‘Can we remain confident in God’s love and His purpose for our lives when crisis looms or disaster strikes?’

The Day David Lost Everything

(1 Sam 30)
If anyone ever had cause to believe that God had abandoned him during a time of crisis, it was David.

David returned with his men to their hometown Ziklag, to find it had been attacked, looted and burned by Amalekite raiders. Their wives, children and possessions had been captured and taken away by their enemy. (1 Sam 30:3)

The Bible tells us that David and his men cried aloud until they had no more strength to weep.

And then, seeking a place to lay blame as grief turned to rage over the loss of their families, David’s men turned on him. They began to talk of stoning him in retaliation.

It had to have been one of the worst days in David’s life.

These dire circumstances had arisen from a leadership decision that David had made, which resulted in his men being away from their families during the time of attack. It appeared that he had failed to protect his own.

He could have given up.

But instead, David’s response resulted in breakthrough—the recovery of their families and possessions and the destruction of their enemies. It also helped position David for his ascent to the throne of Israel.

How did this incredible turn-about in circumstances happen? And what can we learn from this Bible account when faced with our own crises?

4 Things you can do in Times of Crisis

1. Don’t Cover up the Pain.

‘All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.’ Ps 38:9

David wept—he expressed his grief and anguish and let it all out.

One of the things we learn from David’s psalms is that we can be completely honest before God. The psalms teach us that we can ask God the hard questions, cry out our pain, and even express our doubts and rage.

But the Psalms do not stop there, and neither did David at this time.

2. Choose to Trust in God and Find Strength in Him

At this lowest point, we are told that David ‘found strength in the Lord His God.’ (1 Sam 30:6)

David held to the truth that God was still present with Him—that he had not been abandoned.

When we are faced with trials, danger, natural disasters or even spiritual warfare, God is with us. He is our Father. When we have no strength left of our own—He is our source of strength.

This is the ultimate test of trust.

David was overcome with grief, but instead of allowing his feelings to dictate his response, he chose at that time to turn to God.

Trust is not a feeling; it is not something that we need to look within ourselves to supply.

Trust is based on the sure knowledge that God is completely trustworthy.

David wrote in the Psalms, ‘The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.’ (Ps 18:2)

3. Ask God Questions and Find out what He is Saying

David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” (1 Sam 30:8)

Does evidence seem to point to God having abandoned you? To His destiny for your life not being fulfilled? Are people around you, like David’s men, expressing a negative opinion?

David did not respond to the talk of his men; he did not respond to his feelings or the circumstances he was presented with. He responded to the word of God.

When faced with a crisis, we can ask

• What is the truth in God’s Word—the Bible—that I need to believe about who I am, and about who God to me right at this time?

The next question is

• Father, what is Your specific word to me right now?

Through Jesus, we have a personal relationship with God and He wants to speak with us.

Take time to listen. [1]

4. Remember who you are and Whose you are—and Respond Accordingly

During a time of crisis, it is time to dig deep and to rediscover the foundations of our own history with God.

It is time to remember the call, the gifts, and the grace on our lives.

We know that David did that, because his response to this trial came out of the gift and anointing God had given to him from the very beginning.

We see that he responded firstly as a worshipper, then as a leader, and then as a warrior.

Perhaps he remembered protecting his sheep from the lion and the bear. Maybe he recalled slaying Goliath with a stone and the word of God—or the times God had rescued him from Saul and his armies.

David’s own history told him that even though the odds against him were great, they were no match for God and His word.

David took 600 men with him to pursue the enemy. When he had to leave 200 behind who were too exhausted to continue, the odds against him increased yet again.

But they not only succeeded in overcoming the enemy, they regained their families and possessions and a great deal more—all the plunder the Amalekites had captured from other places.

When crisis hits, take time to reflect on what God has done for you and through you in the past. He is faithful.

Your Story is not Finished yet

This crisis not only resulted in a victorious outcome, it came just prior to the fulfilment of the destiny on David’s life.

Ziklag was burned and their homes destroyed. This was a devastating event. However David asked God for guidance and was later led to take his men and their families and settle in the city of Hebron.

It was in Hebron that David would be anointed King of Judah, and later of Israel (2 Sam 2:4, 5:3)

Choose God, choose His Word, and you will find that the pathway through the crisis you are currently facing leads to your destiny.

