In Matthew 16:19, Jesus said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

When I was an administrative team member at our church, I had a ring of keys. Over the years that I was on staff, the number of keys grew, enabling me to enter the multiple buildings and offices belonging to our church.

Eventually I had so many keys on the ring, I could not remember what some of the keys were for! I had authority and access that I was ignorant of.

How often do we come up against locked doors of impossibility in our lives, or in the lives of others, but we forget, or are ignorant of, the spiritual authority that we have?

Are we standing helplessly, looking at a problem or an obstacle, when God says, “That is a door—and I have given you the key”?

The Master Key of Jesus’ Name

The Bible teaches us that we have many keys that enable us to partner with God for breakthrough and miracles. These include prayer, praise, and hearing and obeying God in our intimate relationship with Him.

Recently, I had a vision in a meeting of God giving keys to people. But these keys were not held in the hand but in the mouth. The power of God is released when we pray, speak and declare in agreement with God’s purposes. That is why praying in accordance with, or declaring Scripture is so powerful.

When we have an intimate relationship with God, we can hear what His ‘now’ purposes are in any given situation.

‘Father, I have this door, right here. This door that stands against me, shut tight. This locked door that is obstructing my destiny—or the destiny of others. Which key do you want me to use?’

The Name of Jesus is the master key that unlocks doors and enables us to enter the realm of the miraculous.

And yet sometimes we use the Name of Jesus as a kind of an afterthought to our prayers. We make our request and we add, “In Jesus’ Name”

It’s more like rote, like a habit, a formula, an addendum to a request we hope God will answer, or (let’s be honest) the main time some of us use the words, “In Jesus’ Name” is at the close of saying a prayer of thanks at a mealtime.

It is like the key on our key ring that we have forgotten what it is there for.

Rediscover the Power of Jesus’ Name

The context of Jesus’ saying, ‘Ask in My Name’ comes from John chapter 14.  Jesus is saying to His disciples:

‘I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.’

And what do we see from there on… what was the precedent and example in the New Testament of Christian believers using the Name of Jesus?

• In Acts 3:6, Peter cries out to a lame man… ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ The Bible tells us that as Peter took a hold of the mans hands and lifted him, instantly his feet and ankles became strong.

• In Acts 4:30, the prayer of the church community is ‘Stretch out you hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ The Spirit came and shook the place and empowered the believers to speak boldly.

• In Acts 16:18, Paul speaks to the demonic spirit in a woman and says to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ And it says, ‘At that moment’ the spirit left her.

This is the Biblical precedent of using Jesus’ Name: the lame walk, the bound are set free, the Spirit empowers God’s people, miracles break loose, and lives are brought into God’s Kingdom!

Yet it is as though many Christians today have forgotten what the key is for.

Every now and then we pull out our key ring and wave the key around. But how often do we stand in front of a locked door of impossibility, or brokenness, or sickness and get the key of the Name of Jesus out and say, ‘Door, open now… in Jesus’ Name!’

The Name of Jesus gives us access to the realm of Heaven, the realm of the miraculous.

When we pray in the Name of Jesus, we are reminded that we do not have authority in our own name, but in His powerful Name—the Name that is above every name!

2 Corinthians 1:19-20 ^‘For the Son of God, Jesus Christ… was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.’

Related Posts:

Releasing the Resources of Heaven Through Prayer

How To Use Scripture As A Prophetic Declaration

Do you have a truth or scripture about praying in the Name of Jesus, or a testimony or poem you would like to share? I would love to hear from you. 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

Do you want to hear God’s purposes for your life and ministry, or receive a fresh infilling of His Spirit? Do you desire to encounter God and know Him more? 

Prophetic worship is one way that you can have a face-to-face meeting with God—or provide a means for others to encounter Him. ‘Prophetic praise and worship enables God’s message to be brought, or His purpose to be accomplished, in a worship setting.’ [1]

Here are 6 benefits of prophetic worship, followed with some ways that you can put this into practice in your personal life with God.

6 Benefits of Prophetic Praise and Worship

1. Facilitates God Encounters.

God created us for face-to-face relationship with Him.

Our worship honours God and brings Him pleasure. However, if we view worship as being solely a one-way giving of our love and adoration to Jesus, we have not attained the highest purpose of worship.

