Let’s look at the Message Bible translation of Abimelech’s revelation and God’s instruction in Genesis 20:6-8.

What do you do when there you are discontent in your local church? Although I am in an apostolic/prophetic church, I still see so much that makes me want to run. In fact, I believe in being a part of a strong local assembly, but have been so badly wounded by people who know better but are themselves struggling to come into that new place. I just feel “STUCK” in this “PLACE” that I now feel I am “man-pleasing” and going through ritualism just to STAY IN CHURCH!!”

While we don’t understand the total situation of this prophet, there are some guidelines for safety that might help us avoid making the wrong decision about leaving a church God intends for us to stay in.

We see a contrast between two women. There was Lydia from Thyatira whose heart the Holy Spirit opened to receive the message of salvation. On the other hand, we see a young slave girl who was prophesying over Paul and his fellow laborers:

“As we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination [claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners much gain by her fortunetelling.

She kept following Paul and [the rest of] us, shouting loudly, These men are the servants of the Most High God! They announce to you the way of salvation!

And she did this for many days” (Acts 16:16-18 AMP).

But are things going on in Lakeland that disturb my spirit immensely. It doesn’t take a prophet to discern there are some extreme teachings making their way through the Body of Christ these days. As a prophet, I was especially grieved to learn of some of the unbiblical goings on in Lakeland.