For those of you who know me, you know that I am very active in prophetic ministry and I love it! For those of you who don’t yet know me, I want to tell you that I am a Jesus freak first and prophetic freak second. How did I come this far? It is all by the grace of God of course but it started years and years ago.

After I met this new “Jesus” that a Pentecostal friend told me about, I gave my heart to Him and became born again. This is when I started to really live; it was the new beginning I was longing for. There may be two reasons why people don’t experience salvation. The first reason may be the lack of someone telling them about the Lord, and the second reason may be some wrong misconceptions, doctrines, and teachings about this GOOD and beautiful Lord, this new “Jesus” who I met. Anyway, just after I became born again my eyes opened to the Bible, this spiritual book, in a new way I’ve never experienced before. The Bible has become the place I run to every day to meet the lover of my soul, learn more about him, and lay hold of his blessings to me that seem more accessible after becoming his. Not that unbelievers can’t receive from Jesus this is not what I mean! But as a son, the inheritance of my heavenly Father has become mine in Christ.

One day, I was reading in 1 Corinthians 14 these words:

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.

I parked on that verse and started a conversation with myself by acknowledging that I already spoke in tongues so I was halfway there. I felt the invitation of the Holy Spirit to ask for the gift of prophecy because I wanted to be an encourager, comforter, and edifier to others. So, I prayed these words, “Lord, your word invites me to ask for the gift of prophecy to encourage others and edify them and I want that. It is also written that if I ask, it shall be given unto me and as I believe that I have received, it shall be unto me. I do ask you Father to give me right now this gift of prophecy in Jesus’ name. Amen”.

As soon as I finished lifting my prayer and sealing it with the amen, I knew the gift of prophecy was mine. Little did I know that God delighted so much in my prayer that it excited him to a point of giving me a tangible manifestation that I wasn’t expecting. I felt what appeared like HOT OIL coming down on my head, very hot to the point my head started itching so hard. It was a dramatic commissioning moment I won’t forget all of my life. I didn’t ask for this dramatic fiery hot oil anointing to be poured on my head but it was another gift on top of the gift I received. I know that the truth of the word of God is far greater than physical manifestations but Abba’s ways of encouraging us and defining our moments with him are amazing and so confirming!

The next day I woke up so excited because I knew I could prophesy to people. From that time till now, I have never stopped prophesying the love of God to people. What a journey it is with Holy Spirit and I trust him for greater things to come! The gift of prophecy is a grace to hear from Holy Spirit for others to encourage, edify, and comfort them. I believe this gift is a mix of faith and boldness because it takes faith to hear what God is saying and boldness to deliver it.

If the Lord is inviting you to partake in this gift, bring your dish now and fill your plate and if you feel him inviting you for something else, follow him. Whatever you’ve been given in the pages of the scriptures glorifies Jesus. Steward your gift well, invest in it, and live on the wings of risk, thrill, and eternal enjoyments. There is nothing more beautiful than to give someone dear to Jesus a GOD ENCOUNTER and you are this one!

Tony Francis