Something in the hearts of prophetic Christians resonates deeply with God’s promise given through the Prophet Isaiah:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth… but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Is 60:1-3)

We long for the coming day, when the Presence of God will be so evident upon His people that multitudes will be drawn to God’s Kingdom.

A Prophetic Picture of God’s Manifest Presence

With this in mind, there is a picture that has gripped me lately, and that is God’s Presence both within and manifested upon Moses’ tabernacle in the wilderness.

The word ‘manifested’ means to be seen, to be clear and obvious.

I believe this is a prophetic picture for our lives and for the Church, in that it is being highlighted by the Holy Spirit at this time. [1]

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” (Ex 25:8)

1. God’s Presence Within us

Once the Ark of the Covenant was housed in the Tabernacle, Moses no longer needed to wait for God’s Presence to come to him at the door, as he had earlier (Ex 33:9-11). He could speak to God face to face within it.

‘When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way the Lord spoke to him.’ (Numbers 7:89)

Inside the Tabernacle, in front of the Ark, Moses had intimate communion and personal conversation with God.

This speaks of God’s Presence within us: our personal relationship with God and the intimate communion we can have with Him through faith in Jesus.

Whilst God’s Presence within us primarily relates to us personally, from there the fruit of our personal relationship with God touches others around us.

2. God’s Manifest Presence Upon us

The Presence of God also continually resided upon the Tabernacle in the form of the pillar of cloud by day and the fire by night.

God’s Presence was a heavenly shield of protection both from the harsh elements of the wilderness and from Israel’s enemies. The Presence of God provided guidance in their journeys.

But God’s Presence not only benefited God’s people. It was also a sign for the nations. When God was about to withdraw His Presence due to the Israelite’s sin, Moses said,

“If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16

The Presence of God upon our lives is a mark of our relationship with Him as sons and daughters.

God’s Presence upon us is our favour, shield and covering. But this is not solely for our benefit—the manifest Presence of God is for the sake of the world around us.

Jesus quoted the Prophet Isaiah:

‘The Holy Spirit is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good news….’ (See Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:18)

Today we can also say, “The Holy Spirit is upon us, because our Heavenly Father has anointed us to reach and touch people for Him, bringing healing, deliverance and the message of salvation.”

His Presence and Glory is our Inheritance

The Apostle Paul said that if the Old Covenant of Presence of God manifested with glory, how much more should it be for us in the New Covenant? (2 Corinthians 3:7-8)

The truth is, we long for what belongs to us. The Presence and glory of God is our inheritance. This is why our hearts desire to know and experience more of Him.

When we realise this, we can position for and receive what our Father has for us.

It’s time to catch a vision of what God has prepared for us—for this is the first step of fully entering in.

Many of us have a deep desire to experience more of God’s Presence. But what does this mean? I am going to spend a few weeks exploring this topic. Next time, I will look more specifically of how the Holy Spirit’s Presence upon us is manifested in our lives.

Notes:

[1] The Tabernacle of Moses is a Biblical type: firstly of Christ, but also of the Church and the individual believer. (see Hebrews chapters 8-10, Col 2:17) Today, I am referring to it as a prophetic picture because I believe this aspect of the Tabernacle and God’s manifest Presence is a ‘NOW’ word of God for the Church.

Related Posts:

A Prophetic Vision: God’s Call to Intimacy with Him

Hunger for God: 6 Ways You Can Stir it Up

An Open Heaven Is Our Inheritance

Face to Face with God: Can I Have a Relationship like Moses?

Do you have any scriptures, poems or thoughts about the Presence of God 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.

© 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

Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest. (Exodus 34:21)

As I read this scripture recently, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking:

‘This coming year will be one of great fruitfulness. Because of the opportunities that will become available, you will be tempted to go with the flow of what is happening. As a result, you could be continuously busy.

However, My purpose for you includes intentional rest.’

Which Season are you in?

Today I believe God is speaking to us prophetically about making room in our lives for specific time with Him, as well as time apart for replenishment and to be with our families.

Are you facing events, responsibilities or relationships that will demand a great deal of time and energy from you?

Taking time out during our busiest seasons does not make natural sense. In fact, we are most likely—when opportunities are available, or crises occur—to put off our break times until the busy time has passed.

Because of this tendency, God gave His people a specific instruction:

‘Even when it is plowing or harvest time—the busiest seasons of the year, you must still make the Sabbath a priority. Rest is not an option.’ (Ex 34:21)

The Season of Preparation

Plowing represents our times of preparation.

Plowing in agriculture has to be done at the right time and a certain way for a crop to succeed. Likewise, preparing well for any new venture, ministry or relationship is vital to the health and success of what is to come. During these seasons of intense preparation, we may be busy and focused.

The Season of Opportunity or Crisis

Harvest is a time of urgency as the crop can spoil if it is not gathered up in the right way or at the due time.

Harvest can speak to us of making the most of opportunities when they arise—or managing a crisis well at the time it occurs.

During these seasons, there is a sense that our time is limited.