There is another chapter ahead of you.

When problems or disasters take place—as the book of Job reminds us (Job 42:10)—life does not end there. Sometimes, it begins.

---

Notes:

[1] I have found that journaling is always a great tool to record conversations with God, and this is particularly true in times of testing. To find out more about journaling, these posts may be helpful:

When Your Devotional Life Is Dry: How To Fall In Love With The Bible Again

Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

---

Do you have any ideas or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a note in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

---

© Helen Calder 2011   Enliven Blog  http://propheticpeople.com/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

When was the last time you allowed the Holy Spirit to put a cause on your heart?

Over the past two months, floods have devastated parts of our nation, Australia.

An acquaintance of ours who is not a Christian remarked on the outstanding efforts of a church group to aid flood victims in a town where her mother lives.

We are thrilled that our own church has taken up a generous love offering and is giving practical assistance to those who have suffered flood damage locally.

For the Christian, giving is not an option; it is part of our spiritual DNA. ‘God so loved the world that He gave…’ (John 3:16)

Throughout the church, there has been a resurgence of giving aid and serving those in need—along with a rising passion for social justice. The church in our day has the ability to make a physical difference in the lives of many people, communities and nations.

The Hunk and I spent many years in service with a Christian mission agency that was engaged in humanitarian aid, as well as church planting, so this is a subject dear to our hearts.

These days I find myself asking two questions in relation to giving:

1. How can we give in a way that Jesus gets the glory? and
2. How can we give without being spent—exhausting our reserves and (as a result) losing effectiveness?

Let Your Light Shine

”Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

The love of Jesus is expressed when Christian believers are generous with our time, effort and resources to help those who are in need. When people see God at work in and through our lives, they are drawn to Him.

However, doing ‘good deeds’ alone is not necessarily going to give God glory, or draw people to Jesus.

We can do great things and draw praise to ourselves. As my pastor sometimes says, we can do good works as a church and be no different to the Rotary Club.

The good works that bring glory to God are those that, as Jesus teaches, observers give Him credit for.

This leads to an important question:

How can an onlooker find reason to give God praise for what they see, when we are doing good deeds? As we serve in our communities and beyond, how can we give honour to Jesus through our efforts and our aid?

This is a question that calls for consideration. I believe some of the ways this can happen are when:

• What we do is motivated by God’s love, not just duty on our part. People can sense the difference.
• We give joyfully. (2 Cor 9:7) Joy is an expression of God’s Kingdom (Rom 14:17)
• We talk about the part God has played in making it possible for us to do it—whether through guidance, provision or other means
• The good work is miraculous in nature, or involves an answer to prayer
  
• The change Jesus has made in our lives that results in us doing good things is evidence in itself
  
• We do something as a result of the leading of the Holy Spirit—and His anointing (Presence and power) is recognised
• We give even though we are in need ourselves (2 Cor 8:1-2)
• We give extravagantly, with no ‘strings attached.’ This means serving without any expectation of a response towards God or us. This way of serving reflects His grace and mercy towards people (Matt 5:45)

A God-Idea—or a Good Idea?

We need to be discerning about where we give.

There will be times when there is a need in front of us that we are capable of meeting—and responsible before God to do so. (see 1 John 3:17-19)

However, there will also be times when we need to make wise decisions about where to give our personal resources of time, service and finance.

Even Jesus did not respond to every need that presented itself. He said, ‘The Son can only do what He sees the Father doing.’ (John 5:19)

When we give where God is directing us, He anoints our actions and we can expect to see breakthrough.

There is power in giving prayerfully. You may have thought to give a general donation, but the Holy Spirit directs you to give to a specific need, group or person.

Not Always Understood

Even when we give in the way I have mentioned above, and our motivations are those of love for God and people, not everyone will understand us.

When this happens, we need to forgive and release our accusers and continue to do what God has called us to.

Throughout our years of service with a mission agency, there were those who understood and supported us. However, there were also those who questioned our decision to sacrifice our financial position in the service of God and Third World nations.

