Need word from god

I often meet people who tell me they need a word from God. I’ve seen Christians line up in front of prophets, hoping for a quick solution to their problems. I’ve also seen those same Christians stand in line a second time in front of the same prophets because they didn’t like the word they received the first time! I call these people “prophecy chasers.”

God wants to speak to His people, and I believe He has a fresh word for all of us at the right time. But there is a right way and a wrong way to seek God for prophetic direction. I’m concerned that we charismatics are guilty of abusing the gift of prophecy. Here are some guidelines that will help you:

Read God’s Word regularly. Many Christians crave a “direct” word from God, yet they refuse to study the Bible. They may even consider reading Scripture religious or boring—yet they love the thrill of getting a prophetic word in a public meeting. Carnal Christians aren’t willing to be disciplined students; they want prophetic words handed to them on a silver platter. You will never become a mature Christian if you don’t learn to hear from God on your own through His Word. And if you don’t read Scripture, you won’t know the difference between a true prophecy and a fake one—because prophecy never contradicts the Bible.

Look to God for direction, not people. I seek God daily for direction. I don’t chase prophets to tell me what to do or to show me my spiritual purpose. God can certainly use a prophet to speak to me—prophets are gifts to the church—but my focus is on God, not on the men or women He uses. If you ever start looking to a human being as your source of divine guidance, you are heading toward idolatry.

People who have the gift of prophecy must be careful they don’t allow people to put them on pedestals. We are not mediums who read people’s fortunes, and prophets should never allow themselves to be put in such a position.

Stop looking for the sensational. The apostle Paul said true prophecy is about three things: encouragement, comfort and exhortation (see 1 Cor. 14:3). True prophecy strengthens us, confirms God’s promises and propels us into our divine destiny.

We’ve all heard of charismatic prophets who provide phone numbers or addresses in their prophetic words to confirm a message from God. It’s true that God has the power to reveal such personal information, but in some such cases, the “prophets” were actually con artists who preyed on the gullible. Beware of prophets who use theatrics to bring a word to you. In all my years of ministry, the most solid prophets were humble men and women who never drew attention to themselves.

Don’t hurry when seeking prophetic guidance. I’ve talked with Christians who were desperate for a word from God, but they informed me they were on a deadline. Sometimes they even seemed to be threatening God—as in, “If I don’t hear from God by tomorrow, I quit!”

God moves according to His calendar, not yours. Don’t throw a tantrum; mature disciples must learn to wait for God’s word. Waiting will require you to adjust your timetable to God’s. Don’t let impatience derail you.

Sometimes God deliberately pushes the mute button. If His voice is not clear right now, it may be because He is leading you into a quiet wilderness season. You must learn to trust Him even when He’s quiet. Wait on the Lord, and let your roots grow deep.

Make sure your heart is willing to obey. Many people are eager to hear a word from God, especially if it tells them they will have a worldwide ministry or become independently wealthy. But prophecy is never sent to boost your ego. A true word from God cuts deep to the core; it requires surrender and demands holiness.

Henry Blackaby once wrote: “Our difficulty is not that we don’t know God’s will. Our discomfort comes from the fact that we do know His will, but we do not want to do it.” It is pointless to ask for God’s prophetic word if we are not fully yielded. Before you seek a word from God, lift your hands with an attitude of unconditional surrender and be willing to obey what He says.

J. Lee Grady was editor of Charisma for 11 years and now serves as contributing editor. He directs The Mordecai Project (themordecaiproject.org), an international ministry that protects women and girls from gender-based violence. His latest book is Set My Heart on Fire (Charisma House).

This article was excerpted from the March issue of Charisma magazine. If you don’t subscribe to Charisma, click here to get every issue delivered to your mailbox. During this time of change, your subscription is a vote of confidence for the kind of Spirit-filled content we offer. In the same way you would support a ministry with a donation, subscribing is your way to support Charisma. Also, we encourage you to give gift subscriptions at shop.charismamag.com, and share our articles on social media.

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God’s People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

1 Corinthians 14:1-25^[1]

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, July 1st, 2012

Let’s read the story of Babel.

Genesis 11:1-9

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, «Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.» And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, «Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.» And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, «Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.» So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Observations:

Men could work together we to build things when they had one language.

Of course, men were working together to ‘make a name for themselves’.

In order to stop the cooperation, God confused their languages.

Men spoke in the same language with the desire to build up the name of man, and God confused them.