• An opportunity has arisen that may not last if we do not take it now.
• A relationship or group of relationships may need immediate care.
• A crisis has occurred that requires urgent attention.
• If we are involved in ministry or evangelism, we are seeing a response from people that indicates the Holy Spirit is at work.

In such times, should we continue to take times apart with God, hours of rest every day, weekly days off, and the holidays that we need?

What does the Sabbath mean for us today?

Some things that the Biblical Sabbath includes are:

• A complete rest from labour
• Special time with family
• Time to worship and honour God, and
• Celebration times with the community of faith.

For Christian believers, Rest (Sabbath) is no longer a religious law to be obeyed. However under the New Covenant of grace, it remains a Biblical principle that we should attend to. [1]

The Sabbath is a gift of replenishing from our loving Father. It is also the wise plan of our Creator God, who knows intimately our strengths and limitations. It is also a reminder of the importance God places upon our relationships, both with Him and our families.

The Sabbath in scripture referred to the 7th day of the week. However, God’s principle of taking time out applies not only to weeks, but also to days, months and years.

In the Gospels, we see that Jesus regularly took time apart to be with His Father. He also encouraged His disciples to take time away to rest and be with Him. (Mark 6:31).

Are these Rest-Robbers in your Life?

We may acknowledge the importance of taking time out, but too often our best intentions are overturned. In the seeming urgency of life or ministry, we become busy, neglect rest, and in the process limit God. At worst, we may become burned out.

Here are two things that can hinder our ability to take time out:

1. Lack of Trust

Taking a break for many of us is a trust issue. Can we trust the Lord of the Harvest to take care of His harvest for the seasons we take our hands away?

If we are short-handed, our need to be constantly engaged can seem critical. Can I trust God (and others) with the responsibilities that are in my care? Who is the Chief provider—God or me?

We may have a fear of losing the harvest, as if the ministry (business, crisis) depended upon us somehow. We may be fearful of losing ground, or of what the enemy might do (a better question is, what can God do if we yield to Him?)

In Exodus 16:29, we read: ‘Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days.’

God provided for the Israelite’s time of rest in advance.

The reality is, that it requires faith to take time out during a busy period of fruitfulness. God in His grace can not only make up the difference, but multiply our effectiveness as we depend upon Him.

2. Lack of Discipline

Sometimes the reason for our lack of time out is simply that we haven’t prioritised it ahead of time. Rest is meant to be regular, not spontaneous. This requires scheduling.

It is still early in 2013. Now is the time for me to ensure that my diary is filled out with the things that count—that includes significant time out.

• Discipline means the ability to ‘unplug’ daily and during break times from constantly attending to our online business, ministry, or social media.
• Discipline also includes saying ‘No’ to urgent or limited opportunities, when the more important issue—that of of God’s prescribed rest—is at stake.

This year and beyond, significant opportunities are going to arise for your life and ministry. Now is the time to say ‘Yes’ to God’s invitation to take time apart with Him, as well as to schedule the time you need to be replenished and spend time with family.

Notes:
[1] For Biblical references to the Sabbath, see: Gen 2:2-3, Ex 31:13-17, Ex 20:8-11, Deut 5:13-14

This week’s photograph is of my husband enjoying time out on our recent holiday together.

Related Posts:

Life In Eden: Heaven On Earth Is Our Inheritance

The Most Important Decision You Can Make As The Year Begins

Escaping The Half-Lived Christian Life

7 Signs Of Spiritual Dryness

Do you have any testimonies, or ideas that can help others take regular and significant time to rest? 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

Are you free to be and do all God has designed and prepared you for, in 2013?

The cicada sheds its shell for the purpose of transformation.

After many years of living in the dark unseen, feeding on the sap of tree roots deep within the soil, the cicada emerges out of the ground. It climbs the tree it has fed from and crawls out of its shell. It spreads its wings—now free to fly, sing and find a mate. [1]

Climb out of that Shell!

It is time to shed the inhibitions and limitations of the past. And for you, that may be for further growth—or it may be a time that you need to emerge into your true identity.

Others animals shed their skin to make room for growth. As the time draws near for a snake to shed, its outer layer of skin becomes dull in colour. The old skin is dry, uncomfortable and irritating. Underneath, a bright new layer of skin is becoming ready.

It is time to let go of past information about who you are.

It is time to get out of the comfort zone of how history has defined you to be.

It is time to enter the miracle zone of who your Heavenly Father says you are.

Everything that Hinders

‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.’ (Heb 12:1-2a)

I believe that Holy Spirit is instructing us today to identify and cast off everything in our life that hinders God’s purpose for our lives.

Note: not everything that holds us back from being all God that has called us to be is obvious sin.

We must allow Him to put His finger on limiting mindsets! These are sin in that they fall short of what God has called us to believe about our God, our circumstances and ourselves.

What do you believe about your ability? Your personality? Your gifts and ministry? God’s desire and ability to provide for your vision, your needs, your ministry and your family?

Is there a gap between your definition of who you are and what you can do—and God’s definition of who He has created you to be and what He has called you to do?

That gap is a limiting mindset.