Ultimately, we are living to please the Father. And those He is drawing to Himself will give Him credit for what they see in our lives (2 Cor 2:15-16)

Give Light—Without Burning Out

‘I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there… on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’ (Matt 5:15-16 MSG)

The lights that were used in Bible times were actually oil-fed lamps. As long as the oil was kept topped up, the light would continue to shine

And that’s a great picture of how God designed and created us to live, connected to Him and filled with His Holy Spirit

A problem can arise when we, individually or as churches, keep on giving, and mobilising, and serving, but we lose that vital connection to God.

When that happens, we’re no longer like the oil-fed lamp that Jesus referred to, we become like a candle, which burns of its own substance to give light, eventually burning out.

At times in the past I have snapped the proverbial candle in two and burned all four ends at once!

An inability to give resources, or to meet another person’s need is not necessarily selfishness (although it can be!) It may also be a barometer that something in our lives is amiss.

When this happens, it may be necessary to step back for a season and take care of what is most important.

The Power of Serving in Community

‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.’ (Heb 10:24-25)

When we serve as Christians, there is added power in giving together. Jesus said that our unity would be a witness to the world (John 17:23)

Serving in a group or community also has another benefit: we can encourage each other. And when one person is weak or needs a break, others in the group can continue the good work we have begun. (Eccl 4:9-12)

We live in a world where the needs are great, and more opportunities exist to mobilise the church than ever before. Let’s love relentlessly, give prayerfully—and let Jesus have all the glory.

---

Do you have any ideas or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a note in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

---

© Helen Calder 2010   Enliven Publishing Blog  http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

Last week I discussed the need to weigh up prophetic ministry in light of the phenomenon of global prophetic ministry via the use of the Internet.

In times past, the only prophetic words that reached us personally were those of visiting prophetic ministries to our church or area. These were ministries known to us, or known to other leaders that we respected.

However, with the advent of the Internet, social media, Google and email lists, the ability to give and receive prophecy has multiplied dramatically.

To test this, I googled “Prophetic Word For 2011” and it came up with 13,500 results!

Language is no longer a barrier. I notice, for example, that people can view my pages in languages such as French and Spanish using a translator.

Of course this is a blessing, because there is now media available to share God’s word worldwide. I have known some prophetic words to go viral—spreading from inbox to inbox.

Many prophetic words that are circulating are filled with grace and have the ability to bless and instruct.

However, some that have crossed my path (or should I say inbox) recently have caused me concern.

I believe that the Bible teaches us to consider prophecy carefully and test whether or not it is from the Lord.

Last week I discussed some guidelines we can use as we weigh up prophetic ministries.

Today I am looking at what to consider when weighing up the content of a prophetic word or message.

---

Weighing up a Prophetic Word

Someone sends us a prophecy via email, or a link to a prophecy online that he or she is excited about. Before we hit the ‘forward’ button, here are some things to consider about the prophetic word:

A. Does the Word Reveal the Father’s Heart?

Prophesying Natural Disasters and World Events

In Part 1, I mentioned that some abuse of prophetic ministry today arises from ministries adhering to an Old Testament paradigm of prophetic ministry.

The New Testament ushered in an era of God’s mercy. It is an age in which God’s kindness, not His wrath and judgement, leads to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

When Jesus announced His ministry, He quoted that part of Isaiah 61 where it says, ‘He has sent me to proclaim… the day of the Lord’s favour.’ He stopped short of quoting, ‘and the day of vengeance of our God.’ (Luke 4:18, Is 61:1-3)

Jesus Himself said, ‘For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’ John 3:17

God’s judgment on the nations is reserved for a future time. (Rom 2:5; Matt 25:31-46) [1] This being the case, what should motivate a prophecy about future events and trials?

Jesus’ Motivation: Prepare and Protect

A prophetic word warning of pending disasters should reveal God’s heart to save and protect.

When Jesus prophesied concerning the devastation coming upon Jerusalem He included the heartfelt cry:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Matt 23:37)

Jesus’ verbally expressed desire was to embrace and save, not to condemn and judge.

In Matthew 24 Jesus warned His disciples of events to come, forecasting the destruction of Jerusalem and the tribulation of end times.

During His discourse, Jesus gave practical advice for protection (Matt 24:15-18), as well as warning signs to watch out for.

He was conveying prophetic revelation of difficult times to come, in order to prepare and protect His people.

