Prophets, or "People Readers?"

 

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A nice, pious person tells you all about yourself. He “reads you like a book.” Is he really a prophet of God?

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I see this on the Internet a lot.  “How to read people like a book.”

It is combination of psychology, intuition, observing behavior and analyzing appearance, and possibly, a little of the occult. It also includes stereotyping.

The purpose is to understand people enough to control them, impress them with some general comments, and enhance their impression of you. It can be quite profitable.

Successful salesmen are good at this. Psychic readers are as well.

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People Readers in the church – it is all “New Age”

And now the church appears to be picking up on this as well. There are prophecy classes now to “activate the gifts” and people are given exercises to learn how to read people.

No experience necessary!!!

The Holy Spirit is not really needed either, although scriptures are used to justify it, and they ascribe what they are doing to Him. They think what is in their brain is Him.

Yes, prophecy is a gift, which is given by God, but it is NOT learned, you do NOT need to practice at home, and the Holy Spirit is NOT the source of your every mental impression of someone.

The reasoning is that any nice thought must be from God, even if it is just a personal impression, or information one gets from observation.

This is wrong. Even unsaved people have nice thoughts and impressions about others.

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The real gift

If one has the gift of prophecy, the person is already “activated,” because the Holy Spirit has empowered them.

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Zacariah, Ezechiel, etc. never “went to class” to learn how to “activate their gifts” and prophesy, and did not need to practice at home or work in a team with others, to make sure they got some impression right.

They did not do homework, to practice, and get it right.

The presence and power of the Holy Spirit came upon the person, and they prophesied out the exact words God gave them. In fact, NONE of the words were theirs.

In a sense, their mind was disconnected from their spirit, and their mind, therefore, had no control over what words would come out next. Their spirit was just a channel through which the Holy Spirit worked.

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Self delusion

People now, that lack the power of the Holy Spirit, are easily convinced that any impression that comes to their mind is from God, because they have never been around a true prophet.

They do not know the difference, so they can become self deceived. 

Just because they are Christians, and have the presence of the Holy Spirit unto salvation, does not mean they have the power gift of prophecy. 

That is God’s decision, not theirs.

One way to recognize these people is that their ego is attached to what they do, no matter how positive they seem.

1. They will take offerings, as they deserve compensation.

2. They will become offended if you do not believe them.

3. They need to be acknowledged as prophets, or one that “flows in the prophetic.” In general, they need to be acknowledged as special.

4. Spiritually, which may not be visually evident, they are oppressed in nature.

5. They speak in general terms, and say things that anyone could say anyhow. That way, they are always right.

6. They might avoid “prophesying” over people they do not know, or if they do, they stereo type the person first, then speak to that stereotype.

7. They will appear very self confident, because so far, they have the admiration and respect of people who have believed them. The church, desperate for spirituality, may promote them, enhancing their image and self esteem.

8. They will claim that New Testament prophecy is “different” from Old Testament prophecy.

*** This is not true. The Holy Spirit has not changed. And man has not changed either. It is the same Spirit with the same messages.

9. They speak in generalities.

Examples:

God loves you, and wants to use you.

America is in sin, and God will punish it.

God says you are special.

10. They use “social typing.” They will observe you for awhile before they say anything.

Young adults are told that God sees their heart, wants to use them, and they will get married, and have children.

Older women, that look fatigued and worn out, will be told not to worry about their children, that God will take care of them.

Men are told God wants to use them in ministry.

Poor people are told that God will help their finances.

Rich people are told that God is blessing them, so that they can be a blessing to others.

Pastors are told that God wants to increase the size of their church.

Sick people are told that God wants to heal them.

People who are crying will be told that God wants to comfort them.

11. They may sincerely believe that this learned skill is a “gift,” and a sign that they are especially chosen by God to have this “gift.”

12. They might be playing New Age or “mystical” music. It usually has nature sounds: waves washing ashore, birds singing, dreamy music. You might feel like you are floating down a river somewhere. Check out a local New Age bookstore, and listen to some of it to acquaint yourself.

The purpose of this is to soothe you, to remove any critical impression you might have of them, and make you agreeable to their suggestions.

