FOLLOW THE SPIRIT

Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 1:12 NIV

So there is our key text for the year again

I will like everyone to know it by heart. Let it be what you live by this year.

As the Lord revealed, we've come to know that this year is the year of the spirit. Not just for Word Alive but believers all over the world. There is a move of the spirit happening in our time, as never seen before and it begins this year.

I was speaking with someone and they mentioned a prophecy from the 1920s about 2020. According to the prophecy, a fire of revival will spread like never before and new generals will arise from all nations. Immediately, I connected with all we have been getting

Sadly, I couldn't get the prophet's name but I am surely finding it. The person shared a lot of things from that prophecy and they were so accurate

Exactly what I've heard

My interest piqued immediately I heard it was over 100 years ago. It shows one thing, that what is about to come upon us, this move we are about to experience, it's not a coincidence.

So many lives and destinies are attached to it. A lot of things will change for so many of us. It is very much strategic for such a time as this

I don't know if we've all taken note but it seems like the enemy got more strategic. He's moving so smoothly in the world

Everybody is selling Juju (kayamatanga or so) openly and it is normal

Things we'd never have done years ago have been normalized. And this will get worse as time goes

But guess what, God is also raising an army for such a time like this. He knew this time would come long before my grandmother was born. He spoke about it through the prophets of those times
And slowly, in all of our various life walks (smooth and unsmooth), He has been leading us right here

Becca sent me a video from Kenneth Copeland, He had pretty much the same to say about this year being the year of the spirit

Nonso sent one too from Prophet Tomi Arayomi

Got another from Nkiru by DDK and it was also the same prophecy

I've had discussions with friends not on Word Alive and when they share what God told them about the year, I'm asking if they are me

I'm reminded of this scripture :

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7 NIV

When the Lord GOD decides to do something, he will first tell his servants, the prophets.
Amos 3:7 ERV

When the Lord decides to do something

We can say for sure that the Lord is about to do something. If our spiritual antenna is active, you can sense it strongly and connect

This particular prophecy is dated earliest (to my knowledge) to the 1920s

We see that God did not just decide to do something. It's been decided long ago. And I just heard this in my spirit now to share with you all

That all the things that appeared to have gone "wrong", every decision and painful situation, they've all brought us to this place

The spirit says we might not know it but this is exactly where He has been leading us to
All of the lessons
All of the pain and shame
The Fallings and failings
Struggles
Standing back and standing strong

This is where it has been leading you all along

Preparations have been ongoing long before you even knew God. All of you from various places, nations, and continents whose physical paths might never cross but with paths aligning. Everyone heading in the same direction. Each step (though looking like a failure on your end), a closer one to this

God is doing something and if we are sensitive in the spirit we can testify to this. A shift is happening

Probably you've been hearing shift happening every time and it's beginning to sound cliche but really something is changing and it begins already

Back to our scripture.

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7 NIV

Now that we know that God always tell people before doing anything (not to take permission but rather out of love for man and so men will act in like with the season upon them) and He has revealed though so many

So what next.??????

What do we do? How do we act in this season? Or are we just supposed to stand still and wait

Are we supposed to find everyone we think God wants to call for this and speak to them? What exactly is our reaction?

I've had plenty of questions myself since the Lord revealed these things. Like I just want us to fast forward and get a download of everything, all the hows, and details

And this has been the response of the Lord:

Follow the spirit

For some of us, a lot of things might come up this year, it will look like this leading na inside carnal or gutter Laslas you go end. Ignore the physical reality and the pain that will come from the changes happening

Just follow

Let's visit our key text again

Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 1:12 NIV

There is a forward movement towards this prophecy and move of the spirit we are about to experience. Because this move belongs to the Spirit, only Him knows where everything will be happening. Only Him as all the details

Because only Him knows and God is so gracious, The spirit was sent to lead us to this place where everything will happen. The forward movement to this place started long ago, now more than ever we cannot afford to miss our way or get distracted

Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 1:12 NIV

If we read from verse 1, the description of the living creatures is amazing. It sounds like they probably will know all or navigate on their own with all of those features. But no, he direction is straight ahead, as the spirit led.

Something caught my eye in the next verse after 12

The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.
Ezekiel 1:13 NIV

As they followed the spirit, Ezekiel saw that they looked like burning coals of fire. Torches

Now, Ezekiel had described these creatures before. I doubt he'd have missed out on this description if he saw it in the verses before. Ezekiel only noticed this particular appearance as he watched them follow the Spirit, not looking left or right. See, there is a revival of fire about to Burn. The spirit just reminded me of what He said on Men becoming flammable this period

The fire of God will be spreading back and forth without stress, just by following the spirit

The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.
Ezekiel 1:14 NIV

Speedy movement as we follow the Spirit. Some of us whose fellowships with  God are zero and are wondering how they fit in in all of this.

Don't wander too much. Speed comes

As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.
Ezekiel 1:15‭-‬16 NIV

I was trying to understand this verse for a while. Who owns the wheel? What are they doing with the creatures in Ezekiel's vision

What is their purpose? How is a 4 legged wheel intersecting another wheel?

We can Google Ezekiel's wheel

Not one picture perfected this wheel intersecting wheel cos it is impossible. Let me explain what this means to us

If we scroll down, we will see that the wheel was later used to bring in the throne of God, which is where God sits. God sitting on the throne and brought in by the wheel. Then the wheel moving with each creature as they followed the spirit.

The wheel is also intersecting

Here is what I got from this verse:

As many of us that are believers and carry the presence of God (the creature and the wheel), as we follow the Spirit, our paths will be intertwined. Probably are already

As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went.
Ezekiel 1:17 NIV

Though paths and purposes are intertwined, let's note that the living creatures were not led by this

Rather it was the path/purpose (wheel) that followed the direction of the creatures (the believers). And the creatures followed the lead of the spirit only.

In this season, we will not be led by ambitions, purposes, career paths, seemingly spiritual paths, etc. We will be led only by the spirit All of these things will fall under

Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
Ezekiel 1:20 NIV

Look at the progression

Spirit first
Creature follows
Paths/ambitions/purposes

Now, how come the paths/purpose/ambitions aligned with the movement of the creatures as led by the spirit? Because the spirit inside of the creatures lived inside of them too

Wow 🔥

All our paths and ambitions this year, they must be subjected to the leading of the Spirit. Follow! God will not give you a purpose or lead you in a path outside of the leading of the Spirit

When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
Ezekiel 1:24 NIV

When the creatures moved (followed the spirit without looking sideways), Ezekiel heard the voice of the Lord. Some of us want instructions all at once. We want God to say everything now at once

I understand the frustration. But see, the words will come as we go after the spirit, one after the other. The plan will keep unveiling

I don't know if this move is happening in Lagos or Ibadan. I don't know if we will all be asked to leave our work and go. I have plenty questions but the instruction is simple: Follow the Spirit

As we do, the plan will be unveiled fully

All God is about to do, the spirit knows the fastest route

Let me give a logical sample

If I go to Italy tomorrow and the mission is very important, I can't afford to be doing trial and error method or just walking around till I find my way. I use a tour guide. I meet people who know the city well and allow them to lead me. If I had time, probably I could afford to walk around, miss my steps then find my hotel hours back. But there is no time for all of that for this Italy trip so I make sure to stay with those who know the road. We do not have time to waste

Romans  8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

The Greek word used here is ago and it means to gently lead. While He is very patient, The spirit will not force us. This season, we will need to willingly follow

I believe this is what the Lord was referencing for the revelation I shared, that many though walked to this place with us, might not continue further. Not because God doesn't want them to but because of their own choice.

