FROM THE PROPHETIC TO WITCHCRAFT (PART 1)

FROM THE PROPHETIC TO WITCHCRAFT! 

(Part 1)

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." 

Joel 2:28 KJV

One of the core signs of the outpouring in the last days will be the birth of a rise in the prophetic. This means that the litmus test to benchmark a true Outpouring of God in any assembly of God's people is the spirit of prophecy. 

This move will be critical to God's end time agenda coming to pass and as we know, the devil whose ultimate intention is to derail kingdom purposes will exploit this ministry to his advantage. It becomes imperative that we place the scriptural fine linings on this subject so as to be equipped and rightly so against this evil onlaught, hence, in this subject, we shall have an in-depth perspective to what the prophetic implies and it's manifestation and possible subtle deviations as witnessed in our time and even beyond. 

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices"  

2 Corinthians 2:11

WHAT IS THE PROPHETIC?

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" 

2 Peter 1:20-21 KJV

Please note the following Key facts about prophecy....

1. Not of private interpretation

2. Not by the will of man

3. Speakings Inspired by the Holy ghost

First of all, we must note that there's a difference between PROPHETIC UTTERANCE and PROPHETIC ACTION.

Prophetic Utterance

The prophetic is that which is from God. It deals with bringing a perspective from the heart of God through spirit inspired promptings and is revealed by utterance or actions. It can also be reffered to as spirit granted utterance through a known language. This is reffered to as a Prophetic Utterance. A prophecy can be certified as true if it's message comes to pass. 

Prophetic utterances are manifested through Speakings. They are usually vocalised. There are several examples of prophetic utterance both in the old and the new testament.

Elisha and Jehoshaphat 2kings3:16-17 

When Paul and Barnabas were divinely called and separated to God's special assignment. Acts13:1-2

Prophetic Action

A prophetic act is more than - or differs from - a spoken word of prophecy, or word of knowledge. It’s an action, something we DO under the anointing and unction of the Holy Spirit as a step of faith, as an act of obedience to release the power, the presence and the victory of God into a situation. Yes, it can include prophecy and words of knowledge, or it can be an act that stands alone without any ‘extras’.  The Bible records many prophetic acts, but there is no set pattern to go by.

We can see some examples of this in both the old and new testament too. 

Prophet Elisha and Joash  2kings13:14-20

Jesus and the healing of the lepers Luke17:12-14

Jesus and turning water into wine John2:5-10 (The instruction was a prophetic action)

Jesus healing of the blind man's eyes with a spittle on the sand. John9:1-7

THE ABUSE OF THE PROPHETIC

Witchcraft simply means counterfeit authority. It is the opposite of all that true Prophetic is. If the basis of the prophetic is an inspiration from God, what happens when the man or woman is not operating under an inspiration from God? Inspiration can be both ways. Either from God or from the devil. Either from the Spirit of God or from self. In this part of the world especially Africa, the Prophetic has been used in very manipulative ways. Under guise of trickery, craftiness and satanic sources, so called prophets has harrassed and ravaged lots of gullible christains. Some are asked to do strange tasks (sometimes humiliating) and also part away with sums of monies for these wolves in sheep clothing. These excesses have soiled the move of a precious gift of God and quenched it's true manifestation in many lives for the greater good. We must note importantly that It is possible a minister can start off well and corect but because of unchecked excesses and wrong influence, he can enter into error. When he dwells in his error (because of the gains it brings), he is ensnared to a wrong spirit. At that point, a demon can then control the process and assist him. Hence he is no long different from an "Ezemuo" (ie Evil priest). 

It is in our time that a prophet can give you a chain to wear for protection and defend it with the fact that the early Apostles used handkerchiefs to do miracles. Then later he gives you a special soap to bathe. When that is achieved, he can even go ahead and decide to do the bathing for you and now becomes a washer man for so many married women. ....All in the name of thus says the Lord! Such an abomination! This is how evil thrives. 

DISCERNING THE DEVIATIONS!