It is a form of brainwashing.

13. They have been “trained,” “developed,” and activated” by teachers, programs, or schools.

14. False piety. They can have a “spiritual, other worldly” look on their face.

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Examples of information from People Reading (“prophecy”) websites – each site focuses on different aspects:

Notice that the flesh needs to be “activated,” and “developed.”

(1) Psychology oriented – The 4 Principles of Reading People

http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/reading-people.htm

1. Establish the Baseline- begin by studying their behavior in what is their familiar environment. This is best practiced with someone that you know.

2. Recognize Patterns – look for ‘clusters’ – groups of related signals – that coincide with a specific behavior or state of mind. Single traits by themselves, rarely tell the whole story of what a person is all about. It’s not until you broaden your view to include the whole picture, will you begin to correctly analyze someone.

Patterns begin with the first impression and continue onward. As you combine the first impression with specific tells, behavior, vocal attributes, and their environment, you are well on your way to reading them correctly.

Form also a ‘thin-slice’ of experience – snap judgment, size them up, don’t overlook anything

Appearance– In women, short stylish hair could denote someone who is creative, artistic, or expressive. Because maintaining perfectly styled hair is expensive, it may signify wealth. If that isn’t the case, then their willingness to spend a lot of their money to maintain their coif might show vanity, or a need for acceptance, even insecurity.

Less styled short hair on the other hand could mean practicality.

For men, professionally styled hair usually goes hand in hand with the desire to show status and power. If combined with expensive clothing and accessories, this is usually a sure bet.

Every detail of a person’s appearance can offer further clues into their interests, beliefs, emotions and values.

Body Language- see crossed legs, folded arms, facial tics – specific behavioral traits. Seeing how a person behaves in different situations.

Study their interaction with different people, such as with children, co-workers, normal day-to-day people, their family and friends. Watch for veiled acts of inconsistency. Their charming, delightful personality may not be so charming and delightful as the novelty of the relationship wears off.

Realize that sometimes, because of fear, anger, or duress a person will act out of character.

Vocal attributes play an important role in determining what someone is really saying. These traits in many cases contain hidden messages that require you to pay attention.

Someone with a loud voice may indicate a need to control their environment. Like a drill sergeant, they use their voice to intimidate and dominate. Sometimes it can be for reasons of trying to compensate for something they think they’re lacking.

A soft voice also could have different meanings. Don’t immediately dismiss the person as someone who lacks confidence. It may mean they’re tired or depressed.

Understanding verbal gymnastics: For example, always question why someone is leading you towards, or away, from a topic of conversation. Are they showing conceit by trying to find an opportunity to brag? Are they showing compassion through their leading away from gossiping about someone?

Interpreting their Environment – hints about their job, education, religion, culture, hobbies, marital and family status, political alignment, friends, and wealth. geographical location of someone’s home in relation to their work. study the job itself. Why do you think they’ve chosen it? What does it tell about the person? Their education or drive?

The Automobile: having an expensive well-maintained automobile may at first indicate wealth, but taken in context with a run-down home may again show a desire to maintain a certain public image. A messy, disorganized car usually indicates a messy, disorganized person.

The Social Environment: Where do they spend their free time and who with?

3. Delving Deeper through the Art of Questioning:

The types of questions that should be asked are those which help confirm or contradict the assumptions that you’ve made throughout this process.

4. Making your Decision – Being that reading people is a science and an art, use the facts that have presented themselves and couple it with your intuition.

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(2) Reading based on physical features. Appearance affects how people are treated, and how they will emotionally respond to that treatment.

http://www.askmen.com/money/how_to_150/159b_how_to.html

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Face shape

Round: A person with a round face is considered to have a more emotional personality and may be sensitive and caring. Apparently, you guys have very strong sexual fantasies and enjoy being in stable, long-term relationships.

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Oblong: Oblong types are considered to be very practical, methodical and with a tendency to overwork. You are most likely to have a muscular or athletic physique, which some equate to narcissism and may lead to problems in relationships.