I pray none of us willingly damn the leading of the Spirit

Again, I see the shedding of weight, unnecessary weight. Not fat now, people/things/attachments/distractions/career

For those that this applies to when that time comes, be ready. For some, it has started already. It might be costly and painful, but drop.

Also, don't postpone anything. Don't say I will start to do tomorrow. Now is the time!

Be very alert and sensitive as you follow the Spirit. Don't make the tiniest decision on your own.

Wait for God to speak and keep following the spirit.
Do not look left, do not turn right
Look straight ahead
Wherever the spirit leads, follow!

I pray we all receive Grace to stand firm and follow closely without losing sight of Him and regardless of all it might look like we are losing.

Amen

HANDLING PROPHECIES IN RELIGIOUS BODIES

Guidelines for all leaders in charge

-Please do not despise prophecy. I understand that if the prophetic is not managed properly, it can destroy a lot of things but then let's not forget that is probably one of the most important gifts of the Lord for the building/growth of your church/body and the people the Lord has given to you.

Do not treat prophecies with contempt
1 Thessalonians 5:20 NIV

- As you accept the prophetic in anybody or gathering that you head, don't allow anything go within your congregation or the people you lead.

I'm the assistant to my pastor in church but I never give prophecies in Church even when I'm the one leading or preaching. I write it down and submit to the head pastor. I still got something for the church during service today, I wrote and gave to her. The pastor doesn't announce immediately also, I've noticed. She probably takes time to examine what was sent to her

Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:19‭-‬22

There has to be training and order within the body of Christ. If we do not guide the process of the prophetic carefully, things can get pretty flaky.

So yes, embrace the prophetic but make sure there is proper guidance, training and order put in place to avoid anyone being led by the flesh corrupting the church in the name of prophecy

- Create a friendly Prophetic environment for the people under you.
- Make sure to align your group/body and yourself with mature Prophetic voices to aid growth

They might not be your members but you should have mentors too. Same way we have Pastors we are accountable to, it's important to have people that have been walking in the Prophetic for long amongst us. They will help us in cases where we don't understand certain things. The Lord will also use them to correct us when we are going wrong.

As you grow, a time will come when you will start getting messages for your mentors.

All of my mentors in the Prophetic (both active and passive), in the past one year, I've seen God actually pass very important messages to them through me. Another thing I noticed is, recently, they've all started allowing my gifts and this is because they've watched it grow. Though they still watch and check what I'm doing but I'm more free to deliver messages to people.

Infact, they bring names of people for me to pray for or direct anyone that comes to them for prayers to me. This is funny because, I had to run everything by them as at a time.

For those of us that are in a hurry to give words, I know the spirit is speaking to you but please do not despise the leading of those in charge.

Don't go and be doing your own thing

The time will come when they will leave you to speak directly to the congregation without telling them first, until then go through them.

Do not be quick to give private messages to members of your body also or church without running with the pastor.

Because in the past people have given wrong messages for various reasons that shook the body of Christ and this is one of the reasons most churches stay away from the prophetic.

Now that we see it is building up slowly around us, don't spoil it by not being accountable. Especially for corrective and directive messages. You should NEVER reach out to your church member on your own for this.

Prophetic Protocols in The Church and any Spiritual Gathering

Protocol simply means a guideline of how things should occur. There are rules as far as prophecy is concerned in the body of Christ. Majority of the rules will be determined by the leaders of course but I think they are mostly same in most bodies.

So from all we have learnt, we will all be answering concerning the rules.

1. Should words be given during a service or first be judged by leadership

2. Should we have a Prophetic free for all or all words should pass through trained leaders?

3. What types of words do you think should be given in a service?

4. Should corrective words for an individual in the church be given before the congregation?

5. How about Directive?

6. What is your reaction as a member when Prophetic words are given?

7. Should everyone be allowed to prophesy in the main services?


Things to note as you develop a Prophetic Lifestyle

Basic Life Character

1. Have integrity as a person. How people see you largely determines how they process the message you give.

2. Be kind and let love be the order for you.
It's hard for someone that knows you don't like them to take you serious when you deliver a message.
Also, it is hard for you to hear clearly about someone when you are having hateful thoughts towards them.

3. Don't be spooky.
You can operate in the Prophetic and act normal.
Don't let people feel uneasy around you.


Authority and Accountability
- You must submit to authority. This is a must. If you don't want to, leave the prophetic alone. The church doesn't need more chaos

- As you grow and your leaders allow you to express more freely, accountability is still not removed.

-Help others to grow in their Prophetic giftings also

You can pick a Prophetic partner or partners. Pray with them regularly over other people. Write down the things you receive and share with those you are accountable to

The word

The word is your go to, you must be grounded in it.
A large percentage of prophecy comes directly from scripture.
The remaining percentage that is not explicitly stated can be traced here also.
The word of God is our map in this journey

Be a clean Prophetic Vessel
Our lives and backgrounds are the filters the word must go through usually. Insecurity, bitterness, rejection, pride, control, selfish ambitions etc are dangerous filters for a direct word from God. It is easy to misinterpret the message or share our own view as God's view.

We can't afford to be defiled Prophetic voices. There are a whole lot of these out there.
People who are defiled by the lack of right living (they can't even share certain things cos of the state of their lives or they pervert God's words to make themselves feel good), wrong motives, greed (some people will lie to you that God said and collect money), desire for personal gains (God said we should marry 🙄), recognition or power

All of these things taint and defile our voices. We need to be watchful with them

Also, a whole lot of us are tingled by prophets. We like looking for prophets up and down. Please be careful, be very careful. I have numerous bad experiences that I have seen. Stop looking for what is not missing up and down

Someone traveled all the way from a city to another to visit a prophet, when she got there, she lost her memory and became Prophet's wife for years. She had children and husband. She was visiting the prophet concerning her husband.

Test all spirits and put your bumbum in one place. The end is here already. There are a whole lot of false prophets. If you don't know what you are doing, you will become casualty data for the evil they do.

I know this prophet, e do miracle, e raise the dead

The person that is giving you the gist, who are they? Are they grounded I the spirit? Can they discern if the prophet is false or not?

Don't follow anybody to anywhere without praying about it please. What you want to hear, God can use people around you to tell you. He can tell you directly.

My very close friend was charmed by a prophet shortly before her marriage. They canceled wedding and everything just scattered. He saw her on the road and gave an accurate description of her life and happenings. She believed only the spirit of God could reveal to him. He sha told her she needed to do some things. She visited him for counseling in his house. We don't know what happened there but when she got back, she and her husband to be started fighting over everything.

I was home in 2017 and met her, I practically came home for wedding now you say it's not happening again. I knew something was wrong the way she was talking. I started praying with her and linked her with my aunt to also pray for her.

During the prayers, she confessed the pastor abi prophet gave her something to put in the house so that God will reveal. That was when trouble started. In fact the week we were praying with her, she still visited the prophet, he asked her to go naked so he could pray for her but thank God she was getting sane small small

My point in all of these, if she could discern herself, she'd have known something was wrong. If she had been exercising her hearing ears and spiritual eyes, she'd have gotten something sha

This is one of the greatest lessons I learned from my late spiritual mom

First, you are your own prophet.

