Enliven Blog - Prophetic Teaching by Helen Calder

Mon 5 Mar 2012

A Checklist For Developing Your Spiritual Gifts

Posted by Helen Calder under Prophetic Teaching, Spiritual Gifts
[2] Comments

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

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

That is a sobering thought!

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

7 Ways to Develop your Spiritual Gift

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

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

1. I have acknowledged that I have a gift

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

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

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

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

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

2. I am in the environment of a local church

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

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

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

3.  I am making the most of resources available

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

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

4. I have a sense of passion and purpose

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

It is the ‘because’ of your gift.

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

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

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

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

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

5. I am using my spiritual gift regularly

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

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

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

It is time to stop holding back.

6. I am accountable in the use of my gift

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

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

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

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

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

7. I am persevering through the tough times

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

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

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

Do you have any further thoughts or questions about developing your spiritual gifts? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

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

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

Discernment: 8 Ways To Grow Your Gift Of Discernment

Healing: The Enliven Blog Healing Category

Intercession: 8 Tips for Personal Intercessors

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

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

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

E-books to Help you Develop Your Gifts:

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

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

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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Mon 27 Feb 2012

Why Timothy Is One Of My Leadership Role Models

Posted by Helen Calder under Prophetic Teaching, Sermon Notes
[4] Comments

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

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

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

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

Timothy and the Apostle Paul

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

One historian sums him up like this:

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

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

Traits that made Timothy a Great Leader-Follower

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

1. Kingdom Priorities over Self-Interest

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

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

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

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

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

2. Longevity – Together for the Long Haul

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

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

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

3. Faithful to Represent his Leader

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

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

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

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

4. Courage

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does Timothy inspire you? Do you have any further thoughts or questions about the topic of Christian leadership? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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Mon 20 Feb 2012

3 Simple Ways To Pray For Healing

Posted by Helen Calder under Healing, Prophetic Teaching
[6] Comments

I have a dream that every Christian will have the confidence and freedom to pray for other people, in any situation.

We serve a loving and supernatural God, Who longs to express His grace and power through us in our everyday lives.

Last week I shared some reasons why we can pray for physical healing, and today I want to share 3 simple ways that you can put it into practice.

It Isn’t about a Formula

When we start out, it can be helpful to become familiar with a few different methods of praying. It is a bit like having access to a toolkit. We can then use whichever method suits the situation—or pray as the Holy Spirit leads us.

When you look at how Jesus healed people in the Gospels, you see many different ways that it took place.

So when we pray, it is not about a formula, although you might find one way of praying for healing that suits you.

Contrary to what some people may try and tell you, there is no one best method to pray for healing.

If there was one superior method, then those healing ministries in the world to day that are getting the most results would all be using one method. But they are not—they all have different expressions of ministry!

3 Easy Ways to Pray for Physical Healing

Here are three different ways that you can pray for healing. I call them Petition (Asking) Prayer, Power Prayer, and Pastoral (Caring) Prayer.

1. Petition (Asking) Prayer

We petition God when we simply ask Him to do something—in this case to bring healing—in Jesus’ Name.

Petition is not inferior to other types of prayer—asking is powerful, and is the privilege of sons and daughters. (Matt 7:7-11, John 14:13-14)

Making requests of God should be done with thanksgiving—we pray with the confidence that He hears us, and has already provided the answer to our prayer. (Phil 4:6)

We see petition happening in the Bible when people came to Jesus asking for healing on behalf of themselves and others.

Petition prayer is a powerful witness to non-Christians because it demonstrates our relationship with God.

2. Power Prayer

Power Prayer is short, brief and to the point, rather like a ‘laser beam’ of focused prayer or command, using the Name of Jesus.