A role or title can help identify our job or ministry and define what others can expect from us. But there are times when God calls us to enlargement—to think and behave bigger than where we have been. Recently the Holy Spirit spoke to me clearly about a limiting definition I was using of myself and said, ‘I don’t care for your labels.’

For those of us who are leaders, limiting definitions can hold our ministry, church or organisation back. It is time to review every defining statement and label that we have made, and bring our words into alignment with God’s intention for the new season.

Let’s be clear here: this is not about trying to be something we are not, but embracing all that we are designed for.

And I believe that He is speaking to many of you that 2013 is a year to take ownership of that calling and dream that He has planted into the very DNA of who you are.

Because 2013 is a year of enlargement.

It is time to take time to worship and commune with Him, and rediscover the desires that are on His heart for your life. ‘Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ (Ps 37:4)

That doesn’t mean that you run ahead of God and push the doors open!

But as you call ‘alive!’ what He calls alive, His creative Word causes it to come to pass. ‘He (Abraham) is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.’ (Rom 4:17)

A Prayer for 2013:

Father I choose to move forward and embrace all that you have for my life and ministry in 2013. I ask that You would reveal any limitations, sin, and areas that need adjustment: everything that would hold me back from the fullness of all you have purposed for me. Lord of my life, I surrender to You every definition, every defining statement, or label that I have used about my life or ministry up until this time. (Name any that come to mind) Show me which are right for the current season, and which to release.

I repent of limiting Your work in my life by believing and speaking out expectations that are less than what You have for me. In Jesus’ Name I renounce them (name any negative descriptions / opinions you have spoken about your life, ministry, circumstances, family or future). Father, I embrace and receive all of Your promises for this coming year and beyond, including (name those that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind). I rejoice in the anticipation of all you will do in 2013!

In Jesus’ Name.

Notes:

[1] If you are interested in finding out more about the cicada life cycle, I recommend an inspiring David Attenborough clip on YouTube. Search for:
‘Amazing Cicada life cycle – Sir David Attenborough’s Life in the Undergrowth – BBC wildlife.’ (begins with an ad you can skip)

Related Posts:

Courage to Change

Take That Label Off And Agree With What God Says

Are You Seeking A Prophetic Word For The New Year?

Do you have any testimonies or ideas to share about limiting definitions, or something that God is speaking to you about in 2013? Leave a comment in the comments box. If the comments section is not visible, click on the post title at the top of this page 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

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)

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.

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

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

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

‘He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth.’ (Ps 72:6)

God has been speaking to me about rain over the last few weeks. I believe He is calling us to look expectantly to Him, to observe where He is at work, and to position for what He is doing. 

Observe the ‘Front’ where God is at Work

Recently, The Hunk and I were walking along a beach, enjoying the last of the evening sun. Suddenly, we noticed that the sun was about to descend behind a curtain of thick black cloud. It was a front of heavy rain, heading our way.

Sure enough, within 2 hours, there was a downpour.

Change is in the Air

A weather front is the boundary line between two distinctly different atmospheric conditions. It could be described as a ‘change zone.’ And I believe this speaks to us today of a shift taking place in the spiritual atmosphere over our lives, churches, communities, nations—and even globally.

As prophetic people, we can be ‘front-watchers.’ Let’s be like ‘the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.’ (1 Chron 12:32)

The Holy Spirit and Rain

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring  (Isaiah 44:3)

Rain is one of many symbols in the Bible used to describe the Holy Spirit. By its nature, released from the skies above, rain speaks of the Holy Spirit outpoured from heaven. God’s purposes for this include:

• Refreshment (Ps 68:7-9, Acts 3:19)
• Empowerment (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:17-18)
• Restoration (Joel 2:23-25, Hosea 6:2-3)
• A Harvest of souls won to faith in God (Isaiah 44:3-5)

The Discomfort of Change

There is often turmoil and unstable weather around a weather front, where two air masses of different temperatures and densities converge.

We can expect that a shift in the spiritual atmosphere will result in some turbulence.

• The move of God does not come the way some expect
• What God is doing does not necessarily fit with human priorities, vision and values
• There may be immaturity in some of those who embrace and participate in what God is doing
• Opposition or misunderstandings arise

 At this stage, we have a choice—allow the turbulence to put us off, or to look beyond this to Father’s intended purpose. As we embrace what is of God, and persevere through the trials, we are positioned to receive what He has promised.

Rain and the Season of Harvest

In the Biblical context, rain was related to seasons and to crops. There is mention of the early (autumn) rains, and the latter (spring) rains. The spring rains brought the fullness of the harvest.

‘Latter rains’ refer to a great outpouring of the Spirit—one that will result in an End Time harvest of people to God’s Kingdom. (Acts 2:16-17, James 5:7)

Regardless of opinions about timing, this IS the ‘End Times’ for the generations alive on the earth today. Billions will never have another opportunity to hear the Gospel and respond to God—and we will never have another opportunity to share it with them.

But the Lord of the Harvest has a plan (Luke 10:2), and the rain clouds are forming.

Rain Reminds us of God’s Sovereignty.