You need to take charge of your life. Don't be a victim of evil circumstances.
God will send people to you but God will also speak to you to. He will let you know who He sent and who He didn't sent

Lovers of God have been given eyes to see with spiritual discernment and ears to hear from God.
Proverbs 20:12 TPT

If you forget anything you learn in this group, don't forget this scripture. Don't!

You can hear! You can see!

Ears that hear and eyes that see— we get our basic equipment from God !
Proverbs 20:12 MSG

Seeeeeeee. Basic equipment for spiritual living. Hold on to it.

Intimacy with Jesus is the Highest Key to the prophetic

Remember we took the intimacy series before this, that wasn't coincidental

“You show that you are my intimate friends when you obey all that I command you.  I have never called you ‘servants,’ because a master doesn’t confide in his servants, and servants don’t always understand what the master is doing. But I call you my most intimate friends, for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father.
John 15:14‭-‬15 TPT

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives
Galatians 5:25‭MSG

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit!

I pray we all live as we've been called, that we put these things into practice and we enter a new life of living in the Prophetic, that we subject ourselves to the leading of the Spirit at all times. And when the times when we need to put in use something from this teaching, the spirit brings it to our remembrance.

Amen

Thank you so much everyone.

We've come to an end of the Divine Communication Series

RECEIVING A PROPHETIC WORD FROM SOMEONE ELSE

So last time we talked about giving prophecies and things to note for the person giving, today we will be talking about the receiver and how to receive prophecies.

We need to understand that not every Prophetic word given to us will be from God - we are humans. So when we receive a word, the first thing to do is examine it.

Examine the word

And don’t be one who scorns prophecies, but be faithful to examine them by putting them to the test, and afterward hold tightly to what has proven to be right.
1 Thessalonians 5:20‭-‬21 TPT

A lot of people out of fear despise prophecy. We've already established that prophecy is not a bad thing, it is not wrong.

When someone gives you a word, thank them and take the word. Now when I say take, I do not mean accept all. Just collect the word somewhere (probably write down or save)

Then go back and examine what is said carefully.

Now here is the thing, this process of examining should be done regardless of who gave the word.

Even if it is Apostle Paul that appears and give you a Prophetic word, you must examine it.

If you get it directly from the spirit, you must examine it still.

If it is from someone you don't like or someone that has given a prophecy to you before that turned out false, still examine it.

We already discussed how to authentify that a prophecy is from God, so check the notes there for this part.

After examining, what is said might not be against the word of God but it doesn't look right for you or look like it is yours, just write it down and pray over it.

If it is yours, when the time you will need it comes, you will be reminded.

I've seen cases where I tell someone something and they are like, I can't relate, it is not for me.

Then after a long time, they come back to say, ehnehn Remi, that thing you said that time, it is happening now o. Please, can you tell me the remaining thing you said that day? I've forgotten

Most likely, I've forgotten too cos my memory is yet to carry all of my own personal prophecies before we talk of yours.

If you are given a word and you can't relate at that time or you don't understand, please write it down.
Examine and still pray over it. In due time, everything will make sense.

Sometimes someone will tell you something, some part will be scriptural and the other part wrong, this doesn't mean you should throw everything said away.

Pray over everything.
Ask God the unscriptural part, if the person misinterpreted from their own knowledge of what was shared and what part of the prophecy belongs to you.

So the basics when you get a prophecy are:

1. Thank the person

2. Don't be rude to them even if you can't relate

3. Go and examine on your own

4. If you have access, give feedback to the person that gave the prophecy (might not include all details). This is to also encourage them and help them trust the spirit revealing to them even when things don't make sense

If the prophecy is false, ignore it. Don't brand the person false prophet all around town

It could be you giving a prophecy that is not correct tomorrow, this doesn't make you a false prophet.

So just assume that was an error on their side except the Lord reveals otherwise

In religion, a false prophet is one who falsely claims the gift of prophecy or divine inspiration, or to speak for God, or who makes such claims for evil ends

How to Examine The word

- Is it scriptural?

-Did it edify, exhort or comfort me?

-What was the spirit the word came in? Is it consistent with the nature of Christ?

-is all of the prophecy or just a part of it from God?

-How does it affect my life, family, job, commitments, etc?

-Does this word destroy or bring life?

-Is it condemning or convicting?

-Does it glorify Jesus


After examining, next 2 steps is

-What is the Interpretation?

-Do I need to take action immediately or apply something now?

For interpretation, most times we like to rely on the person that gave the word but I've found that it is not every time they get interpretation for the word they give.

Sometimes, they are just here to give a word and go. Don't force an interpretation out of them to avoid wrong interpretations.

If they don't know the interpretation, it is fine. It is your prophecy. Go and ask the Spirit to interpret

The minute we receive a word, we enter a Prophetic process in our lives. We must do something with the word received. We have to allow the spirit to lead us here, to know when to take action and what action to take.

Three steps in the Prophetic process

For prophecy to be fulfilled in our lives, there are steps we should follow.
So many times we get a word and nothing happens after. We know the word was truly for us but somehow it didn't come to pass.

Usually, prophecy doesn't give us the inevitable, what it gives us is potential. Prophecy is God speaking forth His mind/will/plan for a particular situation

What we do with it and how we respond to God's will that has been made known most times determines if and when it comes to pass.

1. The revelation

This is the stage of the prophetic word or message received. God's will send/relay to us.

2. The Interpretation

Now that we have received the word, it is important to know the meaning. Gain more insight into what you've heard/received. Know what God is trying to say exactly, His timing and what the prophecy means for you.

3. Application
Now that we know/understand the meaning of the message, what do we do?

Our response to prophecies most times determines what happens next.

E.g
Like 100 people get a Prophetic word for me that I'm going to be a billionaire in 2020. Of course, I will jump at this and be happy.

I start singing up and down I'm gonna be a billionaire, billionaire ye yee 🎶

I don't ask God if I should look for work or if it's the Holy Spirit inspiring me to do something that will bring billions my way. Or probably He is directing me to certain people

I sleep away 2020 while waiting to be a billionaire (my enemy please, not me 🙄)

100% certain that this my enemy here is not ready to be a billionaire. And might not become a billionaire that year.

So it's very important to ask God what next after getting to know His will.
Ask Him what is expected of you for this to be fulfilled.
Do we need training or preparation?
What changes do we need to make?
What area of our lives should we apply the word?
What time should we apply what is revealed?
( Timing is key also)

It's important to stay in prayer and follow God's lead into His will that He revealed.

Other keys include:
-Being accountable and let your authorities work with you.
If you get a word that you will become a king, it doesn't mean you should start disrespecting the present King or acting anyhow. Submit to those above you even if you feel the plan God has revealed for you is bigger than them.

- Timing as I said earlier is very important

- Always hold up your word and your course of action to scripture.

- Never stop praying

THE PROPHETIC 3 - Receiving And Giving Prophecy

We receive prophecy from God for people in several ways. I will just list some here for us.

1. Prophetic words:

This comes as a clear stream of words to our mind/heart. Like a clear knowing, that comes from within us.

2. Rhema
Revelations or word that we get for others or even ourselves through scripture

3. Word of Knowledge and Word of Wisdom

Word of knowledge is the Holy Spirit transmitting His specific knowledge to us about something or someone, that we could never have known.