1. Seed faith

When the emphasis for receiving a spiritual ministration must be connected with sowing a seed for a solution to be received, witchcraft has set in. 

When members are admitted for counselling and prayer by first dropping a gift or envelope of money before seeing the minister 

When prophecies received for members are been monetised before they are transmitted to recipients

When members are craftily instructed to part with properties and possessions to reciprocate a Spiritual gesture or high personality 

When members are threatened with a withdrawal of spiritual cover by church leaders or ministers because they withdraw support or an intention to leave the local assembly.

2. Manipulating the word of knowledge!

Word of knowledge is a gift of the Holyspirit a supernatural revelation of facts past, present, or future which were not learned through the efforts of the natural mind.

When the minister reads out information researched on members and speaks such as a Divine revelation. Examples of such is calling names of members, phone numbers, colour of car etc. If such information are not God-given, witchcraft has set in. 

3. Rituals!

When activities not verifiable by scriptures or skewed in the light of the word are carried out on members. Generating amulets and spiritual objects as a means of faith or defence system are rituals and are witchcraft manipulation. Special creams and soaps for bathing etc. Doing sacrifices, bathing people and not a clear a of water baptism is evil.  

4. Dream and vision instructions!

One common ways God can guide a christain is by dreams. But when information is now feelings about dreams and such dreams tend to instruct and control. Witchcraft has set in. If members are governed and controlled by dreams and not by the word a deviation has set in. Ministers who only build their ministry on revelation and dreams. 

5. Hyper spirituality and Human worship!

When Ministers appear to be more important than Jesus and tend to arrogate authority to themselves in order to weild control on members. Witchcraft in progress. Hyper knowledge and position strategies of control. In some churches, some ministers are unapproachable and very highly revered and adored. A set up where the overseers leaders are always correct and can't be Humble to learn. Human worship is a strategy to refocus the members concentration on man more than God. This is a deviation away from the God of the Bible. Flee before it's too late. 

All manner of deceptions and illegitimate ways of exercising authority and control over others whether by song, message, givings, actions etc, The deviations are witchcraft or tending towards it. 

In the concluding part of this subject we take some key frequently asked questions about these Manifestations and the way out for the members or ministers already trapped in this evil net. 

We must seek Spiritual maturity and spiritual discernment in this season to be able to navigate freely in the realms of the prophetic and be a gift to the Body of Christ to represent Jesus

God bless you richly 

Shalom!

THE ABUSE OF GRACE: BE NOT DECEIVED!

THE ABUSE OF GRACE: BE NOT DECEIVED!

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting". Galatians 6:7-8

The word "Deception" by definition means an act or statement which misleads, hides the truth, or promotes a belief, concept, or idea that is not true. It is often done for personal gain or advantage.

Notice the key words in the above definition;

Misleads

Hides the truth

Promotes a false belief, concept or ideas.  

So when we see any act or statement that it's delivery portrays the above connotation, we should identify that the fact that deception is at work.

Apostle Paul in addressing the Galatians church, was not addressing unbelievers. He was talking to christains. So deception is not SELECTIVE. There's no immunity to deception on the mere fact that you are a christain. He also emphasized that no matter the level of deception, manner of delivery, and persons used to perpetuate it, that God is not MOCKED. Meaning you cannot make a fool of God. Deception no matter how sweet is packaged, communicated and received, it cannot appease God or make God to lower his standards for anybody. It can be high sounding or perfectly logical, yet God cannot be mocked. Mockery is when you try to call someone's bluff and take advantage of the persons ignorance. 

We can expantiate "mockery" by using the story illustration of a man who intends to sell his used car. He goes ahead to firstly, repair the car, repaints it perfectly and works the engine and plans to decieved the buyer. But fails to understand that the buyer is an expert car dealer. In this case, regardless of the packaging of the car, the buyer is not mocked. So God is the umpire of salvation. We can decieve ourselves but not him. He is not mocked. 

