Sunday, December 7, 2008
Hey y'all,
I write today because there is a burden in my heart that has been burning since the whole of this week, and my burden is to see all of us become so close to God that we're always in constant communication with Him. And so today I bring you a word that God has placed so strongly in my heart that I believe He'd like me to share with you, and it's about the gift of prophesy.
Now wait, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "HEY GERRY! What are you talking about? I'm not old enough to prophesy. I'm a youth- my Holy Spirit gifts are only limited to speaking in tongues." You know something? I used to believe that too. But in the course of the last week, I had a series of powerful encounters with God and He completely changed my mindset about prophetic gifts. You see, in 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul exhorts the Church to "Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."
Now, it's interesting that Paul gives special mention to prophesy instead of seemingly more astounding gifts of the spirit like miracles or healing. But I believe having the gift of prophesy can really build us up in faith and in love and allow us to grow in God.
What is Prophesy, though? Prophesy isn't necessarily predicting the future, nor is it about having complicated things to say. (And just because you can prophesy, doesn't mean you're a prophet. Prophets have the gift of prophesy as well, but they're chosen by God and given to the Church to give spiritual direction.) For us normal people who aren't prophets, prophesy is simply this: Telling someone about the nice things that God has to say about them. You see, Paul says in 1 Cor 14 and 1 Cor 12 that prophesy is the manifestation of the holy spirit through which God gives a message directed to the body of the believers present in the meeting and with purpose their edification, exhortation and comfort." Prophesy builds us up!
In this special gift of prophesy, it requires one thing of us: that we attune our hearts to our Father in heaven so that we may hear what He has to say to us. Often, prophesies come in various forms: pictures, words, impressions (feelings), sounds, smells and in a still, small voice of God. God is always speaking to us, and sometimes we're so preoccupied with life and our own things that we do not hear what special things He has to say to us.
In addition to edifying one's self, prophesy also allows for a better sensitivity to the spirit as well as a constant connection with God. I find that in my walk with God, I'm more attuned to His heart and His love and I can actually feel God with me when I'm praying or reading His word or just simply being on my way to various places. I feel more spiritually heightened, and constantly speak to God throughout the day.
I pose a challenge to you: Why don't you ask God for the gift of prophesy today? Let Him give you visions and beautiful words and allow Him access into your heart that He may speak and direct your every move. It will give your walk with Him a radical boost!
love always,
Gerry.
