PROPHECY
RaJean Vawter
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev. 19:10
Because we use the word "prophecy" to designate three different aspects, those three aspects are often confused.
- Prophecy in its purest form is simply hearing God speak. When we give our lives to the Lord, confess our sins and invite Him to take control of our lives, we receive the Holy Spirit who will then live inside us. Because of His presence, we can all hear God speak. Indeed, we have the responsibility of listening to Him. This ability to hear Him is not just for a chosen few. It is for anyone willing to learn how to distinguish His voice from their own.
- There is the redemptive gift of prophecy. More about this later.
- Finally, there is the office of prophet.
Like all the other gifts of the Spirit, the gift of prophecy cannot be bought, bargained for or earned. It is a gift. Period. How far each of us gets into prophecy and the level to which God uses us in this gift depends on what we each do with 1 Corinthians 14:1. Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Everyone can and should seek this gift and anyone can be chosen of God to be a messenger for Him. But how the gift of prophecy is used and if a person also fills the office of prophet is strictly God’s choice. It is His decision to designate them for speaking publicly and it is His choice to set them in the public office of prophet.
Since the heart of prophecy is hearing God, sometimes the lines between prophet, teacher, apostle, etc. can become blurred. Some simple definitions: “An apostle is a sent one who establishes and builds the church.” “The teacher explains and enforces biblical truth.” “The prophet is a messenger to the church.” “He is recognized as a divine channel of fresh revelation. This revelation is not extra-biblical revelation, but fresh light brought upon biblical truth.” Larry J. Randolph, User Friendly Prophecy, p. 21
PROPHECY DEFINED
Greek: “To speak in behalf of another; mouthpiece.” Like a lawyer.
A prophet or prophetess is a spokesman for God to His people.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10, 11
Another way of putting it is that prophecy is just God speaking through His people. This gift is primarily given to those who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit because the baptism is what gets the Holy Spirit who dwells inside the believer, out so that streams of living water can flow out from our lives. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is given for the purpose of being God’s witnesses, of giving testimony about Jesus. And Revelation 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The gift of prophecy is a resident anointing. It is something that comes out from with us. This is something people often don’t understand. They think God just talks to “special” people. Or they pray and fast and wait for the Spirit to come upon them so they can prophesy. They don’t understand the difference between how this gift was used in the Old Testament and how it was used in the New Testament.
In the Old Testament, the gift of prophecy came upon a person. It came from outside themselves.
“I have put My spirit upon Him” Isaiah 42:1
“The word of the Lord came unto me.” Ezekiel 6:1
“The spirit of the Lord God is upon Me.” Isaiah 61:1
Moses wanted all the people to be prophets but he thought in terms of the Spirit coming upon them. Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them. Numbers 11:29 “Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And it came about that when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again.” Numbers 11:25
The gift of prophecy was dependent on an outside force at a particular time and place. It had nothing to do with their character, holy living or personal righteousness. That is how it was possible for King Saul to be living in rebellion and still have the ability to prophesy one time.
When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him (Saul), and he prophesied among them. And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 10:10-11
This same thing can happen today. A spirit of prophecy can fall on a congregation and people who normally would not prophesy find they can do so. However, God has more for us than just the spirit of prophecy.
God fulfilled Moses’ desire for everyone to be a prophet when He sent Jesus. Jesus demonstrated the life of walking in the Spirit. Then He told His disciples, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7
He told them the Holy Spirit would come upon them. Acts 1:8 He had already told them that the “Spirit of truth…dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:17
When that happened, it set into play a whole new dynamic. The baptism of the Holy Spirit created an open channel for prophecy to flow – which happened when Peter preached his sermon on the day of Pentecost. Later, when Paul met the Christians in Ephesus, he met some disciples of John and asked, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They said, “No.” They submitted to water baptism, then Paul laid his hands on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:2-6 From that point on, we see how Holy Spirit baptism allows the Spirit resident within the believer to come out.
Think on these verses:
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 2:4
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
“…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… Ephesians 3:16-17
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you…” Colossians 3:16
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you…” 1 John 2:27
The difference between the Old and New Testament is that now the Holy Spirit is given freely to all of God’s people to live inside of us.
Concerning the gift of prophecy . . . We are to seek the gift not the ministry.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1
It is from within that the ability and the gift of prophecy comes forth. That’s why it is not only critical but necessary for the believer to learn to distinguish between his own voice and the Lord’s voice. Prophecy will always come from an intimate walk with God. What used to happen just once in a while in the Old Testament is now inside of every believer. Getting it out and usable to others takes time, lots of discipline, humility, stumbling, falling, a few cuts and bruises. We want God to speak to us in the natural, show us something we can see, touch, feel, or hear. And He often does – through dreams, visions, an audible voice, angels, etc. But most of the time, it comes from within. And that is what makes using the gift of prophecy so scary. That’s why we need to have the Word of God memorized in our hearts and minds.