God’s desire has always been to commune with His people. Prophetic worship enables the Father’s voice to be heard, His heartbeat to be felt, and His purpose to be accomplished.

When we encounter God in a time of prophetic worship, we are transformed and brought closer to Him. We leave that place knowing that God has touched our lives personally and that we will never be the same again.

2. It Enables us to Receive an Impartation from God

When we are yielded to Jesus in an attitude of love and worship, we are more receptive and open to Him than at any other time.

‘Impartation’ means a release of God’s power into our lives. This can be an infilling of His Holy Spirit, or a specific attribute of His nature; for example, He may desire to infuse us with peace, strength or faith.

We can have an expectation that as God leads us in praise and worship, we and others will be healed and set free from oppression. Psalm 107:20 says, ‘He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.’

The young David was employed by Saul to play the lyre. As David played, the anointing of God on his music caused the demonic oppression to lift from Saul. (1 Sam 16:14-23)

3. It Breaks open the Atmosphere for God to Move

We know that an open Heaven is our inheritance. However, there are times when we have to contend for it, whether in our personal lives or in the Church.

This is where prophetic praise is especially helpful.

Praise is prophetic when it is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s ‘now’ purpose for our lives or a particular meeting.

Prophetic praise is the Spirit-led proclamation of who God is, of His attributes, of what He has done and what He will accomplish.

Prophetic praise penetrates the atmosphere and pushes back oppression, apathy, fear or any other effects of spiritual warfare. (See 2 Chron 20, Psalm 149:5,9)

4. It Prepares Our Hearts for God’s Word

Prophetic worship is, at its foundational level, Spirit-directed and Spirit-empowered worship. (John 4:23-24)

During a time of prophetic worship, the Holy Spirit has begun to speak to us and our hearts are opened towards God.

When the preaching or personal study of God’s Word accompanies or follows prophetic worship, the two merge together and a continuum of inspiration from the Holy Spirit takes place.

5. We can Receive a Prophetic Message from God

In prophetic worship, God uses a song, instrumentation or other prophetic communication to speak His purpose into our lives—and that word has creative ability. Your Father may have a specific word of encouragement or instruction for you to receive.

Whether personally, or corporately in a meeting, prophetic worship provides both the expectation and the opportunity for God to speak to us. (1 Cor 14:26)

6. Ii is Powerful When Specific Breakthrough is Needed

Prophetic praise celebrates the fulfilment of God’s promises before they are manifested in the natural realm. Prophetic praise is one vehicle that God uses to release His power and bring about His purposes in our lives and in the Church.

We see examples of the power of prophetic praise in the Bible.

King Jehoshaphat sent singers and musicians out ahead of his army to celebrate the victory God had promised through His prophet. The battle was won as God routed the armies in front of the praisers. (2 Chron 20)

A song of prophetic praise was also significant to releasing God’s provision (Num 21:17-18), transforming barrenness into fruitfulness (Isaiah 54:1-3) and overcoming obstacles and persecution. (Acts 16)

How to Incorporate Prophetic Worship into your Personal Life

Last week I looked at prophetic worship in the Church setting. However we can also use prophetic worship in our personal life with God.

Note that any prophetic revelation (beyond general encouragement) received during personal times of worship need to be weighed up and followed through with leadership.[2]

1. ‘Soaking’ worship means positioning ourselves before God in a dual attitude of worship and of receiving or hearing from Him. As we yield to His Spirit, He fills us, empowers us and speaks to us.

Discover the unique way of connecting with God that suits you—for example, finding a quiet place accompanied by a worship CD, or walking outdoors in an attitude of worship and receiving. The key is to take time and to be intentional.

2. Develop a playlist of songs that are God’s ‘now’ encouragement for you personally, and listen to them regularly.

3. If you are a musician, take time with your instrument to worship God without a practice agenda. As you do, wait on Him for fresh inspiration, believe He is filling you with His Spirit, and allow Him to fill your heart and mind with the Father’s personal message to you and others.

4. When attending a worship gathering with others, enter in wholeheartedly and with the expectation that you will personally meet with God and receive All He has for you.

Notes:

[1] See my previous post, ‘A Vision for Prophetic Worship in Church Life.’

[2] See ‘The Power of Prophetic Accountability.’