What a man sows is what he reaps. There will always be harvest time. When the seeds we sowed to ourselves whether in ignorance or knowingly will become manifest. We will either reap corruption or we will reap everlasting life. But this is not what a lot of believers want to hear. Everlasting life?? Reaped??? To the decieved, this sounds like abomination. But it is there in Paul's admonition.....

"If we sow to the Spirit, we shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting".

So it's possible that we can be decieved. It is possible that we can be led astray. It is very possible! Unfortunately the end times will be characterized with a lot of deception.

"And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them".  Luke 21:7-8 KJV

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."  2 Timothy 3:5

This deception sells a belief system that has the form of godliness but denies the power. It thrives because men has chosen to be lovers of their own selves, of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 

I heard a minister in this country preach that one can live in sin and still make heaven. That the only negative effect of sin is that it will destroy your ministry, your marriage and life here on Earth. But that the person can still make heaven. This sounds very ridiculous. I am wondering (this is my mind now), so it is possible that one can actually destroy himself on Earth here, fail in his calling and still expect to meet and be accepted by a God of accountability?? This is an abomination and a reprobate gospel. I choose not to buy it. It is a deviation from what grace is all about. People think that Grace is all about cheapening the effect of salvation, living as we like because Jesus has paid it all. This is A BIG FAT LIE and a doctrine of devils. Notice the words of Jesus who infact is the Author of grace himself below;

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30.

At salvation, Jesus gives rest. But unfortunately this is where the perverted grace gospel stops. They forget that the same Jesus who gives rest also reserves a rest for those who FIND IT. A rest that can only be found by taking up his YOKE (which means a call to responsible, accountable and purposeful living) and LEARNING of him which takes meekness and lowliness of heart to qualify for. So when you see a minister or a christain who lives for himself and negates all forms of accountability to God and mentoring of the Spirit, that fellow is yet to find the rest that Jesus reserves for the soul of finders. 

How do we discern a Reprobate and deceptive gospel; 

When the belief system postulates a christain life that assumes holiness status without actually living it. 

When it teaches you can live your life and not be accountable to any one, not even God.

When it teaches that the work of the Holyspirit is not to convict a believer of sin but only to comfort.

When it teaches that the judgement day is only to receive rewards and not to give account of our stewardship, and a process on which basis entrance to heaven can be granted or denied.

When it teaches that heaven is not a location but in our hearts. Yes it is in our hearts but also a location.

When it teaches that in whatever state you are as a believer that rapture happens that you will be ressurected regardless of your status with God.

That teaches that living an accountable life as a christain is mere works and not grace.

When it teaches an eternal salvation devoid of backsliding.

Hebrews 10:38-39 KJV

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. [39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

From the above verses we can note a few things,.....

The just (the saved person) can actually draw back. 

The statement that "we are not of them that draw back" does not mean you cannot go back. It means that the option to backslide is our choice. 

It also states that the state of drawing back brings displeasure to God and can result in one losing his soul. 

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV

From the above passage, Apostle brought out some few salient points referencing our christain journey....

All can run, but only one obtains

That the race should be run with an intention of recieving the reward at the end of the race (not a "now" reward).

That the race demands the attitude of being temperate (ie self controlled) in order to run effectively.

That the reward of running is an incorruptible crown that will be recieved at the end of the race. 

That the race will gender the need to adopt the rules of engagement in order to run well. Not running uncertainly, not beating the air.

That it will be my sole responsibility to discipline my flesh if I intend to finish the race well.

Finally, that there's a possibility to be a cast away at the end of the race if my running was not acceptable.

The master has already warned us.... Let no man DECEIVE you!

Let him that has ears, let him hear. 

May Grace and peace be multiplied to us in Jesus name, Amen.

THE HAIR OF THE ANOINTED!

THE HAIR OF THE ANOINTED!

Judges 16:19-22

Untill the anointed man fulfills his assignment, the anointing inside of him never really dies. 

