More than 30 years ago, as a young teenager, I stood up in our church and shared my first prophetic insight.

It consisted of two visions.

The first was of a fruitful land and a harvest. I believed that God was speaking of a future time when the church would flourish and many people would come to faith in Jesus.

The second picture was unusual—it was of a desert. And out from the middle of this dry land rose a pipe, with a tap. I knew that if the faucet were simply to be turned on, then the water would flow, and the desert transformed into a fruitful place.

I believed this second vision concerned prayer and intercession; that through prayer the church would partner with God for this future harvest to take place.

A passion for revival and prayer was birthed in me that has endured to this day.

A Life-long Call

Some ten years later, The Hunk and I were hosting Asian Christian leaders in our home and hearing first-hand reports of revival in Asia. One leader gave me a prophecy that was simply, ‘Tell Helen to start a prayer meeting for revival.’ [1]

The prophecy bore fruit, as in the years following I was used of God in small ways to start, or ignite, prayer meetings for churches, for leaders and for revival.

When we ministered throughout New Zealand in the 1990’s, I was intensely burdened for the nation. During that time I shed tears of intercession for revival—for a move of God to awaken and empower the church, that would result in the salvation of many—in every town and city that we visited.

And our Father arranged miraculously for us to visit centres of revival in Canada and the USA in the late 1990’s.

In 2002, I carried my passion for revival across the Tasman in our move to Australia.

The name of my blog—‘Enliven’—was chosen because it is a synonym for the word ‘revive.’

My Perspective Has Changed

The reason that I share the above story is to explain that Christian revival is not just a random topic of interest for me.

It is a lifelong passion—one in which I have invested a considerable amount of time, pursuit, and prayer.

I still believe in revival, and yet my interpretation of what revival means—in terms of my own call, as well as for the church globally—has changed considerably.

Here are some of the ways my perspective and prayers have changed.

1. From Pleading to Receiving

Two years ago, I encountered God as Father in such a powerful way that it revolutionised the way I perceived everything about my faith.

I realised that much of my Christian service and belief system had been based out of an ‘orphan spirit,’ rather than the position of sonship that Paul talks about in Gal 3:26-4:7.

An orphan mindset believes and fears that we are separated from the Father and His resources. [2]

As a prophetic intercessor, one of my favourite prayers used to be:
‘Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!’ (Isaiah 64:1)

But I no longer see the move of God as something to plead for. The open heaven that I once cried out to God for, I now recognise is mine—and the church’s—by inheritance through Christ.

It is the privilege of sons and daughters to ask and receive. (Luke 11:9-13)

2. From Local to Global

For years, others and I sought revival based on what we knew about it from church history, as well as reports from around the world.

The picture I had of revival was of a season of Divine visitation—accompanied by miracles, signs, and conviction of sin leading to the salvation of many—in a church, city, region or nation.

I do still believe in the value of revivals that are localised outpourings of the Holy Spirit.

However, my present view of revival is best described in this quote from Dr. Vance Havner:

‘Revival is simply New Testament Christianity, the saints going back to normal.’

What excites me now is the way that the church globally is stirring. Christian believers across the earth are awakening to who they are and Whose they are, and acting accordingly.

3. From ‘Not Yet’ to Now

I now believe that I spent much of my life waiting and praying for God to begin something that He has already initiated.

But the prayers and tears that so many of us have offered up over the years have not gone wasted. To our great surprise we see that they have been sown into the Father’s plan, one that is so much greater than we could have imagined.

The revival that I spent a lifetime waiting for is here and now. It is coming as Christians and churches across the earth awaken to our inheritance and to the reality of Jesus’ prayer:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt 6:10)

I believe that the great harvest of people coming to faith in Jesus, and the fruitful church that I envisioned as a teenager is becoming a reality. And God is graciously enabling me both to live it and share it with others.

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Next week I will be considering what an open heaven means, and how it relates to us as Christians today.

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Do you have any thoughts about this topic you would like to share? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Notes:

1.  My husband Malcolm ‘The Hunk’ was National Director of a mission agency from 1995-2004. We were involved on a volunteer basis for seven years prior to this, which involved serving and hosting overseas visitors.

