by Glenice Mills
I am mindful that there are many ‘prophetic voices’ speaking out at this time - the beginning of a new year. There are lots of words being spoken about what is going to happen in coming times, particularly this year. I am wary, in the fear of the Lord, of adding to the words being spoken ‘out there’ just because it is a new year and a time when it is expected that prophets should speak.
There are prophets, called of God, who are burdened with the Lord’s heart, and sadly, there are those that are ‘self-proclaimed, self-appointed prophets.’ It is often difficult to differentiate between who is carrying the true Word of the Lord and who is not.
What I do know, the TRUE prophet’s voice will be heard and it will be different.
Their words will challenge, expose, and draw a line in the sand, exposing what is false, compromising, and ear tickling to religious man.
This may sound harsh, judgmental, critical and unloving, however, for maturity to come to the body of Christ, ungodliness, and unrighteousness must be confronted.
For too long the prophets’ mouths have been muzzled, and many have bowed down to an appeasing word because they have been told not to speak, tone down the word, or they have left church disillusioned. They have been misunderstood, judged unfairly and dealt with unwisely by many leaders. However, NOW is the time for the true prophet’s voice to be heard!!!
The Lord showed me that many prophets’ voices have been blunted. Some of this is because the prophets weren’t ready yet in their personal growth to bring the Lord’s challenging words, and for some the enemy attack has been so vicious that it has been a time of resting and recharging for a time such as now - the arising of the true prophet’s voice.
As I have been seeking the Lord for His heart He keeps showing me a sword coming out of the prophet’s mouth. There’s fire all around the sword, with bright light gleaming from the sword’s blade.
The prophet’s words are sharp, piercing; they are a spearhead hitting the mark.
There is a new sound coming out of the prophet’s mouth - there is a greater urgency and authority with triumph and victory in the prophet’s declarations. It is a sound of war!
So what makes a true prophet?
1) The Lord has been speaking to me about the company of prophets. We find this mentioned in 2 Kings. It may appear as an Old Testament idea and therefore does not belong for today, however, the Lord is raising this up at this time because there is something out of this that we prophets need for today. Perhaps one of the biggest downfalls of a prophet is isolation, usually out of rejection. Unfortunately that is where many have lost their way and it has been access for the enemy to come and distort the pure word of the Lord. Often these ‘lone ranger’ prophets have done serious damage to God’s people and have brought the prophetic into disrepute.
The truth is: iron sharpens iron, and there is something about prophets meeting together, getting the mind of Christ, and hearing what is on His heart.
I have no idea what this looks like, however I do know that there is a Spiritual principle in this that the Lord wants coming forth at this time. At the root of it is a higher level of accountability and protection for the prophet. It would be a safe place for the prophet to grow in their unique call and to encourage one another.
1 Corinthians 14:32,33
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
If the prophets are subject to the prophets then who is appointed to judge these words?
Surely only a prophet can discern whether another prophet’s words are accurate? There is an order that has been missing, hence why there has been much confusion about the prophets. When we read about the company of prophets it appears they are in close relationship with one another. So the challenge for now is where is the gathering and meeting place for prophets to come together? Where are the training places for the prophets to learn, be accountable and grow in their character?
Is the internet, face book and twitter, which are often a prophet’s platform, an ideal forum for prophets to develop to maturity? Anyone can put up a word, they can hide behind a name or photo and their level of accountability is nil. Surely this is opposite to the Lord’s ways?
The Lord is and has always been about relationship with Him and with one another. He calls His prophets friend, which denotes a very special, unique relationship, different from others. There is a hidden truth to this that will also unfold in coming times.
2) Another key to a true prophet is when the people know ‘there has been a prophet among them.’
Ezekiel 2:5
As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse - they are a rebellious house - yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.
There are many words out there but when a prophet speaks the word of the Lord, the unique anointing, power and authority of the prophet will either bring repentance or harden the heart of those listening. You know a prophet has been because change happens - they are change agents. It is also why the Lord is very protective of His prophets.
Psalm 105:15
“Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”
3) At the heart of every true prophet’s message is repentance. The theme of the prophet’s word will be ‘Return to Me’, because that was and will always be the heart cry of a true prophet, because that is our Heavenly Father’s cry. The prophetic word will always have the attributes of Jesus at its core, and preparing the Way for His return to a Bride without spot or wrinkle.
4) A true prophet has a servant’s heart and is willing to give of themselves fully to discipleship and serving in the house of the Lord. Throughout Scripture the word servant and prophet go together. Where there is an agenda of self, this distorts the true word of the Lord. Opinions, false judgments and accusations are not the heart of a true prophet. In fact a true prophet will not be concerned for reputation but rather the Name of the Lord and bringing it into disrepute in any way.
5) A true prophet knows what it is to count the cost and in this process is not concerned for self in any way, shape or form. Their character has been proven by the passing of tests over a period of time which challenge issues such as integrity, honesty and faithfulness.
6) A true prophet hears accurately from God. They will be tested in this. Sometimes it is not only about the word but when to deliver the word. Timing can be everything. A true prophet will know when they have ‘missed it’ and will quickly humble themselves and repent for their error.
7) Every true prophet knows the weight of responsibility when bringing a word and does not take their call lightly. A level of maturity of character is required as the Lord reveals, teaches and trains those prophets that are His.
8) There is always fruit. This happens when the words have been proven correct.
9) There is always a divine encounter when the prophet is called. They know without a doubt that they are the Lord’s prophet. It is deep in their inner being, it is who they are.
Throughout Scripture it warns of the false prophet. In these last days the voice of the false will rise and oppose the true prophet who speaks the Lord’s words. Our gift of discernment needs to be sharp in these times so we do not become deceived by words that appear to be true and accurate.
We are in times where the prophets must speak. There is a choice whether we heed the Lord’s words spoken by His true prophets - or not.
The following Scripture speaks of Jesus, the Prophet, and also warns of the false who speak what appears as the Lord’s Words.
Deuteronomy 18:17-22
And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’ - when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