In Power Prayer, we exercise the authority God has given to us over sickness. This includes:

A. Praying using the authority of Jesus’ Name (Acts 4:10,30; John 14:12-14)

B. Praying or declaring scripture

God’s word has authority. Some scriptures we can pray include 1 Peter 2:24, Ex 15:26, Ps 107:20

C. Speaking a word of command to the sickness (Ps 107:20)

Jesus frequently used a word of command or pronouncement of healing. (Luke 8:54, John 5:8, Matt 12:13)

Peter primarily used the spoken word to bring healing in his ministry. (Acts 3:6, 9:34, 9:40)

3. Pastoral (Caring) Prayer

In pastoral care prayer, we aim specific prayer at caring for the person, not only for healing, but also for issues related to the illness.

The power of Pastoral Prayer is that we are praying specifically. It lets the person know that God cares and we care about their whole life related to that issue. (Gal 6:2, Rom 12:12)

Some things we can pray for include:

  • Healing and Divine intervention
  • Pray concerning specific symptoms as well as the underlying cause of the sickness
  • Other family members affected by the need expressed
  • Key events such as medical appointments, operations, and so on
  • The medical skill of doctors and other professionals
  • Other logistics relating to the illness—such as finance, help and transport
  • Any emotional responses to the situation—e.g. fear, trauma or anxiety

I like to pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit for Christians who are in difficult times or require healing. They may have had a lot of emotion, or pain to deal with and can feel depleted emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Other Prayer Tools

Here are some further thoughts about prayer for healing:

Repeated Prayer

Repeated prayer show the people that we care enough to journey the distance with them. And God may use the power of recurring prayer in the process of healing. Jesus prayed more than once for a blind man, who was healed gradually. (Mark 8:22-26)

Two Points of Connection

a. Laying on hands

Laying on of hands was one of many methods that Jesus used to minister healing to people. (Luke 4:40)

Paul mostly used the laying on of hands and physical impartation to heal. (Acts 20:10, 19:11-12, 28:8)

The benefits of having a physical point of connection include:

  • It can help build faith
  • It reminds others and us that we are an agent, or representative of Jesus.
  • It is a Biblical means of impartation (releasing the healing power of God through one person to another)

We should always ask people first to ensure they are comfortable with us touching them as we pray.

b. Anointing with oil

Anointing with oil is symbolic. It is recommended for use by leaders in the NT. (James 5:14) Jesus’ disciples also used anointing oil on one occasion in Mark 6:13.

We need to keep in mind that unchurched people do not understand the symbolism of anointing with oil, therefore it is may not always be appropriate.

Important Things to Remember

Finally, important things to remember whilst praying for healing are:

  • The basis for our prayer is not our ability, but what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24)
  • Jesus healed people out of compassion. (Matt 14:14) Love is vital to praying for healing as it is in any ministry situation. (1 Cor 13:2-3)
  • Never advise people to cease prescribed medications. If they believe they are healed, refer them to their physician for confirmation first.
  • Acknowledge the mystery of prolonged or unanswered prayer and never place blame for this on anyone’s ‘lack of faith’.
    In 2 Tim 4:20, we learn of a close associate of the Apostle Paul who remained ill. No answers were given. We are called to pray in faith, leaving the outcome up to God.

Other articles in the Healing Series:

7 Reasons Why You Can Pray For Healing

Discover Your Unique Healing Gift

Do you have any further thoughts or questions about the topic of healing? 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

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

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Mon 13 Feb 2012

7 Reasons Why You Can Pray For Healing

Posted by Helen Calder under Healing, Prophetic Teaching
[3] Comments

Today I want to share with those of you who, like me, have a strong desire to see people healed as you pray for them—but are uncertain as to whether or not you have a spiritual gift of healing. (I will share some signs of the spiritual gift of healing later in this post)

Here are 7 simple reasons why you can pray for physical healing for people, not just in the context of church life, but also in your everyday life:

1. God is Healer by Name and Nature

We pray for healing because it is on the heart of God.

