Exclusive Excerpt: Prayer. Prophetic. Not Political.

Become Prophetic, Not Political

Glory to you, our Almighty God who created the human race “in your likeness.” Praise to you Lord Jesus, our Blessed Hope, who broke the curse of evil and sin and will one day rule all in perfect righteousness.

Fill us, Holy Spirit, as we pray against the sin of racial superiority that continues to produce division, distrust, and distress in every sector of our culture and across our country. Convict us so that our words (and also our works) begin to more perfectly reflect the mind of Christ and the will of our Father in heaven. That we would not merely teach and preach “Love God; love your neighbor,” but live it.

We ask you for forgiveness:

• for the sins of our founders, who immigrating from a foreign country, so callously conquered the inhabitants of a land we have thoughtlessly consumed.

• for the pain slaves were forced to endure for the sake of our economy and the comforts of their owners.

• for the advantage our culture gave (and often still does) to a select group of people while denying full access to freedom and

• justice to other citizens, based solely on the shade of their skin.

• for our sin of separation from one another and the heart-attitude of superiority, even hate, that divides not only our nation but has infiltrated and infects the Body of Christ.

We respond with contrition for our personal sin, whether by overt action or heartless apathy, but also with lament over our nation’s disgrace. We ask for an empowering of the Holy Spirit throughout the Body of Christ, so that your Church will no longer be conformed to and infected by the status quo thinking of the world. We desire to be truly and radically transformed—each of us, all of us, our congregations and communities, our country—by the renewing of our minds.

Change the way we think about “We the people,” “Liberty and justice for all,” and “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

We declare these are truly inalienable rights endowed by you for every person and people group. Reform us so that our praying,our living-working-playing, our Gospel message, and yes, even our political perspectives, demonstrate, oh God, that your will is good for all of us and perfectly suited to every human being.

With yielded hearts we ask that you lead us on a journey to:

• Reimagine what it means that all people are created in the image of God.

• Rethink how these truths should compel us to reshape your Church to be prophetic not political.

We ask in faith, with hope, knowing your love is covering a multitude of our sin. We give thanks for your grace and forgiveness. Now and always praying in the authority and name of Jesus our reconciler and unifier. Amen.

(Gen. 1:27; Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 12:2)

Phil Miglioratti is the curator of the #ReimagneFORUM@Pray.Network and the founder of the National Pastors’ Prayer Network.

Originally published in “Make Us One:: A 31-Day Prayer Journey Toward Racial Healing“

Wise warning from international prayer leaders Alice and Eddie Smith...

Where is Prophetic Integrity?

Have you been as intrigued as we have concerning the recent election? We’ve heard every imaginable explanation of the result of the election. Some believe the outcome as it appears. Others believe the election was stolen. Many prophets unanimously declared the reelection of Donald Trump to a second term, which at this point, doesn’t appear to be the case. Some even maintain that the recent election will still be overturned, or that he’ll run and win the presidency in 2024. But our focus has been on the integrity of prophetic ministry.

In our most recent book, Prophetic Integrity: The Dos and Don’ts of Prophetic Ministry we delve into much concerning the critical, yet confusing and even controversial issue of prophecy. Especially, the differences between prophecy in the Old Testament and the New.

I (Eddie) referred once to the “false prophets of Baal” that Elijah competed against. A friend said, “Eddie, those weren’t false prophets.” I replied, “Certainly they were.” He explained, “No. They were true prophets of a false god.” Of course, he was correct.

Back to the issue of “false prophecy.”

One line of logic commonly heard among those who reject prophetic ministry says, “A prophet who makes one mistake is a false prophet and should be stoned to death.” This argument is based upon a misreading of Deuteronomy 18:20, which says: “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak… even that prophet shall die.” It’s NOT an instruction to kill anyone. It was an Old Testament warning that such a one would die.

