Have you ever wondered what it means to ‘host the Presence of God?’

King David wrote:

‘One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.’ (Ps 27:24)

The unusual circumstances in which God answered this cry of David’s heart—with the help of a man called Obed Edom —have something to teach us today.

The Day God’s Presence was too Hot to Handle

King David discovered the hard way that God’s Presence is to be honoured as holy.

His intentions were good—bring the Ark of God’s Covenant to Jerusalem, so that God’s Presence, along with praise and worship, could be at the centre of Israel.

Unfortunately, David turned to the ways of the world, not the way of God’s Word, to determine how to transport the Ark. [1] As a result, one well-intentioned young man on David’s team lost his life.

Deeply disturbed and upset, King David took the Ark of the Covenant aside, to the property of Obed Edom. (Read the full story in 2 Sam 6)

What Happened When Obed Edom Hosted God’s Presence:

Obed Edom opened the gate to his property and King David brought in the Ark of the Covenant, and with it, the glory and manifest Presence of God. What happened as a result is an inspiration for us today:

1. Personal Blessing on his Property and Household

The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. (2 Sam 6:11)

When Obed Edom hosted God’s Presence, everything and everyone in Obed Edom’s life was touched by God and blessed.

The Bible doesn’t tell us that Obed Edom did anything to warrant this blessing.

• No extra praying or fasting
• No hard work to earn God’s favour
• No religious rites.

The only thing he did was host God’s presence.

Jesus has made the way open for us to live continually in God’s Presence. It is not by anything we have done, or can do, but by His blood shed for us.

2. The Rumour of God’s Goodness Gets Out

Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” (2 Sam 6:12)

Stories of what God was doing in Obed Edom’s life were being passed around, as people start gossiping the goodness of God.

Maybe it went something like this:

‘Have you heard what happened to Obed Edom since the Ark has been at his place?’

• His crops have doubled in size
• His daughter who was barren has started having babies
• That servant of his, last time I saw him was limping with a deformed leg, but he’s been healed [2]

When we host God’s Presence, people around us will notice the difference. The word of God’s goodness will get out.

3. Other People get Hungry for God

When King David heard the reports of God’s blessing on Obed Edom’s life and property, he became hungry for the Presence of God. As a result he now studied the scripture, looked into God’s prescribed way to transport the ark. (1 Chron 15:11-15)

You know that you are hosting the Presence of God when people around you become seekers.

When testimonies and stories go out, a chain reaction occurs. People see what is possible for them and they want what you have.

4. Obed Edom and his Family have a Godly Heritage

Obed Edom and his household were changed forever. No doubt his children and grandchildren grew up saying, ‘Can you remember when the Ark stayed with us? Can you remember what God did?’

And Obed Edom and his family have become a part of Israel’s story, recorded in Scripture for all eternity.

Later we see that a man called Obed Edom and his sons were gatekeepers for the Presence of God, for the tabernacle/temple (1 CHRON 15 & 26)

The Bible doesn’t expressly say this was the same Obed Edom, however evidence suggests that it was. Having tasted of the Presence of God, God called the family into a ministry through which they could be close to Him for generations to come.

5. A Nation is Brought to Worship

King David ‘and the entire house of Israel’ brought the Ark out from Obed Edom’s house—and the nation rejoiced.

David prepared a tabernacle for the Ark of God to dwell, and rostered Levite musicians to look after it, in accordance with God’s prescribed order.

And in an open tent, looking upon the glory of God, there was 24/7 worship and prophecy and praise—something that only happened during David’s time.

When you host God’s Presence, a chain reaction occurs that can impact not only your family, but your community, region and nations.

How to Host God’s Presence

Hosting God’s Presence is not about performance. It is not about following prescribed rules, or doing the right things, but about having God at the centre of our lives.

All that Obed Edom did was make room for God’s Presence.

What would happen if we believed ourselves to be living ‘Arks’ of God—containers of His manifest Presence?

What could take place if we saw ourselves as gatekeepers of every place that we occupy? To open the gate to His Presence in our homes, churches, workplaces and every situation we live and move in?