God is revealed as the healer of disease throughout the Bible. One of His Names is Jehovah Ropheka—‘The Lord Who Heals You’ (Ex 15:26)

He is healer not only by Name but also by nature—Jesus revealed the Father’s heart as He went about ministering healing and freedom to people. (John 14:9-11, Acts 10:38)

Prayer for healing is centred not only upon God’s willingness; it is also based Jesus’ finished work upon the cross. Jesus paid the price for our sin and sickness, and when He rose from the dead He held in His hands the keys of death and hell. (Matt 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24, Rev 1:18) [1]

2. Jesus set us an Example to Follow

Jesus demonstrated a lifestyle of ministering healing to people and trained and instructed His disciples to do the same. This included His wider group of followers, not just the 12. (Luke 10:1-9)

The instructions Jesus gave to His first disciples were to be passed on to future generations of Christian believers. (Matt 28:20)

The practice of healing did not stop there: the ministry of healing was an integral part of early church life. (James 5:13-16)

3. Prayer for Healing is vital to Pastoral Care

We pray for healing because it expresses God’s compassion and care for people.

In church life, prayer for physical healing is essential to pastoral care. It provides comfort and encouragement to individuals and families who are struggling with illness. (James 5:13-16)

And when healing occurs, it provides opportunity for the church to rejoice in the testimony of what God has done. (1 Cor 12:26)

4. It Encourages People to Connect with God

Offering to pray for people who are sick encourages them to look to God in their time of need. (Matt 14:34-36)

Even in our day of advanced science in medicine, there are illnesses for which there are no medical answers. We can look to our Creator Who intimately knows the function of our physical bodies.

5. Prayer makes a Difference.

God’s power is released when we pray. (Matt 18:18-20)

And even in the times God’s power it does not manifest in the time or manner that we expect, He is still at work in ways that we do not understand.

Your prayers are powerful and do make a difference. James instructs us, ‘…pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

The mystery of continued illness did not stop the early apostles praying for healing and it should not hinder us. (2 Tim 4:20)

6. It Impacts the lives of People who do not yet know God.

(Matt 8:8-18, Luke 10:8-9)
When there is a felt need, people are often more responsive to prayer than any other time.

It is amazing how open people are to prayer as a concept, even before they are aware that prayer is actually about a relationship with an awesome God! And we have the opportunity to demonstrate that relationship when we offer to pray for them.

Our faith in a supernatural God Who answers prayer today should permeate throughout our whole life. People around us need to see the expression of our faith in action.

7. We pray for Healing because we can!

Who can pray for physical healing?

A. Leaders in the church

‘Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.’ James 5:14-15

There is a special authority and Biblical mandate for leaders to pray for physical healing.

B. Those with a Spiritual gift of Healing

‘Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing.’ 1 Cor 12:27-28

Here are some signs that you may have a healing gift:

  • You have a strong desire to see people healed by God’s power
  • You are passionate about praying for the sick and regularly encourage others to receive prayer
  • You have had prophecies or a long-term sense of God’s call to minister in healing
  • You gravitate towards ministry that includes praying for the sick
  • You usually offer to pray for healing when people are sick
  • You may have experienced healing yourself
  • You may have had particular trials in the area of your health, either yourself or someone close to you (trials indicate triumph… look at some of the leading Biblical characters)
  • People have been healed when you have prayed for them,  experiencing a genuine touch from God emotionally or physically.

C. All followers of Jesus

‘Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.’ (John 14:12)

Our authority is exercised in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 4:10, See also point 2., above)

Whether or not you have a spiritual gift of prayer, or healing, you can still pray on the basis of your relationship with God and the authority that you have as His son or daughter.

Notes
[1] There are many differing viewpoints regarding the Biblical doctrine of and basis for physical healing. I find it interesting that Jesus did not teach on healing. Rather, He taught about the Kingdom of God—and healed people.

Can you think of more reasons why we can pray for the sick? Are you wondering whether or not you have a gift of healing? Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Related Posts:

3 Simple Way to Pray For Healing

Discover Your Unique Healing Gift

The Power Of A Prophetic Act

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

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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Mon 6 Feb 2012

Prophesying Out Of God’s Love

Posted by Helen Calder under Developing the Prophetic Gift, Personal Prophecy, Prophetic Training
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Many years ago when The Hunk and I were ministering full time with a mission agency, we attended a meeting together at which a prophet was preaching and ministering in personal prophecy.

After sharing some words of encouragement with my husband, the prophet turned to me.