Another way of putting it is that “Old Testament prophecy is revelation received; whereas, much of New Testament prophecy is revelation perceived.” Larry J. Randolph, User Friendly Prophecy, p. 34
“The New Testament ‘gift of prophecy’ carries with it the privilege of interpreting the thought and intent of God’s heart…We, as believers under the New Covenant, have a greater latitude of expression than did our Old Testament counterparts.” Larry J. Randolph, User Friendly Prophecy, p. 34
When we speak a word of prophecy, it will come through our voice, with our way of expression and in our language. Because of this, we must be careful not to discount a prophecy just because we don’t like how it was delivered. I personally, have to be careful of this when the person giving the prophecy uses improper grammar. That’s why I say that the heart of any prophecy is the relationship between the vessel used and God Himself. Since He created us for fellowship with Himself, prophecy is the core of the Christian life, which is walking and talking with God and being available for His use.
But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. . . Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” Jeremiah 1:7, 9; And he (the seraphim) touched my mouth with it (the coal), and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah 6:7, 8
We are to not only be witnesses for the Lord, we are to be His voice to one another and to the world. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21
God shares His secrets only with His friends, so our goal is to become His friend. How do we do this? By listening, communicating, hanging out with each other, all the things you do to become someone’s friend here on earth. There is one major difference between friendship with God and friendship with another person. God calls His friends only those who walk in obedience and submission to Him. As we walk in obedience, we can then prophesy, not because we’re perfect, but because the Perfect Word is inside us. Prophecy is something that is developed over time by those who spend time with God.
THE CATEGORIES OF PROPHECY
There are two general categories of prophecy: The interpretation of God’s divine will and purpose – which has 9 categories under it, and the foretelling of future events. Thus, it is easy to understand why all Christians are to seek this gift since we all are to Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense (answer) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15
All can exercise this gift. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Corinthians 14:31
Even new believers. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:5-6
The purpose of prophecy to an individual or group is:
- Edification – to instruct or improve, to build, to establish, to confirm. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.1 Corinthians 14:3 Edification is like a trial in which there are two people who point out the sin of the defendant. The prosecuting attorney does so for the purpose of punishment. The defense attorney points out the sin for the purpose of saving him.
· God’s promise to David about his name, descendents and the Messiah coming from his seed. 1 Chronicles 17:7-15
· God telling Ananias to go to Saul, telling him that Saul was chosen to go to the Gentiles and Ananias obeying. Acts 9:10-18
· This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.1 Timothy 1:18
· Simeon blessing the child Jesus in the temple Luke 2:27-33
- Exhortation – to encourage or urge earnestly by advice or warning, the act of crying out, wooing, calling near, a stirring of things up and calling individuals and churches to a specific and concrete action. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Corinthians 14:3 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. Acts 15:32
Examples:
· Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
· When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Acts 11:23
· Barnabas and Paul strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations, enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22 They then appointed elders in every church in order to move the church forward.
· Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1
· Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded. Titus 2:6
- Consolation – to comfort or cheer, to come alongside, to strengthen and reinforce. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Corinthians 14:3 Psalm 78 is a 72-verse Psalm of reminding the people of all the ways God has helped them in the past, giving them comfort for the present time. Change and advancement often come with great turmoil or “birth pangs.” Comfort is needed not to provide pity or to encourage self-pity. Comfort is always to be so that the afflicted can focus on the purpose beyond the turmoil, to the hope set before them.
· For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; Isaiah 51:3a
· The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61:1-2
· Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
· Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
· Now we exhort you brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
· Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Corinthians 7:6 You see here that the act of sending Titus to Paul was a prophetic act.
· For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13
· Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:2
· Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
- To awaken God’s people to hear God’s word.
· Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.’” Ezekiel 3:10, 11
· And to the angel (messenger) of the church in Sardis, write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars; “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember, therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:1-3
Notice some of the specific words used here. When God talks to the prophet, He uses words like listen or hear, receive or take, go, speak, say. When the prophet then takes the word of God and speaks to the people, he uses words like wake up or be watchful, strengthen, remember, hold fast, repent. It is also worth noting that the recipients of the prophetic word could have heard the word themselves, but they did not. A prophetic word is characterized by the Holy Spirit’s action both in the speaker and the hearer. Something happens. God’s word is power and authority. Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones came together at the spoken word of prophecy. Pharaoh hardened his heart when Moses spoke the words of prophecy. The power of God is brought into action in some way. As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse – for they are a rebellious house – yet they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:5
- To lead God’s people into worship.
· Worship was often with musical accompaniment. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God. Psalm 147:7
Examples of these kinds of prophetic songs are found in Psalm 24; 29; 98; 100; 107
This is sometimes called inspirational prophecy which is concerned more with the response of the hearers than in giving direction or communication.
- For conviction.