Take some time to pray today and ask, ‘Father, what does this look like for me, for my family, ministry, church, or workplace?’

Notes:

[1] 20 years before, in 1 Sam 6, God allowed the Philistines to transport the Ark on a new cart, in order to return it to Israel.

[2] To get an idea of what God’s blessing would have looked like for Obed Edom, read the marks of God’s blessing in Deut 28. These include health, fruitfulness, prosperity, and freedom from oppression. (In 1 Chron 26, lists 8 sons of Obed Edom ‘because God had blessed him!’)

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 Your Inheritance

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

Would you like to share some ideas on the topic of Hosting God’s Presence? Do you have a story to tell, or a scripture or poem to share? Leave a comment in the comments box. 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

Have you ever been on a long car journey, when you realise that the fuel gauge is running low and you don’t know where the next Service (Gas) Station is?

This happened to The Hunk and I many years ago, on a long trip between Christchurch and Nelson in New Zealand.

A situation like that can do one of two things. It can cause your marriage relationship to suddenly deteriorate – or it can cause your prayer life to suddenly improve. The first option is especially tempting when you realise that if ‘someone’ had paid attention and filled up before you began the trip, you would not be in this predicament!

What a relief it was, when we finally pulled up to a Service Station a little way out of Blenheim.

It’s Time to Check the Tank

The New Year is an opportunity to do a personal resource check and to ask:

• Do I have enough of the right fuel in my tanks—physically, emotionally and spiritually—to go the distance for all God has for me in the coming year?

• If I am depleted in any area, what will it take for me to be replenished?

• What is the first step?

The first and most important check we need to do is, ‘Am I vitally connected to God?’

God wants to be the very Source of our life.

At a crucial time in Jerusalem’s history, God spoke to His people through the Prophet Jeremiah, saying:

“My people have committed two sins: they have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jer 2:13)

To put it simply, God was saying, “My people have made the wrong resource choice.”

The Gihon Spring was the only permanent source of water to the city of Jerusalem—the people’s very means of life. So the picture of turning away from the living spring and looking for other sources of water was a relevant one to them.

When God gets Shifted Off-Centre

Reading in Jeremiah and elsewhere, you discover what God meant by Judah’s ‘broken cisterns.’

He was referring to two main things –

• Judah still had God’s temple, and they still made a show of worshipping Him, but they worshipped idols as well.
• Instead of looking to God when they needed deliverance, they looked to other nations for help – nations that worshipped other ‘gods’ and gave glory to those ‘gods.’

What had happened? The people of Jerusalem still had God in their lives, but God was no longer their chief source. He was kind of like an add-on.

Sometimes we can be like that, even without realising it. We still have God in our lives, we may even be serving Him, but we have shifted Him off-centre. And when God is not at the centre, we are spiritually dry, empty and don’t work properly.

And yet, our Father is so full of grace and mercy. Today, if you feel spiritually dry, and if you recognise that somehow you have shifted God away from the centre of your attention and your life, He comes to you saying,

“I am the source of life – and if you make me the Source of your life, I will be as a spring of living water to you.”

All The Resources of Heaven

The concept of God being like a spring of living water to us is a powerful one.

Here is an amazing fact: At any one time, most of the world’s fresh water is not on the surface of the ground, in places we can see like rivers and lakes.

Instead, most of our fresh water lies deep underneath the ground. We call this hidden water, ‘groundwater.’ And groundwater travels beneath the earth through special gravels and soils. When one of these ‘aquifiers’ meets the surface, a spring bubbles up.

So when God says, “I am the spring of living water,” He is using a powerful illustration to say, “In Me all the unseen resources of heaven are there to back you up.”

As you enter this New Year, God offers all of Himself to you, to be your Source, your Provider.

He offers you all of His fullness, all of His grace.

He gives you access as His son and daughter into His very Presence.

He makes available to you through prayer, all of the resources of heaven

His Holy Spirit resides within you, an immeasurable, Heavenly source of life, waiting to be tapped into and released.

