Special days such as Mother’s Day are a time to celebrate the significant people in our lives. However, for many of us, they are days that remind us of what we do not have: [1]

• Mums or Dads who are bringing up children alone
• Those who have suffered grief or loss
• Estranged relationships between parents and children
• Parents whose hearts are breaking over children who are wandering far from God

And the list goes on.

If you can relate to this, take heart today as we look at the Bible story of how a woman called Jael overcomes a powerful enemy—right in her own home.

When the Enemy Comes to our Door

Sisera, commander of King Jabin’s army, has oppressed Israel for 20 years—with 900 chariots at his command. (Judges 4:1-3)

Sisera is a cruel and powerful foe.

Now, Israel’s army led by Barak along with Deborah, has routed Sisera’s forces—with supernatural help from God.

There is just one problem.

The warlord, the strongman Sisera himself, is still on the loose. And the battle is not over until the enemy’s commander has been defeated.

Sometimes the Battle turns up at our own Home

Sisera flees from the battle on foot and arrives at the tent of a woman called Jael, looking for shelter.

There are going to be times it seems as though the enemy has camped on our doorstep—and not content to stop there, has made an entranceway into our homes, relationships and families.

People Around us may Make Ungodly Choices

The Bible says that Jael’s husband, Heber the Kenite, has a ‘friendly relationship’ with Jabin king of Hazor.

Why has Sisera come to Jael’s home? Because another member of her household has created an ‘open doorway’ to the enemy.

‘He kept a neutral position, being at peace with both Jabin and Israel.’ (Judges 5:17)

Heber is a ‘fence-sitter.’ He does not fully align himself with God’s people. However his wife Jael does not share his position.

It is easy for us to be affected by those who are around us who don’t serve God, or who have areas of lukewarmness or sin—even in our own household.

However, we can be like Jael—not responding according to our circumstances, or the people around us, but according to God’s word.

You are Already an Overcomer by God’s Word

Before Sisera even turns up at her door, Jael already has victory over him—by God’s word.

In Judges 4:9, before the battle begins, we read the words of Deborah: “The Lord is handing the enemy over to a woman.”

Jael is moving into the miracle zone because she is positioned in agreement with what God says about her—and God says she is an overcomer.

God says YOU are an overcomer. (1 John 4:4)

Listen—the enemy knows that when we wake up to who we are in Christ, we are going to be unstoppable.

We will have the courage to stand up, no matter what others around us are doing—and overcome the forces of darkness.

Choose to Act—be Intentional

From the moment Sisera turns up at her door, Jael acts intentionally. She acts intentionally when she invites Sisera in, when she gives him warm milk to put him to sleep, when she picks up the hammer and the tent peg…and drives it through his head.

What else could Jael have done?

• She could have left the situation to others to deal with. ‘There are others better qualified than me.’

• She could have excused herself from acting. ‘Why should I be the only person in this household to stand up to this problem?’

• She could have sheltered Sisera hoping he’d go away as quickly as he’d come—avoidance. ‘I don’t like conflict.’

• She could have settled him in and then bolted—run off. Who would have blamed her?

Instead, she literally nails the enemy. [1]

You Already have Everything You Need to Overcome

Jael took what was available to her—her ordinary, everyday skill and equipment. No fancy weapon killed the general of a mighty army: it was a housewife’s tent peg.

Like Jael’s tent peg, and David’s slingshot, what might seem ordinary in your hands becomes extraordinary when you put your hands into the hands of God.

Take your prayers, for example.

God doesn’t need fancy prayers or gifted pray-ers to do His work. Are you neglecting opportunities to use your ‘tent peg prayers’ in times of spiritual warfare, because you feel inadequate?

You do not need to have anything else other than what is available to you right now, to be used of God

What else do you have at hand? The simple talents, skills and gifts that God has given you are powerful when you use them in obedience to Him.

With God, there are no Little People and no Little Places

Jael wasn’t a ‘Deborah’—she did not have a significant ministry. She was a wife, woman at home.

Sometimes we mistakenly think that if we are not a Deborah, or a Barak, then God can’t use us.

It is not about your ability; it is about your availability.

Jael could well have felt displaced. Her husband had isolated her from God’s people. But in fact, she was Divinely placed for a miracle.

Jael was alone and vulnerable. But one man or woman together with God are a majority.

The enemy’s presence in Jael’s home coincided with God’s time to overcome him. And just as God was with Jael, He is with you.

You can be a Bearer of Good News

Jael had good news to share with Barak, when he came by in pursuit of Sisera.

The strongman, the warlord, the enemy who had persecuted Israel for 20 years, had been overcome.

And so it was that a simple Bedouin housewife stepped out of obscurity and onto the pages of history.

Notes

[1] When relationships become severed, we serve a redeeming God who can create something beautiful out of something broken. See the following article:

Mothers Day—a Message of Hope

[2] Jael nailed the enemy physically. We remind the devil, ‘You are already nailed through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.’ (Col 2:13-15)

Jael was a ‘law enforcer’, enforcing the judgment of God. You and I are ‘grace enforcers’ and our badge of authority is the Name of Jesus. For more information about spiritual warfare, see:

12 Signs of Spiritual Warfare

Responding to Spiritual Warfare Pt 1: Identify the Enemy’s Strategy

Responding to Spiritual Warfare Pt 2: Time to Engage

© 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

Do you have any questions or thoughts on the topic of Jael, or spiritual warfare in family life? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Prayer is, in essence, communicating with God. It is not merely communicating to God—for He also wants to share with us in return.

Neither is prayer merely talking to God. Prayer is so much more than speaking words.

Prayer may be an attitude in our hearts before God; it may be the wordless communion of friends; it may be the ineloquent groans of a burdened heart. It can even consist of joyful shouts of praise.

Prayer comes in many forms and can be used for many purposes. Describing prayer is like describing a rainbow. You can speak of the rainbow as a whole, or you can describe the colours and spectrums that make up the rainbow.

In my article, 4 Ways To Pray: Exploring The Wonders Of Prayer, I share about relating prayer, requesting prayer, receiving prayer and ruling prayer—and that is just a start!

