Category Archives: Prophetic Ministry

-Happy New Year-Rosh Hashanah, 5771

Posted on September 9, 2010 by Michael| 2 Comments

A shofar made from a ram's horn is traditional...

Happy New Year!

Actually Rosh Hashanah, the Biblical new year began at sundown last night (Wed) and ushered in the beginning of the year 5771 on the Jewish calendar and Judaism’s High Holy Days- a 10-day period of repentance that culminates on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement –Sept. 18.

Most Christians pretty much ignore this Biblical celebration since it really it isn’t on the traditional church calendar. However many ministers and particularly those called to minister in the prophetic recognize a special significance and work of God related to the Biblical calendar that Jewish folks still go by.

It was during this season that I received my first call to the ministry 44 years ago and later when I was turning 30 had a commissioning experience that still marks my life and ministry today. So usually during this time and particularly on Yom Kippur I take some time to evaluate where I am at and repent of my failures with a look towards being a far more effective witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in the year to come.

It is amazing to me when I look back to see that this time of the year usually marks all of the major changes in my life and ministry. I use to chalk it up to my birthday being in October but now am convinced that changes in my ministry in particular seem to more closely reflect the Biblical calendar.

I use to think I was alone in this perspective until I ran across several major prophetic ministers who also have experienced significant happenings during this season. Some have come to believe that during this time of the year ministers and ministries come under the rod of the master and are evaluated –some to be promoted, some to decline, and others to stay pretty much the same.

Happy New Year and Blessings to all.

Don’t forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the Jewish people particularly during this time of celebration. Also pray for revival in America, we need it.

Posted in Biblical Calendar, Christian Living, Jerusalem, Ministry, Prophetic Ministry, Revival

Tagged Judaism's High HRosh Hashanah

Re: Yom Kippur- The Biblical Day of Atonement

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Michael| 1 Comment

(Yom Kippur service -runneralan2004 via Flickr)

Today is Yom Kippur –the Biblical Day of Atonement—actually it began yesterday evening at sundown on Sunday September 27 and ends at sundown today –Monday September 28.

Most associate it with being a Jewish holiday and that it is—the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. A day when Jewish folk fast & pray and take a look at their lives-particularly the last year and commit themselves to do better—they seek forgiveness for sins committed against others (beforehand) and against God. Traditionally it is also the day when God decides the fate of each human being over the next year.

You might ask—What does that have to do with Christians?

In one respect, what Jewish folk do on this day should be an on-going process for Christians-we should always be seeking to reconcile ourselves to those around us and we should continually be asking for forgiveness from our Heavenly Father in the name of His Son Jesus.

However, it is always good to recognize that today is a special day on God’s Biblical calendar. While we may not want to celebrate the special days like Jewish families do, there are still important Biblical principles to be learned and observed non-the-less.

I know quite a few prophetic ministers who take this day in particular very serious and usually spend it in prayer and fasting—believing that it is a time of evaluation—a time when ministries are pruned or expanded.

In my own life, most of the significant changes having to do with ministry seem to always happen this time of the year.

Blessings, Michael *Top

Posted in Biblical Calendar, Christian Living, Prophetic Ministry

Tagged Yom Kippur

“Taking the Pathetic Out of the Prophetic”

Posted on August 5, 2009 by Michael| 1 Comment

Here’s a timely message on the prophetic from John Paul Jackson: “Taking the Pathetic Out of the Prophetic”

John Paul says that “The misuse of prophecy has brought great embarrassment to the church. It’s time to
clean up our act and apply biblical standards.”

He lists character along with properly developing the prophetic gift and actually bringing an edifying ministry to the church as 3 major issues that need to be addressed to bring on a reformation of prophetic ministry to the church today.

John Paul starts with his own story:

“Thirty years ago, prophetic ministry dramatically altered the course of my life. God sent a seasoned prophetic woman all the way from Israel to Dallas in order to have a three-minute telephone conversation with me via a radio program.

This encounter completely changed my career and life expectations and thrust me into ministry. It is an example of the power of true prophetic ministry—something that is desperately needed in difficult times.

But when I look at the broad spectrum of prophetic ministry today, I become concerned. I fear that a lot of us have gone off course, and it is going to take more than a shift in attitude to get us back.

It is going to take sweeping, all-inclusive prophetic reformation—reformation that begins within prophetic individuals, not the church. The way prophetic people view themselves must radically change first, and only then will the church change the way it views prophetic ministry.”

<<Read the Rest>> *Top

Posted in Prophetic Ministry

Tagged Prophetic Ministry

James Goll: “The A,B,C’s of the Prophetic”

Posted on May 17, 2009 by Michael| Leave a comment

Quote from James Goll on the Prophetic today:

You see, we must understand some basic things concerning the nature of the prophetic. Few, in fact very few, prophetic words are ever sovereign declarations that will come to pass without any conditions being met. Most prophetic words are invitations into a process of becoming. Often, the Lord is more interested in our becoming a word and not just getting, releasing or receiving a word.

The prophetic at its best is partial, progressive and conditional. That is not the fault of the prophetic person – it is the way it works biblically, historically and how it works today.

Let me run that by you one more time – the gift of prophecy is partial, progressive and conditional and the conditions are rarely revealed at that time. This is where personal responsibility takes over and each believer must search out the King’s heart for the keys to unlocking the revelation.

There is a big difference between the revelation and the manifestation! As I have said many times before, the gap between the revelation and the manifestation is called the “until clause.”

