PHINN

Rev. Dr. Phillip S. Phinn, Contributor

Personal prophecy is a word given directly from God concerning an individual, be it in their finances, relationships, education, spiritual growth, health, and or any other matter, as God sees fit. God has made each person with different personalities and will reveal through the office of the prophet, what needs to be addressed in the 'here and now', that which is weighing heavily upon the heart of the 'receiver'.

The right attitudes

The scriptural principles required for all individuals towards the written Word of God applies equally to the prophetic personal (rhema) word, thus the receiver should carry the right attitudes of faith, obedience, patience, humility, meekness and submission.

A prophetic rhema word and its fulfilment is many times dependent on the receiver's attitude towards prophecy. God says that absolute faith is essential for any one of us to receive from His hand. In Hebrews 4:2, we are told that the word preached to the Israelites did not profit them, as there was no mixing of faith to them that heard it.

Hebrews 11:6 states: "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him (God), for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." When the word goes out, if the prophet being used is seen by the receiver as qualified, competent, possessing a good track record of accuracy and precision, then the receiver's faith is sometimes not so much of a problem but his obedience to that decreed, may be the issue.

Faith has many levels. If there is complete confidence in God's word, then there will be a work of obedience by the receiver. If our hearing does not propel us to the point of acting, and/or positioning, then as James pointed out, we may end up deceiving ourselves (James 1:22). The Lord says in His written Word that He will always bring understanding to do the will of God: "Those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deut. 29:29). Opening our spirits to God and His decreed word over our lives will give promotion, deepe and depths, because through belief and obedience, Christ will speak and reveal His Word, Will and Way.

God's promises, however, may not come within the timing that we would like and much patience will be required. Faith and patience according to Hebrews 6:12 will be needed between the time of a prophetic word and a promise being manifested.

Faith and confidence

Maintaining constant faith and confidence in God's word over your life are required, no matter the appearance of circumstances. Without this steadfast spirit, personal prophecy can be destroyed. Personal prophecy must be warred with, through much prayer and fasting over the spoken word. Once it is in line with the logos or written Word, it must come to pass, but it will not be by our acts, but by God's ultimate timing.

Waging war over a prophetic word is essential and God uses His Word and promises to test our strength, character, grace and love for Him. He checks our trust level with each passing minute and as such, it is important that the word be our focus, God's Word and no other. Wrong perception can bring pressure and impatience, but God says today, "be not moved, be not shaken".