There is nothing humanity can do to create rain. Recently we had many years of drought in our State of Victoria, Australia. This resulted in expensive projects to draw from alternative water sources—including a desalination plant constructed to utilise seawater. And then, it started to rain again. And rain. Our water storage levels, down to 33% a few years ago, are now at 81%.

Likewise, it is not human effort that is going to bring a change in the spiritual atmosphere and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. That is why we call it a ‘move of God.’

Religious performance says that we need to do the ‘rain dance.’ The idea is, that if we do the right steps for long enough, God will send the rain. But it is not about works; it is all about His grace and timing.

The balance of this is that God does require our cooperation with His Spirit to fully enter into and receive His purposes. For example, the Holy Spirit may lead us into prayer (Zech 10:1) or repentance. (Hosea 6:1, Hosea 10:12, Acts 3:19)

Repentance is not only the breaking up of hardness of heart and repentance from sin. Repentance also involves fully embracing and entering into who we are in Christ.

Anticipating our Father’s Generosity

Like me, you may no longer be waiting for revival—however the balance to this is that God loves to visit His children with seasons of visitation.

It is vital that we check our hearts, that we are not seeking the moving of God’s Spirit out of a sense of poverty, or as spiritual orphans, deprived of the Father’s Presence. We are sons and daughters, and we can joyfully anticipate our Father’s generosity.

The rain is coming. It is time to stop focusing on our needs on the ground, and to lift our faces to the ‘front’ where the Holy Spirit is moving. For at this time, God is moving personally, locally and globally—and we can bless and rejoice in it and the anticipation of what is to come.

Related Posts:

No Longer Waiting For Revival

This Can Be A Year of Visitation from God

An Open Heaven Is Your Inheritance

What is your anticipation of a move of God? What experiences have you had? Leave a comment in the comments box. If it 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

Over recent weeks I have been praying about a prophetic theme for ministry in 2012, as well as a prophetic word of encouragement for Enliven Blog readers.

I have found myself being drawn continually to the themes of unlocking, keys, open doors, and access. [1]

A Prophetic Vision: It’s Time to Wake Up and Rise Up

‘For through [Jesus] we have access by one Spirit to the Father.’ (Eph 2:18)

‘I saw a doorway leading into a great hallway, and realised that I was looking at the entrance to the throne room of God.

There were people standing, hesitant, at the threshold. I knew they were holding back because they felt inadequate and unworthy.

The voice of God the Father came from beyond the doorway: ‘Beloved, I have made you worthy through the blood of My Son.’

Many who had been waiting uncertainly at the door stepped through, strengthened by God’s word of encouragement. Others, however, continued to hold back.

Then, I noticed many more people, asleep on the floor surrounding the threshold. They were covered with blankets and oblivious to their location.

Suddenly, I heard the voice of the Father speaking again; ‘It’s time to wake up and rise up!’

The breath of God accompanied the sound of His voice.

At the sound, those who slept were stirred.

Some heard the Father’s voice and awakening, realised where they were. The breath of God entered them, and strengthened, they rose and stepped through the doorway.

Others did not seem to hear clearly. They grumbled, turned over and went back to sleep.

Now, I saw those who were moving through the entranceway and into the great hallway. As they began to head towards the throne of God, they became suddenly self-conscious about the clothing they were wearing—‘civvies’—ordinary, everyday clothes.

To the side of the hallway were white robes and royal crowns—perfectly tailored, created and named for each person. They put these on and proceeded forward.

I found myself outside of the hallway again, observing as those who had entered the Father’s presence stepped out once more. They were clothed in royal garments, walking with purpose.

‘These are the history-makers,’ I heard the Spirit say.’

Comprehend your Royal Birth

This symbolic vision challenges me. I recognise my own tendency at times to hold back from God’s presence or to be lulled into a state of complacency and comfort.

But I believe that right now there is a word of awakening going out.

We are in a season when we have the opportunity to catch the revelation of who we are and Whose we are, and the Spirit Who is with us, as never before.

David McCracken has recently been preaching prophetically on the topic, ‘We Are Kings.’ [1] As he says:

‘A king is king because they are born a king, their circumstances don’t make them what they are, their birth makes them what they are. We become royalty when we are born again by the Spirit of God. You are royalty because of your new birth. Live royal!’

Adam and Eve were created for dominion, and the Father’s mandate has not changed. (Gen 1:26)

Our desire to see the power of God manifested, to see people saved, healed and set free is rising to the point that we can no longer ignore it.

Our destiny is calling; our spiritual DNA is stirring.

God’s Plan—Access to Him and Through Him

Access to God, and through God, is an important Biblical theme.

In the beginning, Adam and Eve had unlimited access to the Garden of Eden, God’s intimate Presence, and the tree of life.

But after they sinned, they were banished and that access was cut off:

‘After he drove them out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.’ Gen 3:24

On the cross, Jesus purchased back the relationship with God—and access to God the Father—that Adam and Eve lost.

‘..according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.’ (Eph 3:11-12)

We have only embraced Jesus’ gift of salvation to us, to the degree that we can access the Father’s Presence with confidence and boldness.