In the verses that precede this verse, Deuteronomy 13:1-11, an illustration is given of a false prophet that prophesies accurately, but in doing so counsels the people to rebel in their hearts against the Lord. Verse 10 says, “So you shall stone him to death because he has sought to seduce you from the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” You see it was not the inaccuracy of the prophecy that determined a false prophet. The DEFINITION of a false prophet was one whose intention was to seduce God’s people.

Do you agree that even a false prophet can prophesy accurately at times? Their personal character, the intentions of their hearts, along with the source of their prophecy (whether it is God, their flesh, or the devil) is what makes them false. The person in this Scripture reference received the death penalty for counseling the people to rebel against God!

A true prophet exhorts, encourages, warns with love, corrects with grace so the hearer is changed by God. A false prophet creates fear, condemns, and discourages the receiver from seeking more of God.

As we’ve seen in the case of verse 20, it does not say that he is to be stoned or that anyone for that matter should put him to death. It simply says he shall die. Remember, we don’t execute adulterers, or delinquent teens today. Do we? We who have experienced God’s grace are to extend His grace!

Apparently, some have forgotten that God, who killed sinners in the Old Testament, died for them in the New Testament. Unfortunately, legalistic Christians love spiritual law enforcement too much to make good New Testament believers. Legalism has never drawn a lost soul to Christ, and it never will. Love does! “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Think about it! When preaching a sermon, if a pastor (who should speak for God) inadvertently says something that isn't true; or gives faulty pastoral counsel to someone, should he be put to death? Nonsense! Yet some pastors place expectations on prophetic ministers that they would never allow to be placed on themselves. The truth is, we all blow it at times!

Should we measure a person's gift by isolating and amplifying one poor example? Which of us would want someone to measure our preaching or leadership by one of our poorest moments? We wouldn't. After all, at our best, we all “see through a glass darkly;” and we “prophesy in part.” It’s a matter of common sense mixed with common courtesy. A prophet, as well as a pastor or anyone in leadership with integrity will admit and apologize for his or her failure. A good rule to follow is to seek confirmations and hold loosely what we feel God might be saying.

Those were a few thoughts from our book, Prophetic Integrity. In 15 chapters we address much more about how to understand, to express, and to apply the prophetic. We feel you will find it insightful and helpful in the confusing days that lie ahead. As in all our books, this one is filled with stories. Whether you are a believer who hungers for more, or a pastoral leader who must administrate prophetic ministry, you’ll be blessed by these biblical, balanced guidelines. You’ll find…

• How does God speak today?

• How can we discern God’s voice from other “inner voices”?

• What are we to do with a prophetic word we’ve been given?

• How do New Testament prophets and prophecies differ from the Old Testament?

• Is an unfulfilled prophetic word the sign of a false prophet?

This may be the most unique and critical book we’ve written thus far. And we want you to have the benefit of reading it.

2020 was a difficult year for ministry income, so will you help us catch up for 2021? Our traveling ministry has virtually shifted to teaching online at this point.

For your gift of $30 or more, we’ll mail you a copy of Prophetic Integrity.

Our prayer for you is that God will bless your 2021 abundantly!

Alice and Eddie

>>>KEEP SCROLLING for RELATED CONTENT & COMMENTARY, RESOURCES & REPLIES

Reimagine Curator November 28, 2020 10:46
Malva Birch November 29, 2020 10:19

Lord God,

Please redeem this nation's calling and gifts and help us to complete the work You have given us to do, the good works You planned before this nation even came into being.

Thank You.

For Your glory and joy.

In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
Reimagine Curator February 5, 2021 11:21

Wise warning from international prayer leaders Alice and Eddie Smith...

Where is Prophetic Integrity?

Have you been as intrigued as we have concerning the recent election? We’ve heard every imaginable explanation of the result of the election. Some believe the outcome as it appears. Others believe the election was stolen. Many prophets unanimously declared the reelection of Donald Trump to a second term, which at this point, doesn’t appear to be the case. Some even maintain that the recent election will still be overturned, or that he’ll run and win the presidency in 2024. But our focus has been on the integrity of prophetic ministry.

