"Last Days" Prophecies - A Different Perspective

With all the ominous prophetic words being released these days, I wanted to reconsider the theology we use to interpret and apply prophetic declarations and suggest that perhaps an alternative view might allow us to see them in a better light.

You don't have to look very far to find prophets declaring a future that looks pretty bleak. There are thousands of prophetic words in circulation that foretell massive earthquakes, tsunamis, wars and famine. With all these declarations of gloom and doom, it's hard to have an optimistic view of the future. It occurred to me that maybe we need to take a fresh look at the process we use to evaluate, interpret and apply prophetic words.

When we look at prophecies, we need to do a few things according to Scripture:

1) We must discern whether or not they're from God.
2) We must discern if they're being interpreted and applied correctly.
(See 1 Cor 14:29)

For some, these prophetic words portray an expansion of the kingdom of darkness. Many hold a view that it is not the kingdom of darkness that will increase as we move forward, but the kingdom of light. Seeing a conflict with a victorious view of eschatology, they dismiss these prophetic words as rubbish.

So let me propose an alternative explanation that supports a victorious eschatology and validates these prophetic words.

The major objection to these prophecies is the idea that through catastrophic events, God is judging a sinful, rebellious world. If you understand that God has removed the sin of the world and it's judgment at the cross, you should understand that there is no more need for judgment. So why would God continue to judge mankind through catastrophic events?

Jason Westerfield's Revelation
Not long ago, I listened to a message from Jason Westerfield where he discussed the revelation he'd received from God concerning the earthquakes in Christ Church, New Zealand, where he lives. The revelation he received was that the earthquakes resulted not from God's judgment on man, but on the removal of powers of darkness that had been reigning over those places. I apologize for my inability to recall the details of exactly how the powers of darkness were defeated, but the short story is - they were defeated (or perhaps judged) and then removed. In the process of being removed from their place of power, they created some earthquakes in that region.

Jason is a well-known and trusted prophetic voice. If his revelation is true, then the catastrophic events that happen in the earth may be attributed to something other than God's wrath. They may instead, be a result of us waging warfare successfully against the kingdom of darkness. And if that is the case, then the prophetic words about catastrophes, need to be re-examined in light of this revelation.

The next thing I'd like to consider is how we might accomplish the task of removing the powers of darkness over a region.

I don't engage in direct warfare against the powers of darkness in the heavens over my region. I've never received revelation from God on how to do that, nor has He told me that it's my responsibility. But I do have friends who engage in such warfare. They've been given protection and revelation on how to do it and not get killed. I think there may be a means to accomplish that objective in a way that doesn't expose us to the kind of danger we'd encounter by visiting the enemy's turf.

Ian Clayton - The Courts of Heaven
If you're familiar with Ian Clayton, you probably know that he has a series of lectures on the courts of heaven. (If you're interested in hearing this teaching, there is a link at the bottom of the note to the podcast) Clayton teaches that we, as believers, have access to the courts of heaven. We can bring a case before the court and ask for a ruling. Clayton has appeared in court and asked that his adversary appear with him, citing the principle found in Zec 3:1-2, where Satan appeared beside Joshua, the high priest.

Clayton says that if we stand in a heavenly court and ask that judgment be delivered, while standing under the covering of God's testimony, (which prevents judgment from falling on us) the judgment falls only on our adversary. He points out that it's dangerous to appear before the court on our own merit, as justice is blind and will fall upon us if we're not standing under the covering of God's testimony. He goes on to say that once our adversary is judged, he is removed from the place he held power over and that seat of power is given to us. This is a key point - the powers of darkness must be removed from their place of power and the seat of power given to a son of God.

This example could be used by anyone who is willing to take the spiritual forces over their region to court. The good news is - the powers of darkness are de-throned. The bad news is - they seldom leave without causing a little damage. In being de-throned, they may stir up a hurricane, for example. Remember that Jesus rebuked a storm at sea, which tells us that storms can be a tool of the enemy. The enemy may also create floods, volcanoes and earthquakes.

Clayton teaches that one of the things we must do is to mitigate the damage done by the powers of darkness as they depart the scene. It's not enough for us to occupy the seat of power. We must also pray for as little damage to occur in the earth as possible.