2012: His Word of Access for your life

For those who accept the Father’s invitation to draw near to Him and to speak intimately with Him, 2012 can be a year of unprecedented access. [3]

‘The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.’(Dan 11:32, NKJV)

• We will come out from God’s presence with keys—divine strategies and authority to access and take new ground for the Kingdom of God.

• We will find ourselves in situations for which prior experience and knowledge have not prepared us—but for which God’s word has equipped us.

• He will lead us in such a way that we will have no choice but to utterly rely upon Him and exercise the authority we have received from God.

• I see young people catching the vision of who they are and Whose they are and the Kingdom authority they carry. Observing their boldness will stir up the desire in those of us who are older in the faith to enter in.

• I sense God restoring access to some who have felt that they were sidelined or disqualified.

• I believe this is a word for some leaders, and churches—your current vision, strategies and plans are too small—it is time to revisit what God has shown you in the past. Your current vision has led you to this place, but He wants to enlarge your vision.He is giving you keys—keys of favour, of strategy, of prayer—to go through doors that have previously been closed off.

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”  (Rev 3:8, NKJV)

Notes:

[1] Keep an eye out on Enliven Blog as I will be teaching on topics relating to this over the next few weeks and months.

[2] David McCracken’s 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] In last week’s post, I shared some important thoughts about weighing up general prophetic words such as the one I have shared above.

See Prophetic Words For 2012: How To Make The Most Of Them

Related Posts:

This Can Be A Year Of Visitation From God

ABC’s of the Kingdom of God

4 Things You Don’t Need A Prophetic Word For Concerning 2012

Do you have any further thoughts about 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 – Prophetic Teaching

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

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9)

The New Year is a time when many people eagerly seek prophetic words for the coming year.

Next week I will be sharing an exciting prophetic insight that I have received for next year. However, I would like to preface that today with some keys to help you weigh up prophetic words, and to receive encouragement directly from God for yourself.

Why seek fresh Prophetic Encouragement for the New Year?

The Father’s overall plan for our lives does not change, and we should always be focused on aligning ourselves with His previously revealed will for us. So there should always be a balance between this and seeking new words.

We need to check our motivation for seeking prophetic insights, and we need to check that we are currently on track with His overall purpose for our lives.

However, I do believe that the God who created days, seasons and years, desires to reveal more of His love and purpose for our lives within those time frames.

Biblical prophecies frequently referred to times and seasons. [1]

Following are some thoughts that may assist you as you seek God for encouragement for yourself, your family, church or ministry for the coming year:

Prophetic Words from Global Ministries

This is a time that prophetic voices are sharing what they believe God is saying for 2012. And with the current technology, it has never been easier to receive prophetic words via the Internet.

Recently, I received an email from a prophetic ministry that included a ‘personal’ prophecy for 2012. Even though the email had been sent to many thousands of people, it included a personalised message from God addressed to me by name!

As with all prophecy, we need to carefully weigh up such words. If the message includes is a timely word from God for us, the Holy Spirit will quicken this to our hearts.

It is vital that we discern what response we have to a broadly given prophecy is of the Holy Spirit, and what is based in our own desires.

Here are a few thoughts to help you process a prophecy:

• Remember that the word is a general, not a personal prophecy—and as such, may or may not relate to your situation. We each have our own unique, God-ordained seasons in life.
• If you believe the Spirit is speaking to you personally through a prophetic word, pray about it and weigh it up carefully. [2]
• If a prophecy leads you to take action or change direction, submit the word and your response to oversight. [3]
• Remember that God’s promises are conditional upon you partnering with Him for their fulfilment.

For more thoughts on weighing up prophetic words, check the following posts:

How Do I Know A Personal Prophecy Or Dream Interpretation Is From God?

How Do You Weigh Up What The Prophets Are Saying Pt 2

Receive Your Own Encouraging Insight from God

The best place for you to receive a personal word of encouragement from the Father for the coming year is directly from Him.

God longs to speak to you personally. It is not about having a prophetic gift; hearing from God is based on our relationship with Him. [John 10:4]

For some ideas on how to receive your own personal word for 2012 see the following post:

Are You Seeking a Prophetic Word For The New Year?

May you be filled with a sense of excitement and expectation as you enter 2012. The coming year is one of great possibilities in our life with God!

Notes:

[1] For example:
“This shall be a sign to you: You shall eat this year such as grows of itself, And the second year what springs from the same; Also in the third year sow and reap, Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them.” Isaiah 37:30
See also Jer 25:12; Is 38:5; Is 21:16-17

[2] Journaling is a tool that can assist you in praying about prophetic insights.

How To Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

[3] If you are considering making adjustments in relation to personal guidance from God, I recommend the following article:

Personal Guidance For The Important Decisions Of Life

Related Posts:

4 Things You Don’t Need A Prophetic Word For Concerning 2012

2012: A Year Of Unprecedented Access

Do you have any further thoughts about responding to prophecy, or have you received your own word of encouragement for 2012 that you would like to share? 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.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Over the next few weeks, I am going to share some thoughts on how to weigh up prophetic words for the New Year, as well as how to receive the Father’s encouragement for you personally.
I will also communicate some specific prophetic insights that I have sought God about, for my readers and for the church in general.

