A Word of Wisdom Regarding Prophets
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A Word of Wisdom Regarding Prophets
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Do you ever arrive at a narrative in the scriptures that causes you to pause and ask, “Lord, what is going on here?” There is one such account in 1 King 13, where an unknown prophet from Judah is sent to prophesy against evil King Jeroboam.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).
For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
An Idolatrous Worship Condemned
Perhaps you know the story: A man of God from Judah, the southern kingdom, is told by the Lord to go to Bethel, in the north, where Jeroboam has erected a golden calf, appointed his own men as priests, and created false feast days to prevent the Israelites from going up to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:26-33). God instructed this young prophet to prophesy against the false altar and its priests, as well as declare a coming king, Josiah, who would sacrifice the false priests on that very altar (1 Kings 13:1-3). He also declares a sign — the altar will split in half. As he prophesies, the king reaches out to arrest him, the king’s hand shrivels, and the altar splits! If this were a movie, I would be on the edge of my seat.
The king is distraught and begs the young prophet to ask his God to heal him. He complies, and the king’s hand is immediately restored. The king then invites the man of God back to the palace for a meal and a reward which he declines:
“If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came’” (1 Kings 13:8-9).
The Lord gave the young prophet two clear directions. First, do not eat and drink anything. Second, do not return by the same way that you came. These were commands of the Lord — His clear word.
A Prophet Deceived
But this story is not over. Enter an older prophet still living in Bethel under the rulership of King Jeroboam. We are told in verse 10 that the young man of God “went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel.” But news has spread about the dramatic events at the altar, and the older prophet now sets out on his donkey to find the younger man. His motive in seeking him out is not at first clear (is it to thank him, to question him, is he jealous), but later he will intentionally lie to this young man (v. 18). The older prophet finds the younger under a tree and invites him for — you guessed it — a meal of bread and water (1 Kings 13:15).
At first, the young man refuses, repeating the Lord’s commands: I cannot return with you nor go in with you; neither can I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place. For I have been told by the word of the Lord, “You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by going the way you came” (1 Kings 13:16-17). But the older prophet answers him with a lie: “I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’ (He was lying to him.)” The younger man follows him home — going back the way he came — eats and drinks, and mid-meal, the older prophet, hearing from the Lord, cries out, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord, and have not kept the commandment which the Lord your God commanded you, but you came back, ate bread, and drank water in the place of which the Lord said to you, ‘Eat no bread and drink no water,’ your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.”
A Tragic Ending
We are not told how the man of God from Judah, the young prophet of the Lord who prophesied to a king, saw an altar split at his command and a shriveled hand healed, received this word from the older man who had intentionally deceived him. Nor do we see into the older man’s heart once he has delivered this dire word.
The young man continues on his way home. He is met by a lion who mauls him to death (v. 24) but neither eats him nor his donkey, rather stands watch over them on the road until the older prophet hears about it and goes out with his own donkey to retrieve the younger man’s body and put it in his own tomb (1 Kings 13:23-30).
Selah — pause and think of that.
This tale raises many questions. Why did the man of God from Judah, after clearly stating what the Lord had commanded him, return home with the older prophet? Why did the older prophet lie? Why did the older prophet remain in Bethel where King Jeroboam was leading the nation into sin without challenging him? Why did the lion not eat his prey? Why did the donkey remain and not flee in fear of the lion? Why was the Lord’s dealing with the young prophet so seemingly harsh while the older man seems to get off with no reprisal?
A Tale of Caution
This narrative seems to me to be of great importance to us as intercessors in this day and hour. There are many prophetic voices speaking into the Body of Christ and not all of them are speaking the Word of the Lord.
As a charismatic follower of Christ Jesus, I honor the prophetic, so this is not a post warning us away from listening to or following prophets. It is a plea for maturity as we elevate the Word of God above the word from any man or woman. It is a plea for us all to follow the Lord’s instruction and ‘test the spirits’ (1 John 4:1), remaining aware that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:15) in order to deceive us. This idea of light suggests that what we might hear or see will be pleasing to us and not seem dark. Even Paul warned us that we should take care not to be deceived by a different gospel even if Paul himself came preaching it, claiming that it came from an angel! (Gal. 1:8) Even godly, well-meaning people are fallible. But God’s word is eternal. God is “not a man that he should lie” (Num. 23:19).