Related Posts:

How Your Prophetic Song Can Release the Power of God

A Vision for Prophetic Worship in Church Life

An Open Heaven is Your Inheritance

Do you have any thoughts about the benefits of prophetic worship, or stories of how you have been personally impacted? I would love to hear from you. 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

The Hunk and I have just spent the weekend in Auckland, New Zealand, where I led a workshop with Steve McCracken on the topic of Prophetic Praise and Worship. [1] Realising how powerful this teaching is, I decided to re-publish an article this week on the power of prophetic praise for the benefit of recent readers. It changed my life—and it may change yours.

A Prophetic Song of Praise Releases the Power of God

It has been said that ‘desperate times call for desperate measures.’

In God’s Kingdom, however, desperate times call for extraordinary measures.

Occasionally, I find myself in a crisis that requires an exceptional response of faith. In these times, I know I can pray—and I do. But when extraordinary measures are needed, I turn to praise.

A song of praise is a powerful prophetic tool that

• Celebrates victory in the face of apparent defeat.
• Declares God’s ability in the circumstance of your inability
• Thanks God for answers that have not yet been sighted

The song of praise is prophetic because it gives voice to the word that God has spoken to you, concerning His outcome for your circumstances and life.

We can choose to believe and respond to that prophetic word over and above the voice of our circumstance, or the negative whispers of the enemy in our minds.

There is something about singing songs of praise that has a powerful magnetic pull on the resources of heaven. And this is why:

The Bible’s Prescription For Our Desperation: A Song Of Praise

God has prescribed the prophetic song of praise in scripture as an instrument of breakthrough. Here are some examples:

Warfare (2 Chron 20)

King Jehoshaphat received word that a ‘vast army’ was coming against Israel. In answer to a prayer of desperation he received a prophetic word: ‘The battle is not yours, but God’s.’

Jehoshaphat sent out a choir singing praise to God in front of his army. He was not sending the praisers to their death, but to proclaim the victory that he had already received by God’s word.

The Bible records, ‘As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes…’ 2 Chron 20:22

The enemy armies turned on each other and victory was won with no weapon except a song of praise to God.

When it feels as though all hell is breaking loose against you, break heaven loose against the enemy and overcome with a song of praise.

(see also Psalm 149:5-9)

Provision (Numbers 21)

Israel returned to the place God had miraculously provided water for them in the past and sang this song:

“Spring up, O well! Sing about it, about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank–the nobles with scepters and staffs.” (Num 21:17-18)

This song of praise did two things. It

1. Commemorated God’s past provision and
2. Anticipated His present supply

Impossibility (Isaiah 54)

Are you waiting on promises from God to be fulfilled? Does fulfillment to be out of your reach?

In Isa 54:1-3 God says to His people,

‘Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor…

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.’

In the face of barrenness and impossibility, sing! Sing a song that celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promise. Don’t stop there, prepare and make room for His answers.

Obstacles (Acts 16)

Persecution and imprisonment threatened to cut short Paul and Silas’ ministry in the city of Phillipi. Instead of the effectiveness promised by God in a prophetic dream, they found themselves flogged and cast into the stocks of an inner dungeon.

But outward circumstances could not rob them of their inner faith. They prayed and loudly sang hymns to God that were heard throughout the jail. Suddenly an earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and breaking chains.

There could have been no doubt of the correlation between the song and the earthquake, for the jailer cried out, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)

As a result, more people came to know Jesus and the Kingdom of God was advanced in that city.

When you find yourself trapped, in pain, and there is no earthly way out, try a song of praise—and make sure that others know you are singing.

When Singing Is The Hardest Thing You Can Do

Sometimes singing a song of praise can be the hardest thing to do. It helps to remember that even when Jesus faced the cross, He was able to sing praises to God.

Mark records of that night,

‘When they had sang a hymn, they went out to the Mount Of Olives.’ (Mark 14:26).

Singing a song of praise is not about feeling good, and certainly not about sounding good. You don’t have to be a singer or musician to sing a praise song to God.

Here are some ideas to help you sing a prophetic song of praise to God, no matter what your circumstances are:

• Find a recorded song of praise that gives voice to God’s prophetic word for you, and play it—over and over. Sing along to it
• Attend a church service, and sing the praise songs with all your heart
• Sing praises when you are alone—in the car, in your room, under your breath while you are out walking
• When you feel tempted to worry or fear, recall the song to mind
• Tell someone how you are responding to God in the crisis. It will be a powerful testimony to them.