Before we embark on this journey, here are some things about the coming year that, whether you have a prophetic word or not, you can have absolute assurance on:

1. It is Time to Release past things that have been Holding you Back

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

You do not have to continue tripping up over past issues, old habits and ingrained thought patterns. Your Heavenly Father’s plan for you is freedom, and He has paid the ultimate price in the shed blood of His Son Jesus.

You already have the word of release, but you have to rise up in faith and take it. Persevere in 2012 for the freedom of yourself and others—and chains that have held you back will be broken.

2. God is Working all things Together for Good

‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ (Rom 8:28)

‘Good’ does not mean ‘as we like it.’ ‘Good’ means, ‘the outcome that our Heavenly Father, Who knows the end from the beginning, has intended for us.’ And He is completely trustworthy.

The Gospel, the Good News of Jesus is one of redemption—and He loves you immeasurably.

No matter what you have done; no matter what has been done to you, His plan is to restore. He desires to bring ultimate good out of the pain and trouble of the past—to turn your tests into a testimony, and your mess into a message.

And whatever comes your way, know that His goodness is with you every step of your journey.

‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.’ (Ps 23:6)

3. You can Experience great Fruitfulness this Year

^‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.’ (John 15:16)

God’s plan for your life this coming year is one of fruitfulness.

In our culture today we equate fruitfulness with tangible results, but that is not the way of God’s Kingdom.

• Kingdom fruitfulness is sourced and rooted in the Holy Spirit and grows out of our intimate relationship with God
• Then it overflows into our inner life and attitudes (Gal 5:22-25)
• Finally, it results in obedient action that reproduces His purpose in our lives and that of others.

God’s plan for you is fruitfulness—but it will require your cooperation—it will require you to rise up and say, ‘No matter what! This year, I will rise up and be all God has called me to be.’

4. God Wants you to draw Closer to Him

‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.’ (Jesus – Rev 3:20)

There is no end to the depth of intimacy that is available in our relationship with God. There is no end to the revelation of who He is and His ways that we can learn about and discover.

This coming year, you can draw closer to God than you have ever done before. If you have drifted from your first love in your relationship with Him, you can choose to return. What does taking that step look like for you? Today you can begin the journey.

Do you have any scriptural promises that you could share with others? 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:

2012: A Year Of Unprecedented Access

Prophetic Words For A New Year: How To Make The Most Of Them

3 Mistaken Beliefs About God’s Blessing

How You Can Have An Intimate Relatonship With The Holy Spirit

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Over the last couple of weeks I have been praying about a word of encouragement for my readers.

As I have done so, I have been continually drawn back to the words:

‘Year Of Visitation.’

At first, I hesitated. The words, ‘Year of Visitation’ were already familiar to me.

You see, this past year so many extraordinary things had taken place for The Hunk and me, that as the year was drawing to a close, I dubbed 2010, ‘Year Of Visitation.’

To be honest, this was a bit scary. How do you follow up a year like we have had? I found myself being lured back into an ‘orphan mindset.’ [1] I was being tempted to fear that in 2011 the Presence and work of God in our lives would wane.

Thankfully, as I have prayed for you, the Spirit has also lovingly addressed and corrected my own thinking.

Divine visitation should not be the exception; instead, it should be our expectation as we approach the New Year.

You and I can have a ‘Year Of Visitation’ in 2011 and beyond. The key lies in understanding what that means, and positioning for it in faith.

Visitation from God is a Biblical Concept

When God visits, supernatural breakthroughs occur. Prophetic words are fulfilled, seasons are shifted and new things are brought to birth [2]. Jesus gets the glory.

So—what does it mean, Biblically, to have a season of visitation from God? And how can we position ourselves for it?

Following are 6 of the times that the Bible tells us God visited His people.

As you read these accounts, there may be one or two that particularly resonate with you. If that happens, allow the Spirit of God to ignite faith in your heart, that His Word will be fulfilled in your life in the coming year.

1. Fulfilment of Prophecy & Removal of Barrenness

‘And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken.’ (Gen 21:1) [3]

A visitation of God broke the long season of barrenness in Sarah’s life, resulting in fulfilment of prophecy and the birth of Isaac, whose name meant ‘laughter.’

2. Recognising God Has Seen our Pain and Come to Act on Behalf of His People

‘When they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.’ Ex 4:31

A visitation of God broke the long season of Israel’s bondage in Egypt. They realised God had not left them alone in their suffering, but was intimately concerned for them. His power was about to be revealed.

3. Divine Help And Provision

‘ Then [Naomi] arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people by giving them bread.’ (Ruth 1:6)

A visitation of God broke a long season of famine in Bethlehem, Judah.

The rumour of God’s goodness reached Naomi, who was estranged and widowed in the country of Moab. God’s visitation impacted her personally as her inheritance and family line was restored.