‘God’s got a call on your life that is totally different to that of your husband. He wants you to be really developing that, preparing yourself because He has things for you to do that will see you fulfilled in your own right as a woman of God…’

Although to an observer I was simply a young mother and wife of a minister, God used the prophet that day to express His love towards me and to remind me that He had not forgotten His call on my life.

Love is a Vital Ingredient of Prophecy

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:2)

To prophesy is to communicate the intention and purpose of the Father.

This can be by way of simple encouragement to someone in your everyday life, or it may occur within the context of church life or ministry.

The Bible tells us that love is the prerequisite to prophecy in any situation. [1] Without love, the Apostle Paul says, we are nothing, and our words have an empty ring to them. (1 Cor 13:1-2)

Remembering this is vital as we develop our prophetic gifts and seek to grow in our ability to hear from God.

God’s Love is not Based upon what our Eyes see

 ‘He [the Messiah] will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears’ (Isaiah 11:3)

God looks beyond what is seen outwardly, to the inner heart of a person and speaks to the potential within.

My constant prayer is that I will not be distracted by what I see externally. ‘Holy Spirit, help me to see what You see.’

When the prophet Samuel went to Jesse’s family to anoint the next King of Israel, God spoke to him saying, ‘Do not consider his appearance… People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ (1 Sam 16:7)

God’s Love is not Based upon our Ideas and Opinions

Whether negative or positive, opinions and preconceived ideas can hinder our ability to hear—and accurately share—God’s word. They also hinder the flow of God’s unconditional love through us.

This is especially true when we are ministering to people that we are personally acquainted with.

I have learned to be open to the Holy Spirit for Him to show me (and He often does)

  • judgments that I need to repent of, or
  • predetermined ideas that I need to set aside.

God’s Love is not Based upon our Feelings

When it comes to prophetic ministry, love is not based on an emotion that we feel, but upon seeing people from the Father’s point of view.

Here are three primary ways that we can become acquainted with His perspective:

1. Know what the Bible Teaches about God’s Love for People

We learn from God’s Word how much the Father values people—so much that He sent His Son to die for them. (John 3:16)

In the New Testament, the Father’s heart towards people is revealed through Jesus’ ministry to individuals.

For example, when Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, He did not use the knowledge He had of her sinful lifestyle to condemn her, but as the means to invite her to salvation. (John 4)

When we step into this perspective, and prophesy accordingly, we are better able to express God’s love.

2. Catch the Revelation of God’s Love Towards us

If we have not experienced God’s love for ourselves personally, we will be unable to express His love towards others.

Being aware of His grace towards me in my own humanity and weakness enables me to communicate His love and grace to others.

3. Value Intimacy with God Above all Else

We do not need to feel an emotion such as compassion to express God’s love to another. However, as we grow in intimacy with Him, He shares His heart with us.

Further, as we prepare for prophetic ministry in prayer, we can specifically seek God for His heart as well as His plans.

It is in His Presence that our hearts are changed to become like His.

We Express God’s Love in the Process of Prophecy

‘Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.’ (1 Cor 14:1)

Love should guide the whole process of prophecy. [2] This process includes:

  • Weighing up the revelation we have received
  • Ensuring that the message we share is encouraging and empowering (1 Cor 14:3)
  • The way in which we deliver the word, and the timing of it
  • Allowing the person room to weigh the prophecy up, and so on.

Love also requires us to seek accountability in the use of our spiritual gifts. [3]

God’s Love Requires us to put Others First

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

The bottom line of God’s love is its sacrificial nature. Love places the interests and life of others above that of our own. (Phil 2:1-8)

For those of us with a tendency to blurt out whatever comes to mind, love may invite us to pause; to process the word further, or to share at a more suitable time.

And finally, for those of us who are shy and fearful—love compels us to step out of our comfort zones and speak.