A Prophecy that Mobilised the Church to Give

In the book of Acts, Agabus’ prophetic foretelling of a severe famine resulted in mobilisation of resources from the church to relieve those who were suffering. (Acts 11:27-30)

The purpose of Agabus’ prophecy was not to pronounce judgement, and not to authenticate the prophet. Instead, the prophecy prepared the church to express God’s heart towards those affected by the famine. [2]

What if today—instead of prophesying judgement—the church weighed up prophetic words concerning future events and then used those insights to prepare to share the Gospel through extravagant giving and service to those in need?

What if prophetic words, delivered in a spirit of love and concern, helped governments and civil leaders plan for disaster relief?

B. Does it invite consideration—is it open, or closed?

A prophetic word should invite hearers to consider it and weigh up for themselves whether the prophecy is from God.

In the past I had a mistaken belief that prophetic ministries have a ‘hotline to God’ that precludes them from error. I now realise how unscriptural and dangerous this is. [3]

This belief can sometimes be reflected in the language used in a prophecy.

Words of Direction and Correction

All prophecies are subject to testing, and this is especially true of words that give direction or correction.

Even a mature prophetic ministries in the prophetic office should not give directive or corrective words without submitting them in an attitude of humility.

A message that is directional (gives specific guidance) should be framed in an ‘open’ way that gives the recipient room to weigh it up—and if necessary, shelve or even reject the word.

C. Is It Redemptive?

A prophecy should reflect the truth of the Gospel; that God’s desire towards people, His church and the nations is always to restore and redeem.

Jesus used prophetic revelation in His discussion with the woman at the well to point out her sin; however, He did not condemn or judge her. Instead, He showed her truth and grace and led her to faith in Him. (John 4)

Does the prophecy bring with it faith and a sense of expectation? As God says in Jer 29:11,

‘ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’

D. Is It Biblical?

Most of us know that prophecy should not contradict scripture. However, a prophecy can be Biblical and yet be imbalanced, or take a point out of context.

Prophetic ministry should reflect the whole counsel of scripture; for example, Old Testament truth is balanced and explained by revelation in the New Testament.

E. Is It Empowering?

‘Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.’ Acts 15:32

A prophetic word should empower the church and our individual Christian life. A word that brings conviction, for example, should lead to freedom and to intimacy with God.

Prophecy should be concerned with changing our heart first and our behaviour second. We need to be wary of a performance focus in prophetic ministry.

F. Does it Resonate with the Spirit of God Within Me?

The Apostle John said,

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit-just as it has taught you, remain in him. 1 John 2:26-27

A good question to ask about a prophecy that is aimed at us personally is, ‘Where does the prophecy lead me?’ As John said, we can discern a ministry by whether it keeps us in fellowship with Jesus.

I need to be on the alert if a prophecy leads me into fear, condemnation, criticism, or an unhealthy focus on supernatural experiences.

We need to be careful about a sensational word or a word that feeds our sinful nature (greed, need for affirmation, etc). Ask, ‘What in me is responding to the word?’

Finally, unless I am convicted that the word is pertinent and have gone through a process of weighing up the ministry and message, I am very reluctant to pass on a prophetic word, especially by email.

I would love to hear what others think about this topic. To view or contribute to this discussion, leave a comment below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

---

[1] This is a big subject. I highly recommend Ps Mark Conner’s response to a so-called ‘prophecy’ that fatal bushfires were a result of God’s judgement for sin in Australia. You can find his discussion here:

 

http://markconner.typepad.com/catch_the_wind/2009/02/are-the-bush-fires-the-judgment-of-god.html

[2] Agabus’ later prophecy concerning Paul’s upcoming arrest allowed both the church and Paul to come to terms with and prepare for what was to come. (Acts 21:10-14)

[3] I warn of a ‘hotline to God’ philosophy that bypasses Godly wisdom and accountability in my book, ‘Prophetic People In A Changing Church.’

See also the following blog post: Not Word Perfect: Understanding How Prophetic Ministry Works In The Church Today

---

This article should be read in conjunction with Pt 1:

 

How Do You Weigh Up What The Prophets Are Saying? Pt 1

---

© Helen Calder   Enliven Publishing Blog   http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

 

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

By nature and gifting, prophetic people tend to place a high value on prophetic words. We desire to know what the Father’s plans are for our lives, as well as what is on His heart for our church, community and nation.

As a result, we are naturally curious about what prophetic voices around the world are saying.