In our most recent book, Prophetic Integrity: The Dos and Don’ts of Prophetic Ministry we delve into much concerning the critical, yet confusing and even controversial issue of prophecy. Especially, the differences between prophecy in the Old Testament and the New.

I (Eddie) referred once to the “false prophets of Baal” that Elijah competed against. A friend said, “Eddie, those weren’t false prophets.” I replied, “Certainly they were.” He explained, “No. They were true prophets of a false god.” Of course, he was correct.

Back to the issue of “false prophecy.”

One line of logic commonly heard among those who reject prophetic ministry says, “A prophet who makes one mistake is a false prophet and should be stoned to death.” This argument is based upon a misreading of Deuteronomy 18:20, which says: “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak… even that prophet shall die.” It’s NOT an instruction to kill anyone. It was an Old Testament warning that such a one would die.

In the verses that precede this verse, Deuteronomy 13:1-11, an illustration is given of a false prophet that prophesies accurately, but in doing so counsels the people to rebel in their hearts against the Lord. Verse 10 says, “So you shall stone him to death because he has sought to seduce you from the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” You see it was not the inaccuracy of the prophecy that determined a false prophet. The DEFINITION of a false prophet was one whose intention was to seduce God’s people.

Do you agree that even a false prophet can prophesy accurately at times? Their personal character, the intentions of their hearts, along with the source of their prophecy (whether it is God, their flesh, or the devil) is what makes them false. The person in this Scripture reference received the death penalty for counseling the people to rebel against God!

A true prophet exhorts, encourages, warns with love, corrects with grace so the hearer is changed by God. A false prophet creates fear, condemns, and discourages the receiver from seeking more of God.

As we’ve seen in the case of verse 20, it does not say that he is to be stoned or that anyone for that matter should put him to death. It simply says he shall die. Remember, we don’t execute adulterers, or delinquent teens today. Do we? We who have experienced God’s grace are to extend His grace!

Apparently, some have forgotten that God, who killed sinners in the Old Testament, died for them in the New Testament. Unfortunately, legalistic Christians love spiritual law enforcement too much to make good New Testament believers. Legalism has never drawn a lost soul to Christ, and it never will. Love does! “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Think about it! When preaching a sermon, if a pastor (who should speak for God) inadvertently says something that isn't true; or gives faulty pastoral counsel to someone, should he be put to death? Nonsense! Yet some pastors place expectations on prophetic ministers that they would never allow to be placed on themselves. The truth is, we all blow it at times!

Should we measure a person's gift by isolating and amplifying one poor example? Which of us would want someone to measure our preaching or leadership by one of our poorest moments? We wouldn't. After all, at our best, we all “see through a glass darkly;” and we “prophesy in part.” It’s a matter of common sense mixed with common courtesy. A prophet, as well as a pastor or anyone in leadership with integrity will admit and apologize for his or her failure. A good rule to follow is to seek confirmations and hold loosely what we feel God might be saying.

Those were a few thoughts from our book, Prophetic Integrity. In 15 chapters we address much more about how to understand, to express, and to apply the prophetic. We feel you will find it insightful and helpful in the confusing days that lie ahead. As in all our books, this one is filled with stories. Whether you are a believer who hungers for more, or a pastoral leader who must administrate prophetic ministry, you’ll be blessed by these biblical, balanced guidelines. You’ll find…

• How does God speak today?

• How can we discern God’s voice from other “inner voices”?

• What are we to do with a prophetic word we’ve been given?

• How do New Testament prophets and prophecies differ from the Old Testament?

• Is an unfulfilled prophetic word the sign of a false prophet?

This may be the most unique and critical book we’ve written thus far. And we want you to have the benefit of reading it.

2020 was a difficult year for ministry income, so will you help us catch up for 2021? Our traveling ministry has virtually shifted to teaching online at this point.

For your gift of $30 or more, we’ll mail you a copy of Prophetic Integrity.

Our prayer for you is that God will bless your 2021 abundantly!

Alice and Eddie

This reply was deleted.