TEACHING PROPHETS to be LUKEWARM
Posted by: prophetic <prophetic@...>
--Carole Phelps.
The teachings in the average church regarding prophets, their
mission and ministry is either non-existent, or the teaching leads
one to believe a true prophet only speaks good, encouraging
words in a rather passive manner.
In the 1950's and 1960's even into the 1970's God mightily used
me in the prophetic giftings. Often He would move me in bold,
profound, even scathing rebukes against lukewarmness, apathy
and unbelief. Sometimes He would give strong words of
encouragement, painting a picture of the wondrous results which
would follow should they choose to follow closely to Him in
dedication and obedience. On occasion He would give me a warm
love song of great beauty. But mostly, the words were strong
retorts for loose living and determined disobedience.
I didn't question my role as instrument in those days, I just loved
God so much I was willing to allow Him to speak as He pleased.
I was a petite young teenager when He began in me and I loved
Him more than life itself, so I willingly paid the price for the Spirit to
flow through me. My pastor and the leadership didn't question the
validity of my giftings, but the congregation often rejected me as a
person, and were suspect of the gift. Being a shy, quiet person,
the prophetic gifting was just the opposite of my own personality.
Nevertheless, in the early 1980's much "teaching" went out
across the church regarding a more gentler, kinder prophetic
unction and the use of the gifts were downplayed and humanized
in many ways. The Lord did use me in those days, and I
attempted to be "teachable" learning to tone-down the delivery of
the messages and attempt to always end with an up-beat note.
For some reason I became aware of people accepting me more
readily and it was nice to be liked. (At the time I didn't fully realize
all this, but looking back it seems clear.) However, fewer and fewer
messages came and we were in some churches (yes, Charismatic)
which rarely allowed and gave little credence to any of the gifts, let
alone prophecy.
Last Spring, the Lord awakened me at 1:30 AM and called me to
go downstairs to meet there with Him. He called upon me to do
some heavy repenting, deep soul-searching and re-committal. For
several weeks the Presence of the Lord weighed heavily upon me
and I basked and rejoiced in Him. I felt like one raised from a
coma into newness of life. Nothing in my life was changed, but I
was renewed in Him. It didn't happen in a church. No one prayed
for me or laid hands on me. Jesus came into my living room and
touched me again.
Since then, last March, 1997, I've experienced Him in new power
and revelation. He has given me several visions and dreams, many
scriptural revelations and several directives. One in particular was
a prophecy for the Church which spoke of great upheavals coming
soon for which we must prepare by pressing in to the heart of our
God, each one personally. It went on to state that just as Jesus
was upon the earth for a period of time after His resurrection,
walking and talking with and teaching his Church, so He will be
with His Church prior to His Second Coming. This prophecy
underscored the efficacy of a vision He gave me back in l961
regarding the state of the Church and the working of the Holy Spirit
just prior to His Return. He emphasized the fact of His moving in
mighty annointing in and through those who were courageous
enough to stretch their faith to believe Him for all things and allow
Him to work in all ways even to the point of translating us
physically from one place to another for the purpose of saving the
lost and healing the sick. The most profound revelation was that
Jesus, Himself, would appear before us as we travelled from place
to place to encourage, annoint and strengthen us in ways we
cannot properly express. The Glory of God rested upon us with
such Joy as I've yet to experience in this life.
Just a few weeks ago, I was awakened early on two consecutive
mornings by God calling out my name and then He almost
groaned with anguish, "They are teaching my prophets to be
passive and lukewarm." I want you to be aflame with Fire. I want
my prophets to proclaim my Word with boldness, authority and a
loud voice." "Cry aloud, spare not and show my people their
transgressions." "If you are the only one speaking against them,
continue to speak, don't be afraid, I am with you...."
-Carole Phelps.