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Day 17 – Prophecy 2 Chronicles 18 Prophecy is one of those gifts of the Holy Spirit we need to be cautious about as so many people abuse this gift. I don’t know about you, but I have been in many services where ‘prophets’ spoke a word over people, claiming things were about to happen to them, and in the end nothing at all of what was spoken happened. Prophecy must be proven 100% accurate 100% of the time. If it isn’t then the person is not a prophet and we aren’t to listen to him. In the Law of Moses it was declared that anyone who spoke a prophecy that did not come about was to be put to death. Deuteronomy 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. (KJV) We don’t put people to death anymore if what they say doesn’t happen, but we also don’t believe anything they say either. Their credibility is faulty. Jehoshaphat went to Ahab, king of Israel who wanted him to join him in battle. Jehoshaphat asked Ahab for a prophet of God to speak in the name of the Lord to know whether or not it would be profitable for them to go to battle. Ahab sent for his prophets who prophesied good, and at Jehoshaphat’s urging also sent for the prophet of God, who told them they would not prosper in the battle. And in fact, Ahab died in the battle just as the prophet said he would. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living in us. He has poured out in our lives various gifts. One of them is the gift of prophecy. However, we are not to abuse this gift, but seek God in prayer at all times regarding this gift. Prophecy does three things for the Christian – edifies, exhorts, and comforts. When we hear a true prophecy those three elements will be seen. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. When someone says something to you that sounds prophetic, test it to see if it is from God. You will know a true prophecy when God’s hand is in it. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for giving me Your gifts from the Holy Spirit. Help me discern the truth of all prophetic messages claiming to come from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 29 December 2015 by Valerie Jean Routhieaux All scripture is King James Version, edited by me into common English Image courtesy of Pixabay