There is power in a personal prophecy! Sometimes God speaks to us to assure us that He is aware of our personal and private concerns. Joshua knew that he was an old man, but when God told him that he was an old man he knew for sure that he was! (Joshua 13:1)
A personal prophecy informs us that God is interested in things that concern us. Joshua might have been wondering if he would live long enough to complete God’s commission that he would fully possess the Promised Land. God’s people had crossed over the Jordan River, but beyond that the operation had stalled somewhat and “there remained very much of the land yet to be possessed” — much as it does today due to believers who ‘cross over’ into the God’s promises but once in settle down instead of ‘soldiering on’.
Most of us have one major issue in life. The Samaritan woman said to the people of her village: “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:29) Of course it wasn’t all she had ever done, but the woman’s failed personal relationships were the major issue in her life; other issues were of less concern.
The most charismatic book in the Old Testament is First Samuel. The first three chapters list things that lead to the birth of a new ministry and a new move of the Spirit of God.
“Eat with me today’, said Samuel to Saul, “And tomorrow I will tell you all that is in your heart.” (1 Samuel 9:19, 27) When a prophet says words such as these, nervous leaders gulp!
Spiritual signs along the way would be two men with a message; three men with offerings; four men playing and prophesying—plus a personal prophetic experience—will lead to less dramatic but just as anointed actions in Saul’s everyday life as King of Israel. The charismatic-style signs along the road would simply be evidence.
“At that time [that these things happen] the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you, and you will prophesy with them, and you will become another man. From then on, your decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances, for the Lord will guide you.” (1 Samuel 10:7)
Those with the spiritual gift of prophecy will build up believers in the faith, whereas those who are prophets will direct when needed. A believer who wins people to the Lord is not an evangelist. Nor is one who well knows the Bible a teacher. I’m just making a point.
“But when they haul you up before magistrates and rulers, take no thought—do not premeditate—how or what you may speak, for it is not you who speaks but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20) If God can give you words that witness to people who threaten to kill you, He can inspire you to prophesy to believers who love you! Remember this the next time the Spirit of God moves you to prophesy in church.
“But if all prophesy, and one comes in who does not believe, or is unlearned, he is convinced by all, he is judged by all; and in this way the secrets of his heart are revealed. And so, falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God really is among you.” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)
A spiritually gifted church will have members who speak with a portion of the revelation power of a prophet (Ephesians 4:11). But when a prophet ministers in your church, the difference will be obvious! There is a depth of authority in the stance of a prophet and a timbre in his voice that will move you forward to the edge of your seat.
Ministry