The Word Illustrated #60--The ineffective prophet

The Word Illustrated #60
© Pamyla Floyd
9/9/2010

The ineffective prophet

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: -- I Corinthians 12:10

Many in the body of Christ are with gifts they use for the glory of God. Some are born with their gifts; others are given gifts in life. In I Corinthians 14:1, we are encouraged to follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that we prophesy. The gifts and callings of God are not withdrawn, but they can become ineffective.

When we step out of the will of God, we are telling Him that we can handle our lives better than He. The prophet out of order will:

• Take advantage of others because of their gifting
• Take (steal) what he/she feels they are entitled to
• Use their gift to glorify themselves rather than God or edify the church
• Engage in activities against the flesh, because they feel that they can

When in a rebellious state, any word given becomes cancerous to the person/church that it goes out to. The prophet’s vision is clouded, and they cannot differentiate whether they are actually hearing from the Spirit of the Lord, or seeing through their vain imagination. The receiver is left in a state of confusion, because the word does not bear witness with their spirit. They do not confirm anything that the Lord has already told them, they are words that fall to the ground null and void. Confusion is of the devil, and is he is pulling the strings, putting their life where he wants it, in his hands.

Prophets are people set apart; they have to hear and move, by the voice of the Lord, and not by the influence of man. If not girded with the amour of God, they experience doubt and unbelief. Next, depression sets in, paranoia begins to take over, and they continually look over their shoulders like a criminal on the run. Not only is their sanity threatened, but their very lives are on the line at this point! satan comes to kill, steal and destroy, and he seduces with acceptance and the promise of friends. he wants to and will silence for good any prophet whose ears he can shut from hearing the voice of the Lord their God.

Now the health of the ineffective prophet is under attack as he moves to take your life. If this is you, and you have been living a life outside of God’s standards, I suggest that you confess your sins, ask forgiveness and begin taking the steps to get back in right fellowship and service. I also suggest that you team up with a trustworthy intercessor with whom you can openly pray with. Remember, you are a priest and a prophet, and that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you! I’m glad to see you back.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:6 -- A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men –
Romans 11:29 -- For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance

Note: The illustration is of a man holding onto the wing of an airplane with an exclamation point over his head. He is tied onto the wing by a rope

The Word Illustrated #59--Patience

The Word Illustrated #59
© Pamyla Floyd
9/4/2010
Revised from: Feb 28, 2002

Patience

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience Romans 5:3

I can attest this scripture to be true. During times of tribulation, we have the added bonus of a more intimate relationship with the Lord. I had no other choice, but to sit at His feet while He worked with me, on me and thru me. As we go through, our patience is refined by way of the persecution, trials and tribulations of life.

How can we ever grow, develop and mature if we don't experience storms. No one likes going through, but even when all is breaking loose around us, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding through Jesus Christ. I Peter 5:7 says to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, for he cares for us. All means all! When we hold onto things that disturb our peace, our rest, our health we are not in the will of God. We MUST keep our eyes on the prize and press toward the high calling of Jesus Christ.

WE already know what we left behind, need we go back? Ok then, no more standing still. Life is not about yelling and screaming to get our way, or blowing up when we hear things we don't like. Impatience will show up as immaturity or disguise itself as abusive. It is not easy to detect and deal with, but what sweet victory when it is recognized and surrendered to our loving savior.

I had to learn to stop talking so much. Before I thought, I spoke. Patience meant nothing to me, it was just a word. I'm not proud of that part of me, but I am grateful that it is in my past now. Jesus helped me overcome the thing that was destroying my life, and all of my relationships along with it. There is life and death in the power of the tongue, and I used mine to cause death. I have to be honest about it. WE all have something or some things that need to be purged from our lives.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where some thing holds us captive in such a way, that it literally takes our breath away. We become afraid to breathe out. .WE are continually broken before the Lord and deliverance comes quickly if we acknowledge, release and allow the work to begin. When we are put in a position where all we can do is to cling tightly to those things we know to be true and sure, it is then that patience has a chance to have her good work in us.

Surrender now. It is still daylight and much life is left to be lived the right way.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or need help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me -- II Corinthians 12:9

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;-- James 1:2

Note: The image is of a marionette doll with various tags hanging around her such as rent, car note, childcare etc