'THEY TEACH PROPHETS TO BE LUKEWARM'

I am inclined to agree... regarding "a lying spirit in the mouths of American prophets". However, the teachings in the average church regarding prophets, their mission and ministry is either non-existant, or the teaching leads one to believe a true prophet only speaks good, encouraging words in a rather passive manner. In the 1950's and 1960's even into the 1970's God mightily used me in the prophetic giftings. Often He would move me in bold, profound, even scathing rebukes against lukewarmness, apathy and unbelief. Sometimes He would give strong words of encouragement, painting a picture of the wondrous results which would follow should they choose to follow closely to Him in dedication and obedience. On occasion He would give me a warm love song of great beauty. But mostly, the words were strong retorts for loose living and determined disobedience. I didn't question my role as instrument in those days, I just loved God so much I was willing to allow Him to speak as He pleased. I was a petite young teenager when He began in me and I loved Him more than life itself, so I willingly paid the price for the Spirit to flow through me. My pastor and the leadership didn't question the validity of my giftings, but the congregation often rejected me as a person, and were suspect of the gift. Being a shy, quiet person, the prophetic gifting was just the opposite of my own personality. Nevertheless, in the early 1980's much "teaching" went out accross the church regarding a more gentler, kinder prophetic unction and the use of the gifts were downplayed and humanized in many ways. The Lord did use me in those days, and I attempted to be "teachable" learning to tone-down the delivery of the messages and attempt to always end with an up-beat note. For some reason I became aware of people accepting me more readily and it was nice to be liked. (At the time I didn't fully realize all this, but looking back it seems clear.) However, fewer and fewer messages came and we were in some churches (yes, Charismatic) which rarely allowed and gave little credence to any of the gifts, let alone prophecy (Why, wasn't the pastor's preaching prophecy, what more do we need?) Last Spring, the Lord awakened me at 1:30 AM and called me to go downstairs to meet there with Him. He called upon me to do some heavy repenting, deep soul- searching and re-committal. For several weeks the Presence of the Lord weighed heavily upon me and I basked and rejoiced in Him. I felt like one raised from a coma into newness of life. Nothing in my life was changed, but I was renewed in Him. It didn't happen in a church. No one prayed for me or laid hands on me. Jesus came into my living room and tounched me again. Since then, last March, 1997, I've experienced Him in new power and revelation. He has given me several visions and dreams, many scriptural revelations and several directives. One in particular was a prophecy for the Church which spoke of great upheavals coming soon for which we must prepare by pressing in to the heart of our God, each one personally. It went on to state that just as Jesus was upon the earth for a period of time after His resurrection, walking and talking with and teaching his Church, so He will be with His Church prior to His Second Coming. This prophecy underscored the efficacy of a vision He gave me back in l961 regarding the state of the Church and the working of the Holy Spirit just prior to His Return. He emphasized the fact of His moving in mighty annointing in and through those who were courageous enough to stretch their faith to believe Him for all things and allow Him to work in all ways even to the point of translating us physically from one place to another for the purpose of saving the lost and healing the sick. The most profound revelation was that Jesus, Himself, would appear before us as we travelled from place to place to encourage, annoint and strengthen us in ways we cannot properly express. The Glory of God rested upon us with such Joy as I've yet to experience in this life. Just a few weeks ago, I was awakened early on two consecutive mornings by God calling out my name and then He almost groaned with anquish, "They are teaching my prophets to be passive and lukewarm." I want you to be aflame with Fire. I want my prophets to proclaim my Word with boldness, authority and a loud voice." "Cry aloud, spare not and show my people their transgressions." "If you are the only one speaking against them, continue to speak, don't be afraid, I am with you." It seems clear to me that more is needed in the American Church than prosperity in the pocketbook. I believe God meets all of our needs and even more if we are trustworthy, but with all the violence, divorce, perversions and strife even in the Church, only an Ostrich would assume the need is financial. When these hurting, ensnared people surface in the churches crying out their needs, many are perfunctorily shown the exit or scolded for not believing God rather than truly ministered to in a caring way. Deliverance ministry is often distasteful, but it appears to be the most needful in America today. Television, games, movies and PC's have deluged people with filth and devils. The church would like to remain blind to the desperation of this hour by carrying on lovely inane services with lots of pretty music in an undisturbed fashion. Meanwhile, more church kids are running away to live in rebellion on the streets while the church discusses the validity of rebuking the devil. Please pray for the American Church, God is really moving at the grass roots and is changing many of us into His army of Prayer Warriors... Love, in Jesus, Carole Phelps