3 Reasons why we Pray

Here are three important reasons why we pray—I believe that God will speak to you personally through at least one of these today:

1. We Pray Because of Relationship

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship—and it is the same in our relationship with God.

Did you know that it is the great desire of God’s heart to have a personal relationship with you?

In the beginning, Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the garden. (Gen 3:8-9) When that intimate relationship was lost, God moved heaven and earth to restore it to us.

That is the primary reason that Jesus died on the cross—to restore our relationship with God. (John 1:12-13) He paid the penalty for our wrongdoing and sin, so that we could spend now and eternity with God.

Sometimes people see the Christian faith as way of settling their eternal destiny—or as a type of spiritual insurance—something to have in place for when a need arises in their lives. Sadly, they have missed the purpose of the cross.

We are created and saved for an intimate relationship with God, and communication—prayer—is vital to that relationship. (Rev 3:20)

2. We Pray Because it Makes a Difference

Imagine that someone in your family has an illness for which the doctor prescribes several types of medication. He or she receives the medicines—and then upon arriving home, only takes one of the medicines prescribed.

That would be crazy, wouldn’t it?

God, the Master Physician, the all-knowing One, our loving Father, has given us prayer to assist in times of need.

The Bible tells us to pray in circumstances of:

• Sickness (James 5:14-15)
• Trial (Phil 1:19, James 5:13))
• Danger (2 Cor 1:10-11)
• Temptation (Matt 26:41)
• Being mistreated (Luke 6:28)
• Need of provision (Matt 6:11)
• Spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10-18)
• In times of weakness (Rom 8:26)
• In every situation (Phil 4:6)

If prayer is prescribed to us by God—and is a means of releasing His grace and power into situations—why would we not participate in it? Why would we hold back the benefits of prayer from others and ourselves?

Today you can make a difference in your life and the lives of people around you—by praying.

3. We Pray Because it Fulfils our Destiny

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

Prayer is not just for times of need. Jesus instructed us to pray in order for God’s will and purposes to be accomplished.

Watchman Nee once described prayer as being to the will of God what railway tracks are to a train. The train engine may be powerful, it may be able to go thousands of miles—but unless the tracks laid down, it will not go anywhere. [1]

God has set a law into place whereby His purposes can only be accomplished in conjunction with the prayers of His people.

When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them dominion in the earth. Psalm 115:16 tells us that, ‘The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given [assigned] to mankind.’

God’s purposes have never changed.  When we pray, we are exercising God’s rule—and our God-given Dominion on the earth—in partnership with him. [2]

Something deep within us yearns for significance. And this is why: we are created and destined to be royal sons and daughters of God—born to rule. (John 1:12-13) And in eternity to come, we are destined to reign with Him. (Dan 7:27)

Only in eternity will we fully understand the purpose of prayer, and see the results that our prayers have accomplished.

Notes:

[1] Watchman Nee, in his book ‘Let Us Pray’, 1977.

[2] I highly recommend the book, ‘Intercessory Prayer’ by Dutch Sheets for excellent teaching on this topic. (Regal Books, California, 1996)

Related Posts:

Release the Resources of Heaven Through Prayer

4 Ways To Pray: Exploring The Wonders Of Prayer

The Power Of Prophetic Prayer

© 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

Do you have any questions or thoughts on the topic of reasons why we pray? Do you have some requests for, or answers to prayer you would like to share? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Encouragement is one of the greatest gifts that we can give or receive in our lives and ministries—and the story of Barnabas is a great example of this.

Who was Barnabas?

Barnabas was originally named Joseph. He was a Jewish Levite from Cyprus who became a follower of Christ.

The Apostles, in recognition of the gift on his life, renamed him Barnabas, meaning ‘son of encouragement.’ (Acts 4:36)

Bible scholars tell us that Barnabas also means ‘son of prophecy.’ [1]

It is no coincidence that encouragement (or exhortation) and prophecy are brought together in the name ‘Barnabas’.

When it comes to prophetic ministry, Paul said,

‘the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.’ (1 Cor 14:3)

An ability and God-birthed desire to encourage is vital to prophetic ministry.

3 Keys to Encouragement from the life of Barnabas

Every person alive needs encouragement. We need to have people around us who believe in us and call forth the best from us.

And we can be that person for somebody else.

Here are three things that we can learn from the life of Barnabas:

1. Live to Give—have a Generous Attitude

When we first meet Barnabas, he is giving. He has just sold some land and is laying the proceeds at the feet of the Apostles. (Acts 4:36-37)

Amongst the church congregation at that time, were people in need of financial assistance. And some, like Barnabas, gave the extra they had to supply the lack of others.

You cannot have an encouraging life without having a generous heart. To encourage is to give—to release, not withhold. And generosity is foundational to encouragement.

2. Be Another’s Champion

After encountering Jesus on the Damascus road, Saul—later known as the Apostle Paul—turned from violently persecuting Christians to preaching the very Gospel he had once despised. (Acts 9)

The only problem was, people did not trust him. Nobody believed that he could have changed. People knew Paul by his history and judged him accordingly.

One man, however, believed in the work of Jesus in Paul’s life. Barnabas took him under his wing and introduced him to the Apostles, giving him the opportunity to explain his newfound faith.

Barnabas was a champion for Paul at the time he most needed it.

Later, Barnabas sought Paul out, giving him opportunity to launch his ministry at Antioch. (Acts 11:25)

Maybe today God is calling you to be a Barnabas to someone—to see and believe in someone as God views him or her.  Not according to that person’s past—but according to his or her God-given destiny.

3. Give Someone a Second Chance

John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. However, he proved unstable, deserting the team in Pamphylia. (See Acts 15:36-41)

When Paul decided to revisit churches the team had planted on his first missionary journey, Barnabas was keen to give Mark another go.

However, Paul refused, believing it would be unwise to take Mark with them.

Barnabas’ high value of believing the best in people—and his particular belief in Mark—brought them into sharp disagreement.

Barnabas separated from Paul and took Mark with him to Cyprus.

Mark’s failure could have resulted in him being sidelined in his ministry.