In 1 Corinthians 14:1-25, God speaks so men can hear Him in the same language to build each other up to make a name for Christ, and not themselves.

Remember the context; men are excited about the gifts, and especially pursuing tongues, somehow thinking it is more exciting and desirable; possibly because it was so dramatic, or miraculous-appearing.

We need a clear word from God that we can understand, so the saved can be built up and the lost can be saved.

V 1-12 Pursue and Prioritize Prophecy because it Builds Up the Saved

1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?

8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?

9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning,

11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.

12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

Prophecy is greater than tongues

To be desired more

Builds up the church

Paul wants all to prophesy

One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in a tongue — unless someone interprets

V 1-12 Pursue and Prioritize Prophecy because it Builds Up the Saved

1-3 It builds up the church. It is spoken to people for their building up, encouragement, and consolation.

4-5 It is the greater gift. Because it builds up the church, and tongues edifies/builds up the self. When we’re gathered together, we’re not here about ourselves, we’re here about God and others.

6-11 People can’t respond to what they can’t understand. Paul takes some time to make the simple point here that people cannot be expected to respond to what they cannot understand.

12 Pursue the gifts that edify the church! If you want to be spiritual, you want manifestations of God’s power, then pursue a clear word from God. LIKE WE HAVE IN THE BIBLE TODAY.

V 13-25 Pursue and Prioritize Prophecy Because It Saves the Lost

13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.

15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say «Amen» to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?

17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

21 In the Law it is written, «By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.»

22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all,

25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

13-19 Tongues without interpretation is about self and useless in a public gathering. Two kinds of tongues? Message in another language, and private prayer language? I don’t see that. I see one gift of tongues, and a tendency to abuse it. Man’s spirit is speaking, not necessarily the Holy Spirit.

That stands today as much as in Corinth. We are self-seeking to use tongues in a public gathering where the Word of God needs to build up the body and save the lost. Let Paul’s ratio drive the priority; 5 vs 10,000!

20-25 Grow up – think! Good things happen when the message from God is clear. It is childish to pursue unintelligible words during a public worship service. It edifies the self and confuses the lost.

It doesn’t bring God glory for people to think we’re crazy. That’s no way to spread gospel grace.

See, when we work together to build a name for ourselves, God is against us. When we work together to build up the name of Christ, God speaks to build us up so we can indeed glorify the name of Christ, and so the lost who come among us will hear God, repent, and worship Him.

If we want anything lasting built, it needs to be built for God’s glory and worship, by God’s power through God’s Word to God’s people. Gospel growth. Eternal growth.

Pursue and prioritize prophecy, because it builds up the saved and saves the lost.

We need a clear word from God that we can understand, so the saved can be built up and the lost can be saved.

When we receive a clear word from God, will be obey? Will we respond in faith?

Often I meet people who are seeking some dramatic experience with God that will set them free from their problems. But I’m convinced that a better approach is to focus on our day in and day out walk with the Lord. Getting back to the basics of our faith will provide the supernatural growth we need for the breakthroughs we seek.

Be obedient. Stay in His presence. Stay in His Word.

I certainly believe in God’s sudden, miraculous interventions. But too often we overlook the simple keys to victory – things like being obedient, staying in the Lord’s presence, and spending time in His Word.

Several years ago, I had a friend who would go to one prophetic conference after another in search of “a word from God.” One day I told him I had an important word from the Lord for him. His eyes lit up. He was excited!

However, he seemed disappointed when I told him the message God had put on my heart for him: The word he needed was THE Word!

This is as true for you and me as it was for my friend that day. Yes, God can supernaturally speak to us through His Spirit, but the most important word we need to seek is the Word He’s already given us in the Scriptures.

Instead of chasing spiritual goose bumps, we need to open our hearts to the Lord daily, saying, “Speak to us, Father!” Dramatic changes will occur over time as we commune with Him day by day, eating a nutritious spiritual diet from His Word.

So quit looking for spiritual shortcuts, my friend. Only a deep, consistent, personal relationship with the Lord will bring you the true freedom and victory you seek.

…

Learn How to Have a Relationship with God

Have you ever wanted to hear from God or needed a word from the Lord? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. As you pursue a deeper, more intimate relationship with God you’ll undoubtedly come to a place where you need to hear from Him. He speaks in a variety of ways, whether it be from His Word as you read it, directly to you as you communicate with Him, or prophetically through another person.