In the 1 Kings 13 narrative, the young prophet is obviously hearing from God. He delivers a powerful word to a king and all his declarations come to pass, and the Lord protects him by shriveling the king’s hand. Then the Lord hears his prayer for the king’s healing!
This is heady stuff. I know how I feel when I pray for someone and they get healed. To God be the glory, but I am always thrilled that God could use me. It is a good time to remind myself that I need not rejoice that demons obey me but that my name is written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20).
This young man withstands the evil king’s invitation, realizing that receiving the king’s favor would put him in the king’s debt. But when one of his own comes to him, another ‘prophet’ (v.18), claiming that an angel has brought him a word from the Lord, the younger man acquiesces without even asking the Lord. He defies both of the Lord’s clear commands and harkens to the word of a man. The one sent to challenge the king about defying the Lord’s word then defies it himself.
Tremble at His Word
In these days, are we harkening more to the voices of man than to God’s clear Word, whether in the scriptures or to our own hearts and minds?
Even God says of His word in Psalm 138:2 (AMPC), “You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!” He equates His own word with His name which embodies His character and holiness. Obedience to His word is central to growth as believers and to being His disciples. His Word is pure and perfect and tested (Ps. 12:6). It is always to be heeded above the word of men.
In some ways, this story reminds me of Joshua being fooled by the Gibeonites (Josh. 9). Joshua was deceived because he did not ask the Lord for wisdom. We are told in Proverbs 3: 5-6 to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways and He will make our paths straight.
What a reminder to be constantly in intimate communion with the Lord, asking Him about each decision, large or small. Let us be those who TREMBLE at His word, knowing our need and renouncing all independence from Him. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word” (Is. 66:2).
Final thoughts
This story clarifies the importance of consistent and complete obedience to the Word of God. It was the same message that the Lord sent to Jeroboam through the man of God from Judah. Could it be that the older prophet was sent to lie as a test after such a high-level assignment as prophesying to a king? With added privilege or promotion comes added responsibility. Twice the young prophet declared the commands that the Lord had given him, but he did not heed them in the end.
Could it be that the Lord Himself was the lion who mauled the prophet on the road home? He disciplined His servant, the young prophet, but watched over his body until it was cared for. And the lion did not eat the donkey or attack it, nor did it flee, which seems highly unlikely in the natural realm.
And what of the older man? Had he been affected by living under the apostasy of King Jeroboam? His care for the young prophet showed that He honored the young man despite his message of correction.
We can only guess about these matters but what is certain is that we, too, must learn to hear the Lord’s word and obey – no matter what. We must learn to test the spirits and weigh all we hear against God’s own word, even from messages from the most respected prophets. We must guard our hearts in times of success against pride or self-sufficiency. We must learn to tremble at His word.
Father, how we need You! Thank You for these stories in scripture that are for our edification. Thank YOU that we can come any time to Your throne of grace BOLDLY asking for the specific grace that we need. We ask now for an increase in intimacy with You, hearing Your voice, and of discernment so that we can test the spirits. Give us a hunger for Your Words so that they become a plumb line in us to all that we hear. We want to be those that You look on with favor. Forgive us for not loving Your Word and for following after the word of others. Thank You giving us Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth, indwelling us, leading us into all truth.
Lori Meed is a leader on IFA’s Headline Prayer Live and an IFA contributing writer. In 2004, God moved her family from Canada to the U.S., imparting to them His heart for this country and for revival. Having walked out her own journey of freedom after being radically born again in 1992, Lori has a heart to see others set free to walk fully in their destiny. She is also passionate about teaching on aliyah (“going up,” the return of the Jews to the land of Israel), the feasts of the Lord, and the rich connections of the gentile churches to Israel.
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BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.
A really good word for today! Remain in close communion with Him, listen to His voice only! John 10.
This is such a right on word! Of course we want the spirituals of course we want Liberty of the Lord in our churches! But not at the point of heresy ..not at the point of false prophets, even well meaning people, who just don’t have the discernment, speaking out things …saying ..I have a word for you. Hmm.. do they realize it when they say that they’re saying “thus saith the Lord the Lord God almighty!”what it does is it breeds false hope. It speaks things that are supposed to happen in the future like they’re astrologer or something and it’s just funny bologna. So many people are falling prey to that I just grieves me deeply. People need to learn to hear the very voice of God and then they would be able to discern what the Lord has said versus what the devil has said or their own imagination.