2. I’m not saying that all prayer for revival is affected by this mindset, but it is something those of us who have prayed for revival for a long time need to be aware of.

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Our office at David McCracken Ministries is situated in a lovely, semi-rural neighbourhood. A few days ago, I went on my regular walk past a vineyard during my lunch break. I was amazed to see fresh green shoots springing from the harshly pruned vines.

What seemed so barren and dead for months is now a picture of resurrection life.

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I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)

In the same way that a plant undergoes seasonal pruning in order to blossom and bear more fruit, seasons of testing are crucial to the development of our spiritual gifts.

During these times, the best that we have produced seems to have been stripped away from us. God is allowing fruitful areas of our lives and ministries to be cut back, in order that we can focus in a significant way and be even more fruitful for His Kingdom.

Signs that you are in a Testing Season

Some signs that you may be experiencing a testing season in relation to your spiritual gifts include:

• Feeling that you have been shut down in your God-given abilities
• You might have voluntarily or involuntarily released ministry responsibility and feel displaced as a result
• You long for the honeymoon period when you first discovered your spiritual gift
• You might have made mistakes and wonder whether you will ever recover
• You experience doubts about your ability and wonder if God really called you
• You find yourself going through character-testing circumstances and coming up short on the character side
• You wonder whether the prophecies once made about you will ever be fulfilled
• You feel as though you are being criticised, blocked or resisted
• You feel battle-worn and weary
• You feel displaced, separated or hidden in relation to your gift and ministry
• The opposite of God’s call and the destiny you believed for seems to be happening to you.

A testing season can be specific to a single gift. I have often heard prophetic people relate, mystified, that their prophetic ministry feels as though it has been blocked and yet they are experiencing fruitfulness in other areas of service.

The Season of Trial: What is God Doing?

Developing Skills you will need in the Future

Joseph knew that his destiny was one of rulership, but it seemed that his life was taking the opposite course. However, during the time of slavery and unjust imprisonment he developed skills that would be invaluable to his future. He learned the Egyptian language and customs, along with principles of stewardship, leadership and resource management.

During the season of trial, God may be working gifts and skills into your life that you need to fulfil His destiny in the long run.

Refining Character

During wilderness times, the people and circumstances that try us are instruments that God uses to develop our character and point us towards our destiny. Joseph understood this. He later said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen 50:20).

Repositioning

During a testing time, God may actually be repositioning us for a new season of fruitfulness.

Elijah went on the run from Jezebel, overnight going from success to mess. He sat under a tree in the desert and actually prayed that he would die. The Lord visited Him and gave him directions for a new season of his ministry. He was to call Elisha as his successor and anoint a new king who would bring Jezebel’s reign to an end.

Elijah had an appointment with God in the wilderness and so do we. During the times of difficulty or separation, allow Him to speak to you about the next season He has for your life.

Calling us to Intimacy with Him

Testing times are seasons when we have the opportunity to get closer to God than any other time. Perhaps there are fewer distractions. Perhaps need or barrenness causes us to draw nearer to Him. It is on God’s heart to reveal His love to you in fresh ways during a desert time.

Awaiting the Right Timing

While we feel as though we are fighting to survive, God is moving to change the scenery on the stage of our lives—positioning circumstances, others and us for what is to come. [1]

David went on the run from Saul in the wilderness. He was destined to become a king, but he became an outlaw first. He stayed in the desert while God worked things out on his behalf. Saul died and eventually the people called for David to be their new king.

Strengthening our Faith

Abraham is known as the ‘father of faith.’  It was twenty-five barren years before Isaac was born in fulfilment of God’s promise to make him a great nation; God waited until it was physically impossible. Paul later said of Abraham:

Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God. (Rom 4:19-20)

In the Father’s Hands

It is important to recognise that God is at work during the testing season. He is refining both your character and your gift.

How you respond in this season is very important. No matter what you have done, no matter what people have done to you, and no matter what the enemy has done against you, God is sovereignly working ‘all things together for good.’