Notes:
[1] Although my key focus is personal prophecy in this article, the same principles apply to other forms of prophecy such as prophecy to churches, groups or nations. For example, see How Do You Weigh Up What The Prophets Are Saying Pt 1

[2] For posts on the process of prophecy, view the following:

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

How To Exercise Your Prophetic Gift Pt 5: Creating A Safe Environment To Deliver Your Prophecy

[3] Accountability is vital to providing a safe environment, not only for us to grow in our gifts, but also for people to receive a message from God. See Prophetic Ministry In Church Life: Why Have Guidelines?

For more insights on Personal Prophecy, refer to Is Personal Prophecy Biblical?

Related Post:

The Spirit Of Encouragement: Are You A Barnabas?

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic TeachingOn 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 felt God’s love through a prophetic word? Do you have any experiences or questions to share about the topic of expressing God’s love through prophecy? 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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Tue 31 Jan 2012

Sound Of Freedom: The Year Of Jubilee Is Here

Posted by Helen Calder under Prophetic Teaching, Sermon Notes
[4] Comments

When the trumpet blew announcing the arrival of the Year of Jubilee—the 50th year in the Hebrew calendar—it was announcing that restoration was now.Freedom was now.

‘Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.’ (Lev 25:10a)

The Hebrew word for Jubilee means, ‘sound of the trumpet’ or ‘joyful shout.’ [1,2]Property passed back to its original owners. Israelites who had been enslaved walked free. And the land was given rest.

God provided this year of restoration so that the inheritance He had allotted to each tribe and family would remain in that family:

  • No matter what trouble or failure they had undergone, or debts they had incurred
  • No matter what injustices had been done against them as individuals or families
  • No matter what had caused them to lose their lands, or to sell themselves or their children into slavery

God—by Name and nature a Redeemer—provided a way of redemption for His people. [3]

The Year of Jubilee is Fulfilled in Jesus

The Year of Jubilee was a prophetic picture of the ministry of Jesus Christ, and the work of redemption accomplished through His sacrifice on the cross.

The Apostle Paul tells us that religious festivals were a shadow of the things that were to come: ‘The reality, however, is found in Christ.’ (Col 2:16-17)

Heb 10:1 says, ‘The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.’

The reality of Jubilee is found in JESUS.

A New Era of Freedom

Announcing His ministry in the synagogue at Nazareth shortly after His baptism, Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1-3)

The ‘Year of the Lord’s Favour’ was a reference to the Old Testament celebration of the Year of Jubilee. [4]

The Jewish people listening to Jesus that day had no doubt as to His meaning. He was proclaiming:
‘I am the promised Messiah, the Anointed One.’

You can almost hear the blowing of the Jubilee trumpet as Jesus begins to go about His ministry following that announcement. Salvation, restoration, miracles of provision and protection, healing and deliverance abound.

However, Jesus’  ministry of restoration was not just relevant for the three years that Jesus walked on earth before His crucifixion—it is available to us today.

The Apostle Paul echoes His words in 2 Cor 6:2: ‘I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.’

Heb 13:8 says, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’

Jesus not only brought the Gospel, or good news. He is the good news.

When Jesus said, ‘I have come to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord’, He wasn’t referring to a year in time, but to the beginning of a new era; that of the New Covenant.

The Year of Jubilee is Good News Now

For the Israelites, the Year of Jubilee came once every 50 years. They might have lost their inheritance—or have been in slavery—for one year, or they might have been in slavery for 49 years (that is what we would call a ‘worst case scenario!’)

But the reality is, that year may have occurred only once in an Israelite’s lifetime.

Imagine a Hebrew enslaved to a harsh master, with no property to call his own. Someone might come to him and say, “Next year is the Year of Jubilee!” You might think that is good news. Suddenly he realises that he has hope and a future.

But his situation for the present hasn’t changed. He is still enslaved. He is still living in misery. He has no property and he has to labour for someone else. Tomorrow he will wake up and still be a slave.

That is not the Gospel! The Gospel is this:

Take the same Hebrew slave. He wakes one morning to the sound of a trumpet blowing in the distance. Then, someone comes in and announces, “Today, as of RIGHT NOW, you are free. You may go home. Your debts are cancelled. Your property is your own again.

This is the power of the Gospel.

