The Top Killer of Prophetic Ministry

Picture this. You have been standing, waiting in line for what seems like hours, to receive a life changing word, from a world renowned prophet that has packed out the city stadium with hopefuls just like you, seeking a glimpse of Gods will for your life.

You are close, only one person left in front of you, you discreetly watch the prophet do his stuff, wishing the minutes away as fast as they will go, greatly anticipating this momentous occasion.

Yes, He is finished, so you step up to the plate, 'unleash the heavens' your heart cries out. You feel the weight of the prophet's hand on your shoulder, you close your eyes, trembling with the austerity of the moment. You instinctively feel the prophet is about to speak, this is it...

Then a stench accosts your nostrils that feels as though it strips paint like acid.
You cringe. Hearing the voice of the prophet, you try to concentrate on what he is saying, but the smell seems like it is chasing you off with a baseball bat. Squeezing your eyes shut tighter as an attempt to shield yourself from the worst of the assault, you realize that someone is trying to quietly nudge you aside.

What! its over you cry, noooo!!! I didn't even get to hear what he had to say!

And that folks, is the top killer of prophetic ministry. Bad Breath.

It is simple, but a common overlooked issue that can have devastating consequences.
Maybe a previous meal, a quick coffee, a penchant for garlic and onions, being in a rush and forgetting to brush your teeth before an event, or a mild tooth infection, there can be many innocent and easily forgotten causes of why someone could have bad breath.

So what to do?

1) Keep a good oral hygiene regime, including attending the dentist regularly for checkups and deep cleaning.
2)Keep a track of when and what you are eating in relationship to prophesying opportunities. If something is coming up, don't eat or drink anything that could make your breath offensive.
3) Always carry breath freshener or mints. You never know when someone may ask you for prayer or a word from the Lord.

And finally, if in doubt, befriend someone who you think is brave enough to do a 'breath test' with. If they cringe at your breath, you know you need some work.