prophesyings" (1 Thessalonians 5:2) and to "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" (2 Chronicles 20:20).

 

On the other hand, there are warnings against false prophets:

 

For false christs and false prophets will rise and will show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24 NKJV).

 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1 NKJV).  False prophets claim to have dreams and to see visions, so the Scriptures must provide criteria whereby the authenticity of the prophets' statements may be tested. 

 

Do not despise prophecies, test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 NKJV).

The Bible lists a series of tests that can be applied to prophets to determine whether they are genuine or not. Many of these tests can be individually counterfeited, but collectively, they provide an impassable barrier to false prophets. False prophets can quote Scripture or have some of their prophecies come true, but they can still be false prophets—subtly using every opportunity to lead God's people astray.

 

A true prophet of God will meet all the Biblical criteria, which can be summarized as follows:

 

1. A true prophet's message will be in complete harmony with the word of God and the law of God.

 

To the law and to the testimony! If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). Most modern-day prophets would fail this test. A prophet cannot negate what God has revealed in His Word, and all the precepts of the law are binding (James 2:10). When the law is not observed, the gift of prophecy is withdrawn (Lamentations 2:9).

 

2. A true prophet's predictions must come to pass.

   

...when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him" (Deuteronomy 18:22 NKJV).

 

A word of warning: A prophet's predictions may occur, and may even be accompanied by miracles. But if they do not pass the other tests, the prophet is still false.

 

If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying 'Let us go after other gods'—which you have not known—and let us serve them, you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him (Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NKJV).

 

Signs and wonders do not prove a prophet's validity. As in the above Scriptural example, prophets' words are not always in harmony with the law of God. Satan will work miracles in the last days to deceive many (Revelation 16:14).

 

3. A true prophet prophesies to edify the Church, counseling and advising in religious matters.

 

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation, and comfort...but he that prophesieth edifieth the church (1 Corinthians 14:3-4).

A true prophet will not condone sin (1 John 3:4).

 

True prophets will exhort the church to a higher standard, and will exemplify God's principles in their own lives. False prophets, such as 16^th-century seer Nostradamus, do not live according to God's Word and do not build up the Church with their prophecies.

 

4. A true prophet will exalt Christ as the Son of God and the Saviour of humankind.

 

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us...Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God (1 John 4:12,15 NKJV).

 

After His resurrection, Jesus expounded the Scriptures to His disciples, revealing to them the prophetic proclamations regarding Himself (Luke 24:27).

 

Again a word of warning regarding this test. Many false prophets will say to Jesus in the last judgment, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works" (Matthew 7:22)?

 

The Lord will not recognize them as His, as they practiced iniquity (Greek: anomia — against the law of God). They seem to pass the test, but fail in regard to the law.

 

5. The true prophet will speak with authority (Matthew 7:29).

 

Jesus is the supreme example, and He spoke those things which He had seen and heard from the Father (John 8:26,28,38). A prophet will likewise reveal those things with authority that have been revealed to him by God.

 

6. The true prophet will bear good fruit.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them (Matthew 7:20).

 

This test is compelling. Does the prophet live a life in harmony with the will of God and are the lives of those touched transformed so that they too live godly lives? Once again, a word of warning: No one is without sin, and all fall short of the glory of God.

 

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months (James 5:17 NKJV).

 

Although Elijah had faults and passions just like us, he strove to live a godly life and the fruits of his labor testify that he was truly a prophet of God.

 

7. The true prophet, when in vision, will exhibit physical signs.

 

In vision, the prophet's eyes will be open.  The utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open (Numbers 24:4 NKJV).

 

Daniel 10 describes the physical state of the prophet Daniel while in vision.

 

And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face to the ground (Daniel 10:7-9).

 

Daniel had "no strength," and he must have fallen to the ground as he lay with his "face to the ground." The prophet does not, however, remain in this helpless state on the ground, but he is lifted up by God, and while still in vision, stands up on his feet (Daniel 10:10-11).

 

In vision, the prophet will have no breath in him, and no strength.

 

And suddenly one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, My Lord, because of the vision, my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. For how can this servant of my Lord talk with you my Lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me. Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me (Daniel 10:16-17 NKJV).

 

No mention is made of the restoration of breathing while in vision. The prophet is sustained by God while in vision. In summary, a prophet in vision shows these signs:

       i) Falls down weak

       ii) Is raised up and strengthened by God

       iii) Has the eyes wide open during the vision

       iv) Does not breath, even when speaking

These signs cannot be readily counterfeited. In fact, modern so-called visionaries tend to fall down with their eyes closed, and they have breath in them, because only God can sustain life without breath.