Both Now and to Come

The ultimate fulfilment of our salvation—and the Year of Jubilee—will be when we enter eternity and death and loss is wiped away forever. (Rev 21:1-5)

But the Jubilee message as declared by Jesus reminds us that the Gospel is not only about the hope of a brighter future.

To preach the Gospel is to declare that today is the day of salvation. ‘Believe…now! Be saved…now! Be released from the imprisonment of sin…now! Be healed and filled…now!’

The Year of Jubilee stands as a Biblical reminder of the restoration that is available to us through faith in Jesus every day of our lives. And that is good news.

Notes

[1] STRONG, J.  Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996.  Electronic Edition, Ontario:  Woodside Bible Fellowship  (In PC Bible 3.1.)  [CD-ROM.]

[2] You can read about the Year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25. For further study read Nehemiah’s parallel restoration in Neh 5:3-5 and Isaiah 61. For Bible Dictionary references to the Year of Jubilee, see http://topicalbible.org/j/jubilee.htm

[3] ‘Redemption’ is rich in meaning; ‘to redeem’ essentially means ‘to buy back.’ Jesus purchased on our behalf what we had lost—an intimate relationship with God as Father, along with the restoration of our Kingdom inheritance. (1 Peter 18, Gal 3:14, 4:5)

[4] Jack Hayford notes, ‘The prophecy of Is. 61:1,2 describes the deliverance of Israel from exile in Babylon in terms of the Year of Jubilee, but its ultimate fulfillment awaited the coming of the Messianic age…’  HAYFORD, J W, Ed. The Spirit-Filled Life Bible.  1991.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Related Posts:

The Key To The Gospel’s Power: Share It Like Jesus Did

Key To Prophetic Evangelism: What Is The Father Doing?

A Beginners Guide To Prophetic Evangelism Pt 1

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

Do you have any further thoughts about the topic of the Year Of Jubilee? 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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Mon 23 Jan 2012

The Key To The Gospel’s Power: Share It Like Jesus Did

Posted by Helen Calder under Evangelism, Prophetic Teaching
No Comments

‘…by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.’ (Rom 15:19)

The Hunk and I are seeing God move in the lives of people around us—and we want to see much more.

Those of us on the team at David McCracken Ministries are seeing people saved, healed, set free, and receive breakthroughs when we minister—and we are reaching for even more.

Like us, you may desire to draw closer to God and see more of His power released to lead people to Jesus and transform lives.

Jesus Preached a ‘Now’ Message

When Jesus came on the scene He was not like anyone the people had seen or heard before. He had confidence, boldness and authority. He commanded people, demons and sicknesses to do something NOW. [1]

Jesus’ words brought transformation. Atmospheres changed, people responded, demons and sicknesses moved – instantly, at His command.

When Jesus taught, there was a ring of authority in His words. The people were amazed, ‘because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.’ (Mark 1:22)

  • For years, they had listened the scribes and the teachers of the law as they reviewed God’s PAST instructions to Israel and taught the law of Moses.
  • They were familiar with the prophets who spoke of the FUTURE coming of the Messiah.

Jesus, however, continually spoke words that impacted people’s lives in the PRESENT.

It was this dynamic, this immediacy, that set Jesus apart.

Not News as we Experience it Today

The Gospel is good news. [2]

When we think of ‘news’ we think of reporting. We sit down and watch reports on TV of what as been happening around the world, or we read headlines in the newspaper.

But that is not the kind of news that Jesus brings.

The Word of God is not merely a report of something that has happened.

When God speaks, something happens, something takes place, not only in the spiritual realm but also in the physical realm.

The God’s Word is alive, or as the writer to the Hebrews puts it, “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).

Jesus said in John 6:63, ‘The words I have spoken to you  are spirit and they are life.’

When Jesus spoke concerning the kingdom of God, His messages resulted in repentance, healing, miracles, and deliverance. Everything He spoke and did was sourced in God’s love for people.