In today’s global community, a prophet may not even visit our nation, let alone our church, and yet still influence us because of the capabilities of the Internet, email, and related media.

I believe it is vital that we exercise wisdom in discerning both the prophetic messages and the ministries that are broadcasting globally.

How do we discern what is of God, from amongst the many voices that claim to be prophetic in the world today?

The Importance of Weighing up Prophetic Ministry

The Bible teaches us that we should weigh up prophecy and prophetic ministries carefully. (1 Thess 5:21, 1 Cor 14:29, 1 John 4:1)

Jesus warned that false prophets would come on the scene and deceive ‘even the elect’ with signs and wonders. (Matt 24:24)

Even though this is the extreme scenario, Jesus’ warning is a reminder that accurate predictions, signs, miracles or spiritual experiences do not of themselves validate a prophetic word or ministry.

John wrote,

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1-2)

‘Many’ means a lot. Even so, we should not draw back in fear, but take Paul’s wise advice:

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. (1 Thess 5:19-21)

So I believe the key question is not, ’Should we test prophetic ministries’, but ’How do we test them?’

How To Weigh Up a Prophetic Ministry

In the early days of growing in prophetic ministry, I did not exercise care in discerning the prophetic ministry that I received from or associated with.

As a result of being led along a pathway of prophetic independence, my heart, church and ministry suffered. I thank God for the gift of repentance and for the help and leadership He has given me along the way. [1]

 

Following are some characteristics that I believe are vital to exercising balanced prophetic ministry today.

(Note that I am not referring to testing a prophetic ministry in the context of church life—which is another topic, although many of the following points do apply).

A. Ministering out of a New Testament Paradigm

We can learn a lot from studying the lives and ministry of prophets in the Old Testament. However, there are some crucial differences between Old and New Testament prophetic ministry.

John The Baptist was the last prophet in the Old Testament era.

Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension ushered in a new age; the church was born. From that period on, prophetic ministry is a function of the church body.

Prophetic ministries that model their ministry on an Old Testament paradigm may miss some of the key attributes of New Testament prophetic ministry, such as:

• Being part of the church community (Acts 13:1, 1 Cor 12:27-28)
• Having a primary purpose of equipping, encouraging and strengthening the church (Eph 4:11-13, 1 Cor 14:3, Acts 15:32)
• Prophecy being confirmation, or subject to being confirmed[2]
• Accountability and the need for testing prophetic words (1 Cor 14:29, 1 Thess 5:19-21), and most importantly—
• Revealing the heart of the Father—the grace of God—as seen in Jesus (John 14:9, Rev 19:10b)

Setting aside these characteristics of NT prophetic ministry results in abuses and extremes in the prophetic movement today. [3]

B. Accountability

Jesus commended the Centurion who recognised that the release of God’s power came from being under authority. (Matt 8:5-13)

If I don’t know ministries personally, I look to see to whom they are accountable. Are they reporting to a board or other mature apostolic oversight? Are they connected to a local church?

It is easy for ministries to have the appearance of accountability on their website. However the prophet’s testimony (life journey or ministry stories) may give more insight into whether or not true accountability exists:

• Do they describe the importance that leaders and community have played in their journey, or do they boast of being trained directly by God?
• Do they have accountability in place regarding spiritual insights and experiences, or do they describe supernatural encounters without reference to them being weighed up and tested?

Paul reported to church leaders both in Jerusalem and in his sending church of Antioch (Acts 14:26-28, Acts 15:2, Gal 2:1-2)

If the Apostle Paul, to whom God entrusted direct revelation and who wrote scripture, was accountable to church leaders, shouldn’t we be?

Other glimpses of accountability in the New Testament include:

• In Acts 15:32-35, the prophets Silas and Judas were sent from the church in Jerusalem to the church in Antioch.

• In the New Testament we see less of the individual prophet and more of prophetic teams – e.g. Acts 15:32, Acts 13:1, Acts 11:27, 1 Cor 14:29, 31-32.

• Even Agabus a noted prophet in the New Testament, was part of a prophetic group from the church in Jerusalem. (Acts 11:27)

Demonstration of accountability also reflects an attitude of humility and teachability—two vital attributes in prophetic ministry.