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Square: A square face is linked to fire and you may appear as aggressive, ambitious or domineering. You have a sharp, analytical mind and are decisive.
Triangular: These face shapes are traditionally associated with a thin body and an intellectual persuasion. Chinese face readers associate this face with creativity and sensitivity, as well as a fiery temperament.

Lying – If you ask someone a question and they look up to their right (your left), it means they are accessing their creative brain, which indicates a visual construction (lie).

Up to their left indicates they are accessing a visual memory and are likely to be telling the truth. Similarly, looking directly to their right indicates an auditory construction (a lie), and to the left is an auditory memory (the truth).

The shape of the eye may also be revealing. There is a lot of detail here, but we will just cover some of the basics. Prominent eyes that glitter brightly are preferable to small, shifty eyes that display a nervous temperament.

Unevenly set eyes suggest a person who looks at things from different perspectives, and often have startling insights into problems thanks to their ingenuity.

Eyes that slant upward denote somebody who is an opportunist and are people who know how to get what they want. Many supermodels have this look — as do cats.

Finally, deep-set eyes belong to people with an intense, possessive (but observant) nature, and are often associated with writers and creative types.

How widely set your eyes are may also be revealing. Narrow set eyes suggest a narrow view of the world, while wide set eyes are more tolerant and broadminded. They may also have scant regard for authority figures.

Eyebrows

Weak or fine eyebrows are believed to suggest someone who is quite indecisive and sometimes lacking in confidence. Conversely, people with bushy eyebrows value assertiveness and tend to have quite strong personalities. Having a uni-brow signifies an intense personality, which may be prone to jealousy and possessiveness. These are people who think an awful lot, which may suggest an introspective personality.

The Nose

The ideal nose has a high, straight, full, and fleshy tip with gently flared, but protected, nostrils. The fleshy tip indicates cordiality and warmth of personality and deep empathy with others. These types set high standards for themselves and are good mannered.

An oversize nose tip results in violent tendencies.

The larger the nose tip, the more prone they are to an act of violence.

An Aquiline nose portrays strong will, independence and enterprise, while an upturned nose suggests luck in social circumstances and a love of mixing with people.

Mouth

The mouth is linked to communication and sensuality, and the shape of the lips can be quite revealing.

A thin top lip and a full bottom lip may indicate someone who cannot reciprocate in a relationship.

The opposite arrangement suggests someone who may be overly giving.

Full round lips convey a caring and sensitive nature, while small lips are indicative of a mean and self-centered personality.

Downward curves suggest someone who will be very hard to please, while upward curves indicate an optimistic character.

Jaw line

A strong jaw indicates someone who has a very strong value system and may judge you very quickly.

The stronger the jaw line, the greater someone’s stamina and endurance. These people may also be considered stubborn.

In contrast, a weak or receding jaw would suggest somebody who has a weaker willed personality, and may be susceptible to the influences of others.
Finally, a jaw line that is wider than the ear line denotes someone who is incredibly competitive and hates losing. They do not brook competition. 

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(3) Mind reading course:

http://www.squidoo.com/mindreadingtricks#module14905782

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(4) Straight psychic website – how to “develop” your abilities- the same approach the false prophetic teaches

http://paranormal.about.com/od/espandtelepathy/a/develop-psychic.htm

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(5) From a Christian “prophetic” web site that teaches how to “become” prophetic:

http://www.streamsministries.com/index.php?page_id=115

Note: I am quoting them.  My comments are in beige highlight

Advanced Prophetic Ministry is an exciting course that will open your eyes to the myriad ways God uses to communicate every day.

*** Introduction to general impressions of every day life.

Topics covered include: Biblical Foundations of Prophecy, God’s Heart for Prophecy, The Place of Prophecy Today, Recognizing the Voice of the Lord, Heart Preparation, God’s Means of Communication, Protocol for Personal Prophetic Ministry, and Avoiding Pitfalls.

Who should attend this course? People who desire to move in prophetic ministry, sharpen their ability to hear from God, hone their revelatory gifts, and minister prophetically…

*** How many prophets of the Bible attended courses, in order to satisfy their desire to move in the prophetic? Answer: none of them.

Experience prophetic synergy!

Ministering on a prophetic team is a great opportunity to see how much more significant and powerful your prophetic word can be in the context of your team members’ words.