Today is an opportunity to refocus your life. To turn away from every distraction, every dependency that is not of God.

And put Jesus at the very centre of your life once again.

Related Posts:

This Can Be A Year Of Visitation From God

7 Signs Of Spiritual Dryness

7 Ways To Combat Spiritual Dryness

If you enjoyed this article, you can listen to the full audio message ‘Source of Life’ by Helen Calder from the Enliven Blog podcast page.

Do you have any responses to this post or thoughts about God being your source of life that you would like to share? 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

I have fond memories of a ministry trip that we did as a family in the South Island of New Zealand in 1998.

We were travelling with our two children, then aged 8 and 5 years old. Our theme for that particular trip was ‘River to the Nations’ and for fun, whenever we passed by or crossed over a river during the long hours of travelling, we would all shout “River!” together.

To this day, when The Hunk and I are driving through the countryside on our way to minister in a church, we have an urge to call out ‘River!’ when we pass by a river (and sometimes do!)

Amazing Bible Facts about the River of Life

1. A river flowed out of the Garden of Eden, the place where God communed with Adam and Eve.

This river separated into four headwaters, sending out life-giving waters through the land. (Gen 2:10-14) In this way, our Father prepared a means of sustenance and life to nations and peoples before they were even in existence.

2. The Bible begins with an earthly Eden and an earthly river, and ends with a Heavenly Eden and a Heavenly river.

In the last chapter of the Bible, we read of the river of life flowing from the throne of God: ‘On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.’ (Rev 22:2)

It is the final page of Scripture, and we again see God’s heart for nations and peoples.

3. Healing is associated with the River of Life.

Ezekiel also had a vision of a River with life-giving properties flowing out from the temple, after God’s glorious Presence had returned there. Trees surrounding the river bore fruit for food and leaves for healing. (Ezek 47; 43:2-5, Rev 22:2)

4. The River of Life brings a harvest.

Where once there were no fish, fish abound, and fishermen spread their nets for an abundant catch. (Ezek 47:9-10) The harvest on God’s heart is souls—people from every tribe and tongue. (Matt 4:19, Rev 7:9)

5. The River of Life is a source of joy.

The Psalmists say:

• ‘There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.’ (Psalm 46:4)
• ‘[People] feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.’ (Ps 36:8)

6. The River of Life flows from God’s Presence

Consistently, we see that the River of Life flows from the very seat of God’s Presence: the place He inhabits and reigns. (see above scriptures and also Joel 3:18)

The River of Life is Personal

‘Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” (John 7:38-39a)

Jesus said that when we drink from Him, receiving His life, and are filled with His Holy Spirit, rivers of living water flow out from within our lives.

The River not only flows from His Presence—it is His Presence—His Holy Spirit. And from the River of His Spirit flows salvation, healing, transformation and the joy that comes from knowing and partaking of God Himself.

A look at the Gospels and the book of Acts demonstrates this, as Jesus and His followers go about announcing the Good News, and healing and miracles flow.

(The invitation of God to someone reading this right now is—step into this River by faith).

Do You Feel Dry?

A river has movement, inflow and outflow. The River of God has a source—the intimate Presence of God—and an influence, bringing salvation, life and healing to people.

But if we stop partaking, and we stop receiving, we may begin to feel spiritually dry. We stop ‘spilling over.’

People around us are not being drawn by God’s Presence in our lives. We stop speaking out about God’s goodness because we ourselves are living in pain, discouragement or doubt. When this happens, we need to reconnect with God again.

The River of Life and the Dead Sea.

There may be times when we continue receiving from God, but for some reason stop giving out, and releasing His life to others.

The Dead Sea is a lake in Israel that has no inflow—and no outflow. It is rich in mineral wealth but cannot sustain life.

I don’t want to be a ‘Dead Sea’ Christian—someone who attends church on Sundays, receives lots of rich teaching, enjoys the Presence of His Spirit, but does not impact the lives of others.

The River of Life—Receive and Release

In Ezekiel 47, the Prophet sees that the River of Life hits the Dead Sea. And when the River collides with the Dead Sea, the salt water becomes fresh. As it does, the Dead Sea becomes a host to life once more.

