“Discerning Poisoned Cisterns or Deep Wells of Holiness”
I have seen and felt a trend that the prophetic has in many instances been taken captive by a spirit of seduction and poisoned from their own ‘cisterns’ instead of drawing from deep wells of repentance, prayer, and study of God’s Word AND living Holy lives. For even the very elect would be deceived if it were possible.
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matt 24:24
I have myself listened to very prominent voices who are prophetic. I heard this man say that they offer a personal prophecy after the service and said, “instead of a reading, come and get your reading here!” That didn’t sit well with me at all as it seemed like NEW AGE. I couldn’t believe what I heard and in hundreds of people there and no one said a word about that statement.
Being a credible, valid, prophetic voice, is not measured by accuracy. We are supposed to judge all things by the fruits of the Spirit. A person can give an accurate word, but he could be sleeping and having sex with women in the church. And the whole ministry is under the sin of the leadership. For whatever is on the leadership will get on the flock. We must discern and be careful what we allow ourselves to watch and put credibility in.
Scripture says to know those who labor among you. How can we put trust in circles we do not know? We listen to words, good words, but the gift is the Lord. I look for fruit, and to know those that labor among us. And the Spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (1 Cor 14:32)
Although the internet has opened many new ways to function as the church. What it lacks is being "seen in person” and "known in person". I have been led away from some of the prophetic circles out there. But yes, prophetic words can be wonderful and at times needful. Those of us who have witnessed a word at just the right time to confirm something God has spoken understands the amazing value!
In bigger circles we lose the ability to see and know the heart of the prophet or minister.
In these days we need to put our roots down deep into ministry that is beneficial for winning souls, growth in discipleship, and a protected atmosphere where the gifts of the Spirit can operate within a group. It is important that all can exercise their wings so to speak. So that we can take the message to our world about Jesus!
As believers in Christ, we must seek and learn to hear the LORD for ourselves. We learn this through our own study of God’s Word, a consistent prayer life, a life of worship and a connection with those of like heart, mind, and Spirit.
God never intended for prophecy to be the foundation of our relationship. I know people who go to meetings simply in hope of prophetic words. Beloved, depending on prophecy or a prophet isn’t the reason we come together. And furthermore, when we put emphasis on man is not the way to be led, as that is idolatry.
When we look to man and not God we get into big trouble. Many depend on prophecy, words of knowledge, wisdom, and the prayer group to take the place of our individual responsibility as believers. We must seek the Lord and depend on him first for everything. Every leader is responsible to point you to Jesus! Watching Christian programming or service can be wonderful, but if that is how much you have given to God for the week, you are in a dangerous place.
We are accountable to God first. When we come together with others, the way to know we are in alignment with the Lord and the group, is when we hear the same thing that is being taught, preached, or prophesied! God wants us to realize we are one of a number who hears the same thing.
Developing our relationship with the Lord is where it’s at. Everything we will ever need comes from our relationship and personal time we spend and give to God. And HE is faithful, for when we come together with others, the messages should be confirming what God has revealed to you! Being in sync with the HOLY SPIRIT is awesome and there is nothing like it! For out of the mouth of two or three witnesses let it be established! (2 Cor. 13:1)
My inner circle of trust has gotten very small, and I want to be accountable, I know it’s protection and I am a fruit watcher of the Spirit. I judge by the fruit of the Spirit! Not the gifts of the Spirit. May we all take a deeper look at ourselves and judge what we see in us and judge by the fruits of the Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ!
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:19-26
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey
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