Samson was commissioned to not only defend Israel from the philistines, but was meant to be a menace to them and to bring deliverance to the Israelites. But contrary to script, the man whose destiny was meant to shine brightly for the greater good was cut down by his enemies owing to his failure to keep to the rules that governed his ordination. In every partnership between God and man, God has always kept his own end of the bargain, it is always man that falls short. By the reason of his weakness to women, Samson through the instrument of Delilah was shortchanged, and such a glorious destiny was derailed. 

The anointing on Samson was so rare in that time to the extent that his calling was orchestrated with a divine manual of how his ordination was to be carried out unlike the other Judges before him. He was meant to be a Nazarite from birth. He was indeed, one of A Kind!

This man was once a thorn in the flesh of his enemies. His exploits was undoubtedly epic. He single handedly with bare hands tore a lion like a kid. Uprooted the gate of an entire city and used it for an early morning work out. He slew a thousand men just with one single Jaw-bone and drank water from it. He invented the fox/fire technology that razed down an entire corn harvest economy of a city. To worsen the matter, in Judges16:24, he earned the title of the destroyer of the nation and the Slayer of many. 

Such awesome strenght dazzled understanding. But he failed to understand that though he displayed superhuman strenght, the source was human and can be deciphered. His only secret, the holy Grail....."No razor on my hair till I die". But he was like a boy in adults garments. With no guidance or submission to any authority whatsoever. He steamrolled his way through the rank and file of the both the hoy and unholy. His bed side jokes were one too many.He played too close to his ordination. From the deception of his strenght in the bow strings to the 7 green withs to the new ropes and to the weaving of his seven locks with a web and pin. His secret was highly threatened. That was too close for comfort. And as predicted, It was finally spilled on the knees of a master tactician, a skilled enticer that engaged the art of tears, urgings, and daily vexings to press out a hudden and sacred clue. And for 1100 pieces of silver she vowed to demystify source of the strenght. 

For the first time in his life, he loved a woman and love led to his demise. And like a shooting star whose appearance and exit can only be best described like a flash, his strenght was gone. He was brought down to reality and for once in his life he felt restrained and restricted by mere fetters of brass. He not only became a grinder in the dungeon, he became a clown for mock ceremoniesa and laughter of foes. Because his strength was departed from him. 

Has your destiny been derailed? Has a once dazzling knight been humiliated and its shining gem darkened by failures and regrettable mistakes. You that once dwelt on the top of the rock etham, has suddenly fallen in an unknown valley called Sorek. Has your love betrayed you and enticed you to sell your ordination? Has your parable been decoded and your secret password hacked and you feel exposed and vulnerable? What is sweeter than honey and what is stronger than a Lion? 

"Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven". Judges 16:22

There is a consolation! The hair of the anointed will always grow again. There's no Delilah that can stop your hair from coming back to its tender and lush resurgence. You can bounce back!!!. You can rise again. You can lean on the pillars and sense the strenght rushing back again. Your shine can be reignited. Oh what a relief! The news of the century!

But the Enemy is not daft. He is wise not to be hit on a counter from a resurgent rise. There's no level playing field with the devil. He's a mean undertaker. Be careful because dining with the devil can be catastrophic. No wonder Delilah's skill can discover the secret of the hair. But only the Lords of the Philistines can remove the eyes. Samson didn't just lose his hair that day, he lost his eyes. Your hair can grow again. but th eyes is not made to reproduce itself. It is hardly replaced. 

Oh great man of God, hear the voice of wisdom today. The anointing can flow again and the gifts too but sin is not after your hair, it is after your eyes. Hair can only birth strenght but such strenght can bury you and your enemies (like in the case of Samson), only eyes can show you the target. Vision is designed to see the future and greater exploits ahead, but the cry of hairs without sight says....Let me die with my enemies. The battle ends when the eyes are gone. 

Jesus emphasized the importance of eyes to the Laodicean church and he says....

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see". Rev3:18.