For example, me probably praying for someone or speaking with you and I begin to share exact details about you/something you are going through and no one told me this.

E.g Jesus and the woman at the well

Word of Wisdom is getting a divinely/supernaturally inspired answer to someone's problem or situation. Something that the human mind could never think up on its own.

These 2 are actually very important in counselling and when praying for other people.
I've had cases where we are praying about something and looking for direction, then the word of wisdom comes on what to do.

I remember praying for my family one time and I got a word about an aunt, everything going on in her life and the role my great grandmother had to play in it.

When my parents asked my grandfather, it turned out it was true. He kept asking how they knew his mother did that. God so good, He also gave a word of Wisdom for that situation. If you have a ministry in healing and deliverance, I believe these are important.

4. Dreams
This is another way we can receive prophecy for people. Prophetic dreams usually have interpretation.


5. Visions
-Inner Visions: These are pictures we see that happen on the page of the mind.
 I actually receive a lot this way... I'm praying, meditating or walking and it's like someone is playing a movie inside my mind and I'm to watch.

-Open/outer Visions:
We see things displayed to a person that they are actually seeing with their physical eyes.

The first time I experienced this was in July 2015. Twice the same day. I was waiting for someone and my spiritual mother who was then in the hospital appeared to me and was discussing.
I thought I was hallucinating but it happened minutes after again

Before then I used to think, you need to sit down quietly or be praying or be a "super Christian" before you receive visions 🤦🏿‍♀

For most people, visions are generalized. Like It's just vision but I'm breaking it down here for us so we can see where we relate with and know it is actually God speaking to us.

A whole lot of people get inner visions but do not know

6. Physical sensations

Sometimes in receiving a word for people, we experience physical sensations. Like our body reacts in a way we are not used to and we sense God speaking to us about someone at that time.


7. Tongues (Of course accompanied with his sister, interpretation)

We receive Prophetic words through interpreted tongues.
This is not seen often as most believers do not embrace the prophetic.
If you've been to White garment churches, it's very possible you have seen this.

The good thing is, things are changing. I've seen and been in meetings where believers operate in the Prophetic without restrictions. Tongues being given and interpreted randomly by 2 people who don't even know each other and it is usually correct (from the ones I've seen)

8. Prophetic Songs (or worship)

This could be spontaneous music, dance or any other form of art as a means in bringing forth a word from God.

It is not the spontaneity that makes it Prophetic, but the words or art form shared.

Sometimes, it is drawings. Someone just picks up a pen spontaneously and begins to draw or illustrate things as messages from God. Songs are the most common for me, personally.

Practical points when giving a Prophetic word

1. No need to be mystical or hyper-spiritual:
You don't have to roll on the floor and hit yourself or do some special dramatic stuff before you give a word. This doesn't mean anyone that does this is faking it o, I'm only saying you don't have to do it 🙄
It is not a prerequisite

2. Speak clearly and naturally

You don't have to use King James version to deliver the word or add Thus saith the Lord for effect.
If the word is from God, the spirit will confirm it.

Again, note that the spirit can use these words directly when speaking through you. This doesn't mean you have to add it yourself always.

Being dramatic actually puts pressure on both you and the person you are giving a message to

3. Know when to speak and when to just pray

Sometimes God shows us certain things for us to pray about it, not speak on it. Sometimes we are to speak, but not immediately or it is to be done privately. So when you get a word, don't be in a rush or hurry. Ask God

4. Give the word in the right spirit
This is very important. A lot of us Christians give prophecies and even share the word wrongly.

Sometimes we give the word from a place of control and manipulation, anger, judgment, bitterness or resentment.

Sometimes we give it from a place of I'm right and you are wrong. Like
" you better listen to God's prophet or else"

Or else what?

The motive of every word should be to display love, compassion and God's desire for His people.

Even hard, corrective words must come in the spirit of love

5. Avoid prophesying your pet doctrine
 When we give a word from God, we should put aside our favourite opinions or prejudice.

There are so many people putting out their own opinions as to the word from God. This makes it difficult for people to trust prophets. Be sure it is not your feeling you are sharing

6. Refrain from Scolding

Don't lecture people through prophecy. Share whatever God asked you to and move (Except you have a leadership position over them and are directly involved in the message received, even at this the lecture doesn't have to be immediately. Allow the word do its thing)

No condemnation while giving the word. Condemnation doesn't come from the spirit of Christ

I remember once praying for someone and I heard it that the person is light spiritually. In that instant, I knew to say that will come out as condemnation to the person so I just kept on praying. And much later I explained to the person the importance of fellowship with God. Why he needs to study the Bible and pray.

Also, it could have instilled fear. And fear is also not of God

7. Avoid publicly correcting leaders through prophecy

This is for us newbies and it is very important. I know God is using us and speaking to us o, but please honour those in leadership, please.

Even if it is not prophecy, avoid unnecessary public criticism of those that have been here before us.

This one, I'm actually begging cos there is a whole lot of this in our world today.

If you get a corrective prophecy for a leader, it's best to run it with another leader while praying for them. Or reach out directly if you are led.

8. Timing is important
Know when to speak.

9. Don't go about gossiping with classified info
If God shares something with you about someone, don't gossip about it with others especially when it is a detail not so good. The Lord trusted you with that information to help His child at that time.
Do not abuse this gift

10. Do not speak if there is a bit of confusion
If you are confused about a message you get, pray over it. Don't be in a rush to speak.
Rushing could lead to you relaying a message to the wrong person

11. Purge negative emotions
If you have an issue or misunderstanding with someone and you start getting a strong/hard corrective message for them, it is most likely your emotions doing the work.

Sometimes, we bring our personal issues in and brand it as prophecy. I know this can be done unknowingly which is why it is important to pray before sharing to someone you've had a misunderstanding with or have something against.

Ask the Holy Spirit to purge all negative emotions that might want to speak through you in guise of your Prophetic gift. If you have issues with someone and you get a prophecy that is negative, it's best to be an intercessor except there is a clear instruction to reach out.
If there is, run it by a leader


12 Major Principle is edification

Does it edify? Does it build? If the message pulls down more than it builds, pray about it and Refrain from sharing

13. Deliver the word and leave it alone

Most times, we overanalyse prophecy. This happens with me a lot. I've had to be very conscious of it.

God: Go and tell person a that I see their suffering and I'm stepping in already.

Me: Ehn... Person A that I saw enjoying yesterday, over enjoyment is worrying them sef. Which kind suffer. I'm not going o. If it's mistake na, I will now look like a false prophet 😭😭😭

After stubbornness, I oblige and go then person A confirms that the word is true and I'm there looking at myself like 🙄

Also, sometimes the word is not for you to understand. There are cases where the prophecy only makes sense to the person you are sent to. Just share

Another thing, when you deliver a word to someone and they don't say anything. Don't try to over-expand with your understanding. Just deliver and leave it alone.

The spirit inside of you is not false. I used to worry about this at some point too but with time I realized months later these people will come and be like, ehnehn Remi that thing you told me that day (I've forgotten btw), it clicked yesterday o. Something happened bla bla

So just deliver and leave it alone


13b Deliver and leave it alone:

After giving a word, don't try to force action or quicken the word or make it happen. Your job is to give the word and you've done it. It is God's work to keep His word

Eg. I see a vision that someone is giving Joshua 10million naira this week.