Barnabas would not give up on Mark and continued to keep him active in ministry. As a result, Mark grew mature, faithful and useful.

Later the Apostle Paul refers to Mark as his ‘fellow worker’ (Philemon 1:24) and desires his presence ‘because he is helpful to me in my ministry.’ (2 Tim 4:11)

Barnabas saw the treasure in Mark, in spite of Mark’s past failure. He gave him a second chance—another opportunity to shine.

Is there someone around your life today that the Holy Spirit is nudging you to offer a second chance?

The Heart of the Father

Barnabas is described as  ‘a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.’ (Acts 11:24)

However Barnabas was human, and certainly had his flaws. Paul notes, for example, that Barnabas was led astray by the hypocrisy of Peter and other Jewish Christians when they refused to eat with Gentiles. (Gal 2:13)

But there is something of the heart of the Father that we can learn from Barnabas.

All of us need encouragers like Barnabas around our lives—people who will believe in us, speak words of life to us, and champion us.

I am grateful for those who cheer me on, who believe in me and encourage me—like my husband, my teammates and leaders.

Encouragement and Prophetic Ministry

‘For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.’ (1 Cor 14:31)

One of the desires of my heart is that I will continue to grow in the area of encouragement—whether in friendship, in leadership, or in prophetic ministry.

• To see people as the Father sees them.
• To be a treasure-hunter who sees the gift of God in others
•  To encourage and empower people to reach their destiny and fulfil their God-given potential.

The story of Barnabas teaches us what a lifestyle of encouragement can accomplish.

‘Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.’ (2 Cor 13:11)

Notes:

[1] The Strongs concordances states that Barnabas means ‘son of Nabas (i.e. prophecy)’

The Chaldean word ‘nabas’ is used to describe Abraham as a prophet in Gen 20:7 and of Haggai in Ezra 5:1.

See for example: http://classic.net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=Barnabas

Related Posts:

Prophesying Out Of God’s Love

How To Be A Supernatural Christian: The Good News

© 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

Do you have any questions or thoughts on the topic of encouragement? Has someone made a difference in your life by being a Barnabas to you? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Last week a painful memory resurfaced—one that I was unaware still affected me. Within 24 hours, God miraculously ordered circumstances to provide me with healing and breakthrough.

I know that my life will never be the same again. And yet I was neither seeking nor expecting this turn of events.

Being caught by surprise by God’s goodness reminded me of what the psalmist David wrote of the life of faith:

‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.’ (Ps 23:6)

When we think of the word ‘follow,’ many of us envisage someone following along behind us, with a space of distance between.

However, for those of us who trust in Jesus for salvation, the goodness and mercy of God does not follow us at a distance. Instead, it accompanies us and—like one wave upon another—continually overtakes and comes upon us.

Waves of God’s Blessing

God’s goodness is both the essence of His nature and the manifestation of His nature. (See Exodus 33:19)

One expression of God’s goodness towards us is His blessing. [1] As Christian believers, we know that:

‘Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles…’ (Gal 3:13-14)

We can expect the blessing of God to be continually operating in our lives—not based upon our performance, but upon

• Our intimate relationship with God and
• Our trust in the salvation that Jesus has accomplished on the cross.

Waves are a great picture of blessing. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings are described as ‘accompanying’ and ‘coming upon’ God’s people. (Deut 28:1-14)

Breaking the Power of Fear and Anxiety

In the Bible, hope means to have a confident expectation of receiving good from the hand of God.

To fear means to expect a negative outcome. Fear is defined as ‘an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.’ [2]

Why is it that many times we fear evil overtaking us—as though we were still living under the curse of the law? (Deut 28: 15-68) This fear manifests as worry and anxiety.

Instead, as children of a loving Father, we should be in constant expectation of His favour and blessing.

When we catch a revelation of the goodness of God towards us, the power of fear and anxiety will be broken off our lives.

God’s Goodness in Times of Trial

Does this mean that bad things will never happen to us? No—for we live in a fallen and broken world; in and amongst human weakness.

The favour and goodness of God does not mean that we will not ever experience spiritual or physical battles.

However, it does mean that in the midst of the trial, we can expect His blessing to accompany us and to fall upon us.

Let’s go back to Psalm 23 to discover what it means to have the goodness and mercy of God follow us every day of our lives.

1. Faced with Need?

THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. (Ps 23:1, AMP)

In times of need, we can know Him intimately as our shepherd and provider—more than at any other time.

2. Tired and Weary?

‘He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.’ (Ps 23:2-3)

In times of exhaustion, we can trust God to lead us to Divinely-appointed places of rest and refreshment.

3. In a Dark Place?

‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ (Ps 23:4)

As we journey through dark times in our lives, we can be miraculously free of fear. In the darkest of places, the richest treasures of His Presence are available to us.

4. Surrounded by Enemies?

‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.’ (Ps 23:5)

In times of spiritual warfare, we can experience a feast of God’s goodness. In these times, we can receive a fresh infilling and empowering of His Spirit.

‘All the days of my life.’ That means yesterday, today and tomorrow. No day of your life is excluded.

It has often been said, ‘Everybody wants a miracle, but no one wants to be in the position when they need one.’ [3]

And yet, when we are faced with obstacles or going through difficulties, we are positioned to encounter the goodness of God more than any other time. [4]

We can live in constant anticipation of God’s goodness and blessing—not just when things are going well, but through all the ups and downs of life.

Has this article touched you in some way? Do you have any experiences to share about God’s goodness and blessing? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes

[1] For a definition and discussion on blessing, see the article I wrote on the topic of blessing last year, 3 Mistaken Beliefs About the Blessing of God.

[2] Dictionary definition of fear from http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/fear?region=us

[3] David McCracken noted this recently on Twitter. For daily inspiration, follow David here: @davidmccracken

You can also follow me on Twitter here: @HelenCalder

[4] Here are some personal testimonies of God’s goodness that I have previously shared in Enliven Blog:

Experiencing God as provider during a time of financial need: http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2011/04/11/prophetic-song-precedes-breakthrough/

A miraculous ordering of events: http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2010/06/29/the-power-of-a-prophetic-act/

Healed from an orphan mindset: http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2010/09/05/no-longer-an-orphan-how-i-discovered-the-fathers-love/

© 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

Over the next few days, we will celebrate Easter and meditate on what Jesus has accomplished through His suffering on the cross, death, burial and resurrection.