Dearest Lord God
Please give us the discernment to understand the prophets and the courage to follow the directions you gave them togive us. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
i often pondered this story and hid it my heart. I am very wary of facebook and media prophets because we do not know them personally. I would be more inclined to believe a local church prophet who’s demeanor and behavior lines up with the word.
Another word of caution is the story of Baalam, another prophet, who heard tge word ofvtge Lord, but was also greedy for riches and advised the Foreign King who “hired him” that to see Israel cursed all he had to do was send women over to seduce the men. He gave that advice AFTER hearing and prophesying a CLEAR word from the Lord himself. Hence Jesus words about some who prophesy and heal being called “workers of iniquity” that he never knew and has to turn away. Baalam was “hired” …. so you can see the connection “worker” of iniquity there. These things no doubt go on in the spirit real where Satan’s hordes hire false prophets to curse and prophesy falsely. The good news though is if we keep our watch and our relationship with the Lord without falling into slumber or drunkeness, He protects us. Numbers 23:23 “For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’ Thank you Lord, please open the eyes of our sppirit with discernment.
Jeremiah 17: 5,-8, This is what the LORD says, Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands, he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in Him . He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it’s roots by the streams. It does not fear when heat comes, it leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit
There is no shortage of warnings about false prophets. 2 Chronicles 18 comes to mind. What makes me shiver is how one man tells another or one man appoints himself to be a prophet. I don’t remember seeing anywhere in Scripture where true prophets are self appointed or appointed by another man.
But, we are told that we need to scrutinize what the prophet says to see if it’s true or not.
Most High God, give us greater discernment in this matter.
I need to correct my comment below. My example came from second Kings chapter 4, verses 29-31. It was the prophet Elisha and his command to his servant Gehazi.
In the narrative in I kings 13, the prophet is introduced in the chapter as being “ a man of God”, so I guess we can assume he was younger than the old prophet, but I don’t think it identified him as inferior in anyway to the old prophet because of being young…..Because he was called “ the man of God”, throughout the narrative, I am guessing that God applies the same expectations to him as His older prophet…..obedience .
It brings to my mind, the story of Sampson, who broke with God‘s command, not to let anyone know the secret of his strength. There is a saying, “ Loose lips sink ships.”
It seems to me that the younger prophet was revealing too much of his business from God, and the specific directions that God gave him, to the king and also to the old prophet.
Since the old prophet’s sons seemed to have been eyewitnesses to what had transpired with the king and the younger prophet —-they would Be reporting it to their father the old prophet. I am sure they grew up being very aware of their father’s responsibilities of being a prophet of God. They would have noticed the inconsistencies I am guessing.
I don’t think it’s unusual that the older prophet felt that he needed to go after the younger prophet because he must have known something was amiss and out of order for the responsibilities of a prophet of God. I am guessing he decided to test the man of God.
To me that isn’t totally unusual in the Bible because in Jeremiah 35:1-10, God tells Jeremiah to go to the house of the Rechabites And to bring them into the house of God, and into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink. It was meant as a test to create an example to the house of Israel. The Rechabites passéd the test even though it was Jeremiah himself who was asking them to do something that God had commanded their family not to do throughout their generations.
There was also a story in the Bible about the servant of Elijah, I think who was sent on a mission by the prophet And commanded not to talk to anybody on the way by way of greeting or casual conversation.
To me, the other lesson of this narrative is that it’s OK not to follow what some cultures teach as to being polite when we are on a mission for God.
great word based comments
Lori,
Thank you. No more timely wisdom than this is needed.
May each one who says their’s is a word from the Most High GOD tremble at the thought of turning His gift and/or calling into strange fire and of the consequence for leading people astray.
Father teach us to seek You first in all things. Give us discernment of the spirit behind the words. Shut the mouths of deceivers, connivers and greedy men who sell the gift. Restore us to truth.
John 4:23-24 “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” (MSG)
Amen! Thank you, Mavourene. This was a total download from Him. I stand in awe.
Shalom.
