I think many people today WANT to hear prophecies from the Lord and see them come to pass, so they are willing to accept any "words from the Lord". I am always skeptical of anyone proclaiming to be a prophet of God, or have a "word" from the Lord. Did any of God's true prophets ever say "Listen to me, I am a prophet of God?" Did any of God's true prophets ever say, "Sorry, I misunderstood the Lord so I may not have said it exactly right?"
     I don't think scripture records any such thing, but if anyone can find a verse that shows me otherwise, then please post it here. I think most of the true prophets were humble, possibly even unwilling at times, and their disobedience was strongly dealt with, as in the case of Jonah. Moses was reluctant to speak on behalf of the Lord, and gave the excuse that he stuttered, so God sent Aaron with him. God  prepared Moses for his life's work by sending him to the wilderness for 40 years.
     Many of the true prophets died for their obedience in speaking the truth, and most of them offended many by speaking the truth. Being a prophet of the Living God was, and is, a very lonely position. Men are offended by the truth. If God were to strike dead anyone proclaiming to speak on His behalf today who was NOT called by Him, there would be a lot less "words from the Lord" being posted on internet sites today. Perhaps I am wrong, but I think that if God were to speak through a true man of God today He would not need page after page of seventeenth century English to get the message across. God's message is simple and easy to understand.
     Eric C had a great post today and we would do well to pay attention. I agree that if God is going to give us signs He will tell us exactly what they are, not allow us to be confused by many different things that we could interpret to be those signs. He will say what He will do then will do what He says He will do. I do not believe that the three signs did not happen because "praying Christians" postponed them. God is not the author of confusion, nor does He lie.
     Satan and his messengers appear as angels of light, and as he is the father of lies and a deceiver, he will be making use of many more immature Christians in these times. I am not saying God cannot deliver a message through someone who has only been saved a year, but that is hardly time to gain maturity and discernment of spiritual things. Be prepared to hear many more false prophets but be prepared to test them, as we are to test the spirits in all things.
 
    Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1