Desperate times call for extraordinary measures. Sing a prophetic song of praise and watch as God moves

[1] For information about my workshops, see our workshops page here and prophetic training page here or view all our team’s courses available on our David McCracken Ministries website.

Related Posts:

Prophetic Song Precedes Breakthrough

Interested in Prophetic Art? Check out 4 Enliven Blog articles in the Prophetic Art category here:

Would you like to share some ideas on the topic of Prophetic Praise, or do you have a story to tell? 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

The Bible tells us that the tongue has the power of life and death. (Prov 18:21) What we speak, whether positive or negative, will have consequences. What we declare will bear fruit. [1]

James reminds us that our tongues are powerful—and that what we speak out of our mouths has power to direct our lives. (James 3:3-5)

‘Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.’ (Ps 119:89)

Speaking out scripture can be a powerful way to:

• Strengthen our faith (Romans 10:17)
• Assist when breakthrough is needed
• Be a weapon in times of spiritual warfare (Eph 6:17) [2]
• Help position us for the fulfillment of God’s purposes in our lives.

How to Turn a Scripture into a Prophetic Declaration

A scripture is prophetic when it speaks of the Father’s intention and purpose for our lives personally. [3] Following are some ideas to help you turn a Bible verse into a spoken profession of faith:

1. Choose a Bible verse that

• God has spoken to you through, or
• Has prophetic significance to you (i.e. relates to something God has spoken about you)
• You would like to apply by faith to a particular situation you are facing right now, or to your overall life and ministry call

Declaring God’s word is powerful, whether or not it has been given to you through prophetic means.

2. Personalise it by changing the wording to the first person. You can retain the precise wording or adapt it to your own situation. See below for examples.

3. Try using the present tense – it adds power to a personal declaration.

4. Memorise the scripture or write it out and use it to speak from.

‘Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.’ (Psalm 1:1-2)

I have found that loud, bold declarations are powerful in times of warfare or when breakthrough is needed. However, we do not always need to speak loudly in order for a declaration to be effective. The Hebrew word ‘to meditate’ also means ‘to mutter’—to speak aloud to oneself—and this can even be done under our breath or quietly. [4]

4 Scripture Declarations for Enlargement

Following are 4 scriptural declarations that I have personally used. These have helped encourage me and keep me on course during difficult times in my life:

1. Prophetic Declaration Based on Joshua 1

‘This is a new day. I am entering into the ‘Promised Land.’ I am entering into the plans and purposes of God for my life. I am entering into my inheritance and receiving God’s promises, every one.

Nothing can stand in my way and no enemy will prevail against me, for God is with me. He will never leave me or forsake me.

I am strong and courageous; I am not fearful or discouraged. I feed on the Word of God. I keep God’s Word in my heart and I obey it. I have success in that which God has called me to.”

2. Prophetic Declaration Based on Isaiah 54:1-5.

“I sing; I burst into song, I shout for joy, for the promises of God are being birthed in my life. The Lord is giving me spiritual children! I am pushing out the boundaries around my life. I am making room. I do not hold back.

I am spreading out to the right and the left. My children, both natural and spiritual, are going to inherit this nation and the nations for the Kingdom of God.

I am not afraid, and I do not fear disgrace. I am entering into intimacy with my God, for that is the place where all of these things will be accomplished. God is Almighty, He is my Creator, He is my Redeemer, He is in control.”

3. Prophetic Declaration Based on Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon 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 to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

4. The Prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”

Notes:

[1] Our mouths can also declare God’s word through song. See my post, ‘How Your Prophetic Song Can Release The Power Of God.’

[2] If spiritual warfare is an issue, here are 11 Ways to Respond During Spiritual Warfare

[3] For encouragement to reconnect with Bible study:

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

How Using Your Learning Style Can Revitalise Your Bible Study

[4] STRONG, J. Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996. Ref 1897 ‘hagah’, to meditate

Do you have any examples, or thoughts to share on the topic of using scripture as a prophetic declaration? 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.

© 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

At the start of 2011, I joined the prophetic ministry team at David McCracken Ministries. [1] Prior to this time, both David and Steve McCracken occasionally preached in my home church.