It wouldn't be hard to imagine the consequences to the earth if hundreds or thousands of these rulers of darkness were removed in a short period of time. There would be wide-spread and potentially devastating destruction around the globe, if we fail to mitigate the damage in the process of having them removed. If the powers of darkness were cast down to the earth - all hell would break loose down here and we might expect an increase in demonic activity and persecution of the saints. Mike Bickle had a dream not long ago, where he saw this exact scenario take place. The dream was recorded on February 13, 2009.

Mike's Bickle's Dream
"I had a long, vivid prophetic dream. I woke up at 2:30 AM with a deep sense of reality.

In this dream I was in an outdoor conference with maybe 40,000 people. The conference venue was in an outdoor baseball stadium in a large fair ground. I was preaching on prayer, power and end-time judgment. I spoke at the two afternoon sessions. Leaders and their people from many different charismatic streams were there. I remember seeing Bill Johnson and his people at the conference. We were enjoying warm fellowship together.

In the break between the sessions, some were debating whether what I was preaching was right or wrong. IHOP people were talking to some from the various charismatic streams in the Body of Christ. They were debating in a friendly way about God’s power and prayer and its relationship to end-time judgment. There was no hostility but sincere debate with most of the people talking with humility and love. It was actually enjoyable.

I finished preaching after the second session about 5 PM, when the events of Rev. 12:7-9 began to occur. Demonic principalities were being cast to the earth. They looked like very large snakes (over 100 yards long and 50 feet thick) with large heads that looked like a dragon. Many of them were descending from the sky down to the earth. No one at the conference had sufficient understanding or faith to respond in power and confidence. All the leaders and the people in the various charismatic streams ran in fear and confusion, including the IHOP people.

These snake-like-principalities were filled with rage against the people. These were angry and even humiliated about being confined to the earth."

(There is more that Mike shares on his dream. If you're interested in reading the entire message, there is a link at the bottom of the note.)

If we put these concepts together, we can see that all of these "prophecies of doom"  could indeed happen, and they would not be the result of God's wrath upon mankind, but the result of His children taking their rightful place of authority over their respective geographic regions.

Now I'd like to consider one last point....

Revival
Along with prophecies of natural disaster, there have been prophecies that speak of a great "last days" revival. Many believe it will be the greatest revival of all time. I can't help but wonder if that revival isn't the reward God has in store for us for the time when we get our act together as a body and storm the gates of hell like Jesus said we would. If there were to be a massive removal of the powers of darkness from the heavens, it may be the thing that ushers in an unprecedented release of God's glory in the earth. Yes, there would probably be some chaos, but the light shines brightest in the darkness.

This scenario is (more or less) what a lot of prophetic folks have seen in terms of a "last days" scenario, albeit from a different perspective. Personally, I think we need to see things from a different perspective. I think there is a way to integrate the present prophetic words that seem to indicate 'doom and gloom' with a victorious eschatology.

The key to developing such a view is to permit ourselves to think outside the box of traditional interpretations and to pull together the pieces of revelation others have so that the picture becomes larger than just the piece we've been given.

Prophetic Wisdom - Graham Cooke

Patricia King interviews Graham Cooke as he discusses the unique process God took him through to complete the writing of his latest book Prophetic Wisdom.

Biblical Principles Concerning Ethics and Protocols Relating to New Testament Prophetic Ministry

Originally compiled by John Paul Jackson and Marc Dupont
Editing team: John Paul Jackson, Marc Dupont, Loren Sandford, John Sandford, James W. Goll and Bobby Connor

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The Preamble
Within the contemporary church the term, “prophetic ministry,” can mean a great many things. Therefore we have attempted to outline a brief description of biblically based values and practices for New Testament prophetic ministers and prophets. The following are intended primarily for those called to trans-local ministries to the church at large. However, we also acknowledge many of these principles can be applied to individuals whose prophetic work does not extend beyond their local church.

Some persons labeled as “prophets” may be more accurately categorized as “prophetic ministries.” While they may minister to the church at large, they primarily operate within the occasional “charisma” gift of prophecy. Others are called to bear the ministry of a prophet consistently as a primary calling.