C. Loving the Church

Love for people and for the church is vital in prophetic ministry (1 Cor 13:2).
How does this relate to the many prophetic ministries today who believe they have a mandate from God to address areas of weakness in the church?

Words of Correction

Two prophetic words address weakness or sin in the church. Both have the same insights. Yet one is sourced in the spirit of ‘accuser of the brethren,’ whilst the other is of the Spirit of God and expresses the Father’s heart. How can this be?

Jesus is not ‘soft on sin’ in His church. In His letters to the churches in the book of Revelation, Jesus rebukes and corrects the church (He also gives some of the most powerful promises in the Bible).

The person Jesus chose to receive and convey this prophetic revelation of warning and rebuke was the Apostle John.

 

John had not only helped build the church, but he also served and loved the church—to the point that he paid the ultimate price of laying down his own life.

Here are some questions to consider the next time you hear a prophetic ministry exposing and rebuking sin in the church:

• Is he or she recognised and received as a builder of the church—or on the contrary, known as someone who consistently tears the church and its leaders down? (1 Cor 14:12, 2 Cor 10:8)
• Does he or she love the church—and how has this love been demonstrated?

C. Questions to Ask

Following are some more questions that may assist in weighing up prophetic ministries (and that we need to look for in ourselves):

1. Do They Exhibit a Godly Lifestyle & Character?

An intimate relationship with God is central to prophetic ministry. However, this is not displayed in the quality of supernatural experiences a person claims to have had.

It is revealed as he or she bears the likeness of Jesus. (Acts 4:13, 2 Cor 3:18). Humility, integrity, faith, grace towards people, honour towards other Christian leaders and a moral lifestyle are all hallmarks of a life lived with God.

2. Who recognises / endorses their ministry?

• Are respected ministries and churches receiving these prophets?
• If they are prophesying concerning nations, do they actually have the ear of governing leaders?
• What do other prophetic ministries say concerning their prophetic insights (1 Cor 14:29)
• And closer to home, would my own church leaders recommend these ministries, or caution against them?

3. What is Their Fruit?

Jesus said, ‘By their fruit you shall know them.’ (Matt 7:15)

• Is their ministry bearing fruit? If so—what? If they are calling for repentance, for example, is the Holy Spirit actually using their ministries to turn people from sin and to Jesus?

4. Are They Exalting Jesus?

Signs, wonders, angels, supernatural experiences or prophetic accuracy may draw people’s attention, but do not validate a prophetic ministry.

• We should always be looking to see whether ministries are making Jesus the focus.
• Is revealing the heart, mind and intention of the Father the primary mandate of this ministry?

---

I would love to hear what others think about this topic. To view or contribute to this discussion, leave a comment below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Next week I will share part 2 of this series, including some thoughts about prophetic words that foretell natural disasters and world events.

---

Notes:

[1] I share my story in my book, ‘Prophetic People In A Changing Church.’ To learn more about my testimony, click on this link for the ‘About’ page. To find out more about the book, visit http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/e-books/prophetic-people-e-book/

[2] In the New Testament Church, all believers have the Spirit of God and can hear God’s word and receive guidance for themselves. Christian leaders have the ability to hear from God in relation to their roles and the oversight they have been given. The prophetic voice should either bring clarity and confirmation to what is already received—or be confirmed by what others then hear.

[3] See also the following post: Differences Between Old And New Testament Prophetic Ministry.

Graham Cooke deals with this subject well in his book, ‘Developing Your Prophetic Gifting’ in the chapter ‘The Role Of The Christian Prophet.’ If you are interested in exploring this topic more, I recommend looking it up, as he covers some different points to those I have touched on above.

He notes,

‘’Sadly far too many people are displaying an Old Testament ministry and personality in a New Testament Church setting. This I believe accounts for the large number of horror stories, misunderstandings and misrepresentations which belittle the prophetic ministry and discredit the gift.’(P 201)

[Graham Cooke Developing Your Prophetic Gifting’ 1994 Sovereign World Ltd Kent England]

---

© Helen Calder 2011    Enliven Publishing Blog

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

‘On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ John 7:37-39

Some years ago, we were visiting Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, NZ. Pushing our young son along in a stroller, I noticed a man-made waterfall. “Look, Stephen,” I enthused, “What a beautiful waterfall!” and we paused to watch it.