Love this! As evil gets bolder we need to pray bolder prayers! Father I thank you that no matter what I will always pray against evil and pray for all that will to be saved from the evil that is taking over the world. If we who are called out of sin do not pray for the lost, who will? It is not just about me and mine but a whole loss city where I live! And where are the others that need to stand together and pray against the evil? Father I feel sometimes like Elijah did when he ran from Jezebel, alone! And I cry out where are your children, do they care? Are they praying? Are all their loved ones saved? Where Father are your warriors? Send me just one who cares for the lost and the more, the more we come together the stronger we become against the enemy! Praying for a mighty break-thru in my small town against monkey farming and in Texas as well, I will never give up because are the only savior for us against this evil in Jesus Holy Name I pray! AMEN
My own belief is that there is too much “prophecy” for its own sake. People often substitute their own thoughts for God’s voice or even allow a false spirit to speak through them. Legitimate prophecies I have seen have this in common. They always are Scripture based. They are intended to encourage or correct God’s people at a particular time or in a particular situation. They are not commercialized. They ring true to the believer who is the recipient. They do not aim to please the flesh. It is fine to pray for the nation…in fact we are commanded to…but that does not necessarily mean the nation will turn back to God. Outpourings of Holy Spirit have historically come just before great catastrophes…Azusa Street and the Welsh revival before WW I, the Great Awakening before the French and Indian, then the American
Revolution. China before the communists, northern Korea before the communists, central Africa before the communist revolutions of the 60’s. What often passed for prophecy in this day of mass communication is often more like fortune telling. As for America, the nation has become so perverse and full of God hatred that predictions of a massive turning back to God ring hollow and seems intended to please the flesh and ease anxieties of less than fully committed Christians. This is , I believe, a time of correction for God’s people and deeper
commitment. Judgement has begun in God’s house and when we have finally learned to trust and stay with God, no matter what happens, He will turn His attention to the world. God will allow us to be put through the fire to burn off the dross. Then His bride will be spotless, not before that.
Thank you, Lori, for this insightful article. We need to remember to test prophecy. If we hear or read something prophetic, and we have a check in our spirit afterwards, then we need to proceed with care. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of discerning of spirits. May we, your children, handle it with wisdom.
Amen, Amen to this message. This story made an impact on my life many years ago. It is good to hear it again and be reminded; especially in this season of time on the earth.. Thank you for fully breaking down this story in ways I never even considered or heard someone else elaborate on it before. This is a tremendously good reminder for us all. THANK YOU, JESUS. Thank YOU for the new insights into the story as well.
Jesus (the New Testament) gives us greater revelation. The lion was Satan who always comes to steal, kill and destroy. Remember, Jesus also said the devil was a murderer from the beginning.
God tests His people (never tempts) but our sins open the door to the enemy who is always seeking to devour.
Oh! Let’s not stop at The Prophets. Let’s go after the Apostles/Church Planters too. And don’t leave out The Wicked Evangelists. We’ve got a lotta them. Lord knows. And then there’s the Pastors and Teachers. Let’s send WARNINGS out about the ENTIRE 5 FOLD MINISTRY!!! Or . . . Let Jesus handle it. He is The Head of The Church. STOP BEING RIDICULOUS and stay focused on what God has called you to do. Let’s keep our hands and words off of God’s announced.
this is such a GOOD article, Lori!!! I , too,have wondered a lot about this Scripture passage. It really does apply to US!!!
Lord, help us walk in humility and FULL obedience to YOU!! In Jesus name – AMEN!
I believe the correct perspective is that no new word will contradict what Christ taught, and it will come to pass as presented. Some well-meaning, self-proclaimed prophets end up discredited due to misinterpreted timelines. We must pray for discernment and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth as Jesus promised.
I believe that we are to stick to the Word that God gives us and not deviate! Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3: 5-6
Thank you for this
Lori, as I was reading this article, I kept thinking “here is a daughter that knows our Heavenly Father’s heart of love, even His tough love. Thank you for sharing this priceless message!
When we come against the false altars of Jezebel and Baal, is it possible that we have to guard against retaliation and deception by the very same spirits we just defeated?
Such a good word!
FATHER GOD.ABBA PEASE INSTRUCT, INTERPRET, CORRECT ME IN ALL ASPETS OF MY LIFE.
I ASK IN JESUS’ NAME
AMEN
The old prophet represents those who live with the corrupt culture but are silent…like many preachers today.
The young prophet was sent to do the old prophet’s job.
The young prophet was to “not eat or drink…” ie” fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.”