If you are feeling dry today, or long to see fruitfulness in your life again, the River of God’s Spirit can flow once more through your life.

The invitation of Jesus to ‘come and drink’ is not a one-off invitation, but His life and Presence is continually available to you.

The Apostle Paul said, ‘Do not get drunk on wine… Instead, be filled with the Spirit.’ (Eph 5:18) The Greek words translated, ‘be filled,’ are in the continuous present tense.

And Ezekiel’s vision of the River of Life that went deeper, measure by measure tells you that no matter what you have experienced of God’s life and Spirit, there is always more. (Ezek 47:3-6)

When you reconnect with God, start to share about what He is doing in your life. Look for God-appointed opportunities to encourage or pray for people. Because in doing so, the River of Life will flow out to others.

And the ripple effect of what God is doing in your life may impact nations.

Related Posts:

7 Signs of Spiritual Dryness

Escaping a Half-Lived Christian Life

7 Ways to Combat Spiritual Dryness

What Pentecost tells us about God’s Heart for Nations

What attributes of the River of Life inspire you? 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

The greatest and most life-changing revelations are often simple ones.

Jesus said, ‘the truth shall set you free.’ (John 8:32)

Several years ago when I was recovering from burnout, I turned back to the book of Genesis, little knowing that I was about to undergo a major paradigm shift.

I summed up in my journal, ‘All of this: the bearing God’s image, the blessing, commissioning, life of purpose, breath of God received—all was before Adam and Eve ever did anything for God. Their worth, value and receiving of God’s favour—were inherent in their being and not in their doing.’

Eden: God’s Original Design

‘Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.’ (Gen 2:8)

The Garden of Eden is more than a historical place in the Bible. It is more than a lost paradise. And it is more than a bright future that can only be entered through death’s doorway.

Life in Eden’s Garden reveals God’s original design—and our restored inheritance. Eden teaches us what it means to live as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

5 Truths from Eden that we can Live Today

1. We can Live in Intimacy with the Father

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day… (Gen 3:8)

At the heart of Eden is a personal relationship with Father God. As Leif Hetland says, ‘The first face Adam and Eve saw was the face of a loving Father.’ [1]

The name Eden means ‘delight.’ This delight does not mean ‘happiness’ as we use the term, but the joy that comes through being intimately connected with God.

‘You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.’ (Ps 16:11b)

Separated from the Father by sin, Adam and Eve could no longer remain in the Garden of Eden. However, when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, signifying that the way into the Father’s intimate Presence was restored to humanity. (Matt 27:51, Heb 10:19-20)

And that place of intimacy can be our home.

2. We are Covered with the Glory of God

The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. (Gen 2:25)

Although Adam and Eve were physically unclothed, they were covered—with the glory of God.

Psalm 8:5 says of created humanity, ‘You [God] crowned them with glory and honour.’ The Hebrew word for crown also means ‘encircled.’ Psalm 5:12 says that the righteous are ‘surrounded with God’s favour as a shield.’

No wonder Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness at that moment sin caused the anointing and glory of God to be stripped away from them.

Physical clothing is here to stay—but consider the spiritual truth this speaks of: In Jesus, we are clothed in the righteousness of God. (Is 61:10) We can live transparently before God without shame or fear.

Freedom from shame and fear in God’s Presence is not as a result of behaving perfectly, but of placing our faith in Jesus, the only Perfect One.

Through His grace, we are in the process of being transformed in His glory, by His glory into His glory. (2 Cor 3:17-18, Phil 1:6)

3. We have God’s Favour and Blessing

The first words God spoke over Adam and Eve were words of blessing. They experienced His favour before they had done anything. (Gen 1:27-28)

They did not have to prove their worth. Their worth was based in who they were—a son and daughter of God, beloved and accepted.

Religious striving and the culture around us equates blessing with performance. But that is not God’s way.