An established prophet will not only operate in the gift of prophecy, but will carry seasonal prophetic burdens and messages from God the Father to the wider church, and sometimes even to nations. His or her emphasis may be much more “the word of the Lord,” as opposed to “words from the Lord.” They may, at times, even give a prophetic rebuke or warning to the church, which should always be a message of grace, postured within the Father heart of God.

Our heart in preparing and submitting these values is neither to police, nor to correct any known individuals or situations. Rather, we are simply endeavoring to articulate biblical standards that can help ensure long-term fruitfulness both for prophetic ministries and the recipients of those ministries.

Revelation 19:10 states: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Therefore, we wholeheartedly believe that the overriding theme, goal and vision of any biblically based New Testament prophetic ministry should be to make known the Person and ways of Christ Jesus. And while a prophetic ministry may often be accompanied by revelatory words, signs and wonders, healings and miracles, a true prophet will always seek to champion the Person of Christ, the gift-giver, more than the gifts. Because God’s will is for each disciple of Christ to be conformed to the image of Christ, we believe, as well, that God calls those who represent His will, voice, and ways to be living testimonies of Christ-like integrity, lived out within the context of healthy relationships that provide accountability.

The goal of our presentation is Christ-like love and service from a pure heart. We do not present these principles and protocols from an assumed posture of authority or elitism. The spirit in which we present them is two-fold; Firstly, we desire to offer this as an appeal for Christ-centered unity of purpose among current prophetic ministries. Secondly, we wholeheartedly desire to see our co­laborers bear witness to who Jesus is in every facet of ministry as they seek to prophetically serve the Body of Christ.

Biblical Principles Concerning Ethics and Protocols
Relating to New Testament Prophetic Ministry

1. Concerning Beliefs and Practices
   
   
1. The Bible, as the perfect revelation of Jesus and the infallible word of God, is the absolute standard for weighing and assessing all revelation (2Timothy 3:16, Col 2:18-19, John 1:14).
   
   
1. While I treasure spiritual experiences from the Holy Spirit, I will not place subjective experiences and discernment above the Bible (Rev 19:10; Col 2:18-19).
   
   
2. I will not allow my emotions or pride to rob me of utilizing the Bible as my standard for weighing a revelation and any interpretation I may attach to a revelation.
   
   
3. I will always speak a Bible-centric message.
   
   
4. I will seek to draw all who hear me toward a greater relationship with the Father through Jesus, and to make the name of Jesus known in a biblical way.
   
   
2. God values His Word as the expression of His name and nature (Psalms 138:2). Therefore, we hold truth as a necessity in prophecy.
   
   
1. I will always try not only to speak truth, but to speak prophetic words in a way
   that reflects the loving heart of God.
   
   
2. I will determine to always lovingly speak prophetic correction in such a way as to avoid condemnation toward those who receive the prophetic word.
   
   
3. I will intend to always communicate hope for change through the transforming power of Jesus.
   
   
4. I commit to reflect the nature of my God by loving people more than my gift.
   
   
5. Prophecy is a word from God.  I will try to speak it with both humility and
   confidence.
   
   
6. While fearing God, I will not fear man. Whenever God directs me to release revelation I will not hold back through fear of man, fear of offending those with whom I am in relationship, or fear of losing popularity and/or opportunities to minister (Galatians 1:10, Proverbs 29:5).
   
   
7. I commit to God’s call on my life to proclaim the ways and will of God ahead of the “success” of my ministry in the eyes of man or the church.
   
   
3. I believe that prophetic accuracy is essential. I believe that the method and manner of delivery (the heart) of a prophecy is also important.
   
   
   1. I understand that voicing words from God is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. I aspire to have 100% accuracy in all I say.
      
      
   2. I will admit when I am wrong and take steps to acknowledge, repent and make restitution for my error in a prophecy or its delivery, in a manner appropriate to correct the error and the reason for the error.
      
      
   3. Repentance and restitution must also be appropriate to my sphere of influence and the scope of the prophetic word (Psalms 138:2).
      