This impact and immediacy of approach did not stop with Jesus’ ministry. [3]

On the day of Pentecost, Peter began to speak in the same way under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

  • “Repent… be baptised (implied NOW, Acts 2:38)
  • “The promise is for you” (v39)
  • “Be saved! (v40)

There is both authority and immediacy in Peter’s words. And so it goes on throughout the book of Acts. (Acts 3:6-8, Acts 9:38, Acts 14:8-10)

A 3-Dimensional Gospel

The bottom line of the Gospel is simply, ‘There is salvation through Jesus Christ alone.’ (Acts 4:8)

But the broader message of the Gospel —the good news about Jesus—contains facets relating to past, present and future.

Each of these three is vital, and if we under-emphasize one, we lack balance and power.

For this reason, I believe the Holy Spirit is highlighting the ‘present’ aspect of the Gospel message to the church at this time.

Reviewing our Message

Following are some examples of past, present and future aspects relating to sharing the Gospel message.

Each is important.

I invite you to join me in making a prayerful and honest appraisal:

  • What is my current emphasis on this aspect—in my own life and ministry, as well as in the context of sharing personally with others around me?

Pray and ask God for inspiration and courage to grow and speak out in the areas the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you.

1. Past (Looking back)

Valuing and sharing:

  • The Bible’s account of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-8)
  • What Jesus accomplished on our behalf on the cross: forgiveness of our sins and restoration to God (Col 1:20)
  • Our own testimony of what God has done in our lives in the past—our past salvation experience and other encounters with God (Acts 26)

2. Future (Looking forward)

Valuing and sharing:

  • The ongoing expectation of hope for God’s grace in our lives, and that of others, in the days and years ahead (Psalm 23)
  • The hope of our future eternity with God (Rev 21:1-5)

3. Present

Valuing and sharing:

  • Our current testimony of God’s goodness towards us (Phil 4:4)
  • The Father’s intent right now for those we encounter in our everyday life and ministry (John 5:19)
  • The Gospel message bearing fruit in people’s lives, including repentance, restoration, spiritual freedom and healing. (Luke 4:18)

This is not about focusing on where we are falling short, but on catching a vision for more of what God has for us.

The secret of the Gospel’s power is to share it like Jesus did.

Next week I will be considering the Year Of Jubilee—and how understanding its fulfillment in Jesus can help us understand the breadth of the gospel message.

Notes:

[1] The first chapter of the Gospel of Mark particularly highlights this.

[2] ‘Gospel’ comes from the New Testament Greek word, euangelion, which is comprised of two words, ‘good message.’ The English word ‘Gospel’ comes from an old English direct translation of the Greek word, ‘God Spell,’ meaning good news. In the Bible, the word Gospel refers to the message of salvation through Jesus and it also refers to the four accounts of Jesus life by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

[3] Prophetic preaching and teaching is an example of this dynamic in action. For more information on this see my article, ‘What Is Prophetic Teaching?

I am scratching the surface of a very big topic, and I would love to hear your thoughts, questions or examples relating to it. Leave a message in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Related Posts:

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today
You Don’t Need A Special Gift To Be A Supernatural Christian
How To Set Your Testimony On Fire Again

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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Mon 16 Jan 2012

Is Selective Hearing Limiting Your Walk With God?

Posted by Helen Calder under Hearing God's Voice, Prophetic Teaching
[8] Comments

Selective hearing occurs when we tune in to what we want to hear, and zone out that which we do not want to listen to.

  • Greg wonders why his boss does not seem to have heard his repeatedly expressed concerns about safety in the workplace, and yet jumps at the smallest complaint from customers.
  • Kelly, a young mother, jokes with her friends about what she calls her husband’s ‘selective hearing.’ At night he seems to be oblivious to the baby’s cries, slumbering on while she wakes and attends to their son’s needs.

In spite of these examples, selective hearing can actually be a good thing. It is important to filter out those things that are clamouring for our attention, but are a distraction, or wrong and ungodly.

Selective Hearing in our Relationship with God

When selective hearing occurs in our relationship with God, we may genuinely believe that we are hearing from Him. However, the truth is that we are only listening to what He is saying to us on some issues. We have neglected to listen to His voice regarding other, important things.

I know that many of my readers have a great love for God and desire to serve Him. Like me, you may be involved in some kind of ministry or service, or helping people, or preparing for ministry.