In Genesis, we learn that we are blessed just because we are God’s sons and daughters. [2]

4. We can Live from Rest, while Labouring with God

The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day. And that on the seventh day God rested. As Clayton Coombs observes:

‘The first full day that Adam and Eve experienced was a day of rest.’ [3]

From that place of rest, they laboured together with God. We read, ‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.’ (Gen 2:15)

God planted the trees in the Garden of Eden—and Adam tended them. It was a united effort, a life of God-given purpose.

In God’s Kingdom, Father invites us to tend what He has planted, to do the work that He has prepared for us beforehand. (Eph 2:10) [4]

5. We have God-Given Authority to Fulfil His Purposes on Earth

In Eden, Adam and Eve walked and talked with the Father. As they heard what was on His heart, they were able to carry out His purposes on the earth through the authority He had conferred to them. [5]

Today the authority that Adam and Eve lost through sin has been restored to us through Jesus. (Matt 28:18) [6]

The Apostle Paul puts it this way:

‘For if, by the trespass of the one man [Adam], death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Rom 5:17)

Am I Living Inside or Outside of Eden?

‘Living in Eden’ is a helpful metaphor to describe the life that we can live today in Jesus.

Within Eden, we experience the security of our Father’s love, enjoy His blessing and favour, live in His rest. We walk with God and hear what is on His heart—and then we fulfil His purpose for our lives with the authority He has given to us.

Outside of Eden, we experience striving and frustration. We feel and behave like spiritual orphans. We wonder why God feels distant and do not sense His anointing. We struggle with insecurity and strive to bear fruit.

The wonder of our Christian life and the grace of God is this:

Whenever we realise that we have drifted away from that place of intimacy with God, the way is always open to return. We can experience Heaven on earth.

We can come home to the Father.

Notes:

[1] I first heard Leif Hetland make this statement in his message, ‘The Three Chairs’. An extended excerpt from Leif’s book,  Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes: A Worldview That Will Change Your Life  can be found here.

[2] Read more about the blessing of God in the article, 3 Mistaken Beliefs About God’s Blessing

[3] Clayton Coombs is a fellow team member at David McCracken Ministries. You can Clayton’s article, ‘Finding True Rest In Him’ along with other articles, sermon notes and media on our David McCracken Ministries Free Resources Page.

[4] Jesus invites us both to co-labour with Him and to rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)

[5] Thanks to David McCracken for continually restating this wonderful truth.

[6] Learn more about Kingdom authority in the article ABCs of the Kingdom of God.

Related Posts:
An Open Heaven is Your Inheritance
8 Signs Your Devotional Life May Be Caught In A Performance Trap

Do you have any questions or observations on the topic of the Garden of Eden? What does Heaven on earth mean to you? 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

The book of Ezekiel contains many passages of scripture that are beloved to Christians today. These include the vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezek 37) and the river of life and healing flowing from the temple. (Ezek 47)

An unexpected source of inspiration, however, can be drawn from the life of the prophet himself.

4 Valuable Lessons from the life of Ezekiel:

1. The Horizons of our Lives may Change

Sometimes in life, the long-term view we have of our lives—the future we believe God has laid out for us—changes unexpectedly:

• A ministry opportunity does not eventuate or is cut short
• Someone dear is removed from us or becomes dependent upon us
• A relationship, in family, friendship or ministry breaks down
• An unexpected pregnancy, or change in health
• A relocation that is unforeseen
• A protracted season of waiting.

As a Levite and member of a priestly family, the young Ezekiel was brought up with the expectation that he would one day serve in God’s Temple. His whole life pointed to the purpose of ministering before God. (Ezek 1:3)

However, when he was a young man of around 23 years old, he was taken captive from Judah, along with King Jehoachin and many others. (Ezek 33:21)

The horizon of Ezekiel’s life suddenly changed. Relocated in Babylon, he seemed destined to lead the ordinary life of an exile. And during the next few years, he married and settled in his own home near the river Chebar.

However, God was not finished with Ezekiel.