      
4. If I do give an errant prophecy, I commit to full repentance. This will include:
   
   
1. An apology. If I gave the prophecy to a private party, my apology must be to that party. If the prophecy was given to a group such as a church or the public, the apology must be given to that group.
   
   
2. Biblical repentance does not mean saying, “I’m sorry” only to God, but also to those I have hurt. Most importantly, I must communicate that I am deeply concerned
   about the harm I have done or the hurt I have inflicted, and I will do whatever else
   is needed to help heal the wounds I have caused.
   
   
3. With the help of wise counsel, I will seek to find if there is anything in my heart
   that caused this error, and deal with it through confession, repentance and action.
   
   
4. I commit to continuing in accountability to a safe and loving authority whom I believe will support me and help me walk in integrity. I will not remove myself from this process even if painful to me and/or it seems that those to whom I am accountable are not treating me fairly.
   
   
5. I believe there are consequences to all actions. If my error is particularly serious or repeated, I will be willing to take time off from prophetic ministry until I and those in authority over me have discerned that I am ready to resume ministry.
   
   
5. Concerning supernatural manifestations, I will not substitute the seeking of angels, angelic activity, or other supernatural manifestations, over the seeking of God, His presence, and the truths contained in Scripture. The source of all truth is the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 11:14; Col 2:18-19).
   
   
   1. I believe that the character of Christ in me is more important to the Kingdom than my gift. It is the application and manifestation of God’s Word in my life.
      
      
   2. I will not fall prey to idolatry by seeking to generate, initiate or exaggerate supernatural manifestations, no matter what may be expected by the church culture in which I speak.
      
      
   3. Likewise, I endeavor to allow the Holy Spirit to initiate how and when He releases supernatural manifestations and/or ministry through me.
      
      
   4. If God does speak to me through angels, or causes certain manifestations, or gives particular types of revelation, I will communicate what I hear and see only as God directs. I will do so without elevating myself, my experience or revelation in any way that might detract from the Person of God Himself.
      
      
6. Understanding a prophetic word is vital to its implementation.  Therefore, I commit to being open to discuss, with appropriate leaders within the Body of Christ, the prophetic words I receive and interpretations of those words.  I will endeavor to do so because prophetic gifts are given to serve the people, not to promote the one who prophesies.
   
   
7. Words from God should encourage, train and equip the Body of Christ to conform to the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16). I will endeavor to always help the Body of Christ perceive the Person of Christ more clearly and to hunger for Him and His ways (Col. 1: 8-10, Eph. 1:17-18).
   
   
8. Ephesians 4 ministries are to equip the Body of Christ to receive, develop and mature, rather than to cultivate an audience of spectators for our gifting. Thus, we hold in high regard the priesthood of each believer in Christ (1 Peter 2:5; Romans 8:14; Isaiah 61:6).
   
   
   1. I commit to preaching sound doctrine rather than dividing the Body of Christ through non-scriptural doctrines designed to amaze my audience and develop a following (2Tim 4:3-4).
      
      
   2. I will not use the gift God has given me in a reckless manner that might cause others to stumble or misunderstand God and His ways (Jer. 23:32).
      
      
   3. I commit to help Christian leaders and trainers discern between the operation of God-given spiritual gifts and human psychic abilities (Daniel 2:27-28; 4:8-9).
      
      
   4. I commit to help train the Body of Christ to discern between true, Holy Spirit-inspired revelation and mere human intuition, New Age pseudo-spirituality or psychic abilities (1John 4:1).
      
      
   5. I will intentionally try to communicate revelation and the interpretation of revelation in ways that encourage, strengthen, and comfort the recipient(s) of the word (1 Corinthians 14:3).
      
      
   6. I will seek to avoid prophesying anything that controls or manipulates the lives of others.
      
      
   7. When giving a prophetic word, I will seek to always encourage hearers to biblically and prayerfully weigh it rather than to take it without consideration (1 Corinthians 14:29).
      
      
9. I commit to help train the Body of Christ to discern between genuine encounters with God and other pseudo-spiritual experiences, as well as to help the Body of Christ understand the various degrees of revelation and their relative levels of importance.
   