Response: Readers-what do you think? I might have worded it differently but it does sum up my experience with the prophetic in the church today.

Posted in Prophetic Ministry

Tagged Prophetic Ministry

The Prophetic Movement?

Posted on July 11, 2007 by Michael| 40 Comments

Time and again I see references to ‘The Prophetic Movement’ like it is some kind of unified quasi- church organization of some sort. What is it anyway and where can I find it? Then I see a whole lot of folks and ministries lumped together as somehow being representative of this movement and all sorts of crazy stuff which is suppose to be part of it, like angel feathers and gold dust and even miraculous gold teeth.

Then I read that it all started at a Vineyard conference when John Wimber introduced Paul Cain and let him take over. I have read all sorts of crazy stuff about what happened at those meetings. Well guess what- I was there!

Posted in Prophetic Ministry

“The Anatomy of a Prophetic Word” by James W. Goll

Posted on November 11, 2006 by Michael| 4 Comments

I just received the following from Encounters Network and James Goll. James and Michal Ann Goll have recently teamed with Rolland and Heidi Baker on a number of occasions, and both are gifted in prophetic ministry. Since there seems to be a continuing discussion about the prophetic on this website (and I certainly welcome it), this short outline message about prophecy- evaluation and application -would seem to be on target and helpful. For some of you, this will probably be quite elementary but still a useful review: Read more »

Posted in Prophecy, Prophetic Ministry

“A Call To War: Basic Training For The Prophetic Ministry”

Posted on July 25, 2006 by Michael| 2 Comments

by Kris Vallotton (Redding CA: Bethel Church, 2004, 95 pgs.)

Kris is the head of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, and Senior Associate Pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California (Bill Johnson is the Senior Pastor). He is also a recognized prophetic minister who has been involved in training and overseeing a large number of prophetic teams in the United StatesÂ and internationally.

This is essentially a ‘basic training manual’ for prophetic ministry. A valuable tool for those who are developing prophetic teams, growing into the ministry as an individual, or for Pastors who would like to develop and guide prophetic ministry in their church. Read more »

Posted in Announcement, Book Review, Prophetic Ministry

Principalities & Powers Vs. Bush & USA: Prayers Needed!

Posted on June 24, 2006 by Michael| Leave a comment

Several intercessor/prophetic ministers are calling for prayers for Pres. Bush and the USA, some cite strong opposition from certain evil Principalities, with major battles going on in the spirit realm. Chuck Pierce is quoted as saying that he believes that it is connected with the war in Iraq, that “the spirit of Babylon is slapping us around” causing confusion and disorder in the church, in the Bush Admin., and in the country. I believe that other Principalities- those over Iran, Islam, and Europe may have joined ‘Babylon’ in the battle. Actually, many have been praying about this since June 1, 2006 and even before.

Lou Engle has put out an ‘emergency’ call for prayer for Pres. Bush, concerning the last half of his second term. He cites a vision by Bob Jones:

Bob Jones received a vision in 1999, that the “Burning Bush” would come out of Texas, and in the second half of his second term, if the church would pray, he would do much to end abortion, restrain homosexual marriage, and bring prayer back to the schools in America. We believe that we are in a decisive moment of the fulfilling of that dream/vision right now. The favor of President George Bush is at the lowest point ever at this moment. Maybe not with God, but in the view of the American people. We just met with a U.S. Senator, who confirms to us, that almost everything positive seems to be retained and held back on Capitol Hill right now.

The 2006 elections may hinge on the perspective that the people of America hold for President George Bush. And the results of the 2006 elections, may either help or hinder President George Bush from fulfilling God’s intention for his presidency. Wherever I go, I can feel the attitude of resignation, criticism, and despair, but the second half of George Bush’s second term, is not yet here. The question is, will the church give up and yield to opinion polls, criticism, and acquiescence, or will the church pray according to the vision, and believe the prophets and succeed? Bob Jones’ word was, “…if the church would pray….” Read: Lou Engle’s entire message.

Dutch Sheets also felt impressed and inspired to put out a special call for prayer on June 1, 2006. He likens the present situation to ‘The Battle of the Bulge’ in WWII, He also refers to several interesting dreams and experiences that others have had concerning Pres. Bush and the Church in America. He believes that it is important for the Church to Pray, pray, pray–pray for Pres. Bush, pray against terrorism, and pray for the spiritual condition of America. I would add–pray for true revival to sweep through our land. I am hoping for it to begin in California. Several years ago I had a open vision where I saw revival hit the west coast like a tidal wave and continue East, all the way across America & Canada, and then it swept across the Atlantic to the UK and Europe. That’s what I’m hoping and praying for–come Holy Spirit–bring revival. Amen.

*Top

Posted in Announcement, Prayer, Prophetic Ministry

“THE SEER: The Prophetic Power of Visions, Dreams, & Open Heavens”

Posted on May 21, 2006 by Michael| 2 Comments

By Jim W. Goll, (Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Pub. Inc., 2004, 190 pgs.)

What is the difference between a Seer and a regular Prophet? Jim Goll explains and differentiates between the two prophetic ministry streams, from the perspective of a participant. It is loaded with personal experience and wisdom, but it also helps one to better understand the different prophets in the Bible. A must read for all those who minister in the prophetic, or in the pastoral for that matter. This book is an excellent presentation of the different prophetic ministries operating in the church today. It is available through most Christian book stores, or may be obtained directly from Jim Goll’s website.

Posted in Book Review, Prophetic Ministry, Seer Prophet