Embracing the Spirit of Prophecy: Strategies Daniel modeled to approach the Heavenly Courts
Mentoring on The Courts of Heaven Replay 08/29/2023
Unlocking Revelation to Ignite Breakthrough Prayer
In the midst of darkness across our world, the Church is being called to reclaim the mighty spirit of prophecy that rested upon the biblical prophets of old. As we enter an hour that desperately needs the illuminating voice of the Lord to light our path forward, God is inviting His people into deeper realms of intimacy where we can access His divine strategies and blueprints.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of those who pursued the deep things of God and were entrusted with timely prophetic revelation, words of wisdom, and supernatural visions to direct God's people. Daniel consistently dedicated himself to seasons of prayer and fasting and wholly embraced the profound prophetic anointing on his life, unrelentingly petitioning heaven until the meaning of the mysterious visions were fully disclosed (Daniel 7:15-16).
In addition to Daniel, we see the gift of prophecy powerfully demonstrated in the lives of Zechariah, Ezekiel, Samuel, Nathan, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and John in Revelation. As believers today, you and I have access to the same Holy Spirit who animated all these biblical prophets. When we posture our hearts rightly before God's throne, we make room for the Spirit of prophecy to rest upon us.
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Intimacy
Embracing the spirit of prophecy begins with cultivating a lifestyle of intimacy with God through consistent time focusing on praise, prayer, worship and studying the Scriptures. As we intentionally draw near to Him, He promises to draw intimately near to us in reciprocal relationship (James 4:8). Genuine intimacy fosters deep revelation.
Posturing Our Hearts to Receive
Fully embracing the prophetic involves nurturing an attitude of childlike faith and eager expectation as we listen for God to speak (Jeremiah 33:3). Prophetic breakthrough is unlocked as we wait hopefully and expectantly on the Lord.
Stewarding the Prophetic Wisely
We must steward prophetic words as humble servants, carefully weighing insights against Scripture. Like Daniel, we can petition the Lord for interpretation and check words against the Bible to ensure accuracy (Daniel 7:19-22, Acts 17:11).
Empowering Strategic Intercession
Embracing prophecy serves to empower targeted intercession. Daniel responded to prophetic visions with fervent intercessory prayers for God's plans to come to pass (Daniel 9).
Practical Steps to Grow in the Prophetic
Here are some key ways we can cultivate prophetic gifts daily and allow them to shape our prayers:
1. Set aside unhurried time to hear God’s gentle whispers during Bible meditation (Psalm 25:14, Habakkuk 2:1).
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to activate prophetic dreams, visions, impressions, and words of knowledge. Journal and weigh them against Scripture (Acts 17:11).
3. Study the lives of biblical prophets. Ask God for their depth of intimacy and giftings (Jeremiah 33:3).
4. Carefully wait on the Lord regarding timing and application before releasing prophetic words (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
5. Petition the Holy Spirit to reveal strategies against demonic strongholds and hindrances in prayer (Mark 5:1-20).
6. Submit to mature prophetic mentors for guidance in spiritual discernment (Proverbs 11:14).
7. View prophetic words as invitations to persist in intercession until fulfillment (Daniel 9:1-19).
8. Ask the Lord for timely prophetic words to encourage others (1 Corinthians 14:3).
9. Abide vitally in Christ to access His secrets through intimacy (John 15:4-5).
10. Journal and meditate on prophetic words to nurture faith for God’s timing (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
11. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His compassionate heart as you prophesy over people (Ephesians 4:15).
12. Develop accountability by submitting words to leaders before releasing widely (Proverbs 15:22).
Joseph’s Testimony
Joseph reached out seeking revival and deliverance for his nation and congregation. Though he had a heart to stand in the gap, he struggled to hear God's voice clearly when petitioning on their behalf. Pastor Timothy guided Joseph to persistently pursue the Lord in prayer, even when answers do not seem to come right away (Luke 18:1-8). Though Joseph did not tangibly hear from God in their session, he was exhorted to keep his spiritual ears open and approach the throne of grace again with expectant hope. We can have confidence that God will illuminate the path forward as we persistently pursue intimacy with Jesus (Jeremiah 33:3).
Melvin’s Testimony
Melvin reached out tormented by demonic entities for 5 years. Pastor Timothy compassionately led him through a prayer for deliverance and revelation of any open doorways granting the enemy access. During prayer, Melvin had a vision of a traumatic courtroom experience where confusion and judgement entered his life. Though more inner healing was needed, this encounter demonstrated that as we bring pain before God's throne, Jesus can exchange despair for breakthrough (Isaiah 61:3). Even amidst torment, we can call on Jesus' authority, trusting He is greater. As we humble ourselves and confess any sins, God promises to draw near to us in grace (James 4:7-8).
Pressing In for More
In these turbulent times, God is pouring out His Spirit to empower the Church with greater prophetic wisdom and insight. Like Daniel, Zechariah, and John, are we willing to consecrate ourselves through seasons of fasting to receive direct revelation from Heaven? As we walk before God with humility, honor His Word, and cultivate deeper intimacy with Jesus, fully embracing the spirit of prophecy, I believe God yearns to entrust us with divine blueprints, heavenly strategies, and kingdom assignments that will usher in an end-time harvest of souls.
Let us boldly answer the call to grow in prophetic giftings. I pray each one reading this will receive a fresh prophetic download to illuminate your path forward with kingdom purpose. Our God longs to share His secrets with those who will steward them for His glory. Let’s press in together for MORE of the spirit of prophecy!
Blessings,
Pastor Timothy Tomlinson
Healing The Brokenhearted