1 Corinthians 14:3
But the one who prophesies inspires his audience constructively and comforts them with encouragement and instruction. (Mirror Bible)

Are you listening for a prophetic word?

Have you been in services where no matter what the sermon was about, the last word was about giving money and sowing into your blessing? Have you been in services where all the prophecies were new houses, new cars, increases on jobs and other kinds of promotion? There is nothing wrong with social and economic increase, but the focus should always be on God and not on stuff and things. On the other hand, have you been in services where a person received the truth they needed. Did you witness them submit and acknowledge the need to allow the Lord to turn their life around? You will answer these questions based on the experiences you have had. But always keep in mind, it is not for anyone to say whether any experience was/is a true move of God. When God manifests Himself, the Spirit within you will bear witness to you, depending on your relationship with God. What you have to do is listen for a word from the Lord in the midst of it all. Listen intently, no matter what is going on, who is talking, or who is being spoken to. When you understand the purpose of the prophet and words that are prophesied, you will want to listen, not just with your ears but with your spirit.

2 Peter 1:20-21 You must understand this at the outset: Interpretation of scriptural prophecy requires the Holy Spirit, for it does not originate from someone’s own imagination. 21 No true prophecy comes from human initiative but is inspired by the moving of the Holy Spirit upon those who spoke the message that came from God. (The Passion Translation)

When someone gives you a prophetic word, it will resonate with you because your Heavenly Father has been trying to get your attention for a while. A true prophetic word will not be something that will strike you as strange. Also, keep in mind, a prophetic word does not have to come from someone standing in a pulpit or in a church at all. God can send a word for you through a co-worker; someone you meet at the grocery store or at the gas station, through a song on the radio, a commercial on the television, etc. The prophetic word comes to instruct. The true prophetic word is the heart of God. God uses a person to share His heart, without reservation; telling you what He wants you to do and often giving you the consequences of disobedience.

1 Samuel 16:4 So Samuel did what the Lord said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” (New King James Version)

This is the kind of word you should listen for; even though it may not always make you happy. If you are listening in the Spirit, you then get the opportunity to adhere to the words spoken by realigning your behavior to accommodate what God wants. If you do, you will bless God and reap the benefits of obedience to a specific command of God. Your only goal is to hear God speak and obey His voice.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I thank You for the prophetic words You have sent to me and those You send to the world. I thank You for a word that brings my attention to You and not on what I want, what I hope for or I dream of having. I thank You for a word that requires something of me. I know if I am listening, by Your Spirit, I will hear Your word and either stop doing what I’ve been doing without reflecting on You or I will do what You have instructed me to do without pause. Your word takes hold of me and convicts and humbles me. I cannot do anything but change my attitude and my behavior. Thank You for not giving up on me when You tried to correct me, but I was not listening. I repent for ignoring You when You spoke directly to me. But I am so grateful You love me enough to send your word another way, even through a person, until I finally heard You, responded, and changed. I have found Your word to not only instruct me when I needed to change but also to encourage me when I was on the right path but unsure of it. You will get the best out of my life, if I allow You to, and I am grateful…