***This is not necessary if the Holy Spirit is speaking through you. He does not need any help.

You see in part, they see in part, and all together, you see more of the whole. Discover a powerful way to grow in your gift and to witness God pour out His love on His people.

*** The Holy Spirit does not work on any earthly “team.” He sees everything, not “in part.”

By the end of this course, you will:

Know what prophecy is and why it’s important to the church today

Be able to discern the different ways God speaks

Activate your revelatory gifts, such as the discerning of spirits and words of knowledge

**** the Holy Spirit does not need to be activated!!!

He is a Person, not an electrical outlet with an on / off switch..

Know how to avoid common pitfalls in the prophetic

Know how to effectively and confidently deliver a prophetic word

** use gullible people

Be acquainted with protocol for prophetic ministry

*** Protocol ?????

Be familiar with team ministry dynamics

** Why does the Holy Sprit need other people to do his job?

Suggested but not required prerequisite:

The Art of Hearing God is designed to train students to hear the voice of the Lord and to develop greater intimacy with Him. This course will help you develop and recognize God’s voice, expand your capacity to hear what God is saying, fine-tune your spiritual sensitivity, uncover the many ways God speaks to you, pursue a more intimate relationship with God and much more.

Syllabus Includes (looks good, doesn’t it?):

Three Pillars of Prophetic Ministry

Prophetic Time Periods

Five Levels of Listening

Knowing God’s Voice

Practical Tips for Delivering a Word –

****you need “tips?” The Holy Spirit does not need tips to tell Him what to say

Prophetic Servant hood and Authority

Metaphorical Understanding

*** baloney

Fellowship of the Spirit

Spiritual Authority

Spirit of Lawlessness in the Church

*** One is do not grieve the holy spirit. Do not worship false gods.

In this exercise, you become a false god, since you present yourself as equal to God in what you say.

Role, Purpose, and Function of the Church

Godward Meditation

*** No amount of meditation will give you the gift of prophecy. This is God’s decision, not yours.

Old and New Testament Terms for “Prophet”

*** they are changing the definition of the prophet here. This gives them the latitude to change what the Holy Spirit does as well.

Distinguishing Between Prophets and Psychics –

** Prophets hear directly from God.

Psychics can either hear from demons, or they just “read” you.

Just because someone does not hear from demons, does not mean they are hearing from God either.

Using your mind to pick out a scripture does not make you legitimate either.

Comparison of Left-Brain and Right-Brain Characteristics

*** So you are getting all of this from your brain.! 

The side of the brain does not matter. 

You do not need to study the brain to hear from God.

Role, Purpose, and Function of Prophetic Ministry in the Church

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Conclusion:

Learning ABOUT prophecy does NOT make you a prophet.

All believers should be able to hear from God, as they study His Word, but this may not be prophecy.

Unless the Holy Spirit overpowers you, and fills you with Words that are NOT your own, then you are NOT a prophet, and you are not prophesying.

These techniques have nothing to do with the Holy Spirit empowering a person to prophesy.

This is psychology, learning skills, or just demonic.

Spirits can take advantage of a self deluded Christian, and work through them. They then become a medium for the demon.

If you have the gift from the Holy Spirit, you do not need “training,” and education, as to how to discern and activate anything.

The Holy Spirit does the work, not you. You are just an empty vessel. You will not need a team of people, either, to get one message correct.

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For the recipients (victims) of those that “flow in the prophetic:

You need to ask yourself:

Do you need to hear from God?

Or do you want people to “read you like a book?”

Do you want an Isaiah, or the guy who took some classes?

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Final Note:

I have met only one true prophet in my life. The others were fakes.

I can tell you that when the Holy Spirit enters the room to give a Word, it will have a definite, divine, supernatural quality to it. It will be powerful, and will overwhelm you.

The information will be useful, and not just good sounding words.

It will be so specific that it will identify something only you and God knew. Any predictions will be very specific, and accurate.

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See also:

 

Lie to Me.

Click here for more

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The Church is Having a Power Failure (signs and wonders gone in the church?)

Click here for more

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Fake and Real Charismatics

Click here for more