   
10. I commit to refusing to prostitute the revelatory gifting God has given me by attaching a fee to a prophetic word* (Micah 3:11).
    
    
    1. I will not use a prophetic word or prophetic ministry to manipulate people to give
       financially to me, and or the ministry I lead (2 Peter 2:15).
       
       
    2. I will not lead people to believe that the prophetic word will be triggered or
       influenced by a gift.
       *Accepting honorariums, gifts or travel remuneration is acceptable.  This is different than prophesying for an agreed amount of money, and is equivalent to a pastor receiving a salary.
       
       
2. Concerning My Life in Representing Christ Jesus Prophetically
   
   
1. I commit to living, modeling and championing the character of Christ. I believe Christ-like character to be more important than operating out of gifting  (2 Cor. 7:1).
   
   
   1. I choose to consistently promote and model the ways of Christ more than simply communicate revelation.
      
      
   2. When it comes to representing Christ Jesus, I believe that I not only have a message, but that I am the message.
      
      
2. I believe that wisdom from above is “reasonable and peaceable.” I will place high value on Christ-like humility, and shun prophetic arrogance (James 3:17).
   
   
3. I commit to having an accountability group in place to whom I will hold my lifestyle, marriage and ministry accountable.
   
   
   1. I commit to living a life free of substance abuse, love of money, extra-marital sex, pornography, pride and unforgiveness/bitterness.
      
      
   2. I commit to living out God’s high value of love and covenant emotionally, spiritually and physically with the “spouse of my youth,” to the best of my ability.
      
      
   3. I will guard my heart and make a covenant with my eyes not to look upon another in a lustful manner.
      
      
4. I commit to being free from both the love of money and the love of appearing successful in the eyes of man. I commit to choosing venues to host my ministry, based on the leading of the Holy Spirit as opposed to the size of the crowd or financial remuneration.
   
   
5. I commit to being not only a person of prayer and worship but a continual student of the Bible and the ways of God.
   
   
6. I commit to honor the Lord by honoring and strengthening His delegated authority in the Body of Christ.
   
   
   1. I will honor and strengthen local pastors and church leaders as God’s-appointed shepherds and gatekeepers for their local congregations.
      
      
   2. I will not usurp the authority of the local leadership in the Body where I am called to speak.
      
      
7. I commit to perceiving myself as a servant to both the church at large and the local church as God gives me opportunity.
   
   
   1. I will not view congregations and other ministries as mere platforms, or tools to facilitate my vision and calling.
      
      
   2. I will not steal another leader’s people or leadership in order to build my ministry.
      
      
8. I commit to financial, ethical and moral purity, and will not use the Body of Christ to advance my ministry nor build my own empire. My endeavor is to imitate Jesus’ example of servanthood, and only do as I see the Father doing.
   
   
3. The Nature of Authentic Prophetic Ministry

• Bible-centric —Bear/bare witness, expose, declare and establish the truth of Scripture.
  
  
• Salvation-centric – Declare, teach and demonstrate the gospel of the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders following (Mark 16:20).
  
  
• Jesus-centric – Edify, comfort, encourage and exhort believers and the church in the way to Jesus as well as the way of Jesus.
  
  
• God-centric - Demonstrate in word, deed and manner the character of the Father:  love, righteousness, justice, compassion, mercy, majesty and holiness.
  
  
• Sovereignty-centric - Bring glory to God alone. His name, His acts, and His Glory are inseparable. He exercises His will through His Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Immutability and Eternality, as He chooses.

Persistent Prophetic Warfare

Comment: This is not your typical prophetic word. This is a prophet clarifying the prophetic work to which many of us here in the northwest are called. Understand the warfare that you are a part of, take appropriate action, and do not let anything stop you.

Persistent Prophetic Warfare

From my experience there are two “branches” of Persistent Prophetic Warfare. There is what the Persistent Prophet continually does to wage war against the forces of darkness. And, there is what the forces of darkness continually do to wage war against the Persistent Prophet.