I vividly remember a service at which David McCracken ministered. He brought some timely prophetic insights for our church and went on to preach a sermon that God had given him for our congregation.

The message gripped me, and when David called for a response, I was on my feet in an instant. [2]

Prophetic preaching can be used powerfully by God to minister to congregations and individuals. So, what is prophetic preaching—and how can you benefit from it?

Characteristics of Prophetic Preaching

1. It Utilises the Prophetic Gift

‘Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. “’ (John 7:16)

A prophetic preacher may use the gifts of teaching, exhortation and prophecy interchangeably or together.

A high value of the teacher is to ensure that the instruction is clear and based upon sound Biblical doctrine. The fruit of a teaching gift is that people are learning and being empowered by the teaching they are receiving.

The prophetic gift is employed to make known the thoughts, purpose and intent of God.

Steve McCracken has a gift of prophetic exhortation. Many years ago, when I was weary and discouraged and felt I could not go on, Steve preached at our church on the theme, ‘You can do it!’

As he spoke, I felt the power of the Spirit roll over me like waves. Caught in this inescapable tide, I began to cry and laugh simultaneously as God brought healing to me.

2. Prophetic Preaching contains a ‘Now’ Word

‘And take the … sword of the Spirit, which is the word [rhema] of God’ (Eph 6:17)

Prophetic preaching has a sense of immediacy.

In the NT, the Greek word ‘rhema’ primarily refers to the spoken word (‘utterance’), whereas ‘logos’ primarily refers to the written word. [3]

Prophetic teaching emphasises the ‘rhema’—God’s Spirit-breathed ‘Now’ word, whilst remaining true to, and undergirded by, the ‘logos’ of God’s word given in scripture.

Prophetic preaching reveals the Father’s ‘Now’ word—making known something that is His purpose and is on His heart. It answers the question, ‘What is God’s word to us now?’

3. It is based on Prophetic Revelation

‘ This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.’ (1 Cor 2:13)

Prophetic preaching is inspired by the Holy Spirit through the means of prophetic revelation.  The word ‘revelation’ in the New Testament Greek, apokalupsis, means ‘an uncovering,’ or ‘disclosure.’ In other words, God is revealing something by His Spirit that is not known by natural means. [3]

This revelation can take many forms, such as a source scripture or Bible story, an illustration, a specific word of instruction or exhortation, an idea or train of thought, or simply the God-given end goal of the preaching itself.

This is why we place a high priority on prayer and time apart with God in our preparation for ministry.

4. It is Authoritative in Nature

 ^‘When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.’ (Matt 7:28-29)

Prophetic preaching has a distinct ring of authority to it. This authority is not based upon the preacher’s gift, knowledge or expertise, but on the basis of being entrusted with a message from God Himself.

5. It often Contains a call to Action

^‘..Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.’ (1 Chron 12:32a)

Prophetic preaching frequently calls for a response from the hearer. This may be to align one’s heart or actions with God’s word, to pay attention to a timely warning or guidance, or to position for God’s present or future plans.

Prophetic preaching provokes the hearer to respond to the word.  As such, it consistently results in change and transformation.

6. It may be Accompanied by Prophecy

On some occasions, a prophetic minister may also use the gift of prophecy alongside the preaching.

Bringing prophecy to individuals can raise the level of faith in a meeting, and I have seen powerful breakthrough in people’s lives through a timely personal word.

Prophecy can also manifest through prophetic prayer and proclamations, prophetic worship and a word of prophecy for the church or group as a whole.

This will vary according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the format of the meeting and the unique gifts of the prophetic minister.

7. Prophetic Preaching Results in Breakthrough

Throughout scripture, the instruction of God given through a prophet brought breakthrough for God’s people. This included strategic guidance in a time of warfare (2 Chron 20:14-17), a word of action to take in crisis (Gen 41:25-46) or a specific declaration of breakthrough. (2 Kings 7:1-2)

Prophetic teaching and preaching is invaluable when a shift is needed to bring breakthrough and change.

8. Prophetic Preaching Empowers the Church

‘ Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.’ (Acts 15:32)

Prophetic preaching strengthens and encourages the church.

