(Revised blog from June 13, 2019)
Have you receive a prophetic word about being a scribe, writing books and/or publishing? Are you struggling to figure out what this means and/or what to write?
I meet scribes daily with these questions. Many have attended conferences or connected with people who have released these words over them.
As a result, some are left trying to figure out:
- What is a scribe?
- What am I supposed to write?
- How to get started publishing my book?
My first response often goes something like this: “Let’s take a closer look at the prophetic word you received. There could be more to it, than the concept of writing books.”
You see, when the understanding of the scribal calling or scribal ministry is limited, people tend to give prophecy after prophecy about writing books.
This is often due to limited understanding of the function and purpose of the prophetic scribe. As such, they cannot filter that prophetic word beyond their knowledge. (Check out the article, More Than A Writer’s Anointing)
A Need For Education & Understanding
What does this mean?
While the prophecy may be accurate in identifying a scribal assignment, the person releasing it has not been opened to the broader functions or a clear definition of scribes. As a result, any word that they hear may flow from the compartmentalization of the scribe’s identity.
This means that the word you received might not necessarily be geared specifically toward writing or publishing. Those two areas, which are common to people, are extremely small aspects of the scribal gift.
When the understanding of the scribal calling expands, then those types of prophetic words will begin expanding as well. In addition, those who receive the word will have a better framework for understanding it.
I met a scribe who received a word about writing a book at a conference. I learned that the person’s background, passions and interests were deeply rooted in administration. Administration is a core branch of the scribal calling with many entry level and advanced pathways. The person had a desire to educate young people about budgeting and finance.
While they were looking to write a book based on that prophetic word, they were called to the administrative realm of the scribe. Further, they were assigned to develop teachings, courses and curriculums for financial success.
For a broader view, I directed them to a short course to help unveil their identity. (Check out the course, “Am I a prophetic Scribe)
So, if you receive a prophecy about writing books and cannot sense the book within you, do not become overwhelmed. Instead, begin the journey of learning everything you can about prophetic scribes to see where you fit. (Take courses inside the School of the Scribe)
Consider These Truths
First, recognize that EVEN A PROPHET can be limited by their understanding of what they hear.
We all hear according to what we can process and understand. So if the understanding of the scribe is limited to writing books, then that will be about ALL that the prophet can prophesy into.
As a result, we must do our part in educating ourselves about our identity. That way, when prophecies are given we have a jumping point concerning our next steps. (Check out the book, The Scribal Anointing: Scribes Instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven)
Secondly, ask the Lord to reveal the depth of that word – especially if it bore witness with your spirit.
Understand that scribal ministry includes a vast amount of realms in administration, creativity and instruction. Your “book” could actually be a research and documentation, blogging, curriculum development, producing a podcast, launching a course or television show, producing plays or skits, a teaching or training series, an administration or finance project, a coloring book, coding an app, etc.
The “book” could also be something that the Lord will stir in your heart much later in your journey. (Check out the article, Writers are only a type of scribe)
Finally, don’t strain the Spirit by becoming fixated on a “PHYSICAL BOOK OR EBOOK.”
If you believe you are a “prophetic” scribe, then trust the Lord in His revealing. Again, learn everything you can just like people immerse themselves in learning about the prophetic, dreams and visions, etc.
Put the same kind of energy that goes into those efforts into understanding “YOUR” scribal realm. In doing so, the Lord can work within that knowledge… and bring clarity to you. (Check out the spiritual gifts test for prophetic scribes, My Scribal Gifts Inventory.)