The week is ending and 10m is not here, then I proceed to give Joshua that 10m in Fulfilment of the prophecy.

This is not my business. Don't try to force action on a Prophetic word given through you


14. Prophesy life

There are some people that the only thing they see is bad, every time.

While it is possible that we can see negative things before they happen, I believe the Lord reveals to redeem, so ask for what God will have us do in that situation.

Don't come and gloat that you saw Nigeria burn down. It's not God's will that such should happen. Stay in prayer. Cry to God. Stand as an intercessor

There is no special medal in being a prophet of doom

15. Be governed by Love

Always, let love be the aim.

There are so many things to note when giving prophecies. Shared most of these from my own experience.

THE PROPHETIC 2: Types of Prophecy

The first thing we will be doing today is examine words of the old testament describing Prophetic giftings.

These Hebrew words used for Prophets show us how different people receive from the Lord. We see the different ways God may use Prophetic ministry.

1. NABI:
This means to bubble up. God's word just seem to bubble up out of the inner part of this this gift. The word NABI describes one who is stirred up in spirit.
Like it just simply comes up within you out of your heart, into your mind.


2. ROEH:
This means to see or perceive. The seer sees things more than he hears prophetic words. Could be pictures, visions, illustrations etc.

For seers, usually we have to break down or interpret what is seen. Another Hebrew word used close to ROEH is Hozeh. It also means seer but dynamics are a bit different. We can check 1 Chronicles 29:29 for the usage of these words.

3. HAZON:
This means watchman.
I believe this gift is that of a Prophetic intercessor. One who stands before the Lord, sees and hears for the purpose of praying powerful Prophetic prayers to be a watchman of the Flock.


4. PROPHETS:
This is a Greek word that simply means One who speaks for God. (Pronounced Profaytace)

Basic description of the prophetes :
Foretell: tells things in the future. Gives directives on upcoming events or workings of God with men.

ForthTell: gives the wisdom, counsel and understanding of God into a life or situation or group.

5. NATAPH
This simply means to Preach, to drop from heaven

FOUR LEVELS OF PROPHETIC MINISTRY

As we all start Horning our Prophetic gifts, it is important we learn how prophecy exists on different levels and how we grow into consistent Prophetic ministry.

Everyone tends to begin with a general hearing of God's voice, as the year goes by, the prophetic gifts deepen.

So here is a generalisation of our growth process in the Prophetic. It is broken down into 4

1. The Spirit of Prophecy:
This depicts a revelational life in God; that is revelation in the word and prayer.
Basically, a general sense of hearing from God and seeing what He is doing. Could be for yourself, friends or family members.
Every believer/child of God is actually expected to operate on this level. We should be living in fellowship with Christ and hearing His voice.

Amplified Bible. Revelation 19:10
[10]Then I fell prostrate at his feet to worship (to pay divine honors) to him, but he [restrained me] and said, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] another servant with you and your brethren who have [accepted and hold] the testimony borne by Jesus. Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours].


The essence of the truth revealed is the spirit of Prophecy. My version says the testimony of Christ is the spirit of Prophecy. Here, we see Christ; His divine will and purpose, unveiled to us

2. The Gift Of Prophecy
This involves getting a specific message for someone and relaying it to them.
If you find yourself occasionally seeing things about people (in any way mentioned earlier), it is most likely you have the gift of Prophecy and it needs to be developed.

Of course, you start praying and desire to walk in the fullness of this. It is not a bad thing to desire to prophesy, Paul made this clear in 1 Cor 14. Most important thing is to make sure our desire of it is not about us. One thing about gifts is this, they are not about us, they are majorly about others, the body of Christ.

So whatever gift we desire, it is simply us desiring to serve. To serve others in the body of Christ

If you find yourself in this second level, it is best to stick to Edification, exhortation and comfort (as explained in the last teaching). Stay away from corrective/directive prophecy.

If you get any of those, meet those you submit to their leadership and tell them first before telling the person. This is because at this stage your gifts are not well developed and it allows for error.
Corrective and directive prophecies do not give error allowances. It's either you are right or you are right.

3. The ministry of Prophecy:
This is for those that find themselves being used often by God to give Prophetic utterances or messages to people.

Here are signs to look out for to know if you have a ministry in the Prophetic :
* You find yourself developing a clear giftedness and consistency in this path.

* You find that this is one of the dominant ways God uses you.

* People can testify that they've been blessed through you and built

* This gift you have is bearing fruit in others, visible fruits.

If every of this sign is present and full, it is most likely you've been called to the prophetic ministry (Same way some are called as teachers, evangelists etc)

4. The Office of A Prophet:

The person who holds this office has years of consistent and accurate Prophetic ministry where not just this person but many others (especially leaders around) can testify and recognize that this is your office in the work of God. There is a long, proven track record here. An accurate one.

Submission to the place of prayer and discipline is one thing we will see about such person.

So this is basically all the four levels of the prophetic that I know of.

Let me use a simple illustration to sum it up.

Everyone should be able to explain when they read (How are you going to help your kids with assignments 😂?)

But not everyone will be very good with explanation.
Some will be good with explanation but will need to read more to become better.

Some can actually teach well but they are not teachers yet (Because teaching is not all that is to teachers)

Then the last level is for the teachers themselves. They've been accredited to teach, this is from years of Learning or taking exams to certify them as qualified enough to teach.

So we see that knowing how to teach does not equal being a teacher

Seeing things about people does not automatically make us prophets. There is a whole lot of in betweens to get there. And all of it requires discipline/commitment to the secret place.

All of these processes I laid down also makes it easier to ensure accuracy of prophecies.

This way, people get less weary of prophets. We have less people saying I don't believe in prophets xyz bla bla.

I have questions for us

1. From the Old testament words describing Prophecy, which ones do you find yourself operating in?

2. From the Four levels of Prophecy, what level do you think you are on? Or you are yet to start any level?

Sumi - 1 an gradually growing In 2

Tebs - For the levels of the Prophetic I think I operate in 1&2


We all should pay attention to ourselves also and patterns. It is important. This will help us grow

Remi - 1. I experience all 5. I'm trying to see which one is more dominant but I can't categorically say which yet. I'm still taking notes sha.
Will also check my book again (I write down when I get anything from God), will use this to track which way I hear more

2. Growing in Level 3.

The PROPHETIC 1: The Prophetic is Prophecy

PROPHECY

This is one part a lot of believers shy away from.
Some of us fear it or its usage
Some of us are scared of the truths in prophecy (we don't know what part God will decide to show)
It is mysterious to some
For some Christians, it doesn't exist

One thing I've found is that Prophecy is often neglected by believers

I will like to ask, what is your attitude towards Prophets and Prophecy?

(Be honest please)

I'm asking that question because it is important you know where you stand.

If it is a ministry you are against (knowingly or unknowingly), you might have issues operating fully in it

Fola - I used to think it was exclusive to the white garment churches

Toye - It's for a confirmation of that which God is(/has been) saying

Keneth - To me i believe its a blessing to hv genuine prophet in our generation,
Though many hv tanished the image of the prophetic in many ways,
To me genuine Prophets and prophecy am for..cuz it an awesome blessx

Sumi - At first I never rlly loved prophets because the majority I saw always predicted onli good things like they never said only very positive things an it seemed like hard or difficult moments won't ever come. But it is different now

First, what is Prophecy?