The outcome of prophetic preaching, just as with all prophetic ministry, is that the church and its leadership is built up, strengthened and empowered. (1 Cor 14:3-4)

Notes:

**This message is adapted from my article, ‘What Is Prophetic Teaching?’ which can be found on our Free Resources page.

[1] To find out more about David McCracken Ministries and our team members, visit our website: www.davidmccracken.org

[2] To hear messages from the David McCracken Ministries team, check out our DMM Free Resource page here.

To access the RSS feed of our podcast, go here: http://dmm.podcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/david-mccracken-ministries—audio-podcast.xml

Alternatively, you can view David McCracken Ministries in iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/david-mccracken-ministries/id436105579?ls=1

[3] References: VINE, M.A. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. 1985. Virginia: MacDonald. STRONG, J. Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996.

Related Posts:
Do You Have A Ministry Call?
Differences Between Old And New Testament Prophetic Ministry
Prophetic Ministry In Church Life: Why Have Guidelines?

© 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 testimonies, thoughts or questions to share about ‘Prophetic Preaching?’ 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.

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

I shared last week about how after 33 years as a Christian I had a life-changing encounter with God as Father.

Realising that I had spent years living out of an ‘orphan’ perspective, I went back to the Bible with fresh eyes—beginning with Genesis. That is where I discovered the Father’s blessing.

Today I would like to share with you three mistaken beliefs that many of us have concerning God’s blessing. The truth is, that the blessing Jesus has made available to us is much more glorious than we could comprehend! [1,2]

Myth #1: Blessing is an Enjoyable, but Occasional Event

As Christians, we often say that God has blessed us when something good happens.  Or we may say that we are blessed when we are experiencing happiness in relationships, health or financial success.

If we take the meaning that we use in our everyday life for the word ‘blessing,’ then what we are actually saying is that blessing is transient, and unreliable—but is it?

TRUTH: The Bible reveals that we already have our Father’s blessing. Blessing is not based on circumstances or events, but upon God’s Word.

One of the New Testament Greek words translated ‘to bless’ is eulogeo. It literally means, ‘to speak well of.’ You might recognise it as the root word from which we get the word, ‘eulogy.’

When we speak a eulogy today, we are reflecting upon the past achievements and fruitfulness of someone’s life. However in the Bible, God speaks a blessing over our lives ahead of time. And God’s word of blessing has the creative power to bring that word to pass. (Is 55:11, Luke 1:37)

Created for Blessing

‘God created human beings in his own image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said…’ (Gen 1:27-28)

We are created for blessing. The first words that God spoke over Adam and Eve were words of blessing! This blessing consisted primarily of three things:

1. Fruitfulness (Gen 1:28)

You are blessed to be fruitful. (John 15:8, 16). You are blessed to have a significant life, to be someone who makes an eternal difference in the lives of others.

2. Dominion (Authority) (Gen 1:28)

You are blessed and created to rule. Your spiritual DNA is to be an overcomer in life; a victor, not a victim.

3. Provision (Gen 1:29)

The third part of the Father’s creation blessing was provision. He said, ‘I give you….’ Here God is saying, ‘I am the source of everything you need. Even those practical provisions like food, come from Me!’ (see also Matt 6:25-33)

In addition to the above, each one of us has a unique and personal blessing over our lives. Throughout scripture God reveals Himself to His people, bringing individual words of commissioning, as well as the promise of His Presence and provision. Prophecy often taps into this personal blessing.

Myth #2: I am not Blessed when I am Going Through a Difficult Time

Our common view of blessing leads us to believe that if we are struggling with problems or long-term trials, then we are not being blessed.

TRUTH: We are blessed when we are going through trials.

I remember a number of years ago, in a desperate state with nothing left to give, coming across these words of Jesus:

‘You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.’ (Matt 5:5-6, MSG)

James sums it up like this:

‘Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.’ (James 1:12)

Jesus Himself did not just bless those who were ‘successful’ in the world’s eyes. He spoke words of blessing over children, over the poor and bereaved and over those persecuted. He commanded His followers to bless their enemies. (Beatitudes—Matt 5:3-12)

Blessing is not an event, it is the word of the Father over our lives that manifests through our life’s journey. (Ps 23:4, Is 43:1-3)
Breakthrough is one manifestation of the blessing of God. But so is experiencing our Father’s favour when we respond well during a trial.

We can rest assured that no matter what is happening now, the blessing of God over our lives is acting like a great magnet, drawing us irresistibly towards the fulfillment of that blessing. (see Job 42:12-16)

Myth #3: I Have to Do Something to be Blessed

I still catch myself thinking that I have to ‘do’ something in order to earn a blessing from God.