In the meantime, The Hunk was reading a notice behind us that said, “Insert a coin into the slot behind the wall to start the waterfall.” We found a coin and put it in the slot.

To our amazement, hidden floodgates opened and out came a massive downpour of water.

THAT WHICH I HAD THOUGHT WAS THE WATERFALL WAS IN REALITY ONLY A TRICKLE.

I came away thinking, “How like our experience of God. We become so accustomed to the measure we have known of His Presence and power, that we believe it is all that is available to us.”

Little do we know that beyond our experience is a vast supply that our Father is waiting for us to plug into.

The River of God

I long to have a lifestyle where people around me are being impacted by the Spirit’s power:

• Where my home life honours God
• Where my family, neighbours and workmates are being drawn to faith in Jesus
• Where regular answers to prayer for healing and freedom demonstrate the mercy of a loving Father
• Not just on a Sunday or at church meetings, but in the everyday.

Is such a life possible?

In Ezekiel 47, the prophet had a vision of a River that flowed from God’s temple into the surrounding land of Israel.

This River, sourced in God’s Presence and Rule, brought transformation, life and healing wherever it went.

Speaking of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus later said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

This was a picture of the Holy Spirit moving through the life of a Christian—through you and me.

The Half-Lived Christian Life

God purposed that we be both receivers and releasers of His life, living not only for Him but also from Him.

Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ (Matt 10:8)

Our Christian life is supposed to be a continuous rhythm of receiving and releasing, receiving and releasing.

However, many times as Christians we have periods when we give without receiving, or receive without giving. In these times, the flow of the Spirit through our lives becomes restricted or blocked.

I find it helpful to stop regularly and check how I am going in this area.

Am I vitally connected to God? Am I excited about my life with Him and sharing about it with others?
Or is there a blockage somewhere?

Here are two checklists to help reflect on this. You may see a symptom you identify with, or you may be able to add your own.

Signs you are Receiving Without Releasing

• You attend church on Sundays, but people around your daily life are not moved towards God by the life you lead or demonstrate
• You may be bored with your Christian life and feel that you are caught in a rut
• You have received a lot of teaching but when you stop to think about it, you are not putting it into practice
• You long to see the power of God impacting others around you and wonder why it is not taking place
• You may have Christian friendships, but lack meaningful relationships with those who don’t know Jesus
• You may be involved in a ministry, but wonder why it is not as fruitful as it once was.

When we receive but do not give out, we eventually become stale in our Christian experience.

We may believe that receiving more teaching or personal experiences of God’s power will help, but ultimately, we remain dissatisfied.

Signs you are Releasing Without Receiving

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The purpose of fruit is not for the vine or tree itself, but to be given away—to feed the hungry. However Jesus also taught us that we can only bear fruit when we are connected to and receiving from Him, our Source.

Here are some indicators that you are serving without being replenished:

• You are busy with Christian service, but are often short of time for your private devotional life with God
• You are feeling weary, spiritually and emotionally
• You find yourself going through the motions of living a Christian life or serving God, but it has become more of a duty than a passion
• You wonder where the power of God is
• You find it difficult to stop and receive from God—after all, other people are relying on you
• You do not have a current testimony of answered prayer or of God’s goodness towards you personally.

When we release without receiving, we are giving out of our own resources.  Without being re-filled, we inevitably become dry and can ultimately burn out.

I confess this has been my personal downfall. It has always been easier for me to achieve than to receive.

Being replenished spiritually does not come naturally for many—it requires discipline.

Keys to Escaping the Half-Lived Christian Life

Receiving and releasing is the rhythm of the Christian life that God designed us to live.

If you have recognised signs that you need strengthening in one of these areas, here are some keys that may help:

1. Take time to meditate on what living a life of receiving and releasing means for you personally. The first step towards change is to realise that something is missing

2. Pray—talk to Your Father about it. Take time to encounter God and be filled with His Spirit

3. Become dissatisfied with your current lifestyle enough to do something about it. Decide on a specific course of action that will effect a change in your life

4. Find a Christian friend, leader or mentor who you can share with and who can help keep you accountable to lasting change.

---

If you can identify with the above thoughts, I have included a prayer in the comments at the bottom of the blog. To view the prayer or to share your thoughts on this topic, go to the comments box. If it is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

---

© Helen Calder 2011   Enliven Publishing
http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/