It is a hearing, seeing or somehow knowing what God is presently saying or doing and expressing that to others by some means.

So when we prophesy, what we are doing is speaking for the mind and heart of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Do you know how beautiful it is to speak God's mind?

How did we get to the point where we see this as evil?

This is such a beautiful thing. To not just know the mind of God but to be able to express it towards others. Wow

(let's keep in mind that in hearing God, it is not everything we hear that we speak. Directions usually come with what is shared. Sometimes we are meant to just pray about it). How long has Prophecy been?

Amplified Bible. Acts 3:21
[21]Whom heaven must receive [and retain] until the time for the complete restoration of all that God spoke by the mouth of all His holy prophets for ages past [from the most ancient time in the memory of man].

God has spoken by the mouth of the prophets since the world began

Here it says from the most ancient time in the memory of man.

The gift of prophecy has been in use since the most ancient time in the memory of man.

What is being prophesied?
What God has spoken.

How?
Through Prophets

Since when?
The beginning of the world.

Amplified Bible. 1 Corinthians 14:1
[1]EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).

Here we see Apostle Paul admonishing us to desire prophecy.

To desire something is to be on fire to get ahold of, to covet it.

God through Apostle Paul tells us to be on fire to obtain and use these powerful gifts made available by the Holy Spirit but especially the gift of prophecy.

Now, if we read the letters to the corinthians, I think from chapter 12, we will get the background properly.

The church in Corinth at that point had placed  emphasis on some gifts more than the other; speaking in tongues

They "over-emphasised" speaking in tongues (praying) and under-emphasised Prophecy. Does this sound familiar?

Majority of churches in the body of Christ today are the Corinth Church o.

If you don't know how to speak in tongues, you will nearly be excommunicated in some churches or be made to feel less.

But we meet people that prophesy and we shut them up.

The only prophecy a lot of us believers agree with is "inspired preaching/teaching"

In this particular chapter, we see that Paul wasn't talking about teaching here. The Greek word for preaching (which he had used before) is not what he used in this letter so we cannot translate it to mean inspired teaching.

Now, this does not mean speaking in tongues is wrong or should be desired less. No.

Apostle Paul said in verse 5 that He wishes we all spoke with tongues.
He valued the gift of tongues.

He was only asking that we regard the place of Prophecy is our midst also

When we choose to ignore the prophetic for whatever reason, we become unbiblical Christians

If you have any thing against prophecy, it is unbiblical of us

Every fold of ministerial gift is important. We don't remove one because we've met insincere prophets.

I believe the enemy works hard in this area.

The Prophetic is a very powerful fold of ministry, requires extra training and watching over those that officiate in it too.

The Prophetic is not exclusive to a particular church or DNA.

The reason we see it more common in the white garment churches is because they embraced it while most Christians shut it out.

They help their ministers grow in this gift

History of Prophecy in Scriptures

Out of all the five fold ministerial gift in Ephesians 4, we see that it is only Prophecy that transcends all era.

From the beginning of time, we had prophets. Let's look at those who operated in the Prophetic in the Old testament. We have Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Miriam, Deborah etc.
(you can add more if you remember)

Now let's note one thing (cos we will come to it a we Continue this series), not all of these people officiated directly as prophets but they all prophesied or moved in the prophetic.

For those of us that think prophecy ended with the old covenant, let's look at after the new covenant and those that operated in the Prophetic.

1. Agabus and the prophets from Jerusalem.

Acts 11:27


2. 2. The church in Antioch.

Acts 13:1-2
 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. - Bible Offline

We see from this scripture that there were Prophets in Antioch and it was through them God spoke that Barnabas and Saul (Paul) be sent out.

Paul's call came and was established through the mouths of Prophets. Other believers might not have minded him should it not have been confirmed from these ones who officiate in the prophetic ministry

3. Judas and Silas
Acts 15:32

4. The daughters of Evangelist Phillip
Acts 21: 8-9

The promise of the spirit and Prophecy

Let's read Acts 2: 16 - 18

[16]But [instead] this is [the beginning of] what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
[17]And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams.
[18]Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels and predicting future events pertaining especially to God's kingdom].

Here we see the promise of the spirit.

When the spirit comes, four different times scripture records that He comes to make us a Prophetic people.

This is the dominant work of the spirit in our lives, He causes us to come alive and gives us a Prophetic nature.

Every person born of the spirit (and filled with the spirit) is expected to be a Prophetic person

We are a Prophetic nation, everyone of us that carry the spirit.

We prophesy (doesn't mean we officiate as prophets), we see visions, we dream, we speak God's mind and heart; All of these, upon the outpour of the spirit

So if we have fight with prophets or the prophetic ministry, now is the right time to dead it cos we need to start operating in line with the outpour of the spirit.

This is why we had to start with Hearing God (for ourselves first). If you can hear God, it is hard to doubt that another can hear God. It is also easy to examine whatever is being prophesied.

Let's also note that the basics and foundation from Hearing God remains in the Prophetic part of this series

Have you ever received a Prophetic word from anyone? How did you respond to it? Did you believe or discard?

Tebs - Someone stopped me and said don't travel for the next three months you will have an accident🙀.. Who does that? It planted fear for some days but I prayed it off and got better

Sumi - A prophet told me I will travel that time since I didn't rlly blive in prophets I was just like travel where to but deep  inside me didn't blive. Because I've never seen maself traveling.

Purposes and Functions of Prophecy

1. To equip the saints for ministry and mature the body of Christ.

And he gave some, apostles; and some,q prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Ephesians 4:11‭-‬12 KJV

The first purpose of  Prophecy as with other folds of ministerial gifts is to help the body of Christ grow and equip us for service.

2. Edification, exhortation and comfort

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV
To edify is to build up, erect and strengthen.
To exhort is to urge, spur on or encourage into action
To comfort is to bring peace, healing or a message of mercy to a wounded part of a heart.

So we see from point 2 that prophecies encourage us into action. We move in accordance with it.
Probably we've been down, sometimes God sends a word through others and it just strengthens or heals us.

Note: Almost all prophecy within the body of Christ i.e church should stay in this level, especially if we do not operate directly in the office of the prophetic.

When we get Prophetic words, we should check them with the above. Does it encourage the person? Does it heal them?

Should we notice that the prophecy we got is not in any of these categories, we should meet without church leadership and relay to them first.

This way no one is saying anything unchecked or in a manner that defies the purpose of prophecy.

3. Corrective Prophecy

This is a word that speaks to a wrong area of our life or ministry. Probably we've been doing certain things wrongly, of course God will communicate this to us cos He loves us.
This part brings correction, rebuke or a change.

I think most Christians don't like this part.

We'd rather God tells us this part directly instead of telling other people.

Well, if we were listening to God in the first place, we wouldn't be following a wrong path and need correction/rebuke.

So if we are in a position where we are being corrected or rebuked by God through certain persons, we should know it is from a place of love and if we were listening or following in the first place, the rebuke won't be coming.

Corrective Prophecy though open to every believer should be managed by leaders in the church and be done in love.

Don't go and gossip about the person God gave you a message for.

4. Directive Prophecy

This is a type of prophecy that gives clear direction, a course of direction that we must/should take.

I believe this part should be left for those who have been ascertained to be trustworthy in the Prophetic ministry, not just believers or those who officiate as prophets.

