Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:10

There is an office of a prophet and the gift of prophesy. The office of a prophet is a ministry about proclaiming what Adonai has to say (Ephesians 4:11). It is not always positive. Sometimes it is a warning. The gift if prophesy is not the office of prophet. A prophet speaks whatever Adonai has to say. The gift of prophesy is for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is not for personal direction (that’s office of prophet stuff), but more of a general building up of the group as a whole. A positive message of encouragement.

Prophets speak warnings. They issue rebukes. They describe future events (as a promise or warning). They deal with individual people, nations, or groups. They can be lengthy teaching. Samuel, Isaiah, and Amos were all prophets. Someone like Barnabas (Acts 4:36) was not a prophet, but given his name may easily have operated in the gift of prophesy. The gift never rebukes, never directs how things should go, never teaches, and isn’t an opportunity to ‘speak your mind’. The gift of prophesy is one of encouragement.

The gift of prophesy is words of encouragement from Adonai to the church. Telling them He loves them. Comforting them in sorrow. Speaking out His pride in their walk. Things like I love you, you’re doing so well, and you’ll never be lonely because I am with you. It will always leave them feeling better. Feeling noticed. Feeling seen. Feeling hugged. This is the simple gift of prophesy. This is something any and every believer can participate in because it comes from Ruach HaKodesh who flows through us all (John 7:38–39).

Daily Affirmation of the Goodness of Elohim: Isaiah 46:9-10

“Remember the former things from a long time ago, for I am God and there is none besides me, God and there is none like me, who from the beginning declares the end, and from before, things that have not been done, who says, ‘My plan shall stand,’ and, ‘I will accomplish all my wishes,’” Adonai can see all of everything anytime He wants. He is the Father of Eternity (Isaiah 9:6). He is outside of all time and can observe all of it. But does He? I don’t think so. I think there is time that He chooses not to peek. That He chooses to limit Himself because He loves us. I think Adonai would not have the same loving relationship He seeks if He was always looking toward how we would fail. Not that He cannot or does not, but that He chooses to not always do. Look at how He speaks to the Israelites in their wanderings in Arabia. He speaks to them warning of what could lead them away. He exhorts them to obey. But He doesn’t harp on them. He acts like a loving Father encouraging the best behaviour. There are ALSO times He tells them how they WILL fall away, they WILL disobey, and they WILL bring judgement on themselves – but He does it to encourage them that He will not let them all perish. He does it as a record that He hasn’t chosen them for their merit, but from His love for them. I think He does the same thing today. I think He COULD see everything to come all the time, but chooses to limit how often He does in order to maintain a better relationship with us, who so frequently go our own way. He is there the whole time, and warns us when we need it, but is always operating from His love for us and not peeking when He chooses so that WE won’t be discouraged. What a GOOD God!

Your Daily Confession of Elohim’s Goodness:

I taste and see that Yahweh is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8