Today I would like to share some basic but powerful truths about God’s Kingdom, and the price paid to restore it to us.

ABC’s of the Kingdom

In Mark 10:15, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

We know that Bible scholars have yet to fully explore the extent of the riches of God’s Kingdom as revealed in His Word.

And yet, according to Jesus, a child can grasp its truth and reality. Here are some simple, foundational Kingdom truths we can meditate on:

A. The Kingdom Exists Because there is a King

‘O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.’ (Isaiah 37:16)

In the beginning…there is a King.

God created everything that exists, and He rules as King over everything that He created.

The Bible has a great deal to say about the throne and sovereignty of God. We are exhorted to keep our focus on Jesus, seated at the right hand of God on the throne. (Col 3:1-2)

The throne of God is the source and focus of events in the book of Revelation.

B. God Assigned Rulership of the Earth to Humanity

‘The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.’ (Ps 115:16)

In Genesis, we read that God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth. (Gen 1:28)

Effectively, He said, “You are King and Queen of this planet. I fully assign it to you”

C. Satan used Deception to Acquire Dominion over the Earth.

Adam and Eve gave leadership of the earth away when they disobeyed God. Instead, they submitted to the wiles of the serpent. (Gen 3)

Paul describes a hierarchy of demonic rulership in Ephesians: ‘the rulers… authorities… powers of this dark world and… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (Eph 6:12)

In the temptation of Christ, the devil offered the kingdoms of the earth back to Jesus in exchange for worship. (Luke 4:5-6)

D. Jesus paid the Price to Restore our Relationship with God, and to Regain Authority over the Earth

God had a plan to restore the earth’s dominion to its rightful order—and He executed that plan in sending His Son Jesus Christ to take the penalty for the sin of humanity.

After He rose from the dead, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt 28:18) [1]

Jesus is now described as ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’ (Rev 19:6)

E. Jesus Shares His Kingdom Authority with us

In the Gospels, Jesus assigned authority to His disciples to do His work of ministry. (Luke 9:1)

But God had a master plan, made possible through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

We can become part of God’s Kingdom by simply believing in and receiving Jesus.

Now, we are not merely assigned authority as agents or representatives. We are members of God’s royal family. [2]

John 1:12-13 says,

‘Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.’

Our authority is not an independent authority—we do not ‘rule,’ or exercise authority, in our own name, but in Jesus’ Name. We are co-heirs with Him. (Rom 8:17, John 14:13)

F. Complete Restoration of God’s Kingdom is in the future.

God has appointed a future time when all of heaven and earth will again be completely subject to Him.

We look forward to this future age when evil, sickness and suffering no longer exist and to the ultimate Kingdom established on earth at His return. (Rev 21:1-5)

We know that Jesus has paid the price in full for this—so why the wait?

2 Peter 3:9 tells us, ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’

G. The Kingdom is a Present Reality for us Today

As Christians, we live in the world, but we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. (Phil 3:20) [3]

The Kingdom of God is present and active now for those of us who acknowledge and submit to His rule. (Matt 6:10)

We are called to live a Kingdom lifestyle.

Jesus demonstrated in the Gospels how we can:

• Live under Divine command—having an intimate relationship with the Father (John 5:19)
• Exercise our God-given authority and
• Present the reality of His Kingdom to the world.

The Kingdom is manifested by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. [4]

Announcing the Kingdom

In the Gospels, an event took place that caused Jesus to overflow with joy and praise in the Holy Spirit.

It occurred after Jesus appointed a large group of 70 disciples to go ahead of Him to places He was about to visit.

Their mandate was to heal the sick and to announce that the Kingdom was close at hand.

The disciples returned with joy, having seen first hand that they had spiritual authority over demons in Jesus’ Name.

Jesus reminded them that He had given them authority and urged them to rejoice in their personal salvation —not in the fact that spirits were subject to them. Then we read:

 ‘At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”’ Luke 10:21

Let us be a people who bring that kind of joy to the heart of God—children who comprehend and share His Kingdom and the King’s salvation.

Don’t just Anticipate the Kingdom; Live it!

Do you have any more ideas or thoughts to share on the topic of the Kingdom? Leave a comment in the box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Related Posts:

An Open Heaven Is Your Inheritance

The Secret Of Living An Undivided Christian Life

The Supernatural Christian And The Throne Of God

Notes:
[1] Daniel foretold the Sovereignty of Christ in Daniel 7:13-14 and dominion handed over to God’s people in Daniel 7:27.

[2] David McCracken has recently been preaching prophetically on the topic, ‘We Are Kings.’ His message is available for a short time on the DMM podcast.

See, Breakthrough Night Pt 1 – We Are Kings on the podcast page here:http://dmm.podcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/david-mccracken-ministries—audio-podcast.xml

[3] According to Vines, the Greek word translated ‘Kingdom’ in the New Testament, ‘basilea,’ is a noun ‘denoting “sovereignty, royal power, dominion,” or as David McCracken puts it: ‘royal authority to rule over.’ The ‘Kingdom of God’ effectively means, ‘the sphere of God’s rule.’ The Kingdom of God is not limited to a time or place and is eternal.

[4] My thanks go to Dr David Strickland who contributed some priceless thoughts included in this article.

© 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

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

The Christian life is meant to be one of reliance upon God, where the life of His Spirit continually flows in and through us.

However we do not always remain intimately connected to Him. As a result we experience times of spiritual dryness. [1]

7 Ways to Combat Spiritual Dryness

If you recognise signs of spiritual dryness in your life, following are some ideas to help you recover:

1. Break the Blame Cycle

When we are working hard, serving or ministering in some capacity, it is easy to lay blame for our dryness outside of us.

We may place responsibility for our depletion upon our busyness, our circumstances, or on other people.

However, as long as we are waiting for our situation or other people to change, we are disempowering ourselves.

Know that you can do something about spiritual dryness—it is time to take ownership of your spiritual condition and your relationship with God.

2. Recognise Your Deepest Need

‘I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit…’ Isaiah 44:3

According to scripture, the answer to spiritual dryness is intimacy with God and a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. Our need is for God Himself.

However, when spiritual dryness is related to Christian service or busy-ness, we often focus on external points of need:

• ‘I need a break’
• ‘I need help’
• ‘I need a change of responsibilities’

These needs may be genuine—and we should make definite plans to meet them. However, we should never ignore the real, underlying need:

‘I need to reconnect with God and be re-filled with His Spirit.’

3. Stop Deferring

A common response to spiritual dryness is to look beyond our present circumstances to some future time when we will have the space and opportunity to be refreshed.

This is the ‘I am waiting for…’ mindset:

• I am waiting for this busy season to be over—and then I will have time to spend with God
• I am waiting for assistance from another person

Let’s face it—circumstances may not change immediately. By continuing to put our spiritual needs on hold, we face the danger of moving from dryness to burnout.

Take action now. If you do not have a day, take an hour. If you do not have an hour, find a moment with God.

Sometimes, a moment is all it takes.

4. Reconnect with God

Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)

We need to do whatever it takes to get into a place where we encounter God. David spoke of this search in the Psalms:

‘As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?’ (Psalm 42:1-2)

For inspiration, recall previous times you have felt close to God or encountered Him in a significant way.

Acknowledge and repent of any areas of sin that the Holy Spirit brings to mind.

Recognise that you have a unique way of connecting with God. It may be through worship, or solitude, reflecting on Scripture, spending time with on-fire Christians, or taking time in the Great Outdoors. [2]

5. Ask God to Re-fill you

The best prayers are the simplest ones, such as

‘Father, fill me afresh with Your Spirit.’

In the book of Acts, when faced with persecution, the church knew that their greatest need was not for circumstances to change. It was for a fresh empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

In answer to their prayer, the Holy Spirit fell upon them and they were given boldness to speak, and power to serve God. (Acts 4:23-34)

6. Review and Re-Focus

Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. No more, and no less. (John 5:19)

There were needs that He did not meet, because it was not in the Father’s timing or purpose for Him to do so.

Some traps we can fall into include believing that:

• Our role or ministry is indispensible
• No one else can do a job as well as we can
• Our work must always be done perfectly or at our own high standard (perfectionism)

Excellence honours God—but should never become more important than God.

If you can relate to this, I encourage you to review the story of Mary and Martha. [3]

7. Receive the Support of Others

In an extreme case of dryness, we need the help and support of others.

This may include:

• Being honest
• Asking for prayer
• Receiving assistance

In God’s Kingdom, this is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.

Your courage to align your life with God’s priorities will inspire others to do the same.

Do you have any more ideas for recovering from spiritual dryness that could help others? Do you have questions or experiences that you would like to share? Leave a comment in the box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

See my earlier article, 7 Signs of Spiritual Dryness

[1] In this article I am specifically discussing spiritual depletion. However emotional, mental and physical fatigue can also occur, requiring additional needs to be met.

[2] For more thoughts on this, see

How To Discover Your Spiritual Pathway

Does Your Devotional Life Need Resuscitating?

How Using Your Learning Style Can Revitalise Your Bible Study

[3] I wrote an article about Mary and Martha here: The Most Important Decision You Can Make: 4 traps To Avoid in your Service for God

© 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

‘Be [continuously] filled with the Spirit.’ (Eph 5:18)

As Christians, our life, our witness and our service to others should be empowered by the life of the Holy Spirit within us.

This is what Jesus referred to when He said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

However we do not always maintain that vital connection to God perfectly. And therefore all of us experience seasons where we feel spiritually dry.

The great evangelist D L Moody understood this. When asked why he placed so much emphasis upon being filled with the Holy Spirit, he wisely said, ‘Because I leak.’

Spiritual Dryness

Spiritual dryness, or depletion, is not a problem in itself.

In fact, the awareness of our spiritual dryness is a gift from God. It is His invitation to come and partake of His life and His Spirit.

However, spiritual dryness does become a problem if we:

• do not recognise that we are becoming depleted, or
• do not recognise that God is the answer to our need, or
• become too exhausted to connect with God

Therefore it is important for us to recognise the signs of depletion as early as possible.

Signs of Spiritual Dryness

‘You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.’ Psalm 63:1

Here are some signs that we are becoming spiritually depleted. If you can relate to these, you need to reconnect with God and receive a fresh infilling of His Spirit:

1. Giving While Empty or Weary

A sign of spiritual dryness is that we are no longer giving to others out of a sense of fullness. We feel empty or weary—our inner tank is running dry.

Spiritual dryness if left undetected can turn into burnout, if we continue to give out in Christian service whilst not being replenished.

If left untended, spiritual dryness can impact our emotional, mental, and even physical state.

2. Serving out of Duty

When we are spiritually dry there is a subtle shift in our motivation to serve God, whether in the church or elsewhere.

We are no longer motivated by passion. We feel an inner reluctance, or resistance to serve, but continue to do so because we feel we have no choice.

Our motivation to continue serving may be that others are relying on us, or we want to honour a commitment, or even feel a duty towards God or towards His calling upon our lives.

3. Our Faith is no Longer Contagious

According to David in the Psalms, it is the joy of our salvation that results in us leading people to God.  (Ps 51:12-13)

When we are spiritually dry, it affects our relationship with those who do not know Jesus. We are not bubbling over; we have lost our joy.

People are not seeing something in us that causes them to thirst for God, and we lack motivation to share with them, feeling we have nothing to offer.

4. God Feels Distant

When we are spiritually dry, there can be a gradual distancing from God. Either we are not encountering Him regularly, or we are not hearing from Him, or we are hearing Him speak to us intermittently.

God is, in fact, continually speaking to us. However sometimes we neglect to tune in. (Ps 139:17-18)

5. Our Spiritual Life is in a Rut

We lack the excitement we once had in our relationship with God. Our devotional life—connection to God through the Bible and prayer—has either been reduced to a rote exercise, is occasional, or has ceased to exist at all.