We cannot be playing ludo with people's lives. We've seen situations where prophets say don't marry person A or don't take that job, don't collect the money, move to America etc.

A wrong interpretation of what God spoke or giving the message to a wrong person or not relaying the timing of the message can actually destroy the lives of those involved.

Important
As believers, we do not give prophecies to others relating to points 2 and 3 unless we first submit it to and through our leadership.

I know we've been seeing things since birth but please these areas of the prophetic need to be weighed and judged first.

They are best reserved for the seasoned and mature Prophetic voices.

If it comes through those of us still growing, we meet our leaders about it. Also, seeing things does not automatically make you a prophet. I will explain this probably in the next teaching

5. Prophecies function as a weapon of war in the fight of faith

One of the aim of the enemy is to cause us to move out of faith and give up on the promises of God. Prophecy is a powerful weapon in this case, as a person or church. We know God has spoken, so we hold on to it.

Timothy, you are like a son to me. What I am telling you to do agrees with the prophecies that were told about you in the past. I want you to remember those prophecies and fight the good fight of faith.
1 Timothy 1:18 ERV

This is why it is important to write them down. We go back to them on days when things are not going the way we expect and we hold on to God's words as a weapon

6 God wants it to function in our prayers

To just pray what we think or what we see is not enough, God wants to speak with us, He wants us to know what is on His mind/heart, so when we pray, we pray what Christ our great intercessor prays.

Prophetic prayer births result because we are basically praying the mind of Christ

Let us pray

Lord, we thank you for your word, for flooding us with your light and opening our hearts to your truth.

Should there be anything that we find difficult to understand, spirit of God do break it down for us.

Help us to move in the Prophetic just as the Lord wishes, especially in times as this.

We pray for other believers around the world, that you open theirs eyes also to this truth and your will concerning it.

We pray that you expose those who exploit your children through the prophetic, that every false prophet in the body of Christ be brought to repentance.

Help us to grow in these gifts and manage them properly.
Help us to not get puffed up or proud as we begin to operate in this move.

Amen

DEVELOPING EARS THAT HEAR

So far in this series, we've learnt that God speaks and we can hear.

Lovers of God have been given eyes to see with spiritual discernment and ears to hear from God.
Proverbs 20:12 TPT

As long as you are a part of the body of Christ, the bride He is coming for, you've been inbuilt with eyes that see beyond the physical. You discern things spiritually

You've been built with ears that hear not only what people around you are saying but what God is saying to you

And I keep hammering on us believing this part first.

If you doubt that it is not for you, you will not be able to function in that area

Your sight is hindered by your belief

God speaks to us ✅✅✅

Now that we know and are certain we have a hearing ear, how do we develop it?

First, let's see How God speaks to us

We've talked about this a lot of times but for the sake of this teaching, I will list all briefly

Ways God speaks in the bible

1. The scriptures
This is the first, primary and safest hearing of God for our lives. We find God speaking in the bible through scriptures written before then. God's word is true always, it stands forever. Even after looking at other ways God speaks, we must come back to that which is written.

2. Impulses and Urges

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness,
Mark 1:12 NLT

Jesus was compelled, He had a strong urge/impulse to go to the wilderness.

God communicates with us this way. We just feel a strong urge to do something. Recently I was in a down phase. I couldn't pray that week and I was just begging the Holy Spirit, please give me strength to pray. Help me

That same week, a couple of people reached out to me. "Hi Remi, good evening. I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you"

"Hello mama. How are you doing? I've been feeling this strong urge to pray for you"

"Fine girl. Hope you know I'm praying for you?"


"Good morning ma. God has been impressing it on my heart to pray for you since this week began. I also felt a strong urge to reach out and let you know that an altar of prayer is being raised on your behalf"

Note that I did not speak to any of these people about anything. In fact one of them, last time I spoke to her was last year.

This was God communicating with them by laying Urges upon these people to pray.

Sometimes, certain people/things just keep popping up in our hearts and we just feel the urge to pray for them. It is important that we do not neglect this urge.

Usually, it is God speaking to us and using us to meet a need.

Also God communicating with these people on my behalf was Him communicating with me too.
After they all reached out, I suddenly found strength and started praying.

My personal prayer usually has nothing personal in it except my alone moment with God, it's filled with intercession. When I was down, I felt bad that I am always praying for people and now I can't pray for myself.

But God reaching out to these people was a reminder to me that as I'm interceding on behalf of others, even people I don't know are interceding on my behalf.

Immediately, I picked up and was strengthened.

If we get Urges and we are not sure what to do, ask God.

" Lord, I keep feeling this strong impulse concerning this person/thing. I'm not sure what I'm being asked to do. Lord please, help me hear you clearly concerning this"

He will reveal further surely. Never neglect the urge.

3. Our Conscience

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NLT


Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
1 Timothy 1:19 NLT

Sometimes, we make certain decisions and our conscience starts telling us it is wrong or how better we should do it.

Now, while God might speak this way, it is tricky. Our Conscience must constantly be renewed by the spirit and the word.

That's why when people do certain things, we say they don't have conscience.

They actually do have. Conscience is a person's moral sense of right and wrong.
sense of right and wrong vary according to individuals and the morals they uphold.

So it is important that the morals upheld is in accordance with the word and guidance by the spirit

Question - Remii oo what if after asking u get an answer "No " and the urge still what should we do?

God will not give you an urge to pray for someone and give a NO as an answer.

If you get a no, probably the direction of your question.
Maybe you are asking what to pray for the person and God is saying give the person money 😊.


All still points back to a hearing problem in communication. Ask God


4. The voice of the Holy Spirit

Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you.
Acts of the Apostles 10:19 NLT

The spirit is so often the voice of God to us. He speaks and it comes into our soul where we discern what is said.

5. Your natural thought Process.
Sometimes the voice of the spirit doesn't come as a voice unto our thoughts, it comes as part of our thoughts. Like we just think something and we know this is not from us

6. Other People
God speaks to us through other people. We need to be open, listening and spiritually alert at all times.
He uses prophecy to speak to us through other people.

Sometimes it's in the messages we listen to, the movies we watch. Don't know if we've ever seen a movie and it feels like God is addressing you directly

Sometimes I'm just on YouTube and a random message pops us and I know it is God that made that message pop up

Sometimes it is on social media. Someone posts something on their own o, without attaching any meaning to it but you see it and know it is you God is speaking to.

Sometimes it's in passing conversations. You are walking or doing your thing and people are gisting their own, but the message is for you.

7. Visions, Dreams, Pictures
God speaks prophetically through all of these. Some people go into a trance while some of us have these experiences with God while awake, very consciously. The latter takes a lot of spiritual alertness usually, from my experience.

8. Angelic Visitations
God speaks to us through angels. We can see this in the book of acts. I personally have had this experience a couple times. Infact, I rushed to write everything down that day.
I slept off and it continued as a dream. His angels are ministering spirits

9. Nature, Animals, Object
All of creation constantly declare the glory of God and His works. This means one thing, they speak. God speaks to us through them. He used a donkey to speak to Balaam and objects to bring messages to others. To see and hear God in all of these things and ways, our spirits must be awake and listening

10. Situations
Certain things happen around us or in our lives but they come with a message from God.
When things happen (good or bad in the physical), it is important to ask God.
"Are you saying something to me Lord?"
"Is there a message in this for me?"

11. Peace
Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 TPT

God's peace is a guide, it directs us in the way we should go.