He was to remain separate from them and this represents God, God’s prophet would not remain with them. God rejected fellowshipping with them.
What does it say when a man of God will not eat with you?
The old prophet was a true prophet but backslidden. He lied because he wanted the fellowship with the young prophet. In lying he shows his disregard for God’s clear word given by the young prophet. God said,” Do not eat or drink…” The old prophet didn’t think that was important. That shows why God didn’t use him. That is where we are today. Old Christiandom doesn’t think God’s word, the Bible is important. The church is backslidden. They don’t follow the Bible. The young prophets being used today are vulnerable to deception and influence by the “old Christians” who are backslidden.
The death of the young prophet and the lion’s behavior is a testament to all that the word of the young prophet said.
If God will slay His own true prophet for disobedience what will happen to everyone else? The young prophets death was confirmation to the young prophet’s message.
What a thoroughly understandable explanation of that entire situation! And stated so we can relate in our own lives. I will re-read it for more clarity in my mind, asking the Lord’s wisdom. Thank you, Lanny.
What an amazing article – so instructive – and inspiring as to the trust we can put in His word. Thank you!
Lord it’s ,never been more important to speak the Word of the Lord. Only the Word of the Lord. To let our commentary be Your Word.
Nothing of us. We are servants of the Most High, not of ourselves anything.
Let His name recieve all the Glory…for He will watch over and perform His Word.
oh my. The Lord is saying the exact thing to my husband and myself. 1 Samuel 15:23
Presumption is moving ahead based on something other than the word of the Lord. It is “…as iniquity and idolatry.” It is putting something else in the place of the word of the Lord.
Forbid it, Lord! And helps us all to make the course correction. We love You and esteem You Lord, forgive us for presumption.
What a powerful message for believers today. There is such strong deception in our culture–such a barrage against truth and copious lying from centers of power and influence. Messages that call a lie the truth and the truth a lie are so prevalent. We must take care to make the Word of God our source of Truth and the standard upon which we think, speak and act. Jesus said “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. We have His Word for our reference: John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and we have His Spirit to guide and empower us!
When studying the old testament, the Lord always reminds me to use the lens of the cross in doing so. The people in the stories pinned in the old testament did not have the benefit of the cross, nor the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Still, this particular story is puzzling. But we can say that the sin of all those involved in the story was not yet nailed to the Cross. Because of the principle of reaping and sowing, in the Old Testament, consequences appear more severe. We thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ, that his Grace is now applied to our lives richly. A grace that the old testament characters knew not of. This grace is not a license to sin, but is used by our Father to gently rear his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and His faith. There is room for us to make mistakes, but not without his correction, the correction of a loving Father. Many are babes. Perhaps this young prophet was such. Without the benefit of the Cross and the grace that we now have, we see how the enemy exploited that advantage.
“The cross, O the wonderful cross
What Glory, what victory, I’ve found
I’ll come to the wonderful cross
And my whole life I lay down.”
Thank you Lori for the only / first explanation of this bizarre story that I have ever read or heard.
Every time I go through Judges in my reading I try to figure this out. Your detailed questions and options you posed give a helpful framework.
Truly, to walk in such obedience only to the direct revelation of the Lord without wavering due to peer pressure or the veneer of wisdom from senior believers – is a real tightrope. It’s extremely difficult to have this balance – without becoming completely resistant and intractable.
Yet we see what happened to this young prophet fellow who started off so well.
I would suggest reading Jeremiah 28. When a prophet prophesies shalom, we only know it is from God if it comes to pass.
Really!? Good thing they didn’t k*I’ll Isaiah.
I was turned off by the idea of modern “prophets” when during the 2020 election fiasco many people who call themselves prophets and said “in my vision” or “in my dream” declared that there would be a certain outcome and claimed it “would be so”…..and so on. Others who say “thus says the Lord” are in the wrong. God’s word is given and nothing more is added to it. God does not proclaim anything new that hasn’t been spoken in His word.
That actually is not true. Read the book of Joel. The correct perspective is that no new word will contradict what Christ taught, and it will come to pass as presented. Some well-meaning, self-proclaimed prophets end up discredited due to misinterpreted timelines.