If you can relate to this today, I pray that you will perceive the hand of God on your life. During pruning, the vine-grower’s hands are closer to the vine than at any other time.

May you sense the Father’s loving touch on your life and receive a revelation of His goodness that will empower you and cause your heart to flow with gratitude and praise.

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This post contains an excerpt from my e-book, ‘Grow Your Prophetic And Prayer Gifts.’

The six phases of spiritual gift development are beginning, desiring, emerging, developing, testing and maturing.

‘Grow Your Prophetic And Prayer Gifts’ is a high-value e-book specifically written to help you grow in your gifts of prophecy, intercession, healing, discernment and more – at whatever stage or season you are on the journey.

Check out my e-books page for more e-books related to prophetic and prayer ministry.

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

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Notes

[1] I highly recommend David McCracken’s messages on this subject, in particular, ‘God’s Amber Light’ and ‘Transition Is Empowering When Embraced.’
For information about how to access the David McCracken Ministries’ regular podcast, including messages by David McCracken and DMM team members, find the links on my podcast page by clicking here or look for David McCracken Ministries in iTunes.

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Understanding the difference between Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) prophetic ministry is a vital key to flourishing in our gifts of prophecy.

A clearer perception of this in my earlier days would have saved me personally a great deal of heartache and error in church life. [1]

Here are four key points of difference between Old and New Testament prophetic ministry, along with some dangers that can occur when a prophetic person maintains an OT viewpoint in the context of church life.

1. In the OT, a prophet was the mouthpiece of God

OT prophets had the singular role of bringing God’s word—instruction, warnings, prophecies, and so on—directly to His people.

By contrast, in the NT all believers have a relationship with God and can hear Him speaking to them personally. Therefore, prophecy is confirmation of what is already heard through relationship.

This also relates to leaders in the church today, who hear from God in their leadership capacity.

Prophetic ministry is designed to bring confirmation, clarity and empowerment to the vision of a church.

Signs of maintaining an OT viewpoint in church life:

• Maintaining they have correctly heard from God (and the leaders are wrong) when there is a point of difference
• Believing that their prophetic insights carry greater weight than the vision or direction of others who may not have a prophetic gift.

2. The OT was an era of law and judgment

In the OT, prophets pronounced warnings and judgements upon people and nations who were in disobedience to God.

The NT, however, is an era of God’s grace. [2] NT prophecy is for ‘strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.’ (1 Cor 14:3) Here is an example from Acts 15:32:

‘Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.’

NT prophecy is consistent with the ministry of Jesus and His revelation of the Father’s nature.

Even if a prophetic word is addressing error, the prophetic motive is redemption—to bring God’s purpose and to transform the situation and its outcome—and the word will be framed that way, presented in love and humility.

Signs of maintaining an OT viewpoint in church life:

• Using prophecy to point out wrongs, being quick to condemn or warn church leaders or other Christian believers
• Using prophecy to call for repentance with an underlying attitude of criticism or judgment [3]

3. In the OT, a prophet could ‘stand alone’ before God (1 Kings 17:1)

In the NT, Paul says in 1 Cor 12 that we are many members, with different gifts, in one body.

As with other spiritual gifts, prophecy is not meant to be a stand-alone ministry in the church, rather, it is incomplete without the added value of other gifts in the church body. (1 Cor 12:12)

No one ‘prophetic person’ has all the revelation. He or she also depends upon others with prophetic gifts to supply more ‘pieces of the puzzle’ of God’s revelation (1 Cor 14:29-33).

The person prophesying also needs those who have gifts of discernment, leadership and wisdom to complete their contribution to the church.

Also, in the NT you 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.

Signs of maintaining an OT viewpoint in church life:

• Isolation, separation from community
• Believing that they report directly to God only, and are commissioned and trained only by God
• Lack of accountability, i.e. not coming under leadership

4. OT prophets were expected to speak the PERFECT, inspired word of God

If they did not speak a word that proved true, they were condemned as ‘false prophets’ (Jer 14:14-16).