Read More

What To Do When A Prophetic Word Doesn't Make Sense To You by Cathy DeGraw

You receive a prophetic word, and most of the time, it should be a confirmation of something you already know. Your prophetic word should have the "up factor." It should build up, train up, encourage up and edify up. It should leave you hopeful for something that is coming to pass in the future.

 

 

What happens when it doesn't do the thing it is intended? What do you do with a prophetic word that doesn't make sense? There are choices to make when a prophetic word doesn't make sense. 

• We can throw it out because it is in no way witnessing with our soul and spirit, and we think the person who delivered it is way off in left field.
• We can pray into it and see if the Holy Spirit confirms the word to us.
• We can shelve it. We can put it up on the shelf and see if the Holy Spirit ever brings it down or if a situation happens and all of a sudden we remember this word we put on the shelf because we were unsure if it was for us.

Occasionally, when we receive a prophetic word, we can be unsure and unsettled if the word was for us. We can react in different ways to the prophetic word that was spoken in our lives. We can become caught up in attempting to discern the word or we can dismiss the word altogether. Both options can have adverse effects on us. 

 

When we receive a prophetic word it should witness to us. There should be some kind of affirmation within us that it is a word from the Lord. When a word is from the Lord and resonates within us we should pray into it, cover it with the blood of Christ and call it forth according to the word of God and will of God in prayer and declarations.

 

When a prophetic word is not witnessing to us at that moment we should shelve it. What I mean is just that, put it up on the shelf in the spiritual realm or in your mind. Don't let it consume you and don't try to figure it out. Take the word and put it in your memory bank and then move on.

 

Keep doing what you are doing for that season. When and if the word is for you God will bring it back to remembrance, confirm it in His Word, the Bible, or bring another person to prophesy a similar word to confirm it to you.

 

There was a time I received a very long prophetic word from a well-known prophet. Part of the prophetic word was, "My daughter you have a desire for prayer. Lord I feel like church has forgotten about prayer. I wish someone would reinstitute prayer in the house. Guess who I am going to use? Going to use you to rally men and women to seek me, seek me, seek me, like they have never before. Find yourself in at least one 24-hour vigil."

 

As I received this word I thought, "I don't feel that way, and I have been in charge of several 72-hour prayer vigils." As I dissected the prophetic word given to me that night I put this part of the word up on the shelf because it didn't make sense to me; I thought it was off and not for me. I did not throw it away. I put it in my memory bank. 

   

A year later, I found myself teaching people around me how to pray differently, but I still did not realize that this word was manifesting in my life. One day as I was writing one of my books, I still can remember it as clear as day, the Holy Spirit shot through me. I was sitting at my desk typing and I was allowing the Holy Spirit to move through me to write.

 

I started writing about prayer and thinking that people don't know how to pray. That is when I felt the Holy Spirit come upon me. It felt like a bolt of lightning shot through my body. I looked up and in the spiritual realm I saw the shelf and the prophetic word. I had misinterpreted the word. I was looking at the church as a building when the church is the people.

 

The church is the body of Christ and that prophetic word was right! I had been complaining for months that people didn't know how to pray effectively. I took what I was seeing and hearing and started teaching people how to really pray!

 

The word was for me all along, but I didn't recognize it. How many words are people waiting for that they think are not coming to pass because they totally dismissed them or did not recognize them? We need to be open to how the Holy Spirit wants to move through us. We need to make sure in our pride or arrogance we are not dismissing a word or assuming it's not for us.

 

The most important thing is keeping our minds and will open to the Holy Spirit, so in that moment He desires to remind us of a word from long ago, we understand and hear His voice. Even though I dissected the prophetic word I still did not get the full meaning out of it. I should have looked further into every word, but that's OK because now I can use it as a testimony to you.

 

Stay open to the Sprit. Don't totally dismiss what you don't understand. Dissect your prophetic words and most of all don't give up in the waiting. Who knows perhaps the Holy Spirit will get hold of you like He did me and pretty soon you will see things manifesting in your life that were spoken long ago.

 

Be encouraged, God has a plan for you. Be diligent! Seek His presence and His word! Worship Him in freedom and truth and discover how the kingdom of God will manifest in your life and use you to manifest His kingdom in others!

 

Kathy DeGraw is the founder of DeGraw Ministries, a ministry releasing the love and power of God. She is a prophetic deliverance minister who travels hosting conferences, teaching schools and giving evangelistic love tours. Kathy enjoys writing and is the author of several books that educate, empower and equip people. For more information visit www.degrawministries.org

Read More