Hello, friends! Welcome to this Thursday’s post. I’m taking a short break from our current series, ‘If You’re Not Happy and You Know It’ to introduce you to my friend, author Debbie Kitterman.
The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement, Debbie’s newest book, stretched and stirred both my faith and understanding of the Holy Spirit.  Whether you’re a conservative evangelical Christian longing to know more about the transforming power of the Holy Spirit or a Foursquare Christ follower already certain that prophecy exists for the church today, Debbie will invite you into a deeper relationship with Jesus. 
To be entered in a drawing for a complimentary signed copy of Debbie’s book, please share a comment with the group.
Peace and grace,                                                                                                                                      Tammy 
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 The evening teaching session had ended when the women’s ministry leader asked if I would spend a little time doing ministry.  As I was looking out into the audience this young girl caught my attention.  When I looked at her, I saw a picture of her standing at volleyball net. So, I asked her if she played volleyball.
Immediately, she snapped “NO! I don’t play volleyball.”
“Are you sure,” I asked?  I went on to explain, “when I looked at you I saw a picture of you standing at a volleyball net.”
“Nope, I don’t play volleyball, you’ve got the wrong person.” She responded as she folded her arms across her chest.
“Oh, ok. “Well, I guess that picture wasn’t for you. Do you mind if I still pray for you?” I asked.
She responded by shaking her head no and I moved on to minister to the next person.  I didn’t have time to really process it during the moment, because I still needed to minister to others. Later that night, I went to bed thinking about the young girl and the clear picture I had seen.
The next morning at breakfast, a group of ladies asked me to sit with them. Upon sitting down, one of them leaned in and whispered, “The girl last night – the one you asked if she played volleyball.  She plays every Friday night.”
What?!? I wanted to shout but instead, I turned my head, so I could look her in the eye and asked, “How do you know this?”  The lady went on to explain in a whisper that she was the young girl’s mother and she wanted to apologize for her daughter. She was sorry she had lied about playing volleyball.  She went on to explain her daughter was afraid and embarrassed to admit playing volleyball because she wasn’t sure what else I might “know.” I asked where her daughter was and if she would be willing to talk to me.  I assured her I didn’t know anything other than she played volleyball.  I explained, it was one of the ways God likes to encourage others. God wanted the daughter to know He was real and He knew exactly who she was.
This is why I wrote the book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement.

There is a lot of misunderstanding around the gift of prophetic encouragement and because of that it scares people or makes them uncomfortable. I get it.  There has also been some misuse of this gift too.  However, the spiritual gift of prophecy is to be approachable!  Jesus was approachable, and we are to be approachable too. Everyone needs encouragement.

The daughter agreed to talk with me and as I sat with her and her mom, I explained that God was only trying to encourage her.  Because she later let me pray over her, I know why God showed me the picture of volleyball.  He really did want her to know He knew her.  Why?  Because she doubted that anyone saw her.  She felt overlooked and inconsequential.  However, God wanted her to know that was not the case.  There are several Scriptures that spoke truth straight to the lies she was believing.  God had me share them with her that day and I challenged her to find more truths in God’s Word.  One promise I shared say was:

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go…” (Genesis 28:15a NIV) 

The message to her that day, and to all of us is: “God Sees You!” Paul talks about the gift of prophetic encouragement is in 1 Corinthians 14:  It’s purpose is clear.  To encourage, comfort, and strengthen those who hear and receive it. And, it’s for ALL!  This is a gift, that Paul tells us to eagerly desire.  It is a necessary gift.  It is a gift that can change the world and atmosphere around us.

Buy “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement” here: https://amzn.to/2N3wcPO
To get Pre-order Bonuses go here: http://debbiekitterman.com/gift-of-prophetic-encouragement/
About The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others
“The gift of prophetic encouragement is a necessary gift, one that the Church is in great need of during these last days.”—from the foreword by Wayne Cordeiro, president, New Hope Christian College; author, The Divine Mentor
The book clears away the confusion about the prophetic gift today, pastor and ministry leader Debbie Kitterman reveals the good news about the gift of prophecy in this practical, powerful book: We are all prophetic because we all have direct access to God. Prophecy is an ordinary part of the Christian life. In fact, it is God’s way for us to encourage and strengthen the Body of Christ.
So, open your ears to hear God and break out of your comfort zone to deliver His messages to those who need them most. Act now—His words can’t wait!
Prophetic Encouragement is Full of powerful testimonies and practical application, this book will help you break out of your comfort zone and embrace a lifestyle of encouraging others–just as Jesus did. You will learn how to deepen your relationship with God, open a direct line of communication with him, and share his words with others.
 The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement  is completely unique in challenging believers to be the gift of encouragement others need today.  This book is written to give an interactive experience. Here are the book’s features:

• Teaching on the gift of prophetic encouragement
• Activation Prayers and Activation Exercises to take you deeper.
• Testimonies that will build your faith and increase your boldness.
• A profound foreword by Wayne Corderio
• Chapter questions for personal study or discussion

Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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