Published a review here: http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/2013/07/13/the-lifestyle-of-a-prophet-a-book-... ( )

Excellent book! Very Practical advice on walking out a prophetic anointing. If I had known this information 20 years ago, I could have avoided a lot of trouble! This is a must read for everyone who is a prophetic intercessor, walks in the office of prophet, wonders if God is using them this way, or wonders what went wrong with the prophetic gifting they thought they had. ( )

I read LifeStyle of a Prophet, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by James W. Goll and published by Chosen Books. I received a paperback version.

I chose this book because I have no idea what my calling is. I know what I am good at, but is that what God wants me to do? I have done administration at a church before, but got tired of that quick. Basically, the church had a secretary and I was just helping do some work in Microsoft. The church bought the software, but had no idea what to do next (besides train the secretary). The problems started when the pastor and secretary started calling my house multiple times per day, in a row sometimes, to get me to come in to work. I worked Third shift at a factory, plus was a new mother. I did not get home until 7 am. I needed my sleep. I didn't mind coming in, but not every day and not before 9 am. I was not going to spend all morning typing documents when I can do that at home. The secretary and I worked the same job, but different shifts. write it down and meet me in the parking lot. lol. I also love to read, write, organize, clean, cook, etc.

But anyway, back to the book: The book is part instructional and part workbook. Each day provides a lesson, prayer, and questions. There is some space to jot down your answers.

Some highlights which stood out in the first few readings:
Page 24: Selfish ambition is not the kingdom way. Promotion does not come from the Lord, but normally after you been in the game and endured a few rounds.
Page 25: Abandon any attempts to build your own kingdom or ministry Forget about building your own empire. Build His Instead. Worship God passionately. Consecrate yourself to him to be his holy dwelling place.
Page 25: Do you want to experience the lifestyle of a prophet? It begins with intimacy. Surrender to Jesus and worship him.
Page 29 This is what the prophetic life and ministry are all about---human beings being filled with the breath of God, and then in turn exhaling onto others the breath of life they have received from their creator.
Question from Day 1: Consider the kind of friendship you desire to have with Jesus? What do you want that relationship to look like? (p.26).
Page 35: God wants to talk to you. He wants more than just the "right" answers so you can pass his tests. He wants to draw near to you. He is your adoring father and he cherishes his kids. Questions from the Lord are an invitation to merge from the place of hiding into transparent honesty and light.

This was an excellent book. Excellent teaching tool, learning tool, and workbook. It also can be a small group bible study.

The Lifestyle of a Prophet: A 21 Day Journey to Embracing Your Calling has proved to be a solid and insightful manual on the topic of Christian prophetic living. As the author reveals, a prophet is being God's confidante. The book takes us on a learning journey in what is required to fulfill that call.

Divided into 3 sections, the foundational piece is Intimacy of relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Section 2 covers the Wisdom required, and 3rd is Revelation. The ordering is intentional. A prophetic lifestyle begins in intimacy of relationship, and must gain wisdom and character before receiving and delivering revelation.

Each section provides 7 days of writing on each theme; each day's discussion ends in a prayer, followed by interactive questions on the topic of the day. It would be ideal to begin the book with a journal in order to record your responses to the questions. They encourage deeper thought and process in revealing more than the reader's surface reaction. Inner growth is definitely an intended outcome as the questions are challenging. These challenges would be welcomed by those readers intent on "Embracing [Their] Calling".

I found the daily readings encompass each topic with a thorough investment of knowledge from the author's perspective, abundant scriptural references, and quotations from others in the prophetic realm, both past and present. Language used makes for ease of reading and understanding.

Here's one quote of note that describes the prophetic lifestyle in a nutshell. Found at the beginning of section 3. "The true prophet is at a crosscurrent with society, challenges others to be like Jesus, carries a tailor-made cross and dies daily to self! ... So are you sure you want to be a prophet or even live a prophetic lifestyle?"

The amount of material covered, along with the comprehensive scripture inclusion, makes this an ideal reference resource. Combined with the reader's own journal of responses gleaned during the study, it creates a solid foundational piece for both beginners and those seasoned desiring prophetic giftings that enable becoming God's confidante through a lifestyle of intimacy, wisdom and revelation.

My recommendation would include both, as well as readers sensing a call to know more about living a prophetic Christian lifestyle. A lifestyle of seeing, hearing, attending to what's given, then declaring in response to what God has given.







*Read courtesy of Chosen Books in exchange for a review without obligation... ( )