Pillow prophets abound due to the internet opening the doors to anyone who can set up a web sight. Many started out with an anointing but decided they wanted a large audience with the accompanying fame. Some were always deceivers and started out nearly correct…like the demoniac in Phillips…then lead the naive astray…those who follow a voice, not the Lord. Anyone who would read a true prophet should find the Word given by Stanley Frodsham given in 1965. It is only comforting to true believers…the false will not like it or they will get real in a hurry. The days are getting dark and although revival/awakening will come, it is to prepare His people for the terrible times ahead. I see a parallel in Josiah’s reforms…Gid delayed judgement but, due to the sins of Manasseh, the nation had fallen too far and total collapse was on the way. God will divide the true believers who seek Him with all their hearts from…the other kind,
I SEEK THE LORD FOR THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE THOUGHT PRAYER AND HIS WORD. HE HAS NEVER LED ME WRONG HE GAVE ME THREE WORDS AFTER PRESIDENT THRUMP WAS DEFEATED. 1. STAND- TO STAND FIRM ON HIS WORD, 2. TO WAIT- FOR THOSE WHO WAIT UPON THE LORD WILL BE RENEWED IN STRENGTH. 3. TO WATCH- FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL BE SEEN. WE DON’T KNOW WHAT IS AHEAD, BUT I DO KNOW WHO IS LEADING ME. HE IS FAITHFUL.
Father, I pray for discernment throughout the Body of Christ… They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24.32… I pray for Your prophets that they are alert. I pray against the deceptive, seductive spirit that has purposed to ruin Yours from the beginning. I pray for repentance, forgiveness and restoration for all who have “turned in”. Amen
Lord, in these days of continual lies & of seeking our own pleasures & enjoyments, please center us — in the center of YOUR will thru feasting on Your Word & walking & talking w/ You in intimate relationship! Help us to dwell under the shadow of Your wing & close to Your great heart. You showed me one time that if we do Psalm 91:1 passionately — that we will be protected like the rest of Psalm 91 says we will. Lord, we love You & we are terrified that we will show up stupid one day & displease or represent You falsely. It’s not the unforgivable sin but it tears out hearts to go against You & Your Word. So Lord — as You’ve taught me to pray for myself & for others — please give us willing hearts to be able to allow You to lead us to the center of Your will for our lives & for the sake of others, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Thank you, Lori, for this timely reminder to be vigilant and discerning in who we are listening to – to recognize clearly God’s voice and know there are also those who are clearly proclaiming His words
I appreciate the admonition to be discerning. I’ve been following the prophetic for a while, and there have been a number of things in which they have been proven wrong. These are not bad hearted people who are trying to deceive. But I would appreciate it if at least later, they revisited it and owned that they were wrong.
Thank you for this sobering reminder from the book of Kings! I needed to read this and repent for any such disobedience in my own life.
I have been so burdened and even angry by recent exposures in high profile prophets. I have sought the Lord for the appropriate response and heart attitude. This is that.
For all of us who have been involved with the prophetic movement and camps for years;
May we repent of any idolatry of man in our hearts, whether known or unknown.
May we turn from this wickedness, repent and allow You to restore us so that our hearts will be wholly devoted to You Abba.
Wash and cleanse us with the blood of Your son Yah’shuah.
Stay away from this kind of teaching. You’re walking on dangerous ground. It’s my responsibility to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and I do. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and they know me.” This is not your place and I’m walking away if you do this again.
Wow, may the Lord show you mercy for such irrational criticism of this very thoughtful and Biblical article.
This is a word in due season Lori! I pray we will take this message deeply into our hearts.
This is a message for all times as we walk with God. There have always been many voices, discerning His voice and His leading is something one is trained by as they listen, pray and study His Word. I have found no easy way, but to make time for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
This is about Chris Reed. I appreciate that Kim Clement’s family has created a site whereby we can find prophesies and that they replay them when the time seems right. The Kennedy prophecy is the latest. There’s not another “prophet” I listen to. They are all stirred up about dreams and visions. When you listen, you hear about all that but the word, not so much.
Thank you for posting this very timely warning. YouTube “prophecy” has become a business with many followers. It we are not steeped in Scripture, humble in heart and seeking the Lord, deception is possible, even in the church.
Thank you for this article, and for the purposeful warning! It reminded me of just how much I need by Heavenl Father– no matter what it is I am doing. Never run ahead, bring all things before my God, and to Be Still and know that He is God.
