gett’n ready!!!
In 1992, myself, Patti and a bunch of our friends, started a non-denominational church in North Central Texas. We were very thirsty for God’s power to manifest and move in our midst. As we began to expand theologically and experientially toward the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it became obvious that there was much to learn and much to understand about the “grace” gifts that God gives to edify and grow the Body of Christ. It wasn’t long before we began to experience “all” of the gifts! We were asking and God was delivering on a regular basis.
One of the paradigms that had been drilled into Patti and me through most of our spiritual walk was that God only speaks through the Bible and/or Bible preaching. Once you begin to understand that God is very creative in the ways that He speaks to mankind, you then may allow yourself to hear more than “just” preaching and Bible teaching. The prophetic flow of the Holy Spirit is very alive, active and present today if we’re open to receive it!!!
In a couple of weeks, Ira Milligan (and friends) will visit ECF for three separate meetings. It is my hope that each and every one of you who desires to receive prophetic ministry from a seasoned and proven prophet, will be able to do so. So the question surfaces… “How do I get myself ready to receive a word of prophecy?” It’s a good question and a fair question. I personally have received many “words” over the years through many sources. Some were great “words” that I liked, embraced as truth, and have seen come to pass over seasons of time. Some were less “inspiring” but meaningful and accurate nonetheless. So, allow me to give some practical pointers in getting ready to receive the “gift” of the prophet and the prophetic flow as it operates in our midst in the near future.
First, THERE IS NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF! My goodness, this is a gift of God and the Holy Spirit will be in operation. No one is going to be fronted out, exposed or embarrassed in any way. As I said, the gifts are to “lovingly edify or build up” the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 14:3-4, 12). Even if the prophet did see something that he might want to counsel you about, he wouldn’t expose you in front of the whole church! That wouldn’t be love would it?
Second, YOU MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND EVERTHING THAT THE PROPHET SAYS TO YOU. That wouldn’t be too abnormal really. Most of us don’t understand everything that the Scripture is saying, and I seriously doubt you understand 100% of what you hear preached either. But, in an effort to allow you to listen to the “word” more than once, we will be recording each and every “word” which will allow you to take the tape with you and listen to it as much and as often as you desire. With time and in God’s timing, you will begin to see the validity of the “word’s” application in your life. Yes, it could be that it takes YEARS or even DECADES for a “word” to come to pass. So, be prepared to be patient! God isn’t in a hurry even though most of us are.
Third, TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE OUT OR TYPE YOUR WORD ON PAPER. That allows you the opportunity to read the “word” without emotional passion or influence. Sometimes, in the moment of receiving the “word” audibly, we’re prevented from absorbing all the nuggets of truth that should resonate in our mind and spirit. It really does help to write it out and absorb the same “word” in another context without audience or outside pressure.
Fourth, IT CAN BE GOOD TO FAST A DAY OR TWO BEFORE YOU RECEIVE PERSONAL MINISTRY. It’s not a requirement, just a suggestion. Water moves towards a dry sponge…A spark ignites dry grass. God moves toward thirsty hearts. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a water fast. If you’re working a full-time job, it might be best to do some sort of Daniel fast. Pray about it, hear the Lord, decide to do it and then…do it.
Fifth, PRAY UP AND STAY PRAYED UP FOR THE SERVICES. Worship and prayer is a wind current that the prophetic ministry soars on. Any kind of ministry anointing is increased with the passion and prayer of the people! Prayer for the one doing the ministry is vital! The moment we just become spectators…just watching the gift work…we’ll see fatigue set in on the prophet. He or she can only say what they hear God saying. Our prayer helps the prophet hear and Spirit winds blow.
Sixth, RELAX AND ENJOY! Patti and I are extremely excited to introduce Ira and Judy Milligan to you. We have experienced and witnessed Ira’s ministry firsthand for many years. His anointing is second to none! I KNOW you will be blessed and ECF will expand in its love and trust of the voice of the Holy Spirit. Oh yes…you can bring family and friends. We want everyone to get a “word” that wants a “word”.
Seventh, PLEASE PRAY ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE TO FINANCIALLY GIVE TO THE PROPHET. I don’t want to hit this too hard, but I also want us to understand the vital importance of giving to the one who comes to us to minister to us. When ECF brings in someone like Ira Milligan, we have a responsibility of stewardship to bless the Man of God. I’m asking you to PRAY about this BEFORE you show up at church. I want you to pray about a “sacrificial” gift. No, I DO NOT want you to miss a mortgage payment or something silly like that, but I want you to give a gift of gratitude and thanksgiving that will flow with love from your heart. That is what matters. I guarantee you the “word” that you receive will come packaged in LOVE. You will feel that love and you’ll know it was “in” love. If you come to that posture about what you’re to give, God will tell you what to write the check for. Then, it’s just a matter of simple obedience. Rest assured, that every penny that you designate to Ira will be given to Ira!!! Hope all of this helps you to get ready!
You are loved!
Bro. Mike