We love God, but have lost a sense of being ‘in love’ with Him. Our relationship with God has lost its freshness.

6. A Contributing Event

The state of spiritual dryness does not always creep up on us slowly. Trials or sudden trauma can result in us being depleted spiritually, as well as in other ways.

7. Negative Thinking

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

When we are spiritually dry the atmosphere of heaven—righteousness, peace and joy—seems to evade us. Instead, we find it easier to give way to negative thinking. We falter in our ability to resist and ‘cast down’ destructive thoughts and emotions.

There is an Answer to Spiritual Dryness

The good news is that when we are spiritually dry, God has already initiated and provided the answer to our need.

In the next post, I will discuss some ways in which we can be replenished spiritually. In the meantime, here are some questions to consider:

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I have any of the above signs in my life at the moment—and to what degree? How long have I felt this way?

• What is the difference between emotional, mental, physical and spiritual depletion? How are they inter-related?

• What is God’s response to my spiritual depletion?

• What can I do this week to personally reconnect with God?

Can you think of some other signs of spiritual dryness? Have you ever experienced dryness or burnout and recovered? 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.

Related Posts:

7 Ways To Combat Spiritual Dryness

Escaping A Half-Lived Christian Life

The River Returns: How To Be Refilled With The Holy Spirit When You Are Dry

Prophetic People In Testing Times: The Reason For The Season

Hunger For God: 6 Ways You Can Stir It Up

© 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

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

I was baptised in the Holy Spirit in the 1970’s and immediately became familiar with gifts of the Spirit, including healing and prophecy.

As time went on, gift questionnaires began to emerge as a fresh emphasis on spiritual gifts swept through the church. [1] From the start, I loved this aspect of identifying the unique God-given treasure in each individual.

However, the outcomes were not always comfortable. When The Hunk and I took a spiritual gift assessment, my husband came up with a top result of Apostle-Missionary.

That gave me a big fright—I thought, ‘who—and what—have I married?’ Not surprisingly, during the next two decades my husband’s ministry included itinerant ministry, sending missionaries, and raising resources for missions and humanitarian aid projects in Asia.

I have learned that when it comes to spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit knows what He is doing.

Benefits and Limitations of Spiritual Gift Questionnaires

Since the 1990’s, many spiritual gift courses have emphasised ministry placement in church life; teaming up the ‘what’ of spiritual gifts with the ‘where’ of service. As a result, churches have benefited by the increase in members engaging and serving in the life of the church. [2]

But I now ask, ‘Have we reached the optimum in our stewardship of spiritual gifts, or is there more?’

Over the past few decades I have observed some positives and negatives resulting from running spiritual gift courses in church life.

Benefits of Spiritual Gift Assessments and Courses

1. Teaching the church concerning spiritual gifts is Biblical—the Apostle Paul gave instruction about the spiritual gifts, their purpose, practice and benefits (1 Cor 12-14, Rom 12)

2. It enables Christians to become aware of and learn about gifts of the Spirit

3. It encourages believers to identify and use the particular gifts God has invested in us

4. A spiritual gifts course assists church leaders in releasing people into service in the church, i.e. ministry placement (especially helpful in larger churches)

5. A spiritual gifts course can help bring direction to Christians who do not have clear guidance about a suitable next step in where to serve in their church or in ministry

6. Spiritual gifts assessments can foster appreciation for others’ gifts, as well as how we function together as a church body

7. When church members serve in the area of their God-given gifts, the church can flourish and grow (Eph 4:7-16)

Limitations of Spiritual Gifts Courses

1. Spiritual gifts courses are a great introduction to gifts—however they tend to lack specific teaching on how to nurture and grow individual gifts over a period of time

2. Many courses are outcome-focused on ministry placement in the church—however, our Spirit-empowered gifts can also be utilised in our everyday lives and in evangelism

3. A spiritual gift is a turbo-charged version of a basic attribute that should be operating in the life of every believer (hospitality, evangelism, hearing God’s voice, prayer, praying for the sick, and so on)

A danger of focusing on spiritual gifts and ministry placement is that Christians who believe they are not ‘gifted’ in an area (such as prayer or evangelism) opt out and leave that aspect of Christian life to those who have a spiritual gift.

This may result in weak or immature development in some believers.

4. No questionnaire could cover every possible spiritual gift—and could potentially stifle the unique giftedness in some individuals, and the creativity of the Holy Spirit [4]

5. Many spiritual gift analyses do not make an allowance for gifts that are present but are not currently being used in a ministry environment, or are yet to emerge. Therefore the outcome of a questionnaire produces an incomplete picture.

Adapting our Approach to Spiritual Gift Assessments

What could happen if we took note of potential weaknesses resulting from running spiritual gift courses and assessments in church life into account—and adjusted for them?

Here are some things to take into consideration:

For Churches and Leaders

• Encourage ministry leaders to identify, release and develop spiritual gifts in the people within their areas of responsibility

• Teach on the role and ministry of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts in the context of our everyday lives and evangelism as well as in church life

• Learn about spiritual gift development. Provide opportunities for individuals to take specific steps forward in the growth of their spiritual gifts [5]

• Identify possible areas of weakness where ‘departmentalisation’ in an area (e.g. prayer, evangelism) has resulted in church members opting out of an important aspect of Christian living. Provide encouragement, resources and training on these key areas to the whole church, e.g. through Cell Groups

• Realise that spiritual gift questionnaires will not give you the complete picture of an individual’s gifts or calling. Consider providing opportunity for gift assessment and personal review at regular intervals.

For Individuals

• Take assessments regularly. This will help identify newly emerging gifts, as well as changes in gift-mix (the unique combination of your spiritual gifts) and gift prominence

• Take personal responsibility for developing your spiritual gift

• Realise that not having a spiritual gift doesn’t mean that you cannot function and grow in that area, e.g. every believer has a responsibility to pray for the sick, hear God’s voice, exercise hospitality, and so on

• Consider how you can utilise your spiritual gifts in everyday life to be a witness of God’s love and power to those who do not yet know Him

• Embrace the personal blessing that identifying and learning about spiritual gifts can bring. You have a unique and valuable contribution—and no one else can take your place.