TRUTH: My Father has already blessed me by His word. I have His blessing because of what Jesus has done, not because of anything I can do to earn it.

Adam and Eve were blessed by God before they had ever accomplished anything. This blessing strikes at the very root of our drive to perform to please God.

Before they ever did anything to deserve it, the Father blessed them. They were blessed just by virtue of being His children. And so are we.

The belief that blessing is based upon performance is an Old Testament viewpoint.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God and removed themselves from the place of relationship with God from which His blessing flowed.

When God introduced the law of Moses, blessing became tied to obedience of the law. Deuteronomy 28 describes blessings and curses related to keeping the law.

But the law could never be perfectly kept. In Galatians, Paul points out that the law was designed to lead us to Jesus. (Gal 3:23-25)

When Jesus died on the cross for our sin, He took the curse of the law upon Himself. (Gal 3:10-14) The blessing due to Him has come upon us.

Because of what Jesus has done, we now live under an open heaven of favour and blessing over our lives

The blessing that Adam and Eve enjoyed, and the blessing that Jesus has, now belongs to you and me. (Eph 1:3-6)

How to Position for Blessing

Blessing cannot be earned; however, we can position ourselves to receive it and enter into it. Here are some ways in which we can do that:

• Study and grasp the Biblical perspective of blessing

• Foster unity in our relationships and churches (Ps 133:3)

• Renew our minds by thinking in accord with God’s blessing over us (Rom 12:2)
  We need to feed the anticipation of God’s goodness towards us. Why should we have more faith in the enemy’s power to destroy, than Gods power to do good? Jesus came to give us abundant life.  (John 10:10)

• Speak in agreement with God’s blessing over ourselves and others. (James 3:9-11) We are created in God’s image and can be agents of God’s blessing through the words of our mouth.

• Stay in an intimate place of relationship with God.
  This is the most vital key of all. As we listen and obey Him, power is released to bring God’s word of blessing to fulfillment in our lives.

Notes:

[1] Due to the limitations of a single article, I am unable to share all the wonderful truths I have learned from the Bible about blessing! Maybe you, like me, would enjoy more nuggets of truth from the Bible on this topic.

Just for you, I am including a few more thoughts and findings in the comments section of this post. You may like to add your own thoughts and feedback, too. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

[2] For the purpose of this discussion, by myth I mean a widespread belief in the Christian community that has no basis in Biblical truth

Related Posts:

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog

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

Last week I posted my 100^th blog article since starting the Enliven Blog in July 2009!

As I reflect back on the journey, one blog post stands out above all others in terms of the impact it had on me personally at the time of release.

That post was, ‘How Your Prophetic Song Can Release The Power Of God.’

In it I wrote,
‘It has been said that ‘desperate times call for desperate measures.’ In God’s Kingdom, however, desperate times call for extraordinary measures.’

The Crisis

What I did not share was that The Hunk and I were facing our own desperate times—a financial crisis.

I had been without paid work for nearly a year, after transferring from a paid role to a volunteer one at our church. Repeated attempts to find a part time job had been unsuccessful. In the meantime, my husband had been valiantly working to support our household on his sole income.

Every week we continued to go backwards, until we could go no further—we did not have enough money for our next house payment. Unless a miracle occurred, we faced losing our home and a great deal more.

In spite of this crisis, our faith remained surprisingly buoyant. We recalled previous times that we had come to the end of our own resources and watched as our Heavenly Father had brought miraculous intervention.

A Prophetic Song of Praise

At this time, I was asked to run a workshop for our worship team on ‘Prophetic Song.’ During the training session, I shared Biblical examples of how prophetic song can be pivotal to breakthrough.

Something happened in my heart as I joined with our team in prophetic worship that Thursday night. I knew that God was calling me to spend specific time praising Him for breakthrough.

My husband was away over the next few days training for a new job. Being a commission-only role, with no set salary, we had no idea how his new job would work out for us financially.

The Hunk’s absence that weekend gave me the time I needed to focus on God. I put together a collection of praise songs on CD. I sat at our keyboard. I spent hours praising my Father, singing songs that expressed faith and gratitude for His love, provision, help and power.