If we feel we are to give a prophetic word for the purpose of conviction, we’d better be sure we’re right and that our hearts are pure. A convicting word of prophecy gives the person a chance to humble himself and repent. Most of the time, if he/she won’t repent, they will respond in anger so the prophet must be prepared to receive the anger and not respond in kind. Some teachers of prophecy say this aspect of prophecy should be done only by the mature prophet. Some even say it should be given only by one who stands in the office of prophet. I believe that prophetic words of correction or rebuke should only be used as a last resort and only under the guidelines of being cleaned out, ‘fessed up, and with accountability after being thoroughly washed in tears. Its purpose is not to get something off your chest; it’s to confront sin, call for change and offer hope. It’s not to lacerate the other person, its for the purpose of healing.
- An impartation of something of value and substance that God has worked in us.
· Jacob giving his sons and Joseph’s children prophetic blessings before his death. Genesis 48-49
· Moses laying hands on Joshua before the people and speaking the prophetic word of authority over him as instructed by the Lord. Numbers 27:18-23
· And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1
This requires spiritual stamina and, if the impartation is not to be from your soul, it requires spiritual experience. Only what has been put in us by the Holy Spirit is worth imparting to others. Again, not for the novice in prophecy.
8. To know how to pray. Many Old Testament prophets who were called on to pray and intercede for people had to first go to God for instruction as to how to pray.
- For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought Romans 8:26
- However, “When answers to prayer and the release of power depend upon the accuracy of our words, then we have left the realm of prayer and entered into magic. . . It is, however, important to discern the will of God to the best of our ability and to align ourselves with it.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 87
- There is nothing wrong with working to get the words right and making sure that everyone in a prayer group understand what is going to be prayed for. In fact, this is commendable so that everyone is on the same page and united in prayer. But when we take this effort to the extreme, it can slip into the realm of magic.
- Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14
- That said, “When praying seems blocked and the connection broken, the prophetic role is to discern why.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 89
9. For guidance or revelation.
· It was by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. Ephesians 3:3-5
· There is the story of Peter receiving revelation through a vision that the Gentiles were not to be considered unclean. Acts 10:10-11
· Paul receiving the prophecy about persecution awaiting him if he went to Jerusalem. Acts 21:4, 10-11
· God telling Hosea to take a harlot for his wife. Hosea 1:2-3
· The prophetic word through Samuel to Saul about the result of his disobedience in not killing Agag and destroying all that they had. 1 Samuel 15
· Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:26-40
This guidance can be general or specific. This kind of prophecy can be very helpful to people or churches but it must be done only with caution and probably not by the beginner. If we are wrong about the direction we give, we bear the responsibility and judgment that comes if we lead someone down the wrong path.
10. To foretell the future.
- The prophecy of Agabus to Paul. Acts 21:8-11
- Much of Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Revelation, etc.
- Agabus prophesied a great famine throughout all the world. Acts 11:27, 28
- Jeremiah prophesied that the vessels in the house of the Lord would not be brought back from Babylon. Jeremiah 28:16, 17
“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7
Historical reports tell us that Christians in Jerusalem moved to Pella before Titus sacked the city because they believed Jesus’ prophecy “when you see the city surrounded…”
In the fall of 1975, during the civil war, a prophecy warned Christians in Beirut, Lebanon to leave their homes and live for a while in the U.S. Shortly after they left, their building was bombed.
JUDGING PROPHECY
Measures by which prophecy must be judged are:
1. It will be fulfilled. When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:22
Fulfillment must take into consideration any and all “ifs” God may put in. Many prophecies carry a condition that must be met before the prophecy can be fulfilled. Thus Jonah was not a false prophet. But even if it comes true, if it or the person giving it leads you away from God, it is not from the Lord.
If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’ – which you have not known – ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. Deuteronomy 13:1-4
2. It will agree with scripture; it can be tested.
Every word of God is pure, He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
3. Prophecy will witness or be confirmed by your spirit.
But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.” Hebrews 10:15-16
God doesn’t sneak up on us and surprise us if we are continually attuned to Him. He prepares the ground for the seed of truth before planting. We respond with agreement or anger depending on our attitude.
As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse – for they are a rebellious house – yet they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:5
4. The vessel used to prophesy will have the fruit of the Spirit growing obviously in his/her life.
Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 1 Timothy 3:5
You will know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:16
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:20
His/her home life will be in order, bills paid, etc. In other words, they will be a person of integrity.
5. The spirit of the prophet will be Jesus.
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13, 14
The motivation for giving it, even if it is one of judgment, will be love. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God…God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:2, 16
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
6. It won’t be given in a corner or done in a covert way.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4
It is judged by the giver before he gives it. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
It is to be judged by other prophets after he gives it. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 1 Corinthians 14:29
7. It may include the “revelation gifts” – word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits. These 4 gifts often overlap each other.
For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
Word of wisdom = Divine application of God’s will for a person or situation
Word of knowledge = Knowing something that you have no way of knowing in the natural even though other people may know it.
