Last evening, following a difficult day of long meetings and challenging issues, I spent the final two hours of my night with a mature brother in the Lord from Scotland whom God has given a unique gift of understanding prophetic ministry.
I’m certain that many of you who read this piece don’t have any interest or understanding of the prophetic gift in scripture, but one word simply describes the primary purpose of that gift: encouragement. In 1Corinthians 14:2 Paul clearly states that the prophetic gift is given for encouragement, edification and exhortation. It is not a gift that foretells the future, but a gift that speaks to the heart of the individual, or in some cases a corporate body, to announce to them the posture that they are to take in order to receive the maximum blessing of God in specific matters that you understand at times, and in general if nothing immediate is mentioned.
I left those two hours exhausted physically but very encouraged spiritually and expectant about the coming months. I will write more about this in the future, but one of the things that has been lost in the church has been so many of the wonderful gifts of God’s Spirit because of the extremes that we all see abused in different forms by different men and women who have not been schooled or trained to yield to this Spirit in humble, God honoring ways. Is it possible to restore this ministry to the church? My absolute conviction is yes, but it will be a very deliberate and challenging journey to overcome all of the misconceptions.
Nonetheless, it is so very worth it if we learn to grow and receive the fullness of all the gifts and fruits of the spirit that the Holy Spirit intends.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Thanks Dr. Jay. So many are "afraid" to comment on prophetic ministry b/c of its dubious ties and perception. Looking forward to your future commentary.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Pastor Jay,
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing to our church to have a leader of such maturity. We know we can trust you...thank you Pastor! I for one am looking for personal and corporate breakthrough...we're glad to be on this journey with you!
Norma
Pastor Jay,
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing to our church to have a leader of such maturity. We know we can trust you...thank you Pastor! I for one am looking for personal and corporate breakthrough...we're glad to be on this journey with you!
Pastor Jay,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to encourage YOU to know how excited we are that God is using you to welcome the prophetic in a corporate setting. We trust in you as our church leader and know that you will take the correct steps to get this going.