I just purchased a plaque for my granddaughter with Proverbs 3:5-6 on it. As I was preparing her gifts, I wondered if I should select something with a different verse on it…
Again, your article, Lori, answered my question. How great is our God!!
Dear Father God, teach me how to “test the spirits”, to clearly “know Your Voice”, and to “acknowledge You in all that I do”. Amen
This was an excellent commentary and warning. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for this timely and Biblical warning, Lori. I, too, have wondered about this Bible story!
Psalm 119:130
New International Version
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
Father God thank you for Your everlasting word. All else will fade, but Your word remains forever. Help us to remain steadfast and immovable standing firmly on Your holy word. Give us Your light and understanding. In Jesus name we ask. Amen.
Thank you for a powerful poignant word, essential for the days in which we live! We must listen and fully obey asking for His perfect leading all the way home.
I see a God who’s in all, and knows all.
Merciful, Loving,Caring for HIS creation
I see a prideful elder profit who doesn’t want to lose what he has and be out done by an immature profit.
Kinda like the churches today
All the focus is on the appointed leaders, an there worship teams,and youth leaders
We are all in the same boat, riding out that storm of evil !
We “SO” need our LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST in these times of peril that we are in every day!
I, we have to keep our eyes and ears open to the Word of God’
Fellowship is imperative,but God,and God alone is the final word in all I,we do!
That was the young prophet’s mistake
We can look at Samuel and is dealing with Eli.
Amen….so very powerful & completely important in this time of great falling away from Jesus. Most “churches” do not teach the FEAR of GOD (complete obedience). In fact, most man-made churches (false pastors) teach that the Message of the Cross (completely dying to self, crucifying your flesh & becoming totally dependent on God & His Word = Jesus & His Spirit) is foolishness (legalism)
Thank you for this timely warning. So received.
This is a truly insightful and important article.
How easy it is to get taken in by appearances, if we do not go to God about
everything that is presented to us. The fast that the older man identified himself as a prophet was not
compelling evidence…but it seemed to be. When Joshua was taken in by the false story the Gibeonite man brought to him, it was because the man’s appearance backed up the story, and not because God spoke to Joshua.
We must “guard our hearts” and “seek God” at all times, or we, including prophets and the other equipping ministries of Ephesians 4 can get fooled, and make costly, even deadly errors.
This writing really blessed me. I have been wrestling lately as I see all of these YouTube Prophets falling by the way side. This article answered questions that my heart was pondering. It confirmed what The Lord had been softly speaking to me: “Stand on my Word above all else”. Blessings to whoever sees this!
Lord, help us take the self out of self-reliance and totally rely on You Lord for we know this is pride. I ask you today forward for your Wisdom and protection. I declare that I will intentionally seek more wisdom from You and Your Word into obedience today to test the words of myself and others and to obey the Word of the Lord from leading of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for giving me the gift of wisdom and protecting me, In Jesus Name
The sin of listening to another whose word runs contrary to God’s Word goes all the way back to the fall when the serpent tells Eve “you won’t die” in clear contrast to the word God had given to her husband “on the day you eat of it you will die”
We hear direct from God why the curse came upon all of creation and death entered the world, because Adam listened to the voice of his wife instead of God:
Genesis 3: 17-19 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
“Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.
Both thorns and thistles it shall [f]bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.
In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken;
For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”
If there is any place we subject the Word of God to the word of man we have committed (are committing) this greatest of sins… the evil sin of unbelief. It is the most pervasive of sins today in much of the Church because many have fallen for the lie that billions of years ago nothing blew up into everything and life magically evolved out of that chaos and that death and suffering have been around hundreds of millions of years which is counter to the historical narrative of the Scriptures and the confirming testimony of its Truth by our Lord and the Apostles.
Thank you for this article, it is much needed today. There are many false prophets out there and difficult to tell who is real. The best thing is to read your Bible, pray, and look to God only. We all have the Holy Spirit if we are born again and that is all we need. I myself was duped into listening to many of these self proclaimed prophets. I think because I was looking for hope, encouragement and answers in today’s world. Through prayer the Lord showed me I Am the way the truth and the life, look to me only. May He continue to draw us all closer to Him and His word and nothing else.
I am a Prophet which is part of the five-fold Ministry! I only prophesy what is purely Biblical as I observe and see things coming to pass. I only need to look into a person’s face and I see the character of the person, the true person! even on TV. THE FACE IS THE MIRROR OF THE SOUL! Only then do I pray as The Lord leads! Things are coming to a pass when there will be crying and gnashing of teeth!