Discernment of spirits = Recognizing the demonic. Notice that this type of discernment is of demonic spirits, not the soulish discernment of a another's heart attitude. “Regular” discernment is distinguishing between black and white, right and wrong. Discernment can be gained through experience, the study of personalities, body language, etc. But that kind of discernment is not a Gift of the Spirit. This is why Discernment of spirits as given in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 is considered one of the “Revelation gifts” along with word of wisdom and knowledge.
(Power gifts = working of miracles, healing and faith.)
(Utterance gifts = tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy)
If a particular prophecy is delivered that meets all of the above guidelines except #4 - the fruit of the Spirit growing in the life of the one giving a prophecy, it would be a safe assumption to conclude that something is wrong with that person. Either they are out of tune with the Lord, don’t know the whole situation, or some such. In a large gathering, it is possible the particular prophecy is for an individual and not you. In these cases your responsibility is to pray for the recipient to have an open heart. You must always be aware that the person needing the open heart could be you. We all have blind spots. Be careful not to get into a judgmental attitude. We need to recognize that anyone who prophesies does so with the level of faith, the knowledge and the understanding of the gift that they have at that particular time.
“We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself…” Romans 1:1-3
In other words, we must allow for one another’s mistakes and immaturity.
LEVELS OF THE PROPHETIC
The use of the prophetic gift depends upon calling, maturity, personality, and ministry. In recent years, recognized prophets have begun to distinguish four levels of the prophetic.
1. The spirit of prophecy. This is when the anointing of the Holy Spirit falls on a group of people that makes it possible for non-prophetic people to prophesy. This often happens in prayer groups.
2. The gift of prophecy. This is given to fewer people but all are told to seek it. This is a gift planted within the person that can be used anytime, anywhere dependent only on how developed in its use they are.
3. The prophetic mantle. This is #2 but stronger in commitment. It is a lifestyle devoted to the prophetic. It permeates every aspect of your life.
4. The office of prophet. This is a sovereign calling on people who have had extensive training in hearing God’s voice. It is also a governmental office in the church. It will include all the aspects of prophecy. It is the only level where a person has the authority to direct or correct an entire body of believers.
Examples of people with the gift of prophecy and the ministry of prophet are as follows:
GIFT: Amos was a herdsman and fig picker.
GIFT: Isaiah’s wife was a prophetess, but…
MINISTRY: God used Isaiah in the ministry to speak to Israel. At the same time…
GIFT: Micah was a farmer who prophesied at the same time as Isaiah. He prophesied about Jesus’ birth. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus’ death.
GIFT: Jeremiah was a prophet with the ministry of a priest.
MINISTRY: Ezekiel was a priest with the ministry of prophet.
GIFT: Phillip’s daughters had the gift but…
MINISTRY: Agabus was given the ministry, in the presence of Philip’s daughters to prophesy of Paul’s imprisonment.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 tells us there are not only different gifts but different administrations and operations of those gifts. This gives the Lord a lot of variety and choices to mix and match their gifts, ministries, and personalities. A good example is the contrast between Haggai and Zechariah. Both were prophets but how they used their gift and fulfilled their ministries was different.
HAGGAI ZECHARIAH
1. Used sermons 1. Used sermons
2. Was an exhorter 2. Was an encourager
3. Shot from the hip with rebuke 3. Shot from the heart with restoration
4. Concerned with the present: Finish! 4. Concerned with the future: Messiah
the temple! Take part! is coming! Take heart!
MARKS OF A PROPHET
* = Concepts taught in the book Understanding Prophetic People by J. Loren Sandford.
- They are called.
- They are aware of history.
- They appreciate and use symbolism and allegories.
- They are an intercessor.
- They enjoy silence.
- They are a watchman on the walls, seeing what the Lord is going to do in the future and proclaiming it in order to prepare the people. Even if the warning is negative, it comes in a protective mold.
- They are a burden bearer. (Not all burden bearers are prophetic, but all prophetic people are burden bearers.) *
- They are constantly confronted by God.
- They have the “gift” of weakness. *
- They must live the life of the cross more deeply than others often resulting in seasons of heaviness.*
- Spiritual warfare is never the focus. “Look deep into the writings of the biblical prophets and you will find tender hearts, broken for God and broken for Israel. They were lovers first and warriors only when they had to be.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 70
- They get dreams and visions.
- They are very clear that the word is from God but can’t tell you how they know.
- They use words and show by their actions that they believe the word.
- In the Old Testament, they were public speakers and writers.
- They carry with them at all times an authority and presence that validates itself to others which people can choose to be intimidated by.* “Even when pride is absent and humility has become an established element of character, the authority radiating from a prophet can elicit accusations of arrogance.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 105 A good example of this is Aaron and Miriam when they accused Moses in Numbers 12:2
- They have more than their share of rejection and often become the scapegoat.*
- They may be a prophet with local, national or global rule and must be careful to remain in the sphere God has given them. These spheres can grow but they can also decrease.