Of course, this is also generally true for ANY Child Of God. All born-again believers WILL have to wage war against the forces of darkness – it is written – and WILL suffer backlash and setbacks from that effort – which is also written. There is NO escape. It is our collective reality – and God has made this struggle plain in His Word. From God’s point of view, we are clearly to expect – by faith –  that there will be victories, and we are also clearly warned that there will be struggle.

It was the same for Jesus Himself. 

But I am writing about that particular subset of the overall battle called “Persistent Prophetic Warfare.” And more importantly, about the enemy’s objective and the tactics meant to bring Persistent Prophetic Warriors down.

The scriptural references that apply are legion, I know you know them, so I will be limited in using them and write more from my heart. 

Let’s assume that if you are on my email “to” list [where this article was first published],  that I consider that you already know you have a Prophetic Call of some kind – whether it is the primary Call on your life – a complimentary or secondary Call – or you have intimate knowledge about or experience with those that do have a Prophetic Call. Let’s also assume that as “experienced” prophets we have already exhibited decades of proven experience – and have had ongoing struggle as we have “walked out our faith.”

We have been Persistent Prophetic Warriors.

The enemy is not stupid. When satan sees that you are being obedient and affective – especially long term – he will do whatever he needs to do to “take you out.” He will also be persistent. He will continue to attack your day job, those to whom you report to – like bosses or supervisors, your finances, family, friends, your prophetic “vision”, your health, etc. ...even your effort to continue on with life itself. Misunderstanding, rejection, weakness, shame, embarrassment, disappointment, doubt, fear, and sickness may be your “familiar reality.” You may even be called in front of legal authorities multiple times and find yourself having to repeatedly defend yourself for things you may or may not have actually done. Your family, friends, Christian friends, and co-workers may question you and turn away from you many times.

At points you may loose your prophetic vision too – as these things repeatedly rise up to overwhelm you – and not just in ones and twos – but multiple avenues of warfare coming against you over and over – and over long periods of time.

Effective Prophets sometimes fight on with few friends understanding what they are doing. Effective Prophets may feel the sting of isolation and wonder why they have so many victories, so little recognition, and so much struggle and discouragement. Prophets will know the Juniper Tree. 

And, if Satan can’t destroy you, he will try to distract you.

He will try to separate you from your First Love – and divert you away from your Calling and mission.

He will try to keep you focused on material things: your money, house, cars, clothes, tools, other worldly possessions, and the struggle to get and maintain them. He will try to make work and your ministry overwhelm you: with diverted time, an appeal to selfishly excel, and constant dissatisfactions with procedures, policies, bosses and co-workers. He will try and disappoint you with your family and friends. At times they will be indifferent toward you, neglect you, and – as in my case – outright reject you. He will try and bring fear into your life through the personal, national and international issues we are all facing. He will attack your health, ability to rest, cause you to be dissatisfied with your own level of fitness – and anything or everything else about you. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Satan will use whatever he can to separate you from the Love of Jesus, the Voice and Power of the Holy Spirit, the Absolute Care of our Heavenly Father, and the CALL He Himself has placed on your life. 

You will have Battle Fatigue. 

You will have battle fatigue. Not much fun, huh?

Hardened combat soldiers – those who continue to wage effective war on the battlefield against the enemy – ARE going to be the enemy’s target.   

Experienced Prophet warriors – those who continue to wage effective war against the forces of darkness and win – ARE going to be satan’s target. 

Both are going to face exhaustion. Both are a great threat to the enemy – and the enemy is going to direct his resources toward the greatest threat. 

There is that element of combat experience where the soldier and Prophet get to the point that life and death, victory and defeat don’t matter.

Continue the Fight.

What matters is continuing the fight. Because continuing the fight is right. 

So, be careful to face up to the fact that you are in this thing – Persistent Prophetic Warfare – for the long haul – and that in a certain sense (understand this with godly wisdom) “you” don’t matter.

What matters is far greater than ourselves or any earthly kingdom. What matters is Jesus and the Kingdomof God – and that in the heat of battle you continue to recognize the enemy, continue keep your weapons aimed at him, and continue pulling the trigger.

If victory comes, which it most surely will, there will come a time when your Reward is made known.

Jesus Himself will not forget you – either in the fight or afterward.