Some prophets were entrusted with the writing of scripture.  They also were used of God to convey His specific instruction to Kings, nations and others. Thus, accuracy and purity of their words was essential.

In the NT church, prophetic words are subject to being weighed up. (1 Cor 14:29, 1 Thess 5:20-22)

NT Prophetic ministry needs an environment of humility, cooperation and grace to operate as Jesus intended it to.

Signs of maintaining an OT viewpoint in church life:

• Believing they have a ‘hotline to God’ that bypasses the input of leadership.
• Resisting having their prophetic words weighed up
• Reacting negatively when prophetic words are not acted upon, or feedback is given that disagrees with their viewpoint

The Fruit of NT Prophetic Ministry

‘So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.’ (Eph 4:11-12)

In the NT, prophetic ministry is a servant ministry in the church. This is also true of the prophetic office.

As Paul outlines in Ephesians, the role of a leading prophetic ministry is to equip the church. This includes encouraging and empowering Christians to hear from God, as well as releasing others who have prophetic gifts.

One danger of maintaining an OT paradigm of prophetic ministry is that it sends a message of exclusivity (see points 1 and 3 above). It tends to have the opposite effect—intimidating others who have prophetic gifts and creating an unhealthy reliance upon the prophetic minister.

And finally, the fruit of NT prophetic ministry is unity. The picture that Paul gives is of a healthy body, each part unique but working and growing together into Christ-likeness.

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Notes:

[1] For more on my journey check the ‘About Enliven Blog’ page.

[2] For more detail on this topic, see the post ‘How To Weigh Up What The Prophets Are Saying Pt 2

[3] This is not to say that someone with a prophetic ministry cannot call for repentance. See ‘How To Weigh Up What The Prophets Are Saying Pt 1′

[4] I am aware that many prophetic people have experienced unhealthy or even abusive leadership, at some stage of their journey. Past hurts and difficulties should not stop us honouring and having a Biblical response to our leaders in our current situation where God has placed us. For more information on this, read my e-book Prophetic People In A Changing Church.

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

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

I shared last week about how after 33 years as a Christian I had a life-changing encounter with God as Father.

Realising that I had spent years living out of an ‘orphan’ perspective, I went back to the Bible with fresh eyes—beginning with Genesis. That is where I discovered the Father’s blessing.

Today I would like to share with you three mistaken beliefs that many of us have concerning God’s blessing. The truth is, that the blessing Jesus has made available to us is much more glorious than we could comprehend! [1,2]

Myth #1: Blessing is an Enjoyable, but Occasional Event

As Christians, we often say that God has blessed us when something good happens.  Or we may say that we are blessed when we are experiencing happiness in relationships, health or financial success.

If we take the meaning that we use in our everyday life for the word ‘blessing,’ then what we are actually saying is that blessing is transient, and unreliable—but is it?

TRUTH: The Bible reveals that we already have our Father’s blessing. Blessing is not based on circumstances or events, but upon God’s Word.

One of the New Testament Greek words translated ‘to bless’ is eulogeo. It literally means, ‘to speak well of.’ You might recognise it as the root word from which we get the word, ‘eulogy.’

When we speak a eulogy today, we are reflecting upon the past achievements and fruitfulness of someone’s life. However in the Bible, God speaks a blessing over our lives ahead of time. And God’s word of blessing has the creative power to bring that word to pass. (Is 55:11, Luke 1:37)

Created for Blessing

‘God created human beings in his own image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said…’ (Gen 1:27-28)

We are created for blessing. The first words that God spoke over Adam and Eve were words of blessing! This blessing consisted primarily of three things:

1. Fruitfulness (Gen 1:28)

You are blessed to be fruitful. (John 15:8, 16). You are blessed to have a significant life, to be someone who makes an eternal difference in the lives of others.

2. Dominion (Authority) (Gen 1:28)

You are blessed and created to rule. Your spiritual DNA is to be an overcomer in life; a victor, not a victim.