- They ask questions about life and faith that do not seem to matter to others.*
- They look for answers in places others never seem to consider, and seek the deep meaning of things others seem to accept at face value.*
- They are incapable of settling for anything that strikes them as shallow.*
- They are forerunners; often one step ahead of the rest of the Body of Christ.* This is why churches are now beginning to realize that God knew what He was doing when He set apostles and prophets first in the ruling hierarchy of the church. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 Referring to these Ephesians verses, Loren Sandford explains it this way: “Apostles are the foremen on the building project while prophets are the building inspectors who make certain the building goes up according to the divine building code. In this passage Paul painted a picture of an archway with apostles and prophets at the bases of the arch. As living stones, we form the curving walls of the arch, while Jesus as the cornerstone at the apex nevertheless bears the weight of the arches. Everything points upward to Him, and in Him it all holds together. But essential to the structure is a functioning foundational prophetic ministry. Prophetic ministry restores a measure of integrity, guidance and preparation to the Church. It also restores the foundation God intended.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 45 (Since this is obviously true, what is the pastor? A pastor is the medic, binding up the wounds of the flock and taking care of them.
- They are often born with a crushing sense of destiny and live under a sense of urgency.*
- They are lost without the support of other’s prayers for protection and effectiveness in ministry.*
HOW TO GROW IN THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
As with the other gifts of the Spirit, but even more so with the gift of prophecy, I think, we must have a purpose for seeking it and growing in it, and using it. Without a purpose, we don’t know what we’re aiming for and therefore we’ll hit what we don’t want to. When looking for your purpose, search the scripture. Here are some passages that will steer us in the right direction.
Encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13
Therefore comfort each other and edify (build one another up) one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification (building up) of the church that you seek to excel. 1 Corinthians 14:12
…speaking the truth in love may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16
You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
When we “discern” something negative about someone, it is because of one of three reasons;
1. We’ve discerned a spirit from which they need to be delivered.
2. We’ve received a word of knowledge.
3. Something in their personality rubs against something in ours.
Most of the time our “discernment” is for the third reason and we have the three fingers pointing back at ourselves. I believe that for most of us, this third point is what keeps us from receiving one another with pure love. And then, when we don’t want to or are unable to see as God sees and change ourselves, we call it discernment about the other person.
· We must be careful not to prophesy out of our feelings. If we’re angry with a person or church, whatever we say may be right but it will come out angry. If we’re touched by their hurt, it can come out mushy. We must learn to lay aside our own emotions and express the emotions of God, with His heart and His attitude.
· To grow, we need to not think too highly of ourselves or presume that we are at a place spiritually that we’re not. If we don’t, we’ll end up running ahead of the Holy Spirit or worse, run ahead of our gifting and end up operating in the flesh which can bring harm to the person we’re trying to help as well as to ourselves. We can’t give what we don’t have ourselves. We must minister in the level of faith that we have, not someone else’s. “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:12
· If you have the gift of prophecy or seek it, you will become very sensitive to spiritual impulses of all kinds. Hence the need to always check what you hear. Scripture advises us to judge everything carefully including all prophetic utterances. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1; Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:20,21
· We need to remain teachable to learn from those who are more advanced in the gift of prophecy than ourselves. Be willing to start at the bottom and exercise patience. This will take time, trial, endurance, suffering. Look at Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David. They all started at the bottom until they became content to stay there. Then, in God’s timing, they were promoted. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10 God increases faith to the faithful.
· We need to stop seeking a prophetic word for ourselves and become a channel to give a word to others. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28 “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
· We must walk in obedience and leave the results to God. We need to seek God as to what to do with the gift He’s given us, and then obey what He says.
· We must remain pure in regard to things of the flesh such as violence, sexual perversion, the occult. The counterfeit gift of prophecy is out there and it will grab us if we allow an opening.
· We must endure. This endurance includes the enduring of time, circumstance, other people, accusations and misunderstandings. The true prophet will have to deal with a lot of misunderstandings. In fact, according to Loren Sandford, “For a prophetic person, training involves depths of crushing and breaking that seem incomprehensible to the average Christian. . . (There is) the pressure of the constant seasons of crucifixion required to produce the character adjustments that are so essential to the calling. R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 21
· We must not draw attention to our gifting or take credit for what we receive. No bragging. God tells His secrets to people He can trust. We must prophesy with integrity. If we have to tell people we have the gift of prophecy to get them to listen to us, or get someone else to tell them, then we probably don’t have it.
