The Philippines will celebrate 500 years of Christianity in the country and I strongly believe that unity and a sense of pride (the good side of it) will bring many to a new season in their local churches. I also believe that God will bring clarity on biblical partnerships and break down denominational walls as we come along and celebrate this season.
When the church moves forward, new signs and wonders takes place. When the church accelerates, men and women rises up to answer the heed of God's call. But how do we identify these people? Are there blueprints to follow in identifying these people?
I strongly believe that God is raising up prophetic leaders in His church in the Philippines. They are, as what I would call, prime movers in the prophetic for such a season. I am not an authority on these subject but if you may, I'd like to share my thoughts on who they are, what they do and how they can impact the local churches and the nation.
First of, I'm not going to speak about physical appearance because God is not a respecter of it. Whether your thin and small or short and big or whatever, He can use you mightily!
He doesn't look at the appearance but on the heart. When we speak of the heart, we actually speak of his character as well. So, let's start with the character of the believers God is raising up in such a time as this.
In order for us to understand clearly how God will use the prophetic people in this season, we must first consider how we can recognize them. Please take note that I am not just speaking in the Office of the Prophet but in every office gifts the Lord has placed in the body of believers. God will always build the man first before his ministry.
In this first part of a series of blog posts, I'd like to share to you the 10 M's in a person's life that has to be aligned to God's mandate. This is taken from Bill Hamon's book "Prophets: Pitfalls and Principles".
Here's the list below:
- Manhood - (Gen. 1:26,27; Rom. 8:29; Heb. 2:6 & 10; 1 Tim. 2:5)
God makes a man before manifesting a mighty ministry because He has to have his identity even when you take out his position, message or ministry.
His personality is important. The person is also evaluated on his test of character and not on his performance in the pulpit. Simply put, people will always look at how he walks his talk.
- Ministry - (2 Cor. 6:3; Matt. 7:15-21; Deut. 18: 20-22)
The ministry God has placed in these people doesn't offend other ministries in the body of Christ. Importantly, this ministry moves with power and demonstration (of miracles and healing).
They walk in the Holy Spirit's anointing and fruits are seen with the people they minister to. Prophetic words and words of knowledge and wisdom works effectively in their preaching that people confirms the authenticity of the message, the accuracy of knowledge and the evidence of positive results in the person's life.
- Message - (Eph. 4:15; 1 Tim. 4:2; Mark 16:20)
Ministers should always speak the truth in love, present truth, and life giving. Their message is balanced with scriptural and doctrinally sound and spiritually right.
The person's life message is confirmed by God himself through His written word, the bible. God confirms His word (the rhema) and not the person, pride or reputation of the one bringing the message.
- Maturity - (Jas. 3:17; Gal. 5:22; 1 Cor. 13; 1 Tim. 3:6)
The person God uses should have the right attitude, not immature in his dealings with others and has strong evidence of heavenly wisdom.
The fruit of the spirit manifests in the life of the minister which speaks of Christ-like character. He's dependable and steadfast in all that he do personally or in ministry which gives evidence to biblical knowledge and maturity in Christ.
Lastly, he's not a baby christian. Period.
- Marriage - (1 Pet. 3:1,7; Eph. 5:22-23)
If the minister is married, he is a good example of a godly family. He makes his priorities straight - God first, his family next and then his ministry.
This actually brings a clear picture on how our life will exemplify the relationship as a church and bride to the bridegroom, which is Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Methods (Tit. 1:16; Rom. 1:18; Rom. 3:7-8)
These people are rigidly righteous (which basically means, are pretty much into wanting to do it the right way). They are ethical and honest, men and women of integrity without question.
They are not manipulative and does not do things to deceive people and strongly walks in the lifestyle of doing it the right way based on scriptural methods.
They walk in their anointing and calling that brings good results but does not focus on the end results especially when done the wrong way.
- Manners - (Tit. 1:7,3:1-2; Eph. 4:29,5:4)
Simply put, they are unselfish, polite, kind, gentlemen or a lady, they are not loud but are discreet. They have proper speech and communication in words and mannerisms.
- Money - (1 Tim. 3:6, 6:5,10,17; Luke 12:15)
They have no “Craving for wealth and resorting to ignoble and dishonest methods of getting it.
They are careful not to fall for the love of money and materialism which destroys his testimony. They don't use their gifting and ministry to manipulate people in giving money for their own personal purposes.
Specifically, we must not walk in the fate of Achan, Balaam and Judas in such a time as this.
- Morality - (Col. 3:5; I Cor 6:9, 10, 18; Eph. 5:3, 1 Cor. 5:11; Matt. 5:28)
They are virtuous, pure and relates to proper relations. The stand for biblical sexual purity in attitude & action. They don't dwell on wrong thoughts of desire and does not do or take opportunity to act on it.
- Motives - (Matt. 6:1;16:15 & 16; 1 Cor. 13:1-3)
Are we here to serve or to be seen?
Do we fulfill personal drive or God’s desire?
What is our true motivation?
To minister or be heard minister?
To herald the truth or just to be heard by man. Are we motivated by God’s love or lust for power, fame, name, etc.?
To end, I'd like to ask you a couple of questions for understanding:
- In what areas do you believe are you stronger? How is this evident in your life and ministry?
- In what areas are you struggling about? What are the things that you're doing to avoid these "pitfalls"?
- Does the 10 M's should apply to everyone? If yes, what will happen if you are walking in the prophetic anointing but falls short in some areas considered in Bill Hamon's book?
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