4. Restoration of Inheritance and Homecoming

‘For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.’ (Jer 29:10)

A visitation of God broke the long season of Judah’s exile, and they returned to Jerusalem at His appointed time.

5. The Ultimate Visitation—Jesus

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people…the Dayspring from on high has visited us” (Luke 1:68,78)

In the New Testament, Zacharias understood that the ultimate visitation of God to His people was fulfilled in the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

6. Outpourings of the Holy Spirit

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19)

From the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and throughout church history, we understand visitations of the Holy Spirit to be times of outpouring, bringing refreshing and empowering to God’s people.

3 Ways To Position For Divine Visitation

When God moves on our behalf, or in the lives of others around us, it is not because we deserve it—it is on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood, and the Father’s favour and mercy.

We cannot earn His visitation—however, we can position ourselves to enter into what the Father wants to do.

As you will see, the key to 2011 being a ‘Year Of Visitation’ lies in our relationship with God.

1. Understand God’s Timing

The primary key to experiencing Divine visitation lies in understanding the timing of God for our lives.

In each of the above situations in scripture, it was God’s time to act. For example:

• Sarah’s pregnancy with Isaac
• The four hundred years in Egypt come to its conclusion
• The seventy years in Babylon completed
• The birth of Jesus

You may know that there are two Greek words for time in the New Testament: The first is ‘chronos.’ This refers to ‘clock time’ or ‘calendar time.’ It is the word used for general time. [4]
The second Greek word for time is ‘kairos.’ Kairos means ‘due time, a fixed time, a season, or an OPPORTUNE time.’

A pregnancy is a great example of the two types of time. Approximately 9 months of ‘chronos’ time pass. But the moment comes when it is time to give birth. That moment is ‘kairos’—the due time.

God always desires to bring people closer to Himself, to fill us with His Spirit, to act on our behalf.

But we also need to see as Jesus did, what the Father is doing ‘now.’ (John 5:19)

Jesus always walked in the kairos time of God—and we can too.

Here are some arenas you might like to seek God for His kairos timing both now and throughout the coming year.

Ask, “Father, what are You doing in these areas?”

• A fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit
• An area of your life that needs breakthrough
• Family members and relationships
• Non-Christians that are around your life
• A shift of season

Prayer journaling is a great way to communicate with Him and record His response. [5]

2. Pray in the Season of Visitation

‘You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.’ (Jer 29:13)

When God spoke these words to Judah, He was saying, in effect, ‘When the kairos time comes for Me to deliver you, you will seek Me—and I will answer and deliver you.’ (see Jer 29:10-14)

The prophet Zechariah put this well when he said,

‘Ask the LORD for rain in the time of the latter rain.’ Zech 10:1

The prophet was saying, when it’s God’s kairos time, pray!

When we pray, we acknowledge that we cannot fulfil God’s plan through our own efforts. We need His help.

When that prayer is answered, Jesus gets the credit for what takes place.

3. Participate With God Through Acts of Obedience

When we have prayed, it is time look for ways to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. We want to participate with God in His work.

If God asks us to do something specific, an act of obedience can bring a powerful breakthrough.

Goliath was killed by the word of the Lord AND by a stone from David’s sling (1 Samuel 17). God provided food for a widow and her son, but first, she had to give away the last of what she had to Elijah (1 Kings 17:7-16).

Sometimes, however, it is not about doing anything except simply receiving—equally an act of obedience.

There are times to contend, and there are also times to just open our hands and say, ‘Thank you Lord.’

For we are His sons and daughters, and what we receive from Him, we receive by inheritance.

Through our relationship with God, we can experience the ongoing visitation of God in our lives—to move from visitation to habitation.

This is the desire of my heart. Is it yours?

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

Notes and Related Posts:

[1] An orphan mindset is ‘Fatherless thinking.’ I share about this in the following post:

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

[2] Our friend Steve McCracken from David McCracken Ministries has said: “The two phrases I am feeling for 2011 are a year of achievement and a
year of new things. I believe it is to be a year of firsts.”

[3] These scriptures are all quoted in the New King James Version (NKJV)

[4] VINE, M.A. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.  1985. Virginia: MacDonald.

An example of ‘chronos’ is in Matt 2:7. ‘Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time (chronos) the star had appeared.’

An example of ‘kairos’ is in Gal 6:9. ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time (kairos) we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ (See also 2 Cor 6:1-2)

[5] For an explanation and examples of prayer journaling, see the following post:

Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

See also:
Prophetic Insight: Look Out, The Rain Is Coming!

© Helen Calder 2011    Enliven Publishing

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

Now that Christmas is behind us, the thoughts of many of us are turning to the New Year.

• What lies ahead for us?
• What are God’s plans for our lives in the coming year?
• What promises does our Heavenly Father want us to lay hold of?

Many people are looking for prophecies for the coming year. They want to know what the prophets are saying.

Like them, you may be searching for that special word from God that your heart connects with; a prophecy that His personal message for your own situation.

Reading prophecies from others can be encouraging—but there is something even better available to you and me. We can hear God’s voice for ourselves [John 10:4-5].

