Ok, first know where I stand. I do not believe prophets are Christian fortune-tellers. I do not believe they can or should “birth” a desire in your heart. I think prophets are here to confirm the leadings and directions we are already taking or warn us of danger in our path.
If you do not believe prophets are for today’s church, I invite you to read this:
- He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (The Message)
I readily admit that many people who label themselves prophets are anything but. I also believe that the price to pay to clearly hear the voice of the Lord in this ministry is so great that few can do it well, or for long.
Nevertheless, I wanted to share a word spoken over me at a revival service August 8th, 2007. The visiting speaker was Rev. Billy Joe Watts. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me, but God revealed to him the dream of my heart. Here is a transcript.
- “What’s this CD, this project I see in the spirit? What is this? (laughing) …that will reach out and bless many nationally and across the nation. So know that the hand of the Lord is upon you and there’s yet remains in your spirit that which you’re to give birth to. Oh, my my my. Hopefully, that lines up with something that you might have going on in you. Yes, in Jesus’ name.”
This prophecy inspired the sacrifice and effort needed from me and my family to make this childhood dream a reality. I sincerely thank the Lord for the ministry of Rev. Watts.
It has been difficult for me to promote this album, because there is an inherent conflict with promoting “self” instead of Jesus. The Lord knows my heart however, and I believe if my motives remain pure, He will place these songs into the lives of the people He wanted to hear them and His will will be done.
BTW, “40 Acres” moved up to #2 on the broadjam.com folk chart!
Gregory Bratton 