On an extraordinary day in Ezekiel’s 30^th year—the very age he would have been when he began service in the temple at Jerusalem—the heavens opened. Ezekiel received visions from God and his prophetic ministry began. [1]

When the horizons of your life change, the future is already in your Father’s hands. You can trust in the Sovereignty of God and His Divine positioning of your life.
No change takes Him by surprise, and there is nothing He cannot redeem.

2. Honour Those who have Gone Before

One of the notable things about Ezekiel’s ministry is the parallel between his prophecies and those of Jeremiah.  For example:

• The responsibility of individuals for their own sin (Jer 31:29-30, Ezek 18:2-31)
• Evil shepherds replaced by a righteous King of David’s descent (Jer 23:1-6, Ezek 34:1-24)
• The two unfaithful sisters Israel and Judah (Jer 3:6-11, Ezek 23:1-49)
• A new spiritual nature (Jer 31:33-34, Ezek 11:19-20, 36:25-29) [2]

It is evident that Ezekiel was familiar with Jeremiah’s teaching. Perhaps he heard Jeremiah preaching at the temple in his youth. Or maybe he had copies of Jeremiah’s writings in exile.

Beyond the evidence we can see an attitude—one of honour. And God was able to bless and multiply Ezekiel’s ministry, using him to prophesy to generations to come, because he found a man He could trust. In Ezekiel, God found someone who would faithfully build upon the foundations of another man of God for the hour—the Prophet Jeremiah.

Their ministry overlapped and their prophecies complemented each other.

Today, God is looking for those who will embrace God-given spiritual fathers and mothers; to learn from them, serve them, honour them and harmonise with them.

He is looking for those to whom He can entrust His message—those who will build faithfully upon the foundations of those who have gone before.

3. Yield to the Holy Spirit

Ezekiel is known as ‘the Prophet of the Holy Spirit.’

Again and again, the Holy Spirit is mentioned in conjunction with Ezekiel’s prophetic experiences:

• As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. (Ezek 2:2)
• Then the Spirit lifted me up (Ezek 3:2, 3:14, 8:3, 11:1 etc)
• Then the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me (Ezek 11:5 NKJV)
• He brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. (Ezek 37:1)

Ezekiel was dependent upon the Holy Spirit for his ministry and his life was marked by intimacy with the Spirit. God entrusted him with remarkable visions and experiences.

Ezekiel reminds us that intimacy with the Holy Spirit is foundational to our lives and ministries and is to be treasured and cultivated above all.

4. Be Faithful and Leave the Results to God

‘Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. So when it comes to pass—as surely it will—then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst.”’ (Jer 33:32)

Ezekiel was called to prophesy God’s word to a generation that would not change its lifestyle and to people whose hearts would remain hardened. (Ezek 2:3-7)

Ezekiel ministered to an audience of One. He was faithful to speak all that God gave him to speak and to minister for the approval of God alone.

Like Ezekiel, there are times in our lives when we cannot see the visible results or fruit of our service and efforts for God.

Perhaps those to whom we are ministering fail to express gratitude towards us—or perhaps they do not appreciate or receive us at all. Maybe, as happened with Ezekiel, they make a show of enjoying our teaching or message, but do not follow through with changed lives.

When this happens, like Ezekiel, we must remember Who we serve. What matters at the end of each day is to hear His words resounding in our spirits: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:21)

Then, leave the results to Him.

‘God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.’ (Heb 6:10)

Ezekiel’s life and ministry reminds us that no matter what happens, the strength of God will help us to stand in the toughest of times. For the very name Ezekiel means, ‘God Strengthens’ or ‘God is Strong.’

Notes:

[1] Ezekiel 1:1, Numbers 4:3.

Note this was also the age at which Jesus began His ministry. Ezekiel can be seen as a type of Christ. Throughout his prophecies, God addressed him as ‘son of man.’ This was one of Jesus’ preferred names for Himself. (Ezek 2:1, Matt 8:20)

[2] There are many more parallels between the messages of Jeremiah and Ezekiel—it is well worth the study.

