When I say “prophecy,” what pops into your head? Old Testament eccentric loners rebuking ungodly kings? Apocalyptic visions of cosmic dragons? Let’s narrow the topic down to the gift of prophecy mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:10 and Rom. 12:6. Some folks believe this gift of the Holy Spirit is not legitimately in operation today, so they aren’t comfortable with it. Others believe it is for today, but don’t quite know what to make of it. Common reservations about the gift of prophecy include its supernatural aspect and the fear of feeling exposed or punished by God through prophetic Continue Reading
How the Invisible Sign Women see at Church Discourages them from Ministry
Sipping coffee one morning at our church network’s family camp, I caught up with a younger acquaintance to whom I’d given a prophetic word fourteen years previously. She told me about the profound impact of the incident. When Shyla began leading worship, her church only released women to minister to a degree. She struggled to overcome lies which attacked her mind before and after leading worship, sensing an invisible restriction while young men around her were placed into more prominent positions. She wondered, Is there something wrong with me? Something I should do Continue Reading
How the Gift of Prophecy Functions in our Ordinary Lives
She sat alone at a picnic table in the local park, highlighting a hard-cover book and making notes in the margins. I planned to either read or take a nap in the shade while my husband completed the business meeting for which we’d come to this town. But the Holy Spirit prompted me to approach the woman. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, so I asked if it was okay for me to sit at the other end of the table. She nodded as I opened my book. After a few minutes, I asked her name and what she was studying. Conversation began to flow, and I found out “Helen” was going through a Continue Reading
Why I am Confident God has Surprises in Store for You
A dying sun streaks the Western sky in chalky pastels. Mountain ridges thick with deciduous trees lay long and dark, one after another, the bumpy backs of slumbering reptiles. Fingers of mist cling to the valley floor on the hillocks between flat, grassy pastures. In the distance, the panoramic profile of the Blue Ridge mountains spans the horizon. Birds trill in the still air, fresh and cool from the day’s showers. I take in a breath, attempting a deep draught of mountain air, but my throat catches as hot tears well up. I am overwhelmed at God’s goodness in bringing me to this place, Continue Reading