During any fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit and period of New Wine outpouring the gifts of the Spirit and the Five-fold ministry are given fresh to God’s people. It is necessary for those in leadership to train God’s people Biblical principles and practices for receiving and processing Prophetic words given them by those who operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Below are listed several principles which should bring forth God’s intended purpose and fruit from the application of the word given through the prophet or the gift of prophecy. Our goal should be to clearly hear, understand and apply the word to our lives as seen in these three words, Revelation, Interpretation, and Application.
1. What was the prophetic Word (Revelation)
2. What does it mean (Interpretation)
3. How should I apply it? (Application)
What was the word spoken or demonstrated or pictured? It is so important to get this part right. This is where a tape recording, detailed notes, a picture or video come in handy. How shall they run unless the message is clear?
Hab 2:2-3 Then the LORD answered me and said, Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.3 "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay. NASU
If the person receiving the message does not get a clear understanding of what the message is then they cannot ‘run’ with it. They cannot gain a true understanding nor can they apply it as God would have them to. If the word is not recorded in some way the intended target of the word should seek out the speaker or giver of the word. If that is not possible they should seek out these who were nearby when it was given. If none of these are possible they must seek God carefully before proceeding any further.
There are two examples in scripture I would like to point out of principles regarding a message or word given to God’s people. In Luke 2:19, Mary carefully hid the words of the angel in her heart. In Acts 17:11, It says ‘The believers in Berea gladly received Paul’s preaching and then carefully read the scriptures to see if the things he said were true.’
What does the prophetic word or message mean? To determine the meaning of a prophetic message or word from the Lord we should first seek to see if the scriptures agree with that which were spoken when the messages was given. Looking at several translations, looking up the Greek or Hebrew word meanings is also useful. Examining the Biblical context of the original message is also useful. Sometime the prophetic massager may be sought out to see if they have additional insight into the meaning. Seeking out experienced and mature leaders or believers who move in the Spirit may also help. Here is where we want to include those we are in covenant with and that we trust. Our spouses, mature believing friends and other wise spiritual leaders should be included. We should be asking how the word or message fits with what God is already doing or the direction He has already given us in the past. In Luke 24:32 the disciples talked with each other about the effect of Jesus speaking to them on the road to Emmaus.
How do I apply this word? Application of the word or message is the final part of the equation or process of receiving a prophetic Word. If we seek to apply a Prophetic word without a clear understanding of it and then do not seek the Biblical Interpretation of it we will be unable to accurately apply it. Often people receive a word and immediately seek to act on it. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
One part of the process of applying a prophetic word is the examination of our own heart. A clean heart and right motive are necessary. This along with seeking wise council and understanding the Biblical truth related to the word helps to insure that the word is applied wisely.
There are additional elements of applying a prophetic word. This is the when, where, how etc. Every phase of this process must be bathed in prayer and soaked in the presence of God. A Word from God never contradicts the Bible. God is not a God of confusion and therefore does not contradict Himself. We do not need to kneel and pray about committing a sin or doing something we know is wrong as we already have God’s Word, the Bible, to tell us what is right and wrong. God would not have us violate one covenant He has given us to obey another.
If we are not willing to go through this process the enemy can use what God intended to be a blessing, encouragement and His leading into a detour away from what God would desire for us. Our own motives must be examined and we must continually be humble before God as we seek Him at these times.
There is however no need to fear, or anxious. If we are willing to hear and willing to wait on God’s timing and direction at each step then the prophetic word or message can be a part of God’s working in our lives.
This is not an exhaustive examination of the process of Receiving of a Prophetic Word but should help you as you seek to understand the process of Receiving a Prophetic Word.
Arsenal Books also has: Receiving the Word of the Lord: Bringing Life to Your Prophetic Word at http://www.arsenalbooks.com/ along with many other good books on the prophetic such as Prophets and Personal Prophecy: God's Prophetic Voice Today by Dr Bill Hamon.(c) copywrite: Wayne Newcomb 2011, http://www.abbasglory.com/
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