When Jesus came to earth, He came in the form of a baby boy—physically vulnerable and reliant on the care of a family.

He did not have an armed guard.

He did not have a fortress or palace to protect Him.

He did not even have a clean environment.

He was born in a stable, where strangers came and went.

And yet no place on earth could have been better protected. Nowhere could have been as much under the Father’s care.

Today I believe God is speaking to those of you who are in a season where He is bringing new things to birth in your life.

Maybe you have:

• Recently received prophetic confirmation of something new emerging in your life and ministry
• A new ministry initiative underway
• Stepped out in a new role or responsibility and are still finding your way
• Had something drop into your care that is unexpected but you know it is of God
• A sense that something new is stirring in your life, but you are not even sure what it will look like when it emerges.[1]

This Christmas, entrust that new thing into His care.

The Father’s plan concerning the life and journey of His Son Jesus was as strong as Heaven itself—unshakeable. Nothing, no power on earth could break His plan or hinder His intentions.

Today, God is speaking peace into that place of your life that concerns His new beginnings, bringing freedom from pressure and release from anxious care.

Step into that zone where you are released from every responsibility except to cooperate with His Spirit.

Your role is not to make it happen. Your role is to partner with Him in an attitude of worship, and to be diligent in obedience. In all things, keeping the balance of faith and wisdom.

Recognise that there is a limit to—not only what you can do, but what God requires of you. Find that place and rest there.

You can trust Him to take care of that new thing.

‘The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.’ (Ps 121:7-8)

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Warm Christmas greetings from Melbourne, Australia, from all of us on the team here at David McCracken Ministries.

In the photo from left to right are: Carmen, Michelle, Helen Calder, Malcolm ‘The Hunk’ Calder, David McCracken, Margaret McCracken, Steve McCracken, Anne, Kamal, Clayton Coombs.

It has been a joy to journey with you on Enliven Blog throughout 2012. The next Enliven Blog post will be produced on 31^st December and will include some prophetic insights for you as you begin your journey in 2013.

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Notes:
[1] If you are considering making a change in your life due to something you believe God is speaking to you, the following post has important information:

Personal Guidance for the Important Decisions of Life

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For more Christmas inspiration, here are some more Enliven Blog articles for you to enjoy:

Christmas Advent Is A Time To Encounter God

Angels Herald Jesus’ Birth And The Beginning Of A Supernatural Era

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I welcome you to leave a comment in the comments box. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Dear friends,

Greetings from Melbourne, Australia!

‘For the kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.’
(Rom 14:17)

All of heaven celebrated at the first coming of Jesus Christ.

Shepherds in the fields witnessed a great multitude of angels rejoicing and praising God nearby in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:8-14)

I believe that joy is our portion and inheritance. Right now as you read this, I pray that the Spirit of God will release fresh joy over your life.

This joy is not conditional upon circumstances or relationships or feelings; it is sourced in the presence of ‘Immanuel’, God with us.
(Ps 16:11, Matt 1:23)

With Christmas only a few days away, I want to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to you, the readers of Enliven Blog. I have enjoyed sharing the journey with you in 2011.

From our home to yours, The Hunk and I, along with the whole team here at David McCracken Ministries, send you warm Christmas greetings.

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The 10 Most Popular Posts on Enliven Blog

Could you do with some inspiring and informative holiday reading? Here is a countdown of the 10 most popular pages on Enliven Blog this year. Bookmark this page to return and read these articles at your leisure—enjoy!

10. 6 Tips For Exercising The Gift Of Discernment In Church Life

 

9. How To Exercise Your Prophetic Gift Pt 1: Understand The Process Of Prophecy

 

8. No Longer An Orphan: How I Discovered The Father’s Love

 

7. How To Exercise Your Prophetic Gift Pt 2: How To Receive A Revelation From God

 

6. Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

 

5. How To Discover Your Spiritual Pathway

 

4. 12 Signs Of Spiritual Warfare

 

3. 8 Ways To Grow Your Gift Of Discernment

 

2. How To Develop Your Prophetic Gift Pt 1: Where To Begin

 

1. 8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift Of Discernment

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Father, right now I pray and release a blessing over every person reading this page, wherever they are. May they experience Your grace, joy and overflow during this Christmas period. Let there be miracles of breakthrough, healing and provision. Let relationships be strengthened and families united. Let there be refreshing of body, soul and spirit. And may each one draw closer to You than ever before, in Jesus’ Name.

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Have you enjoyed Enliven Blog in 2011? Leave a comment to tell us what Enliven Blog has meant to you personally or share with us your favourite post or topic. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Advent is an important season in the Christian calendar. It consists of the weeks leading up to Christmas, which is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The word ‘Advent’ is derived from a Latin word, ‘adventus’ which means ‘coming.’ [1]

Advent is a season of preparation and expectation.

Christmas Advent Today

In our culture, it is easy to lose the wonder and anticipation of Christmas Advent.

For many of us, preparation means the pressure of buying gifts, planning menus and events, or tying up loose ends at work.

Expectation consists of mixed feelings as we anticipate the positives and negatives of having family with us—or absent from us.