3. Provision (Gen 1:29)

The third part of the Father’s creation blessing was provision. He said, ‘I give you….’ Here God is saying, ‘I am the source of everything you need. Even those practical provisions like food, come from Me!’ (see also Matt 6:25-33)

In addition to the above, each one of us has a unique and personal blessing over our lives. Throughout scripture God reveals Himself to His people, bringing individual words of commissioning, as well as the promise of His Presence and provision. Prophecy often taps into this personal blessing.

Myth #2: I am not Blessed when I am Going Through a Difficult Time

Our common view of blessing leads us to believe that if we are struggling with problems or long-term trials, then we are not being blessed.

TRUTH: We are blessed when we are going through trials.

I remember a number of years ago, in a desperate state with nothing left to give, coming across these words of Jesus:

‘You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.’ (Matt 5:5-6, MSG)

James sums it up like this:

‘Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.’ (James 1:12)

Jesus Himself did not just bless those who were ‘successful’ in the world’s eyes. He spoke words of blessing over children, over the poor and bereaved and over those persecuted. He commanded His followers to bless their enemies. (Beatitudes—Matt 5:3-12)

Blessing is not an event, it is the word of the Father over our lives that manifests through our life’s journey. (Ps 23:4, Is 43:1-3)
Breakthrough is one manifestation of the blessing of God. But so is experiencing our Father’s favour when we respond well during a trial.

We can rest assured that no matter what is happening now, the blessing of God over our lives is acting like a great magnet, drawing us irresistibly towards the fulfillment of that blessing. (see Job 42:12-16)

Myth #3: I Have to Do Something to be Blessed

I still catch myself thinking that I have to ‘do’ something in order to earn a blessing from God.

TRUTH: My Father has already blessed me by His word. I have His blessing because of what Jesus has done, not because of anything I can do to earn it.

Adam and Eve were blessed by God before they had ever accomplished anything. This blessing strikes at the very root of our drive to perform to please God.

Before they ever did anything to deserve it, the Father blessed them. They were blessed just by virtue of being His children. And so are we.

The belief that blessing is based upon performance is an Old Testament viewpoint.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God and removed themselves from the place of relationship with God from which His blessing flowed.

When God introduced the law of Moses, blessing became tied to obedience of the law. Deuteronomy 28 describes blessings and curses related to keeping the law.

But the law could never be perfectly kept. In Galatians, Paul points out that the law was designed to lead us to Jesus. (Gal 3:23-25)

When Jesus died on the cross for our sin, He took the curse of the law upon Himself. (Gal 3:10-14) The blessing due to Him has come upon us.

Because of what Jesus has done, we now live under an open heaven of favour and blessing over our lives

The blessing that Adam and Eve enjoyed, and the blessing that Jesus has, now belongs to you and me. (Eph 1:3-6)

How to Position for Blessing

Blessing cannot be earned; however, we can position ourselves to receive it and enter into it. Here are some ways in which we can do that:

• Study and grasp the Biblical perspective of blessing

• Foster unity in our relationships and churches (Ps 133:3)

• Renew our minds by thinking in accord with God’s blessing over us (Rom 12:2)
  We need to feed the anticipation of God’s goodness towards us. Why should we have more faith in the enemy’s power to destroy, than Gods power to do good? Jesus came to give us abundant life.  (John 10:10)

• Speak in agreement with God’s blessing over ourselves and others. (James 3:9-11) We are created in God’s image and can be agents of God’s blessing through the words of our mouth.

• Stay in an intimate place of relationship with God.
  This is the most vital key of all. As we listen and obey Him, power is released to bring God’s word of blessing to fulfillment in our lives.

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Notes:

[1] Due to the limitations of a single article, I am unable to share all the wonderful truths I have learned from the Bible about blessing! Maybe you, like me, would enjoy more nuggets of truth from the Bible on this topic.

Just for you, I am including a few more thoughts and findings in the comments section of this post. You may like to add your own thoughts and feedback, too. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

[2] For the purpose of this discussion, by myth I mean a widespread belief in the Christian community that has no basis in Biblical truth

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Related Posts:

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church