[3] Reference materials used:
DAVIS, J.G. Davis Dictionary Of The Bible.  1972. London: Pickering & Inglis.
HAYFORD, J W, Ed. The Spirit-Filled Life Bible.  1991.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
HAYFORD, J W, Ed. The Hayford Bible Handbook.  1995.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Related Posts:

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

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

The Power Of A Prophetic Act

Divine Positioning: How To Be At The Right Place At The Right Time

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© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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Two years ago, The Hunk and I began praying a prayer that has become a defining prayer for this season in our lives:

‘Father, teach us about Kingdom culture.’

Although we have been Christians for over 35 years, we are still coming to terms with what it means to have a Kingdom perspective.

It is not a religious worldview. It is the worldview of being a royal son or daughter of God.

A Disciple Called Nathanael

I love the story of Nathanael, found in John’s Gospel. (see John 1:43-50)

In order for Nathanael to follow Jesus, he has to undergo a change of perspective—from that of a traditional Jewish worldview, to the Kingdom perspective that Jesus demonstrates and teaches.

Nathanael will go on to experience the greatest move of God of all time—Jesus present ministering on earth, His death and resurrection, followed by Pentecost and the move of the Holy Spirit described in Acts. [1]

I believe that Nathanael’s story is a prophetic picture of where the church is today.

Nathanael’s 4 Shifts of Perspective

1. From Being a Servant of God to being a Son of God

In the opening chapter of John, we read,

‘Yet to all who did receive [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.’ (John 1:12)

Soon afterwards, John introduces us to Philip and Nathanael, among the first who receive Jesus.

Nathanael’s whole life and perspective are about to be challenged and changed. Up until this time he has seen himself as a follower of God, and a servant of God—but he is about to meet Jesus, who will introduce God as Father to him.

There are times when we need to ask the question, ‘Am I seeing myself for who I am—a royal son or daughter of God? Or am I seeing myself as a servant who labours for God?’

2. From a Future King and Kingdom to a Present King and Kingdom

Philip seeks out Nathanael and says, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (John 1:45)

Judea is under Roman rule and occupation at this time. Nathanael, along with other devout Jews, has been waiting for the promised Messiah, and for the future establishment Of God’s Kingdom. [2]

And now Philip is announcing to Nathanael:

‘We do not have to wait for the Messiah any more. The King is here.’

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He demonstrates that the Kingdom is not only the future rule of God, but the current exercise of His rule in the here and now. [3]

Nathanael has to make the paradigm shift from a coming Messiah and a future Kingdom, to a present Messiah and God’s present Kingdom.

Questions we can ask are, ‘Am I waiting for God’s Kingdom, or am I living in His Kingdom? Do I recognize that the King is present and living in me?’

A sign that we are living in the Kingdom is that, like Jesus, we are disturbing the status quo.

3. From Human Reasoning to Divine Reality

As Philip says, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph’ Nathanael’s response is:

“Nazareth? Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46)

Nathanael has a good line of reasoning. Scripture does not indicate that the Messiah will come out of Nazareth. He does not yet know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Sometimes, like Nathanael, we can be offended with the ‘package’ that a move of God comes in and be in danger of missing a gift from God.

• Can anything good come out of my church, my town, city or nation? Yes!
• Can anything good come from my life—or the life of others around me, with our known weaknesses and flaws? Yes!

Instead of seeing others and ourselves according to their history, we need to see as God sees—according to our destiny.

4. From a Future Move of God to a Present Move of God

Up until now, Nathanael has studied past revivals and moves of God in the scriptures. He has lived in expectation of a future move of God that would establish God’s Kingdom.

Now Jesus promises Nathanael is that he will see an open heaven.’ (John 1:49-51) This will take place as Nathanael spends the next three years walking with Jesus, the One Who is the fulfilment of Bethel.

On the day of Pentecost the heavens will open over the waiting church and the Holy Spirit will be poured out.

Today we can ask, ‘What is my perspective concerning revival?’

We do not need to live with only the dreams of the past, or hopes of a future move of God.

We do not need to wait for revival, or yearn for an open heaven. These things are already available and are our inheritance through Christ. [4]

Notes:

[1] Nathanael continued as a disciple throughout the time of Jesus ministry as he shows up again in John chapter 21—after the resurrection of Jesus.