· We must have patience. In time, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 It takes time. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
· We must be willing to be in submission to God, those whom God has made us accountable to and to our peers. Submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21 Agabus delivered his prophecy to Paul but stopped short of commanding him, thus allowing him to make his own decision. We must do this with a good attitude. This is necessary for us to be able to work in harmony with what God is doing in the larger body of Christ and to protect our gift from becoming tainted. “Imbalance and delusion too often gain entry through a window of insecurity. Prophetic self-importance serves to cover up unresolved pain.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 50. “The contemporary prophetic word can never be exempt from correction and testing.” P. 53 Let me give a word of caution here though. Following the contemporary mindset that if you are truly intelligent, you will question everything, some people will question a prophet just for the sake of trying to make themselves look smart or more spiritually mature. When the questioning comes from a root of pride or insecurity, what I’ve seen is that the person ends up talking themselves out of a word from God that was meant by the Father to do them good. There’s a fine line we must be aware of between the command “Test all things” and “Believe the prophets and you will prosper.’
· We must be careful not to allow our own preferences, prejudices and culture to influence any word that we give. Agabus’ prophecy to Paul about persecution in Jerusalem in Acts 21 is a good case in point. He came into the meeting, wrapped a belt around his hands and feet and prophesied that the Jews at Jerusalem would bind Paul in the same way. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, “So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. Acts 21:11 That didn’t happen, it was the Gentiles who bound him. Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. Acts 21:33 He said the Jews would deliver Paul over to the Gentiles. Acts 21:11 That didn’t happen. It was the Gentiles who rescued Paul from the Jews who wanted to murder him on the spot as well as later on. Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Acts 21:31-32 The overall message that imprisonment awaited Paul if he went to Jerusalem was right. But he let his own prejudices twist the prophetic word. Furthermore, he did not check his prophecy with the other prophets in the room. Was that because they were women? Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Acts 21:9 Besides having racial prejudices did he also have gender issues? Could this be why Paul later wrote about the need to check prophecies with other prophets? The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:32
· Mark it down that you will fail. We do not succeed and never will if we are unwilling to fail in front of people. This is embarrassing. This is hard when people without grace or mercy are the ones we’ve fallen in front of. But it will happen and we must learn to deal with it. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14 This is the difference between those who prophesied in the Old Testament who were stoned if the word proved to be false, and we who are in the New Testament age. When we fail, we will not be stoned for two reasons:
1.We receive our prophecy in a different manner. It comes from within us rather than coming upon us.
2. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” 1 Corinthians 13:9 Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith. Romans 12:6
- Mark it down that you will suffer. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8
· When we do fail, we must we willing to admit it rather than to cover it up.
· Until or unless God releases you and you have the authority of those to whom you are accountable, limit your prophecy to edification, exhortation, comfort (consolation), worship, knowing how to pray.
· Do not use prophecy to manipulate people or circumstances. Again, use the gift with integrity. We must bless, not curse.
· “To accurately perceive what is in the heart of another person does not make us prophetic. It makes us human. The more alive we become in our spirits, the more alert and sensitive we become to the hearts of those around us.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 67 Wonderful prophetic words, on the other hand, can result as we compassionately identify with the hearts of others, accurately read what is there from the human side and then turn to seek God for the true word in relation to it. R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 68
· Do not imitate others. Just be yourself and let the gift come out of you according to your own personality. With the pseudo-sophistication of our Western religious intelligentsia, we see the practice of mimicking others taken to an extreme. A person with a gift for teaching is told he/she must walk around and, at some point in the message, raise his voice and get excited. No. Teachers teach. Preachers often put on a show. When a teacher tries to preach it makes them look ridiculous primarily because they’re not being themselves. Some people prophesy using, “Thus saith the Lord” over and over in their message. Does this make their words more powerful? Or is this a way of covering up insecurity? When I take someone through deliverance, I act the same as I am right now. One time I was working with a woman who had been through a lot of deliverance already from some well-known deliverance ministers. In the middle of our session, she looked at me and began to chuckle. “RaJean,” she said. “You are so funny. You just sit quietly in your chair. You don’t raise your voice at all. But the demons leave anyway.” Well, its not the theatrics that causes demons to flee. It’s the Name and the Blood of Jesus and the authority of the believer. I know what my authority is over demons; I don’t need to yell or scream or grab them and shake them. Neither does a prophet have to yell and scream to get his message across. If that happens because of the emotion behind the message or God “inspires” him to raise his voice, that’s fine. But for a budding prophet to do so as a means of gaining authority, that’s unnecessary. Avoid spiritual weirdness like the plague. God may have you do strange things but they won’t be bizarre. We are to be naturally supernatural, not unnatural.
Your gift will not make you mature. Time, knowledge, experience, trial and error, exposure to others with prophetic giftings, and the work of the fruit of the Spirit in your life will make us mature. Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Matthew 12:33
“Christian maturity denotes a state of being where one is complete in God, thoroughly developed, and fully grown. This maturity reflects being responsible beyond duty, bearing the burdens of others, giving more than you receive, loving more than you are loved, going the extra mile with your brother, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, and esteeming others better than yourself.” Larry J. Randolph, User Friendly Prophecy, p. 165
“Genuine prophetic ministry releases power and encouragement for building up the people of God to accomplish His will. Mature prophetic people are consumed with concern for others.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, p. 42
“Tools” God uses to speak prophetically
Visions
Dreams
Impressions on your heart without reasoning or inquiry.