He alone holds the prescription of this salve that recommissions the eyes.Theres an anointing made specifically for the eyes of derailed men. Only the Master can administer it. Cry out and call on him today. Ask for a brand new eyes. Stop the Hair ministry without sight today because the destiny of hairs ministry alone will bury you and the ministry. 

Recieve wisdom today as you seek him fervently. There is a new beginning for you!

Let us pray!

THE ABUSE OF ANOTHER MAN'S PLATFORM!

THE EVIL OF ABUSING ANOTHER MAN'S PLATFORM!

"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him"

2 Kings 5:20 KJV

Dear Man of God! Be careful how you use the platform provided to you by others. 

What is a platform? 

A platform is a stage that showcases you to the people. It can be pulpit, a recommendation, a church, a privilege, a mantle, a name. When a friend invites you to preach, his church and the pulpit is the platform that showcases you. If you use the name of a popular church or popular minister for publicity of a program, you are using their platform. If you are sent or recommended by a known and well respected ministry or a minister for a program, you are using their platform. 

Platforms arrograte to you the same honour and recognition the sender was meant to have if he was physically present. It puts the sender on the spotlight whenever he extends such privilege to another for use.

The major problem of ministers today is the abuse of such a privilege and platforms afforded to them. 

In the above scripture, we see Gehazi who was a servant to prophet Elisha in a story that clearly reflects the case scenario before us. 

In this story a notable miracle has been done and Naaman, A rich and notable captain was healed of leprosy. After the miracle, he offered a reward to Prophet Elisha who refused any of his goodwill gestures. But Gehazi filled with greed thought otherwise and decided to indirectly get something from Naaman. At this point he was still a trainee prophet and couldn't have used his stature or office to convince Naaman about his devious scheme. So he adopted a deception using the platform of his master by saying.... "My master hath sent me".

"And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments" 2kings5:22

This statement is where many ministers have subterfuged the place of honour. It was clear that Elisha didn't send him. But that was the only tool he could use to achieve his aim. And as predicted, Naaman conceeded to such deciet because he in actual fact was honourimg Elisha. it is important for us to note that When men honour you, it most likely they are doing such out of respect for the people that sent you or the platform that showcases you. When they receive you, it is because they honour and love the man behind you. 

Have you used another man's platform for personal gain in recent times? 

Have you been trusted to deliver on an errand and you ran your own agenda?

How many times have you used anothers man's influence as an object to popularise yourself?

Have you been temporarily kept in charge of a man's altar and pulpit but ended up swindling the hearts of his members to yourself?

Have you dramatically displayed prowess when in front of the people you are sent to and unwares to them downplayed the honour of your sender for personal gains?

Were you honoured in a place where another man's platform you used and hid the rewards in your tent and didn't report yourself to the people that sent you and submitted to their prerogative on the way to respond?

Have you become so popular that you are now using your fame to run down the man you rose through his ranks?

Are you still loyal and trustworthy to your fathers in the ministry or has gains and fame destroyed your allegiances? 

A platform can work for you while you are under it or outside it. One can use a platform positively or negatively (like gehazi).

Negative use is to pull down, abuse. 

Positive use is to build up and loyalty.

In Genesis13:9-10, Lot became rich because of Abraham. And when they couldn't dwell together again there was a need to part ways and Abraham gave lot the opportunity to chose which place to go. Lot should have allowed Abraham to chose first as a mark of courtesy and submission, but he was swayed with a greedy heart. He chose ahead of his Uncle and source of his wealth but in the end he lost all to Sodom. 

Just like Lot, Gehazi thought that there won't be repercussions of his devious ways and actions, but there was. Elisha cursed him and his destiny ended him up as a leper.

Be careful when you take advantage of others especially those by whose platforms you came into prominence. They must not be taken for granted. Many have ended up as lepers and others lost all they acquired by such means. A curse causeless will not come, but when it is caiseful, what can the righteous do? You might not be cursed as was Gehazi, but God in heaven who is the father of all spirits will see you as not qualified for the honour and true riches that only Heaven can afford. 

Be guided. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Let us pray!