Many scholars believe that Nathanael and Bartholomew (who is listed as one of the twelve in the 3 other Gospels) are one and the same person.

[2] See also Mark 15:43

[3] Jesus exercised the rule of the Kingdom, but He also looked forward to the Kingdom to come in fulness in the future. (Matt 26:29)

The future establishment of God’s Kingdom gives us hope and anticipation in the face of sickness and death.

We live in the tension of the Kingdom that is present, but also yet to come in its fullness—what is spoken of as the ‘now and not yet.’

For more on this topic, see ‘ABC’s Of The Kingdom Of God.’

[4] For more on this topic, see the articles, ‘No Longer Waiting For Revival’ and ‘An Open Heaven Is Your Inheritance.’

See also the related post, ‘How Your Perspective Can Impact Your Destiny.’

© 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 ideas to share on the topic of ‘Kingdom Culture?’ or the story of Nathanael? 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.

‘When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.’ (Acts 2:1-2)

As I write, it is Pentecost Sunday. Christians all around the world are celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church that took place in Acts 2.

The Hunk and I had the privilege yesterday of spending time with a small group of on-fire youth at a ‘Young Evangelists Training Camp.’ [1] These young revivalists have a passionate desire to play a part in seeing the world won to faith in Jesus.

And here are some clues that they will see the desire of their hearts fulfilled:

• They are seeking to understand the Father heart of God—for themselves and others
• They are hungry for an intimate relationship with God, and
• Staying filled with the Holy Spirit is an absolute priority to them

Pentecost: Evidence of God’s Heart for the Nations

‘I owe everything to the gift of Pentecost. For fifty days the facts of the Gospel were complete, but no conversions were recorded. Pentecost registered three thousand souls.’ Samuel Chadwick

Pentecost: a Pilgrimage Feast

‘Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.’ (Acts 2:5-6)

Pentecost was one of the great pilgrimage feasts that required Jews to travel to celebrate in Jerusalem. God had arranged the timing so that at the feast of Pentecost, Jews had gathered from every known nation.

On the Day of Pentecost, the Jewish pilgrims heard a massive commotion.

As they were drawn to the noise of the tumult, they heard a heavenly sound. Declarations of praise to God in their own language!

That day, 3,000 became Christians—and many of those present that day would have returned to their own homelands with the message of the Gospel.

The heart of God was already reaching out to the nations, preparing the way for the establishment of the church in those regions.

Pentecost : the Harvest Feast

 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.’ (Ex 23:16)

The feast of Pentecost had a symbolic significance.

Pentecost, also known as the ‘Feast of Weeks’, was a joyful time of celebration and thanksgiving for the harvest.

In Exodus 34:22, we read that Pentecost is a celebration of the first fruits of the wheat harvest. And the people of Israel would bring offerings of new grain to present to God. [2]

At the same time that the Jews were celebrating the physical harvest at Pentecost, the church was celebrating the harvest of 3,000 souls—because the great Harvester, the Holy Spirit, had arrived on the scene.

The Message of Pentecost

Pentecost tells me that the Holy Spirit did not just come for those in the upper room—He came for those outside of the room.

Jesus said,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

This generation has the opportunity to fulfil the desire Jesus expressed in Matt 28:19—to have disciples from every people group on the face of the earth.

The message of Pentecost is that the work of world evangelism is not to be done in our own strength, but in the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Notes:

[1] This was an initiative of Youth For Christ Australia

[2] On the day of Pentecost, the first-fruits of the wheat harvest were represented as two loaves of bread. (Lev 23:17) Some commentators believe that this represents both Jews and Gentiles being brought together as one in the church. (Eph 2:14)

Related Posts:

Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With
The Holy Spirit

© 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 ‘Pentecost, God’s Heart for the Nations’? 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.

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.

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.

The Kingdom of God is powerful and eternal. Here are some foundational truths about the Kingdom, King Jesus, and how we can live in God’s Kingdom today.

ABC’s of God’s 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