Perception – “Spirit awareness” – a sensitivity to the inner nudging of the Holy Spirit.
Inner voice
Audible voice
Mental pictures – what you see in your mind’s eye
Today, many are calling for the gift of prophecy to be used in evangelism – to take the gift of the Holy Spirit beyond the four walls of the church. This is a very effective “tool” to use but it requires a lot of courage and confidence. God has used me in this way many times and it’s always been well received. But it’s also scary to me because of my own pride that brings fear.
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING PROPHECIES
1. The revelation itself. Where did it come from?
2. The interpretation of the revelation. We must be careful to allow God to give His own definitions to words. If we’ve received a vision or a dream, we must let Him tell us what things mean. There is no "blanket" meaning for trees or rainbows or specific animals.
3. The application of the interpretation to real life. How and where is it to be given? Publicly, privately, in a small group? Is it to be given in words, in song, dance or drama? Are you to be forthright in giving it, soft and gentle, with grace, with humor or with all soberness?
Are we even supposed to share what we’ve received? Remember, you want the receiver to be ready to receive it. If we give a word too soon, it can do more harm than good. One time, I received a word of prophecy for a friend. But I was instructed not to give it to her. So I just used it for prayer and thought that was it. More than 8 months later, she asked me if I had a word for her and I remembered the prophecy. So I got it out and gave it to her. She was very receptive and blessed. She asked why I hadn’t given it to her when I’d first received it, then admitted that she would not have been in a position to have received it and was glad that I’d waited. We must take what God gives us and use wisdom in what to do with it. There is, of course, an exception to this rule. God sometimes sends a word of prophecy to someone whom He knows won’t receive it but in His love and grace, He still wants to give them one more chance. Those were the kinds of people God sent Ezekiel to speak to. One summer God told me He was going to give me hard words for people He’d send me to. I was to take the charge very seriously because I’d be the last person to speak the Word of Life to them before He released them to the fullness of their choices.
“Spiritual maturity is not defined by what you know but by what you do with the knowledge you have. Likewise, in regard to prophecy, it is often a greater act of maturity to remain silent than to speak a word out of season.” Larry J. Randolph, User Friendly Prophecy, p. 173
Always make allowances for the immature. We all have to learn and we learn by falling down and getting up. Falling down and getting up. Falling down and getting up.
The spokesman may be male or female.
All prophecy is conditional, in that it is subject not only to conditions placed by God within the text of the prophecy, but by the receptivity of the person it’s given to. God made a prophecy to the Israelites in Egyptian bondage that He would bring them into a land of milk and honey. But they were not receptive to receiving it and walking in obedience. So God’s word was made null and void – for them. Forty years later, their children became the heirs of the prophetic word that was given to them initially. The opposite was true of Nineveh. They were receptive so the promised judgment didn’t fall on them. It fell 150 years later.
SUMMARY
- Any type of spiritual ministry must master the “art” of making God’s will simple, understandable and useable.
- Though the word of prophecy coming out of the prophet is important to be heard, the basic truth or “word” to be seen is the relationship between the prophet and God. The gift and office of prophecy is not because of what he says but because of his relationship with God. This relationship is the heart of why I believe Paul urged the Corinthians to seek the gift of prophecy. An intimate, honest relationship with the Father is required before anyone can receive from Him anything for another person.
- A clear conscience before all men accompanied by faith is necessary. 1 Tim. 1:5
- Therefore, a prophet or prophetess is not important in and of themselves, but because he or she bears a word from the Lord.
- The receiver must be careful to hear the word and the One from whom it came rather than look to the person through whom it came.
- The prophet is merely a delegated authority of God to proclaim truth from God to a particular person or group of people.
- Becoming a prophetic person and receiving the gift of prophecy is not the same as the office of prophet. I used to believe that for a person to walk in the office of prophet they had to be recognized as such by the local church. And many people, including Loren Sandford teach this. But I now know that is not true. A person in the office of evangelist will evangelize whether they have the official sanction of the church or not. A teacher will examine and look for every little proof whether anyone appreciates his diligence or not. A prophet is a prophet whether he/she is recognized as such or not. And, biblically, they are often not recognized or appreciated. However. . .
“Accurate prophetic ministry has the potential to alert us to opportunities before they open up so we can respond quickly and effectively.” R. Loren Sandford, Understanding Prophetic People, pp 45-46
VAWTERMARK BOOKS
Orders may be sent to Vawtermark Ministries, Inc. 5889 VZCR 2602, Canton, TX 75103
Focus! Fight! Finish! – Prerequisites to Spiritual Warfare by RaJean Vawter
Spiritual victory requires focus. But how do you become focused and stay focused? How do you fight the good fight of faith without going around in circles? Can you ensure that you will truly fulfill the purpose and destiny God has for you? In “Focus! Fight! Finish!” RaJean Vawter gives practical answers to these questions that are applicable in any culture, anytime, anywhere. This little volume will challenge, encourage and help you gain the victory you desire. It can change your life! This book would make a good Bible study for group discussion.