The Holy Spirit will continue to empower you and be your Advocate – both in the fight and afterward.

And, our Father will both dry your tears – and bring ultimate judgment.

As it is written: “God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 

He Himself said that He would “neither leave us nor forsake us.”

Be persistent. 

Keep pulling the trigger.

Unlike combat soldiers, Prophetic Warriors have an unlimited supply of weapons and ammunition – and our Leadership does not fail.

Regards, Scott

Scott Wiley Arnold

Missouri USA

September 18, 2009

Via Northwest Prophetic

Eckhardt on Apostles and Prophets

John Eckhardt is one of the clearest apostolic voices in America today. Here he's teaching on a subject near and dear to this blog: how apostles and prophets work together, and how to raise up a prophetic community within your church.

Growing In The Knowledge of The Lord - Part 2

Brian Fenimore continues his teaching on growing to know the ways of God and how it helps sharpen our prophetic words.

Growing In The Knowledge of The Lord - Part 1

Brian Fenimore teaches on growing to know the ways of God and how it helps sharpen our prophetic words.

The Tow Truck

I've had a busy month or two. Seems like I never have time to just sit and think anymore. On Christmas day my car broke down. I spent some time waiting on a tow truck. Two days later I was taking a patient home from a stay in the hospital. When we arrived, we learned that we were at the wrong address; about 15 miles from the right location. Leaving the driveway, our ambulance blew a radiator hose.

We notified dispatch and waited for a tow truck. As my partner talked with the patient in back (I was driving) I couldn't help but see some irony in this story.

Our patient could have been Bob Jones' twin brother. Even had the twangy southern accent. I began to think about ol' Bob as I waited on the tow truck.

Here's how it played out:

A couple of years ago I heard Don Potter describe the phone call he received from Bob.

Bob: "Don, I had a dream about seven white horses riding to Nashville. You understand?"

Don: "Ummm...sure."

Don didn't immediately understand, but shortly afterward he moved to Nashville and hooked up with Wynonna Judd. The rest is music city history. After hearing a few more stories about Bob having dreams from God then calling people up to give them direction from the dreams, I had a conversation with God about that kind of ministry. I told Him I thought it was pretty cool. He said, "Bob is like my state trooper. One of my people gets lost on the way. I give Bob a dream. Bob calls them up and lets them know their next move.

I told Him I'd like to have that kind of ministry one day. He said He could make it happen. Actually what he said was something like: "Don't ever be jealous of the ministry of anyone. I have a ministry picked out that's perfect for you. It will fit your personality and talents perfectly. You'll love the things I'm going to do with you."

A few months ago I received a dream that revealed a problem one of my peers is going through. I knew what God wanted me to do. Send a message telling him about the dream and encourage him with the knowledge that God has it on His radar. I sent him an e-mail. Even though we aren't good friends, he received it with gratitude.

A week later I received another dream similar to the first one, for a different person. But this dream presented a problem. I was on somewhat good terms with the first man. But the second man is somewhat hostile toward me. We both have growing healing ministries, but we have some deep theological differences. I didn't think he'd receive a word from me based on this dream. So I sat on it for several months. Sitting in my broken down ambulance pondering the ministry of Bob Jones, I realized I was being disobedient. God gave me a dream revealing his mercy toward someone going through a difficult time.

I wrote an e-mail with the details of the dream and sent to him, with some apprehension. A few minutes later I read his grateful reply. He verified the accuracy of the situation and asked me to pray for him.

I remember the advice my pastor gave the first time I delivered a word in front of a congregation: "You're a messenger. You deliver the mail. Give the message then sit down. Don't explain it and don't worry about how it's received. All you do is deliver the mail."

It was good advice. But sometimes were more like tow trucks.

Everyone gets stuck in the mud once in a while. When a brother or sister is stuck, God sends one of us in our tow truck to pull them out. We need to respond in a timely manner. The operation of the kingdom depends on each of us doing our part. The quicker we obey, the sooner we all arrive at our destination.

Prophesying From Love and Compassion - Stacey Campbell

Stacey teaches from her own experiences on the devastation that can come from the prophetic gift if it doesn't flow from a heart of love and compassion.