I believe this is also like our conscience. We must first subject our minds to renewal by the word and spirit.

Some wicked people have peace 😭

God will speak through whatever He wishes, the sick, the poor, the rich, the hale and hearty. He can use anyone.

Before we move on, can we share other ways we hear God that have not been mentioned

Sumi - Through songs,one on one,through someone,scripture ,situations (good and bad)
The night before I cut ma fingers in the grinding machine. That evening I had a strong urge to worship an pray. I remember I told God to use me as a way of showing his glory wherever I find myself and that may  his goodness an love be seen through me always

The next day bam I cut ma fingers and in normal situations pples fingers never come out as a whole and in other circumstances their hand or arm is cut off. BT he showed his glory through me once again. I was in awe

Uju - Through relationship
You may have thought you have found the right person,then something happens..you lose the person you thought you love,you ask for forgiveness... Then you remember this is how you are to GOD ,you claim you love HIM yet you fall astray to sin and you get back up and ask HIM for forgiveness,HE is trying to tell us we can do better,Amen

Remi - I should share mine

While I have experienced all the ways listed above, not all of them are constant or primary.

It's not everyday I have angels visiting and talking.
I hardly get messages through animals, I don't even look at animals for long.
I run when I see dogs 😂😂
So if God tries to speak through a dog, ah trouble.

God knows I won't hear anything if He speaks through animals directly
(except in a vision, pictures or as objects)

If they have to open their mouth to speak, I doubt my hearing ears will be in close proximity to hear anything. Cos I'd have ran since

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Because God wants us to really hear Him, He is mindful of us too.
He reaches out to us through ways He is certain we can hear and know it is Him.

If the way we hear is limiting, He starts from there still. As we continue to listen to Him, He strengthens us and sharpens our ears to hear through other means too.

Imagine that it is only dream God can speak through. If you don't sleep, you won't hear anything

How do we know it is God and not other voices?

We spoke about the other voices that we might hear along the way.

Now we talk on how to discern and know when it is God speaking

1. Scripture
Like I keep saying, this is number one guide.
God's word is His honor, character and integrity. He cannot speak against His word.
If what you hear is not in accordance with His word, then it is not Him. Discard.

2. Nature of the voice we hear

But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form
James (Jacob) 3:17 TPT

It is pure, has no mischief to it. Attest to the character of God.

Peace: when God speaks He calms our soul. He doesn't compound our problems. We are at peace on the inside.

The nature of the voice of God is conderate, gentle.
He is not harsh towards us.

His voice comes to us teachable. It doesn't manipulate us. His voice is full of mercy. It doesn't condemn or Judge. It never displays prejudice. It is unwavering, the same always. Consistent in character. No hypocrisy in it.

Finally His voice is full of good fruit.
God will never ask us to do anything that is of the flesh.
Check the fruit that will be brought forth from what you hear or receive, does it align with the character of God?

If your spirit abi mind keeps telling you to quarrel with someone, you know that's not of God.
If you dreamt that you saw money in your office, took it and became the richest man in africa, then the next day you actually see that exact amount of money

It is Not God.

You don't take the money

Don't carry office money home and say God already told you in the dream o. It is stealing. That is not a fruit of the spirit.

3. Surround yourself with trusted people
It is important that we have men who are devoted to God around us. In learning to discern, we should surround ourselves with such people.
If we are finding it difficult to ascertain or discern what is being said, we should reach out to them.

Eli knew it was God speaking cos He was used to hearing so He could direct Samuel

Also note that sometimes these people might not see anything concerning that situation when you meet them.
Doesn't mean they are bad or less spiritual.

So go back to God and listen

Developing Hearing ears

Now that we know how He speaks and ways to know it is Him, how do we develop a lifestyle of Hearing Him often and coming to a knowledge of His voice

1. Believe that you can hear
I've been hammering on this cos it is important.
All that we are in Christ is edged on belief.
If we do not believe that we can, then we won't.
It doesn't matter if you've tried listening before and you did not.
We walk by faith not by sight.
Put whatever your experience is away.
Scripture already says you can hear, is your experience greater than the word of God?

2. Value Hearing God
 We see during the transfiguration, God's voice instructing the 3 (Peter, James and John) and in extension us, this is my beloved son, Listen to Him, Hear Him. We must take this word as it is for us.
We are to yearn for God's voice and be eager to hear what He has to say

To develop our ears, we must be intentional. It doesn't happen by mistake

Knowing God's voice is something we should be deliberate about and this will mean us taking necessary steps and being more attentive spiritually

Make room. Away from the business, set a time ti just listen to God daily.

Do it even if it doesn't work the first time or it didn't before. Keep going

Value God's voice.

If you do not see a need to hear God, you will not see a need to wait when you don't hear at first

3. Consistent Time in God's Presence
Make sure to spend uninterrupted time with God. Not one today then next time is next year.
As we consistently stay in His presence, we become more sensitive to His voice.
If you do not hear today, continue tomorrow, don't stop.
It will get to a point, your mind will quiet.
It will get used to you being still and stop roaming.

4. Spend time Feeding in the word
As we focus on the word more and more, we give Him more room to speak. We open our ears more.
I'm not talking about you reading what we post on Word Alive while watching Big brother at the same time.

We taking time to meditate on the word. Alone with the word, alone with God

As you read, don't be fast or in a hurry.

Learn to quiet your soul and listen inwardly.

Take note of where His presence is resting as you read.

Are you being led to focus on a particular word?

Pray as you read, ponder and listen.

Also know that alone with the word is alone with God.
in The beginning was the word...... And the word was God

Know that you are with God. Be conscious of this fact. This is not novel or story book you are reading.

4. Learn to listen through the day
God doesn't just speak when we open the bible. He speaks while we are at work and during other activities. Stay connected inwardly. He will speak to us outside of church and prayer time, in different ways and about different things

This is what Brother Paul called the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (so be it).
2 Corinthians 13:14 AMPC

What are you sharing together with the spirit? The thoughts of God

He speaks God's thoughts to us actively.
He shares ancient mysteries.
He reveals secrets

First, we listen

5. Obedience

Don’t just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. So always let his Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life!
James (Jacob) 1:22 TPT

When all we set to do is hear for hearing sake, we deceive ourselves. We might as well not listen.
To obey is first to listen but with full/total submission and proceed to do.

Those who really love me are the ones who not only know my commands but also obey them. My Father will love such people, and I will love them. I will make myself known to them.”
John 14:21 ERV


It doesn't just stop at hearing, we should obey. Obedience produces greater intimacy.

It also works vice versa. The more we fellowship (truly), the more obedient we become.

The more we are obedient to what we hear, increase in fellowship occurs

We also hear Him more clearly

We will see that most people discard the voice of God through prophets or even prophecy because the people who bring it do not walk in accordance with God's commandment.

Also, if we want to continue living a certain lifestyle and God's word that we hear speaks against it, we might unconsciously shut our ears from hearing since it's not saying what we want

Let us pray

Thank you Father for your word and all we've learnt tonight.

Help us to pay attention to you as we step into this week. Open our ears to hear all you have to say.
We are spiritually alert and we obey all we hear.
This week, We hear you even in ways we did not know you could speak before.
We pray that we are obedient to you Lord, we do not crave the benefits of living with you while discarding the commitments that produce these benefits/fruit.


Amen