Perspective for the Prophetic Weekend

Over the weekend, we have an interesting person ministering to our congregations. Ps Alex Larsen, a prophet of God, came and connected with us. I received quite a number of testimonies stating how God has spoken to them. Praise God for He is ever-knowing and ever-present in our situations.

However, I would like to give some perspectives. The Bible has recorded these words for us in regards to the prophecies given to us:

1)      Prophecies are words of confirmation to us.

God has been impressing and speaking to you over a matter or over some situations. You have been asking God about clarity or directions. Then the prophecy came. It served as the confirmation for your next step. Remember apostle Paul in Philip’s house, he was prophesied by Agabus:

Acts 21:10-14 (NASB) ¹⁰  As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹  And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" ¹²  When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³  Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." ¹⁴  And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!" 

While it seemed like ‘revelation’ to the hearers, it was not to Paul. He ‘already’ knew what it going to happen. Look at his conversation to the Ephesians leaders which happened some time earlier:

Acts 20:22-24 (NASB) ²²  "And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, ²³  except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. ²⁴  "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Prophecies are words of confirmation that we have ‘already’ known or impressed about.

2)      How do we treat prophecies?

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NASB) ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise prophetic utterances. ²¹ But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NASB) ³  But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NASB) ²⁰  But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, ²¹  for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

We need to keep in mind as a ‘guage’ when the word is spoken over us: Is the word spoken edifying, exhorting, comforting and strengthening? Is it of value to us? Does it build us? Does it guide and direct us to accomplish the purposes of God?

If the word spoken is for meaning or application to you at the present moment, praise God for the answer to your prayer. Rise up and take the next step of faith.  

If the word does not seem ‘meaningful’ or ‘applicable’ or even ‘negative’ at that present moment, the Bible teaches us not to despise prophecy. We are to consider and examine carefully the prophecy. Pray over it and ask God to show you more. It may take time for the word to come in its season.

It is good according to my opinion that we have people hearing what are being prophesied over us. Then there will be accountability. The people can also give their perspective if we need theirs. They can remind us the prophecy given to us some time later if we are tried. This will enable us to run with strength again. 

In conclusion, I find it amazing at this fact about prophecy. And this is important!!! While prophecy rarely produce the speculation results like the gift of signs and miracles or healing, yet it demonstrates another aspect of God. It demonstrates that God is ALL KNOWING or scholars called it ‘Omniscient’.  He knows what we are going through, and if He knows what we are going through and when we are going next, then we should be comforted that He will be there with us. He will be providing whatever resources we need at any point of time. All we need to do is to trust Him and obey Him to do His heart desires. Walk into our destiny.God knows and He provides.

How do you guage the 'serving' level of the church?

Some days ago, I had a pleasant vision about believers serving in the church. While it is generally true about the 20/80 rule whereby 20% serve the 80%, there are places whereby the percentage serving are higher. But come to think about this rule or percentage, what are we computing against?

Do we divide  the number of believers serving over the total number of believers? E.g. 20/100

How do we take into account people serving on Monday's community class, Tuesday's prayer meeting, Wednesday's tuition outreach, Thursday's practice, Friday's small group, Saturday's missions, Sunday's worship service? How do we compute this?  

It will be trickier if some 'service' that we do are not counted as service. E.g. Playing guitar in the cell group? Hosting in the small group? Fetching people to meetings?Preparing food?

How do you think your church fare?
Or maybe I got the definition of service wrong.


BTW, I am not a 'Pharisee' :)

But I had a pleasant vision about believers serving in the church. I guess it may 'determine' well the level of service in the church. I saw in the meeting when I ask for volunteers to do certain projects or to serve in certain areas, hands are lifted up, voices are crying out 'me, me, me'. When the meeting is over, emails and sms-es flooded the mailbox and phonebox indicated their willingness for the call.
This vision brought a smile to my spirit and I pray that it will be done. 

This reminded me of Isaiah 6:8 (NASB) Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"