$10.00 or two for $15.00
The Giving Book – What Your Pastor Won’t Tell You! by RaJean Vawter
In The Giving Book, the author takes on a sensitive topic with a fresh, thought-provoking enthusiasm. She points out the inconsistencies of some of the most prevalent “doctrines” on tithing and other aspects of Christian giving. She faithfully supports all of her analysis with biblical references that breathe fresh life into perhaps one of the church’s oldest and often most abused and misunderstood “sacraments.” Readers will find very practical ways to leverage their giving into a more exciting and rewarding spiritual experience. She shows that our giving need not be born out of legalistic obligation but from a position of delight, freedom and pure worship. She uncovers principles of giving from both the Old and New Testaments that the church has overlooked too long.
$10.00 or two for $15.00
Send your requests and check made out to Vawtermark Ministries, Inc. to 5889 VZCR 2602, Canton, TX 75103
Rose – A Young Girl’s Grit and Grace During World War II by Gary Vawter
Little Rose Berezina had everything an 8-year old girl living in the 1940s needed. Her extended family living in the same Vienna apartment building, summers on her uncle’s farm, and a cheerful spirit that brought joy into every experience. That spirit would soon be tested though, as the Nazi army moved in and war came to her city. Before she would even reach her teens, Rose would lose her best friend, join an underground effort to hide Jews, and suffer repeated torture by a Gestapo determined to break her. And yet even though her home would be destroyed, her baby brother killed, and her mother kidnapped, Rose knew that God was with her and saw evidence of His faithfulness in the small things. As the struggle to survive got tougher, her spirit grew stronger. In the end, World War II proved to be no match for this courageous little girl from Austria.
Available at Amazon.com in both hard-bound ($24.95) and paperback ($11.95)
Available also on Kindle by putting in Gary’s name.
If you appreciate these monthly lessons, donations for the on-going work of this ministry may be sent to
Vawtermark Ministries, Inc. 5889 VZCR 2602, Canton, TX 75103
Orders may be sent to Vawtermark Ministries, Inc. 5889 VZCR 2602, Canton, TX 75103
Focus! Fight! Finish! – Prerequisites to Spiritual Warfare by RaJean Vawter
Spiritual victory requires focus. But how do you become focused and stay focused? How do you fight the good fight of faith without going around in circles? Can you ensure that you will truly fulfill the purpose and destiny God has for you? In “Focus! Fight! Finish!” RaJean Vawter gives practical answers to these questions that are applicable in any culture, anytime, anywhere. This little volume will challenge, encourage and help you gain the victory you desire. It can change your life! This book would make a good Bible study for group discussion.
$10.00 or two for $15.00
The Giving Book – What Your Pastor Won’t Tell You! by RaJean Vawter
In The Giving Book, the author takes on a sensitive topic with a fresh, thought-provoking enthusiasm. She points out the inconsistencies of some of the most prevalent “doctrines” on tithing and other aspects of Christian giving. She faithfully supports all of her analysis with biblical references that breathe fresh life into perhaps one of the church’s oldest and often most abused and misunderstood “sacraments.” Readers will find very practical ways to leverage their giving into a more exciting and rewarding spiritual experience. She shows that our giving need not be born out of legalistic obligation but from a position of delight, freedom and pure worship. She uncovers principles of giving from both the Old and New Testaments that the church has overlooked too long.
$10.00 or two for $15.00
Send your requests and check made out to Vawtermark Ministries, Inc. to 5889 VZCR 2602, Canton, TX 75103
Rose – A Young Girl’s Grit and Grace During World War II by Gary Vawter
Little Rose Berezina had everything an 8-year old girl living in the 1940s needed. Her extended family living in the same Vienna apartment building, summers on her uncle’s farm, and a cheerful spirit that brought joy into every experience. That spirit would soon be tested though, as the Nazi army moved in and war came to her city. Before she would even reach her teens, Rose would lose her best friend, join an underground effort to hide Jews, and suffer repeated torture by a Gestapo determined to break her. And yet even though her home would be destroyed, her baby brother killed, and her mother kidnapped, Rose knew that God was with her and saw evidence of His faithfulness in the small things. As the struggle to survive got tougher, her spirit grew stronger. In the end, World War II proved to be no match for this courageous little girl from Austria.
Available at Amazon.com in both hard-bound ($24.95) and paperback ($11.95)
Available also on Kindle by putting in Gary’s name.
If you appreciate these monthly lessons, donations for the on-going work of this ministry may be sent to
Vawtermark Ministries, Inc. 5889 VZCR 2602, Canton, TX 75103