When it comes to our ministry priorities, many of us eagerly listen and press in to God. But I believe He desires to encourage us to hear His voice in other areas of our lives.

The Father wants you to know that He knows and cares for every area of your life intimately. He does not have a hierarchy of concerns—every part of your life is valuable to Him.

Remember what Jesus said: ‘even the very hairs on your head are numbered.’ (Matt 10:30)

Signs that we are Selectively Hearing

Important areas that we may overlook in our conversations with God may include health, family, finances, relationships, our attitude and even the quality of our thought life.

We may be sincerely loving and serving God and even have an active devotional and prayer life. But if we do not communicate with God over the above vital areas in our lives, they begin to clamour for attention.

  • Weaknesses  in our health and general wellbeing begin to show—eventually they actually hinder us from doing what God has called us to do
  • Relationships start to come under stress, and may begin to break down
  • We feel stressed, or lack the joy that we are supposed to have in our service for God
  • Our financial situation starts to slide, and so on

For example, as a writer, it is very easy for me to spend a lot of time sitting at the computer. This is a vital ministry role for me. But sometimes I work additional hours at the computer and do not spend sufficient time resting and walking and exercising. After a while my body starts to ache and complain because I am not living a balanced lifestyle and looking after my fitness and wellbeing.

If I were listening to God and following His leading in the area of my physical health, then I would be attentive to this.

Selective hearing does not just happen with ministry. We can also be focusing on some priorities in our lives to the exclusion of others—for example working hard in the area of fitness, but not spending quality time with our family.

Do a Self-Check for Selective Hearing

At this time of year especially, it is beneficial to do a self-check in each of the following things. Note: if you have recently had a holiday, think about the quality of your life immediately prior to your break.

  • What is my body telling me?
  • What is the quality (or lack of quality) in my close relationships telling me?
  • What is my schedule saying?
  • What about the state of my finances?
  • Am I honouring God in my thought life?
  • Am I communicating with and listening to God in each of these areas?
  • What am I tolerating?

As you consider these questions, the Holy Spirit may bring another area to mind.

I have come to realise that selective hearing is defective hearing.

It is not honouring to God when important areas of our lives are not in submission to Him.

Samuel was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He had an intimate relationship with God, listened to His voice and instructed a nation in God’s ways. And yet, he did not pass on his spiritual values and legacy to his sons—they grew up to be godless men who neglected justice and took bribes. (1 Sam 8:1-4)

Talk with God about your Whole Life

One of the best things that I did last year was take a week’s break to get aside and relax and spend quality time talking with God with no ministry agenda. After a few days, I found myself talking to my Father about important things in my life that I did not normally take the time to pray about. There were things that I was tolerating, that I knew were not His best for me. I was able to be honest and to process some things. I came away with a renewed sense of vision for the whole area of my life, not just my vision for ministry.

Do you call Jesus Lord? Do not just listen to Him concerning the areas that satisfy your desire for fulfilment. Give Jesus the leadership of your whole life, not just a part.

The life that honours Him is one of balance and wisdom.

As you enter this New Year, take some time to meditate and pray about on these different areas in your life. And remember, you can be transparent in your dialogue with God. The Father’s love for you is intimate and all-encompassing, and no issue in your life is too small or too big for His interest and care.

Related Posts:

Jesus Is Lord: What Does This Mean In My Daily Life?

Your Prophetic And Christian Ministry Will Be Impacted By This Choice

How To Recover The Wonder Of Hearing God’s Voice

Do you have any further thoughts about the topic of hearing God’s voice? 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

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

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Tue 10 Jan 2012

2012: A Year Of Unprecedented Access

Posted by Helen Calder under Prophetic Teaching, Prophetic Word
[18] Comments

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.
Alternatively, you can join the conversation on Enliven Blog’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Enliven.Blog.Prophetic.Teaching

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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Tue 3 Jan 2012

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

Posted by Helen Calder under Prophetic Teaching, Prophetic Word
[11] Comments

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 2012. 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 for 2012 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

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