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 The gifts and callings of God are not withdrawn, but they can become ineffective.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