If you can relate to this, I urge you to take some time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart.

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be busy and distracted.

I don’t want my life to be like the inn at Bethlehem—so busy accommodating everything and everyone else that I turn Jesus away at the door. [2]

The Challenge of the Original Advent

(Luke 1:5-38)

Zachariah was the father of John the Baptist. Mary was the mother of Jesus. Their lives, and many others at that time, were changed forever by the coming of Jesus.

Let’s take a few moments to consider what Advent meant to those involved in the birth of our Saviour—and what following Jesus Christ may also mean for us today.

Divine Interruption

For Zachariah, it was business as usual—performing his occasional duties as a priest in the temple.

Mary was a young woman whose life was already mapped out. She was going to be married to Joseph, a carpenter from her hometown of Nazareth, in Galilee.

But their ordinary lives were suddenly interrupted by a message from the throne of God, brought by the angel Gabriel.

Am I willing for God to interrupt my ordinary life? Am I open to hear what He has to say to me at this time?

‘Do not be Afraid’

As I muse over the Christmas narrative, I see the words ‘Do not be afraid’ mentioned many times—to Zachariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds.

‘Do not be afraid’ encapsulates the Christmas message. It speaks hope and life into my present circumstances.

But it also deeply challenges me. It tells me that encountering God, and contemplating His demands upon my life will require something from me.

And that this ‘something’ will be so costly, and this encounter with Him so awe-inspiring, that the reaction of my soul will be fear.

Am I willing to encounter God, knowing that it will require something of me?

Life Change

The angel Gabriel’s announcement changed the landscape of Zechariah and Mary’s lives forever.

It marked a point of no return. Making room for the coming of Jesus would mean that their lives would never be the same again. It would bring both joy and sacrifice.

Am I willing to make room for Jesus in my life—even if it means moving or giving up other personal priorities?

Crisis of faith

When the angel Gabriel announced God’s plans, he received different responses from Zachariah and Mary.

Zachariah doubted.

Mary trusted.

Zachariah’s doubt cost him his voice for a season. But not even unbelief could halt the progress of God’s plans.

What is my personal response to God’s purpose for my life? Am I doubting—or trusting His word?

Participation in a Greater Plan

Zachariah and Mary were just two of a company of people whom God used to make way for the first coming of Jesus.

At the birth of his son John, Zachariah caught a glimpse of God’s purpose—the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ.

He prophesied:

‘And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.’ (Luke 1:76-79)

As we respond to the call of God to make room for Jesus in our lives, we too will become participants in God’s plan of salvation.

By making room for Jesus in our personal lives this Christmas and beyond, we are opening the door for our families, our friends, and those near and far to encounter the Good News of salvation.

Advent is a season of preparation and expectation.

Today, let’s pause from the busyness of our schedule and ask the question,

‘When it comes to my life of faith right now,

What am I preparing for?
And what am I expecting?’

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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] For more information on Advent, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent

[2] See Luke 2:7, Rev 3:20

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Related Posts:

Hunger For God: 6 Ways You Can Stir It Up

Angels Herald Jesus’ Birth And The Beginning Of A Supernatural Era

How To Recover The Wonder Of Hearing God’s Voice

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Warm Christmas greetings from Melbourne, Australia.

The Hunk and I are looking forward to celebrating Christmas Day with friends and family, beginning with a service at our church to honour the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I pray that this Christmas you will know the presence and love of Immanuel, God With Us (Matt 1:23). In His Presence is fullness of joy—a joy that transcends any circumstances you may be facing right now.

As a thank you to my readers who have shared the journey with me this year, I would like to offer you a free e-book as a Christmas gift.

(If you would like a free e-book, please follow the instructions at the end of this post. Note that this is a limited offer).

I would like to especially thank those of you who have provided feedback to me through comments over the past year.

Here are some of the comments I have received on the blog throughout 2010:

Prophetic People In Testing Times: Signs Of Trial

‘I am going through a rather very very tough time and relate with almost everything you have said. Its hard its my first time ever I feel so vulnerable… Only me and God and anybody who can relate to this understands. I am so glad I found this website especially at this time thank God for you.’

You Don’t Need to Have a Special Gift To Be A Supernatural Christian

‘I needed this message this morning! I know I have an incredible gift from God, but I do allow that to limit me in so many ways…this message has truly set me on fire and I am so excited to meet people where they are and not where I am, when I am out and about. Thank you so much!’

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

‘I realized that I did indeed have an orphan mindset even though I’ve been a Christian for 30 years and still growing up in Him. My dad was an alcoholic and was neglectful and emotionally distant from me. I carried this mindset that God was like my earthly father… I prayed the prayer and I do feel a release and tearful. I know that I will need to renew my mind with God’s love to me as my Father.

Thank you so much for bringing this timely word into my life.’

A Prophetic Word For Those In The Golden Years Of Life

‘I have been wondering just what the Lord had in store for me in the sunset years of my life as I am 70, but don’t feel like it. This gives me hope that I am not “over the hill”, and there are still things that I can do to be a servant. What a timely message. Thank you thank you.’