When it comes to hearing a prophetic word from God in a corporate setting, I have found that most people feel like I did initially … fearful. Although there’s nothing more wonderful than to know God knows me, loves me, and actually wants to talk with me like He would a friend, many of us have the impression God is always frustrated and angry with us. We feel like if He were to talk with us, He would be harsh, corrective, and impatient. That’s certainly the way I believed, and most prophetic words I had heard in church up until that point only served to reinforce my belief.

When I was in my 20s, I was involved in a church whose senior pastor had a prophetic gift. He would speak a prophetic word over every person joining the church as he welcomed them into membership. Although his prophetic words were never harsh or personally embarrassing to anyone, I just knew I’d be the first to experience harsh correction or personal embarrassment in front of the whole congregation. As a result, I waited several years to join the church. 

Finally, the day came when I decided I wanted to formalize my membership with the church. I knew that meant receiving a prophetic word from my pastor. As I wrestled with my decision, I determined if joining the church meant I was to be corrected and embarrassed, then so be it. I was one of about 15 people receiving their membership. My pastor made his way through the line of people and then he came to me. He paused for a moment looking intently into my eyes. His look was penetrating. I knew he was seeing deep into my soul and was about to dredge up all my ugliness for everyone to see. I wasn’t living sinfully and my heart was turned to God, but I wasn’t sure that would matter. I knew I wasn’t good enough, and I felt God was barely tolerating me. I was convinced that this event was going to draw His ire because it was focusing His attention on me. So I braced myself for a portion of His wrath. 

After what seemed like an eternity, my pastor said, “The Lord is not giving me anything for you,” and then he moved on to the next person. There was a mixture of relief and frustration. I waited three years for this?! Every one of my fellow new members received a prophetic word that day except for me. They were encouraged, affirmed, and loved as our pastor shared words from God’s heart to each person … except me. In fact, no one had ever not been given a word in all the years I had attended the church! I was the first! 

That afternoon, I received a call from my pastor. He comforted me and told me he hadn’t felt any sense of sin or God’s displeasure over my life. He said he hadn’t sensed there was anything that might prevent God from speaking to me through a prophetic word. He went on to say he was quite puzzled and really couldn’t explain why he wasn’t given a word for me that morning. But deep down inside I knew why. 

While my pastor shared his thoughts with me, the Lord began to quietly speak to my heart: I will never embarrass you. If you don’t want Me to speak to you, I won’t.

God was gently correcting a misperception I had of Him as He revealed His loving nature to me. That day, I learned He isn’t out to hurt or embarrass me. He deals with His children in a loving and private manner. 

When I began to understand that God wouldn’t embarrass me by outing my sins, something happened in my heart that deepened my relationship with Him. I felt more loved by Him that day than I ever had in my whole life. 

Over the years as God has allowed me to minister to people through prophetic words, I have never forgotten this experience. I’m always aware of the fear I felt in anticipation of receiving a word from God. All ministry for God should accurately reflect His loving care to the people it impacts. 

The reality is that people inside and outside the church need a loving encounter with God. Imagine if we were to give someone a life-giving word from God at Walmart or the grocery store or the gym. Imagine if we were to give our children or a close family member a word that expressed God’s love or brought hope to a troubling situation or even provided direction, affirmation, and encouragement from God’s heart to theirs. 

When the Apostle Paul was talking to the men of Athens, he said, “Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘in Him we live and move and have our being’” (Acts 17:27–28, ESV). The Bible is the foundation for all of God’s revelation to us. No word or revelation from God will ever be inconsistent with the principles and precepts of the Bible. There are many daily life decisions that aren’t specifically addressed in the Bible—where to live, what car to buy, the answer to a family or business dilemma—all these life situations, and many others, require God’s wisdom and direction. 

Everyone needs a word from God! They need to know He cares for them and is aware of the needs and situations in their lives.

You can be God’s delivery agent of a message of encouragement and love to someone He cares for deeply. As you allow God to use you in this way to minister His love to people, my prayer is you’ll be challenged and encouraged to step out in faith. And as you do, the Holy Spirit will fill you and use you as His “ministry agent” to help people. Also, it’s my prayer you’ll realize prophetic ministry can be “weird free” when done in an orderly and life-giving manner. Finally, my hope is you’ll gain the perspective that while the prophetic is most often practiced and developed within the context of a church and its ministries, it can also be practiced within the daily context of our lives to encourage, help, and comfort people wherever we meet them.