Prophetic Protocol

In light of the recent events in our nation and a flood of "prophetic words" released trying to speak to what has been happening, I believe it's important to remember there's a prophetic protocol to releasing words. As we look over the history of prophetic words, we find in the Old Testament the prophets were the only ones to give prophetic words. In the New Testament we see the gifts of the spirit being released including the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10), and the outpouring of His spirit. In the New testament the prophets were not the only ones prophesying, those in the Body of Christ now have the gifting of prophecy to prophesy as well. In Joel 2 and Acts 2 the word says, "In the last days I will pour our my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions."

The prophetic is about releasing the heart, mind, will of God. Because of the outpouring of the gifts and the Holy Spirit, we can all tap into a measure of knowing the heart, mind, and will of God. We are called to be a prophetic people, but not all are called to be prophets. Over the past couple weeks I've seen many people self appointing themselves to a prophetic office they are not called to. A prophet is called by the Lord, at the right time recognized by church leadership and appointed to the 5-fold ministry. A prophet is someone who has been proven and tested to stand in their office. We must remember, just because someone can prophesy well or have dreams and visions about events, does not make them a prophet. A prophet can prophesy and see things, but the distinction is they have a governmental authority in the spirit realm. They have a jurisdiction or realm of influence they operate in. All prophets do not operate the same. Some are called to the local body, city, a region, a state, a nation, internationally, or the different mountains of culture. Even within the prophetic office it's important to learn how to stay in your lane.

Those who are not prophets need to follow the model Paul gave us for prophecy. The purpose of prophecy for the body to operate in is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). In 1 Corinthians 12:27-29 Paul says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?" It's important as the Body that we learn to operate in where God has called us. We need to stop trying to appoint ourselves into offices or giftings the Father has not given to us.

As stated above, prophetic words should reveal the heart, mind, and will of the on matters going on in our lives, nations, and the world. The words being released lately make the Lord appear as if He is schizophrenic. Prophetic words that are released should bring clarity not confusion. Even if it's a stern sobering word is released, it should bring the fear of the Lord not the spirit of fear. As many have been releasing what they call "prophetic words" over the past couple weeks, I've heard static and felt swirlings going on in the realm of the spirit. Many are throwing weight/worries on others instead of carrying the weight for the word they have, when really confusion and fear is being released.

I do believe the Lord gave dreams and communications about the events that have happened. But some of the words being released were just a small piece of the prophetic word, and they needed to wait upon the Lord for the totality of the word. Many are so eager to release words that are not fully mature to release. Any time the Lord gives you a word, dream, or vision about life changing events you must consider the weight of the word, and how that will affect many who will hear. There must be a reverence and respect for the word of the Lord. You need to realize and understand when you release a "prophetic word" you are accountable for those words. Matthew 12:36 says, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken." Many are trying to make a platform for themselves that God did not them to promote themselves. Sometimes God gives His people a dream, vision, or word just to pray about. God is restoring accountability to the prophetic. If you feel God has given you a word about something going in our nation or world, submit it to a prophet to be judged. Even prophets must humble themselves and submit their words to be judged by fellow prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:29 says, "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said." Prophetic words should always line up and bear witness to the word of God.

Beloved it's important we grow and mature in this area. The prophetic is a powerful tool. You can be used as a prophetic voice for the Lord or enemy. We have to be stop being so flippant to release words. Consider the impact they carry. God does not give us words, dreams, and revelations to leave us fearful and helpless. In Genesis 41 the Pharaoh had a dream about a famine coming to affect his country. He called on Joseph to come an interpret the dream. And because the Lord gave Joseph the interpretation, He gave Joseph revelation and wisdom to help prepare the country to help it endure during the time of famine in Genesis 47. God used Joseph to save a nation from famine. We also see this in the book of Daniel. The Lord used Daniel to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams to bring revelation and understanding.

In closing I want to encourage you to not take the prophetic words you get lightly. Steward them well so you can get the full revelation to release, and not only a piece of a word that causes fear and confusion. Stay in your lane. There is grace to stay in your lane and operate in what God has called you to. There is no grace for what you self appoint yourself to. In this hour God is raising up the true prophetic voices, the Daniels and Issachar's that will rightly be able to interpret the signs and seasons. They will bring clarity, wisdom and revelation. God will expose and silence the false voices. Remember you will give an account for the words you release. Speak wisely.

Prophet Madeline James