Spiritual Training

One of the reasons I wanted to start this blog was to create a place to share about prophetic ministry. It’s alive and active in me, and according to scripture, it’s ready to be alive and active in anyone with a heart ready to receive it.

Ready to get activated? Then keep on reading!

Acts 2:17-21 – “It shall be in the last days,” God says, “that I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams….”

See! It’s being poured out to all, and if you want it, go get you some!

You might be asking…”so what exactly is prophetic ministry?”

Prophetic ministry has a lot of definitions, but simply put, it’s getting a message from God about someone and then delivering that message with the purpose to reconcile them back to Him.

Let’s talk about prophetic ministry in simple terms, and since I’m a coach, the examples are exercise related.

An encouraging word spoken over someone such as “you look really good” will inspire and motivate them to keep following their exercise and/or diet regimen. Words like “you have made huge improvements from when you started running 6 months ago” will motivate them to keep working hard to one day run that 5K, 10K or half or full marathon. Even words like “I’m so proud of you” or “I’m inspired by you” motivate people to keep doing what they are doing. These positive words inspire them to pursue their potential. They are a “love push” into the right direction.

If someone said “you need to lose weight and then you’ll run better and faster” chances are that would not motivate them to keep at it. In fact, it would probably have the opposite effect. Here’s an example: I had those exact words spoken over me in college, and it did not motivate me to run faster. Instead, it negatively impacted my relationship with running and food for years.

Giving prophetic words operate in the same manner. It’s focus is on the positive. It’s calling out the good in someone to bring them to the revelation of the glory of God. It awakens them to their calling. It awakens them to the idea that a God above loves them. And in many cases, it changes the trajectory of their lives. It reconciles them to God. It’s a “love push” into the right direction. But if your prophetic words sound much like the “encouraging word” I got in college, then check your heart. The focus should be on the positive, not the negative.

Familiar with this verse? Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” This encouraging prophetic word was delivered from the prophet Jeremiah to God’s people while they were in Babylonian captivity (because they disobeyed God). God didn’t send a negative message, but rather a positive one. God uses prophetic ministry in the same way today by addressing people’s potential.

The last days, as referenced in the above scripture of Acts 2:17-21, are the great and glorious days and they are happening now. If you want to partner with God and participate in the ministry of reconciliation that has been assigned to ALL Christians, the time to step up and out is now!

Have doubts? Normal! I used to read in scripture about the gifts of prophecy, but never thought it was for me. I used to believe if God wanted me to have it, He would have already given it to me. I didn’t have a boldness or a confidence to ask for it. I felt I was unworthy to receive such a gift. I also believed that other people were “better Christians” than me and therefore they deserved it more than me. What a lie! If you have similar beliefs, I challenge you to rethink it! Maybe it’s the enemy trying to stop you from sharing God’s word because the prophetic is a powerful way to do it!

If you want to partner with God, give him your best YES! Just say “yes.” I challenge you, while reading this, to put out your hands in receiving mode and pray this prayer out loud: “God I want to partner with you. I want to bring people into a revelation of your goodness. I want to love people like you love people. I desire to have the spiritual gift of prophecy. I desire to partner with you and speak your truth and love over people. I am worthy to receive this spiritual gift because of whose I am. I am your child and your word says that you desire to give me good gifts. I want to use this gift with you to bring people to you.” (feel free to add in your own words).

Also, I impart to you a boldness as you go out into the world. I pray that you would be bold as you share God’s word, that you would be bold as you begin practicing hearing from God, and that you would be bold in taking risks. If you want to receive this impartation, simply say “I receive it.”

How to practice? Take that boldness and start going up to people. If God gives you a word over someone at work, deliver it. If it’s someone standing next to you at the starting line of your race, give the word. If it’s a person watering their grass as you run by, turn back around and share the word. Personally, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped on a run to deliver a prophetic word. God will take you anywhere. 

And know this, we learn by practicing. Practicing means that mistakes will happen. Embrace the mistakes because that is how you will learn if you heard God correctly. And it’s a process of growth. Just like marathoners started with 1 mile practice runs in the beginning, we start with one or two words and build up from there. Keep your eyes, ears, mind and spirit open and ready. Take risks and go for it! 

Now before you leave here thinking I am super smart, I’m not. I just read manuals and listen to podcasts on prophetic ministry.  Leaders should be learners! I’m learning all I can any chance I get. Currently, I’m studying the “Basic Training for the Prophetic Ministry” manual by Kris Vallotton. It’s an easy read and it’s the book our prayer team is currently studying.

Desire the gifts, partner with God and become a world changer. It adds more to your life than you could imagine!

Maybe you’re so completely new to this, and slightly overwhelmed, but your interest is piqued! Great! Follow my blog because I’ll share my “God stories” with you! I have lots and can’t wait to share them with you!

Also, I would LOVE to hear your “God stories”! Please share your testimonies with me! We all learn from each other.