Do you have any further observations or questions about spiritual gifts assessments? 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.

Notes:

[1] C Peter Wagner was a leading proponent of this, and his resources have been regularly updated. I recommend:
WAGNER, C.P. Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow 2005. Ventura: Regal Books.

[2] God gives us spiritual gifts—Holy Spirit-empowered abilities—that are uniquely suited to the life mission and ministry pathway that He has prepared for us. (Eph 2:10) I discuss briefly the commonly asked question, ‘which comes first: the call or the gifts?’ in this post:

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2010/08/31/a-dialogue-on-spiritual-gifts/

[3] Here are two examples I have personally benefited from:

1. Willow Creek Network course

Bruce Bugbee, Don Cousins, Bill Hybels, Wendy Seidman

http://www.willowcreek.com/wca_prod.asp?invtid=PR26038

A great book related to this is:

BUGBEE, B. What You Do Best In The Body of Christ. 1995, 2005. Grand Rapids:  Zondervan.

2. STEPPS to Ministry by Michelle Sanders

This course, originating here in Australia, takes into account

• Spiritual Gifts
• Talents
• Experience
• Passion
• Personality

STEPPS also provides for a ministry track and placement in church life. For further information contact Michelle Sanders at michelle.kscope@hotmail.com

[4] Wayne Grudem defines a spiritual gift as ‘any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the church.’
GRUDEM, W.  Systematic Theology.  1994.  Nottingham: Inter-Varsity.

[5] For a clear outline of gift development in the area of prophetic and prayer-related gifts, see my e-book, ‘Grow Your Prophetic And Prayer Gifts’ or read a summary of the stages of growth in the following post: How To Develop Your Prophetic Gift Pt 2: Understand Your Season

Related posts:

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

Give Yourself (And Your Spiritual Gifts) Permission To Shine

A Checklist For Developing Your Spiritual Gifts

© 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

‘Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.’ (1 Tim 4:14-15, see also 2 Tim 1:6)

Paul makes it clear through his instruction to Timothy that each of us has the ability to stir up a spiritual gift, or to neglect it.

That is a sobering thought!

The Bible reminds us that we have a responsibility before God to be intentional about using and developing the spiritual gifts He has invested in us.

7 Ways to Develop your Spiritual Gift

Here is a checklist of actions that you can take to develop your spiritual gifts. This includes prophecy or any other gift such as leadership, discernment, administration, intercession, teaching, healing and so on. [1]

To make this exercise practical, rate how you are going out of 10 for each one and ask the question, what can I do to improve in this area?

1. I have acknowledged that I have a gift

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. (1 Cor 14:1)

Many people hold back from acknowledging a spiritual gift because they mistakenly believe that standing back is the humble thing to do, or they still have doubts as to whether they really have a gift.

However if God has put a gift or ministry on your heart, even if it hasn’t fully manifested, be honest and begin the development process.

In the early stages, your stewardship is primarily of the desire or call God has given to you. Don’t under-value this. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit and take the first steps to learn about the gift.

You will never grow in a gift if you do not admit you have one—or at least disclose that you have a God-given desire for it.

2. I am in the environment of a local church

‘And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.’ (1 Cor 12:28)

The place to use and develop your spiritual gift is in the context of Christian community—church life. Gifts are given to help grow the church, whether through evangelism or through ministry to the church body.

We were never meant to be ‘lone rangers’, but part of the church body, interdependent upon each other. (1 Cor 12-14)

3.  I am making the most of resources available

There are many great resources and materials available to help you grow in your spiritual gift. Look for reputable books, online resources, e-books, conferences and local training to help you grow in your gift.

There are many perspectives in the world today—and not all of them are healthy. So the best way to use resources is in conjunction with accountability to a leader or mentor who can help you select the best materials and process what you are learning.

4. I have a sense of passion and purpose

It is not enough just to know that you have a spiritual gift. You also have to identify and nurture the purpose that God has given you to use it. This is your sense of motivation, your mission. [2]

It is the ‘because’ of your gift.

• ‘I pray because…’
• ‘I teach because…’

As time goes on, that sense of passion becomes focused.

For example, my own big ‘because’—my all-consuming passion—is souls: a lost generation in need of salvation. As years have gone by, my focus is on helping raise up a generation of contagious, ‘supernatural’ Christians who will reach people for Jesus because their lives look like Jesus.

My passion and vision is global. Yours may relate to your family, your church, a specific group, a region, and so on.

Teaching and prophetic ministry is for me, a means to an end. What is your ‘end’?

5. I am using my spiritual gift regularly

The way to develop a gift is to use it, not to shelve it.

We all have to start somewhere small. My writing ministry began with writing newsletters to our family’s mission supporters. My prophetic ministry began with reaching to God for words of encouragement whilst praying for people at altar calls.

If you have a teaching gift, your ministry is not going to start at the pulpit, Look for small ways to get activated—for example taking devotions with your family, or offering to take a study in your small group.

It is time to stop holding back.

6. I am accountable in the use of my gift

No one ever outgrows the need for accountability to oversight in the use of a spiritual gift or ministry.

When asked, ‘To whom are you accountable to in the use of your gift?’ what is your answer?

I have a great source of accountability here at David McCracken Ministries. In the past my accountability has included elders, pastors and prayer leaders. These are people who have instructed me and loved me enough to correct me or give me tips to help me grow in my spiritual gifts.

Accountability does not create a ‘ceiling’; it explodes it! I know that the sky is the limit in my call with God as long as I have a heart attitude to submit to and learn from those He has placed around me.

We can learn not only from those to whom we are accountable, but from peers and outsiders as well. We need to foster a life-long attitude of learning from others in our gifts and ministries.

7. I am persevering through the tough times

‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.’ (2 Tim 1:6)

We all go through difficult times and wilderness seasons in the development of our spiritual gifts.

If you can relate to this today, may I encourage you—keep pressing forward. Your Heavenly Father has a plan in the midst of your trial and He is faithful. [3]

Do you have any further thoughts or questions about developing your spiritual gifts? 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.