When You Hit A Wall In Your Ministry

‘Thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom. I’m going to keep a copy of this on file as I know it will come in handy. It is clearly a difficult time (when you hit a wall) in which to be honest with yourself.’

Face To Face With God: Can I Have A Relationship Like Moses?

‘What a great teaching, this spoke to me right where I’m at and right where I want to be hungry and desperate for more of God! Constantly filled with his love! How great for us that we, in a greater day, get to experience even more than Moses through Jesus Christ!! Bless you and your ministry and the fire of God would fill you to continue preaching the good news and releasing the prophetic insight to the bride!’

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

‘What great insight into rebuilding our devotional life. Mine has been so dry lately I feel I’m living in a desert but this sparks interest in my heart and I plan to put this into practice immediately. Thanks for sharing and not being timid about sharing your own trials.’

8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift Of Discernment

‘This was an awesome blog to read. I have questioned this gift for years. After reading this I feel as though I have it, and also know that I have used it wrong and sadly not to the full extent.’

The Secret Of Living An Undivided Christian Life

‘I am really touched by the above article. As I was reading it I realised I have not been living a real undivided Christian Life. There are times I seem to lower the standard in order to fit in especially in my professional context. But now I know it is wrong, I take the commitment to be myself everywhere and to use my prayer and other gifts to impact the world around me. Thank you once more for the article.’

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How To Receive Your Free Christmas E-Book

I would like to offer you the opportunity to receive one of my e-books free of charge, as my Christmas gift to you.

Last week I saw one of my e-books viewed on an iPad, and it looked great!

Here are the instructions:

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1. Read through the e-books pages and choose the e-book that you would like to receive. Here is the link to the e-books page:

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/e-books/

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2. Make a comment at the bottom of this post, sharing a) Which e-book you would like to receive and b) A brief note as to why you have chosen that particular book.

If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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3. I will send the e-book to the email address you provide when you comment (note that your email address is kept private)

Note: This offer will expire on 31 December 2010 or after 20 requests, whichever comes first.

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Have a blessed Christmas and New Year.

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© Helen Calder  2010  Enliven Publishing

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Some of the most precious Christmas gifts I have ever received have come in unexpected wrapping.

• Roughly packaged treasures from small children,
• Innocuous cards containing expensive surprises,
• The smallest of presents from the largest of hearts

To accept or reject a gift based on its external presentation would be unthinkable.

This week I have been reading the Christmas accounts in Luke and Matthew and wondering again at the priceless treasure hidden in a stable and cradled in a manger—Jesus, Immanuel, God With Us.
The packaging may have been rough and ordinary, but this gift was also gilded with unexpected lashings of heavenly glory.

After 400 years of prophetic silence in the land of Israel, angels burst upon the scene bringing the word of the Lord direct from God’s throne.

And people—not prophets as of old, but ordinary people—are filled with the Holy Spirit and bring prophetic proclamations.

As Luke recounts events surrounding the birth of Jesus, my ‘Spirit Filled Life Bible’ makes the margin note, ‘..the new era is signalled by the renewal of the gift of prophecy, which has been dormant…’
I muse on the angelic and prophetic activity recorded by Luke, in the first two chapters alone:

• The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, bringing God’s word and instruction concerning John (Luke 1:11-22)
• The angel Gabriel is sent to Mary (Luke 1:26)
• Elizabeth makes a prophetic proclamation concerning Jesus (Luke 1:41-45)
• Zaharias prophesies (Luke 1:67-79)
• An angelic visitation to shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:8-15)
• Simeon prophesies over the baby Jesus (Luke 2:25-32)
• Anna prophesies concerning Jesus (Luke 2:36-38)

Matthew adds to this, instances of angelic guidance in dreams to Joseph and the wise men (Matt 1:20-23, Matt 2:1-15).

These events are not limited to the occurrences surrounding Jesus’ birth. Throughout the book of Acts prophetic guidance and yes, angelic activity, continue to be a part of the normal early church experience (see Acts 1:10, 5:19, 8:26, 10:3, 12:7, 27:23 for accounts of angels, before we even start on prophecy and signs).

Supernatural is now the new normal, testifying of Jesus and attributing to His saving grace and Divine intervention.

As I meditate upon this, I find it incredibly challenging.

What if the gift of God’s Presence, this year and beyond, was to come in unexpected wrapping? What if I failed to see it because I was looking for something else—or worse, dismissed it out of hand?

I am comfortable with prophecy and have grown to expect the occasional spiritual dream. But angels and signs? Reading Luke, I realise, with dismay, that I tend to rate some types of supernatural activity as acceptable and normal, and others as unexpected and abnormal.

I wouldn’t consider picking and choosing gifts under the tree based on the colour or packaging or size. So why would I do this with the gift of God?

As we enter the New Year, let’s be open to whatever way God chooses to manifest His purposes and His activity in our lives, our churches and in those around us. Let’s look for Him both in the rough and ordinary, and the supernatural, glorious and unforeseen.

Let’s enter the coming year EXPECTANT.

With prayers for a blessed Christmas from my house to yours!

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Related Posts:

Christmas Advent Is A Time To Encounter God

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© Helen Calder 2009 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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