Yes, and amen! This is the Word for this hour as many voices arise and we need discernment from our Beloved King. Testing is here for those who name the name of Jesus Christ. May we always choose Him, the Living Wird, and follow His Voice above every other.
Oh, How I loved reading this. So much wisdom in what is written. And I have never realized how this scripture speaks of obedience as well as discernment. Love this!!!
Obedience is greater than sacrifice. biblical text!
Father God you are so awesome and good thank you for this message. Thank you for blessing us with knowledge through IFA and grant us wisdom we pray in Jesus name amen
Wow! What a profound reminder of the urgent need to keep the fear of the Lord burning in our hearts!
Lord, give us pure hearts. Help us not lift up our hearts to any idols. In Jesus name amen
Thank you for this Word!
Appreciate your prayers, you have mine. Thank you for the encouragement and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ our Lord and your commitment to the leading of Holy Spirit.
The Lord has me in a wilderness place right now, and is revealing much to me. Thank you for this article as it has highlighted to me my own underlying traits of self sufficiency. I truly have none. My King is all sufficient!
Lord Jesus, I submit myself to you. Open your Word to me and may it be the bread I hunger for and build my life on.
And Father, increase the discernment of your children! Open our eyes to see clearly light from shadow, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
I do not know who sent this text, but it was edifying. I’m a truck driver and all alone, and my church does not care to get involved by giving me phone calls to just talk about the Lord. I go out for 6 weeks at a time therefore I don’t go to any church. The word of God and an app that has seventh-day Adventist teachers on it is all I have. Pray for me
Stay hooked to intercession of america for fellowship and prayers. Ask the Lord for a good church to lead you to visit each time you are on the road.
Praying for you Robert !! Read IFA everyday, subscribe to Dutch Sheets daily give him 15 post every day. These will open up to many others . With today’s technology the cab of your truck will become a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit !!! As any church building may have.. don’t forget the wonderful worship available also !! You just need to make sure you have a good phone charger !! Praying
This is so powerful Lori! And the timing could not be more perfect. I live in Orange County NY and the church I see seems paralyzed in a state of Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil…blind, deaf, and dumb to the prophetic…this true story of Senator Davey Crockett, awakened by a disgruntled constituent comes to mind:
“But an understanding of the Constitution different than mine I cannot overlook, because the Constitution to be worth anything, must be held sacred, and rigidly observed in all its provisions. The man who wields power and misinterprets it is the more dangerous the more honest he is.” ~ Davey Crockett’s constituent scolding him after voting to appropriate $20,000 for the victims of a bad fire in the Capital the year before. 🤔
Our churches are full of good people who need to come out of the superficial shallows and into the deep of God’s supernatural Holy Spirit fed waters…to attain His discernment, wisdom, and understanding. Imagine us all reawakening as sons and daughters of the King most high, and by His authority, reclaiming our Constitutional Republic!! Amen?
It seems the only way to edit is to “reply” to my own comment to point out that Davey Crockett was a Congressman, not a Senator. 🙂
Chip,
Do you ever listen to The Truth Network on radio? We found the church we are currently attending listening it during Covid.
Also the IFA has State specific prayer teams you might contact if you have a route you drive every day. Keep safe 🙏🙏
Thank you brother…I have not listened to Truth Network…I found my current church after writing 120 pastors in our county 5/30/2020 with my concern that the church response was antithetical to the Gospel. Only 4 responded…one told me to get lost…two polite disagreements…and Pastor Steve’s “We are called to be 1st Century Disciples!
Amen
Thank you for including the remark from “a disgruntled constituent” … it prompted me to search out and read ( and will read again) the rest of the account.
The article is more than well worth the read. I have attached the link below.
https://thepoliticalinsider.com/200-years-ago-davy-crockett-perfectly-explained-the-limits-on-government-spending-not-yours-to-give/
God bless you and yours and this Nation we call home. Amen
God Bless You DC!!
If ye wouldst be so kind as to share ye thoughts upon the belief that there be no prophets alive today. That thee prophetic age ceased either with Malachi or thee Apostle John in Ephesus. Thank you for ye tyme. YIC Ndugu Drew
Read the book of Joel please.