Notes:

[1] Some articles that may help you in the following gifts:

Prophecy: How To Develop Your Prophetic Gift Pt 1: Where To Begin

Discernment: 8 Ways To Grow Your Gift Of Discernment

Healing: The Enliven Blog Healing Category

Intercession: 8 Tips for Personal Intercessors

Teaching (prophetic): See the Free Resources Page for the article, ‘What Is Prophetic Teaching?’

[2] This article may be helpful: Your Identity And Destiny: 3 Keys From The Life Of Gideon

[3] I share more about this in the post, Going Through A Testing Season In Your Spiritual Gifts

E-books to Help you Develop Your Gifts:

‘Grow Your Prophetic And Prayer Gifts’ is a high-value e-book specifically written to help you grow in your prophetic gifts – at whatever stage or season you are on the journey.

Check out our E-books Page for more e-books related to prophetic and prayer ministry

© 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

Over the years, The Hunk and I have been on leadership teams—in churches and Christian organisations—in various capacities. [1] We have seen teams go through good times and bad; forge ahead in unity and fall apart in disunity.

Long ago I realised that my personal response to leadership would be the breaking or making of my ministry. I can tell you, it took a lot of breaking and repentance to get me into a useful place! [2]

But I realise now that being a great 2^nd level leader is not about the length of time you have spent working alongside your senior leader, it is about having the right heart attitude.

It is about consistently allowing the Holy Spirit to work within you in times of pressure, to develop maturity and Christ-likeness.

Timothy and the Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul was a strong character, and would not always have been an easy person to get along with.

One historian sums him up like this:

‘Paul was by temperament a zealous man, prone to accepting no half-measures either in himself or others. The truth was his gospel, about which he could be very possessive, and he did not take kindly to his authority being challenged. He was naturally impetuous, argumentative, prickly, sometimes boastful and defensive. Yet he was also capable of great warmth, tenderness, and loyalty to his friends and deep solicitude for his converts. It is little wonder that he evoked strong reactions, both positive and negative, wherever he went…’ [3]

If you have ever struggled with reporting to a strong or directive leader, consider what it would have been like to work with the Apostle Paul! And yet he raised up a loyal and effective ministry team with whom he pioneered the early church amongst the Gentiles. [4]

Traits that made Timothy a Great Leader-Follower

Here are some of the characteristics that propelled Timothy onto the Apostle Paul’s team and into the pages of church history—and that inspire me in my own leadership journey.

1. Kingdom Priorities over Self-Interest

‘ I have no one else like [Timothy], who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.’ (Phil 2:20-22)

Timothy willingly left his birthplace to follow Paul, and submitted to the rite of circumcision for the sake of sharing the Gospel with Jews as well as Gentiles. (Acts 16:1-4)

Following that time, he moved from place to place as Paul’s messenger and he faced the same persecution that Paul did. [5]

It is possible that Timothy had a call of God to senior leadership in his own right. Eusebius, writing about A.D. 325, reported that Timothy was the first bishop of Ephesus. [6] And yet he never sought self-advancement. Timothy faithfully served Paul, throughout Paul’s lifetime.

Timothy inspires me to seek God’s Kingdom above my personal comfort. And to be faithful when God calls me to serve another leader’s vision.

2. Longevity – Together for the Long Haul

It was not long into Timothy’s first missionary journey that Paul got into trouble, imprisoned for causing an uproar in the city of Philippi. (Acts 17:19-23)

Timothy stuck with Paul through good times and bad, through popularity and notoriety, through persecution and imprisonment.

Timothy encourages me to have a long haul outlook in my ministry, not leaving or withdrawing when times get tough.

3. Faithful to Represent his Leader

‘Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.’ (1 Cor 4:15-17)

When Paul wanted to impart his own DNA—his lifestyle, teaching and vision—into the church at Corinth, he sent Timothy. Paul had complete confidence that Timothy would faithfully represent him, even when apart from him.

Paul relied upon Timothy and other team members to honour him, share Paul’s own heart, update them on Paul’s journey and circumstances, faithfully teach what Paul would teach, and minister on Paul’s behalf. [7]

Timothy, Titus and other members of Paul’s team provide me with a role model of faithfulness and loyalty.

4. Courage

Paul’s language to Timothy and other team members is directive. How did Timothy feel as he was summoned, or ordered to go to and from places? Paul’s letters reveal a tendency in Timothy to fear and intimidation—therefore Paul’s instructions would not always have been desirable or comfortable. (2 Tim 1:4-8)

And yet Timothy was willing—time and time again, to move out of his comfort zones in his service for God under Paul’s direction.

This reminds me of something Nelson Mandela once said: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Timothy inspires me not to allow fear to hold me back, but to rise to be all God has called me to be—spurred on by the leadership He has given to me.

One of the greatest challenges in leadership today, lies not in being a good leader—but in being a great leader under strong leadership. Timothy was such a leader.

Notes

[1] I am currently honoured to be on David McCracken’s prophetic ministry team.

[2] I share my story in the book, Prophetic People In A Changing Church

[3] The Birth of the Church, From Jesus to Constantine, Ivor J. Davidson, 2005, Monarch:Oxford

[4] In this article I am referring to the senior leadership role model of the Apostle Paul, who said, ‘Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.’ (1 Cor 11:1) Healthy Christian leadership is not perfect. All leaders are human! However, God does not require us to stay and serve under leadership that is abusive, ungodly or immoral.

[5] By way of balance, Timothy does not appear to have family commitments—in contrast to Peter and other Apostles, whose wives accompanied them. (1 Cor 9:5) Self-sacrifice in ministry does not mean family sacrifice.

[6] Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers

[7] Paul raised up other team members in whom he had similar confidence. See Eph 6:21-22 (Tychicus); Col 1:7-8 (Epaphras)

How does Timothy inspire you? Do you have any further thoughts or questions about the topic of Christian leadership? 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.

Related Posts:
Do You Have A Ministry Call?
Personal Guidance For The Important Decisions Of Life
Courage To Change

© Helen Calder 2011 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