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 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