I am going to share some keys on how to receive a word of encouragement for you directly from God for the coming year.

But first, here are some personal stories to let you know how powerful even a simple and straightforward word can be.

A Word From God can Change Your Life

One regular visitor to our church office this past year brought me a great deal of joy. It was Brian—a retired, single man whose life has been transformed by a word from God.

As 2009 drew to a close, Brian’s life was the same is it had been for a long time. He describes it now as a life characterised by sadness. Brian found himself unable to stop continually dwelling on hurts and pain from the past.

Reading the book ‘The Shack’ at around this time gave Brian hope that his life could be different. A word came to him: it was ‘Freedom.’

Then one of our prayer leaders gave Brian a printed copy of my blog post on how to receive a personal word from God for the year 2010. At the top of the page was a space that read, “2010: Year of ______ “

One Sunday at church, our pastor’s message brought life to Brian’s soul. He responded to God and heard the Father speak personally to him, ‘I will set you free.’ From that moment, Brian was powerfully delivered.

He then wrote on the blog article, ‘2010, Year of Freedom.’

During the following months, Brian would often bring in the printed blog post and show me the words ‘Year Of Freedom’ along with a growing list of scriptures he added to the page in his own handwriting.

God’s Word was building his faith, enabling Brian to continue in the victory Jesus purchased for him on the cross.

A Word From God Can Herald Breakthrough

Late in 2009, I was participating in a prophetic worship night at our church, when I had a vision.

I saw myself smashing down a massive plate of glass that had a nice, smiling, but superficial image of me on the front. Behind the glass, another, real, ‘me’ was waiting to break out: a warrior and leader, who would call people to serve Jesus and join His army.

At that moment, to my amazement, a team member took the microphone and sang a prophetic song of the Lord calling His people to war.

Realising that the act of smashing down was symbolic of repentance, I took time to repent of projecting an image of myself that I felt would make me acceptable to people and to God. This image was an idol, standing in the way of being all that my Father had created me to be. It was keeping me trapped in a lifestyle of performance. [1]

As 2010 approached, I was praying about God’s purposes for the coming year and the vision kept coming to mind, along with the words, ‘Break Out.’
I felt that God’s word for me was that 2010 would be a ‘Year of Breaking Out.’

The Hunk felt that God was saying something similar to him.

‘Breaking Out’ proved true for us on many fronts. We broke through some stuck places spiritually, as a couple, and in our finances. New ministry opportunities began to emerge for me personally.

A Word From God Can Sustain Us in Times of Trial

But the fulfilment of God’s word is not always comfortable.

In May 2010, ‘Breaking Out’ was to prove painful as I felt that God was leading me to lay down a ministry leadership role.

I shared this with mentors and leaders in my church, who confirmed this guidance was from the Lord. The anointing of the Holy Spirit was evident in the decision and in the handover to a new leader.

For a short time, I felt lost. I knew I had broken out into a new place, but had no way of defining what that was. Knowing that God ordained my ‘Breaking Out’ helped me to trust Him for my future.

It was not long before the Holy Spirit revealed the Father’s plan. As I enter 2011, an exciting new door of ministry is opening to me. [2]

How You Can Receive Your Own Word From God for the New Year

Here are some simple steps to waiting on God for a personal word for the coming year. Of course, you can receive a lot more than a single word—however, I have found that encapsulating God’s message for your year in one or two words can help you remember and focus on His purpose for you throughout the year.

1. Pray and ask your Father to give a word concerning His promise and plans for your coming year

There are many ways in which you might receive a revelation. He might speak through a through, scripture, a picture, an idea or some other way [3]

2. Pray and ask the Lord for any further insights about the word.

I like to look the word up in a dictionary or thesaurus to clarify the meaning, as well as pray and seek out scriptures that reinforce what God is saying

3. If the word goes beyond simple encouragement and compels you towards action or change, remember that principles of interpretation and accountability apply to the word [4]

What you can do with your word

1. Write down or journal about how you received the word and what it means to you.

2. Share it with those around your life who can rejoice with you when it is fulfilled and encourage you on when times get tough

3. Keep it in front of you throughout the year.

4. Review the word and its outcome at the year’s end. As I have done, you can reflect upon what God has done in your life throughout the year and how the prophetic word has been fulfilled.

Would you like to share your own experiences or word from God? Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

For further prophetic inspiration for 2011 see my post, 2011 Can Be A Year Of Visitation From God

[1] If my thoughts about performance resonated with you, the following post may be helpful:

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

[2] I will be announcing this in a few weeks time. It’s very exciting… Stay tuned!

[3] For more about this topic, check the following post:

How To Receive A Revelation From God

[4] As I did in the above story, I advise submitting what appears to be a directive word, or guidance, to your church oversight. For more about how to determine whether a word is of God, the following posts may help:

4 Things You Can Do With Your Personal Prophecy

How Can You Tell If A Personal Prophecy Or A Dream Interpretation Is From God?

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© Helen Calder 2010    Enliven Publishing

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries