The Gift Of Prophecy

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another; and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown tongues, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. Is it the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11 NLT

I wanted to start of talking about the gifts of the Spirit by explaining one that is very misunderstood.

The gift of prophecy brings up red flags for some people. They automatically think about demonic activity because they think "prophecy" means to tell someone their future.

In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul tells us, "But the one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them."

The Hebrew meaning of the phrase, "to prophesy" is to FLOW FORTH.

The Greek word that is translated "prophesy" means to SPEAK FOR ANOTHER.

Now, this actually is a gift that everyone can have. It just happens to be one of my strongest ones.

I say that everyone can have it because in 1 Corinthians 14:1, before Paul explains what prophesy is, he said this, "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives- especially the ability to prophesy."

The reason Paul that we should all desire this gift is because it helps other people.

This is not foretelling anything. This is not being a fortune teller. This is not weird at all.

It's the simple act of encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ.

In my life, and probably for others as well, it is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

For example: I have times I read a devotional or Scripture, and feel like I need to share it with someone. 

OR I feel led to pray for someone, so I do. Like out of the blue type feel a call to prayer.

The King James translation of the Bible has 1 Corinthians 14:3 written like this, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."

In the Greek, the word "exhort" means " a calling nearing to God or an invitation."

Edification means to lift up and encourage.

So when you have the gift of prophesy, you are encouraging others and calling them near to God, while being a comfort to them.

Isn't that awesome?!

I hope this helped someone not only understand this better, but even desire to have this. Paul said it's good if we all do. I know some really are gifted in it more than others...and that's ok.

Just follow the Holy Spirit's leading. If you feel led to pray for someone, give an encouraging word, or say a kind word, DO IT! That person might really need it.

God bless you today and always!