The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

actions of spirits to respond to the prayerful petition of the chanter. Chanting may be done by songs, dirges, mantras, etc. The idea behind chanting, as easily perverted as it may be, is found in Jeremiah 23:29: “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” The statement clues into how humans can tap into the Lord’s spiritual resources and invoke His supernatural powers by continually pounding the subject or object of their desire in prayer, praise, and repetitive statements. While Christ discouraged this in His teaching on the best way to pray, one must, if they are not to confuse this counsel with the wisdom of Luke 18:1–7 in the parable of the unjust judge, distinguish between the two. The hammer-like effect of God’s words, as uttered by the words of His prophet, achieves its purpose much like a natural hammer, that is, it keeps hitting its target until every barrier to its success is destroyed. Prayer on difficult matters, that is those that resist normal petition efforts, requires the worshipper to persist until there is a response or better yet, answered prayer. In contrast, chanting is what pagans use to invoke their gods who require the same ritual repeatedly done the same way in order to respond. The initiator is the chanter and the target is generally to achieve their personal ends. 264. Characteristic—A special trait or feature that sets one thing apart from another in its group or class. Important for prophets to identify what distinguishes them as officers of the Ephesians 4:11 ministers of the New Creation church. 265. Chariot—A symbol of mastery and rulership. An emblem of military ability and prowess. A sign of spiritual authority. As a prophetic sign it symbolized a military leader’s triumphal journey. Chariots were considered the mobiles of the gods. 2 Kings 2:11–12; 2 Chronicles 18:34; Psalm 104:3. See also Zechariah 6. 266. Charisma—The Greek word for the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon humans. Charisma is a divine endowment given as a result of God’s grace to prosper in life and perform in His service. As a gift, it is bestowed free of charge and cannot be paid for or repaid. The purpose of such bestowments is to qualify people for God’s use. It miraculously empowers their faculties and equips them with the ability and capacity to perform. As a blessing, charisma comes as a portion of the Lord’s New Creation economy. Modern use of the word simply sums up its meaning as gifted, personable, winsome, or talented. It woefully falls short of what the Lord’s Spirit seeks to convey who come to Him through His Savior Jesus Christ.