I also wrote what I was learning about the power of prophetic song in the blog post, ‘How Your Prophetic Song Can Release The Power Of God.’ The following Tuesday evening I published it online.

Breakthrough Begins

Wednesday morning following the release of the blog post, I had a vivid dream before waking.

I received a phone call from a minister overseas. He expressed thanks to me for publishing the post about prophetic song and shared that it was of great significance.

As our conversation closed, I asked him, ‘Where are you from?’ He replied clearly, ‘Einstein.’

I woke up aware that I had just received a dream from God. The word ‘Einstein’ seemed to have particular importance, but what did it mean? I wondered if I should look it up on the Internet to find out.

I went to our computer and noticed that a close friend who was one of my prayer leaders had just sent an email.

In the email, she mentioned some signs that spiritual warfare was taking place in her world and closed by saying,

‘You don’t have to be Einstein (to figure out what is going on).’

When I read the word ‘Einstein’ I was electrified. That morning, inspired by an urgency of the Spirit, I hurried to our church to be early for the weekly staff meeting.

As I rushed into our church carpark, our pastor was outside having a conversation when he saw me and called me aside. He shared that an opening for a part time paid administrative role had come up and invited me to take the job.

I now had paid work.

In the meantime, the Hunk was starting his new job and that very day won the first of two prizes of petrol vouchers—a welcome supply to help meet our immediate needs.

Several days later we received a large gift to help towards some family expenses.

And a day after that someone pressed an envelope into my hands at church, saying God had instructed her to give it to us. It was filled with cash.

It was also proving obvious that income from my husband’s new line of work would far exceed what he had earned in his previous role.

Within a week our situation had turned completely around and we were in awe at the love and power of God.

The Power of A Prophetic Song of Praise

A song of praise is a powerful prophetic tool that

• Celebrates victory in the face of apparent defeat.
• Declares God’s ability in the circumstance of your inability
• Thanks God for answers that have not yet been sighted

It is prophetic because it gives voice to the word that God has spoken to you, concerning His outcome for your circumstances and life.

Intimacy and Obedience

I hesitate to share a testimony like I the one I have above, because there is always a danger that people will imitate a method in order to gain a result.

You see it is not about a method. It is not even about a principle (although the principle of prophetic praise is powerful).

It is about relationship with God and obedience to His word.

In 2 Chron 20, King Jehoshaphat responded in faith to a prophetic word that God would route the powerful armies that were coming against the nation of Judah.

Jehoshaphat sent out musicians and singers at the head of his army to praise God. As they began to sing and praise, the enemy armies turned on each other. The prophecy—that God would defeat the enemy without Judah having to fight—was fulfilled.

However, this was the only time in the Bible a battle was won in this precise way.

The key to breakthrough is not about a method, it is intimacy with God. And out of that intimacy, let the faith rise, let the praises start to flow.

If my story inspires you, I encourage you to spend time with God. Ask your Heavenly Father how you should respond in your particular situation.

And then, do whatever He tells you. (John 2:5)

Notes:

For teaching on the topic of prophetic song, I encourage you to view the following blog post:

How Your Prophetic Song Can Release The Power Of God

To leave a note or share your own story, leave a comment at the bottom of this post. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog http://propheticpeople.com/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

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

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

‘Year Of Visitation.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visitation from God is a Biblical Concept

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

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

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

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

1. Fulfilment of Prophecy & Removal of Barrenness

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

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

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

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

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

3. Divine Help And Provision

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

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

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

4. Restoration of Inheritance and Homecoming

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

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

5. The Ultimate Visitation—Jesus

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

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

6. Outpourings of the Holy Spirit

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

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

3 Ways To Position For Divine Visitation

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

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

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

1. Understand God’s Timing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Pray in the Season of Visitation

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

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

The prophet Zechariah put this well when he said,

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

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

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

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

3. Participate With God Through Acts of Obedience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes and Related Posts:

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

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

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

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

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

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

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

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

Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

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

© Helen Calder 2011    Enliven Publishing

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Word From God can Change Your Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Word From God Can Herald Breakthrough

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Word From God Can Sustain Us in Times of Trial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you can do with your word

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

How To Receive A Revelation From God

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

4 Things You Can Do With Your Personal Prophecy

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

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© Helen Calder 2010    Enliven Publishing

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries