I frequently hear from people who want to develop their prophetic gifts, enquiring:

• ‘How can I learn how to prophesy?’
• ‘How can I activate my prophetic gift?’ (i.e. put prophecy into practice)
• ‘Who can mentor me?’

And these are great questions.

However, today I want to share with you another question that is vital, not only to prophetic ministry, but also to leadership and Christian living in general.

It is a question that I have been challenged on recently, and I believe comes to each of us from the heart of God Himself:

You desire to minister to others; how well do you receive from Me?

Taking Time to Receive from God

As prophetic people, we are called to bring ‘strengthening, encouraging and comfort’ from God to others. (1Cor 14:3, NIV).

We can study prophetic ministry. We can put it into practice. We can even have great mentors to learn from. But if we are not personally able to receive encouragement from God, how can we fully express the Father’s encouragement to others?

Following are some questions, based on Paul’s 3-fold aim of prophecy in 1 Cor 14:3, to help us explore how we are going in this area.

1. How Well do I Receive God’s Strengthening?

‘But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening…’ (1 Corinthians 14:3)

The Greek word translated ‘strengthening’ is oikodome. It refers to the process of building up (as in building a house), edifying and promoting growth. It has also been translated ‘edification’ and ‘upbuilding.’

God is intimately concerned about your growth and His heart is that you reach your full potential. The Holy Spirit desires to build you up.

Am I regularly hearing from God, or allowing the Holy Spirit’s dealings in my life that result in:

• Revealing things that have been standing in the way of me moving forward in my life; breaking me out of stuck places.
• Enabling spiritual growth, as well as growth in other areas, such as character, relationships and ministry.
• Strengthening me, so that I am sustained no matter what is taking place in my life and circumstances around me.

2. How Well do I Receive God’s Encouragement?

‘But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging…’ (1 Corinthians 14:3)

The Greek word for ‘encouraging,’ paraklesis here is also translated ‘exhortation.’ Paraklesis comes from two words—para, meaning ‘beside’ and Kaleo, meaning ‘call, appeal, or entreaty.’ It includes a range of meanings, from admonition, instruction, persuasion.

You may recognize the similarity between this word and the one Jesus used for the Holy Spirit— parakletos, which has been translated Helper, or Comforter.

Through exhortation, the Holy Spirit desires to stir us up and spur us on.

The wonderful thing about the Father’s exhortation is that He does not call us to empty performance or religious practices. He offers us His Spirit to empower and equip us, and He ‘comes alongside’ in relationship to accomplish what He desires of us to do.

Am I regularly hearing from God, or allowing the Holy Spirit’s dealings in my life that result in:

• Adjustment and God’s loving correction in areas of my life that are not honouring to Him
• Him persuading me to change my position or thinking in relation to some issue
• Repentance when I have allowed an area of sin in my life
• Apathy giving way to action and obedience to God

3. How Well do I Receive God’s Comfort?

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

The Greek word translated ‘comfort’ is paramuthia, from para, meaning near or beside, and muthos, meaning speech.

The word has also been translated ‘consolation.’

There is a sense of God’s tenderness and closeness, as He desires to comfort and uplift us.

Am I regularly hearing from God, or allowing the Holy Spirit’s dealings in my life that result in:

• Being reassured when I am concerned, anxious or fearful
• Comforted when I am grieving or have been hurt in a way that brings God’s healing and consolation into my life.

The Importance of Receiving God’s Comfort

If I were to rate ‘How do I receive comfort from God’ from 1 (I don’t receive His comfort very well) to 5 (I am in touch with my feelings and allow God to comfort me’) what score would I give myself?

Opening our hearts to receive comfort from God can be challenging, especially to those of us who are in leadership and desire to be ‘strong for God’ and partake in His victory. We need to remember that the same God who shares His victory with us, also desires to console, heal, love and comfort us in times of trial and the experience of human weakness.

‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.’ (2 Cor 1:3-4)

Two ways to receive from God

It is worth considering the above questions in two ways.

1. In relation to receiving personally and directly from God, in our devotional life with Him.

2. In relation to receiving the Father’s strengthening, encouraging and comfort through others.

It takes humility to receive from God through others, especially in the areas of adjustment and comfort. I encourage you to take some time to consider the above. If you realise that you are weak in receiving from God in some area, take some time to pray, and open yourself up to receive from the Holy Spirit. It will transform your life and ministry.

Notes:

I used the following resources in this study:

Online Greek Interlinear Bible
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996 Refs G3619 G3874, G3889

Related Posts:

The Spirit of Encouragement: Are You A Barnabas?

Prophesying Out Of God’s Love

Escaping a Half-Lived Christian Life

Do you have any thoughts about receiving God’s strengthening, encouragement and comfort? 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

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

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

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

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

It’s Time to Check the Tank

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

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

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

• What is the first step?

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

God wants to be the very Source of our life.

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

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

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

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

When God gets Shifted Off-Centre

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

He was referring to two main things –

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

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

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

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

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

All The Resources of Heaven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

This Can Be A Year Of Visitation From God

7 Signs Of Spiritual Dryness

7 Ways To Combat Spiritual Dryness

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

Do you have any responses to this post or thoughts about God being your source of life that you would like to share? Leave a comment in the comments box. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

‘When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”’ (Luke 3:21-22)

Jesus baptism was an act of obedience and of scriptural fulfilment, as well as an example to us to follow. [1]

Jesus’ baptism was also significant in that it marked the launch of His season of public ministry. And as such, provides us with important keys for living our own supernatural life with God.

3 Keys to a Supernatural Life

1. Know and Live out of Father’s Pleasure

‘And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”’ (Luke 3:22)

At the outset of Jesus’ ministry, the Father declared His love and affirmation over Jesus.

God’s pleasure in His Son was not based upon works of service—the Father’s declaration occurred before Jesus had done any ministry, any preaching, any miracles and healing, and before He faced the cross. The Father’s love and pleasure simply arose from the fact that Jesus was His son.

The power of their relationship was such that Jesus would later say, ‘He who has seen Me has seen the Father.’ (John 14:9) And He went about revealing God’s love and compassion for people.

In the same way, before we can live a supernatural life and share the Father’s love with others, we have to know and experience His love for ourselves.

• Do you personally know Father’s love and affirmation for you as His child?
• Can you distinguish His Personal love for you, apart from your service for Him?
• What does it look like to acknowledge and enjoy the Father’s pleasure in you every day of your life?
• What does it look like to see others—even those who are bound in shame and sin—as the Father sees you?

2. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

‘And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.’ (Luke 3:21)

Jesus did no supernatural works before He received the Presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit at His baptism. From this time onward, Holy Spirit’s power was the means to fulfil all that the Father showed Him to do. In every word or action of Jesus, we see perfect unity between the Father, and Jesus, and the Spirit.

Jesus said that asking for and receiving the Holy Spirit is a privilege of sons and daughters: “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)

The experience of the church in Acts demonstrated that Holy Spirit’s infilling and empowering was not a one-off event. It is available to us on an ongoing basis. (see Acts 4:23-31) In fact, Paul instructs believers to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. (Eph 5:18) As we are filled, the life and power of the Spirit flows out from us to others. (John 7:37-38)

• When was the last time you asked God to fill you with His Holy Spirit?
• Can you look back on your life and see a difference in the way you live and impact others, during times when you have encountered and been filled with the Holy Spirit?
• Are you are aware of Holy Spirit as a Person—and His Presence with you?
• What is the value to you—and to others around you—of remaining filled with Him and deliberately seeking to be so?

3. Follow Jesus’ Example

It is time we looked again at that simple statement, ‘What would Jesus do?’ (WWJD)

‘What would Jesus do’ begins and continues with walking intimately with the Father. It requires us to see and act as Jesus did—through the lens of the Father’s love for us and for others. ‘We Love because He first loved us.’ (1 John 4:19)

To ask ‘What would Jesus do?’ but to separate the answer to that question from the Presence and power of Holy Spirit—is to deny the very power of God to change lives. It is through the Presence and power of the Holy Spirit that God’s Kingdom is manifested on earth. (Matt 12:28)

And these three things are the foundation of the supernatural Christian life.

Notes

[1] Some more scriptures on the subject of water baptism: Acts 2:38, Acts 8:35-38, Acts 16:31,33, Romans 6:3-6, 1 Cor 12:13.

Related Posts

1 Father, 2 Sons, 3 Positions: Which One Describes You?

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

Escaping a Half Lived Christian Life

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

How important do you believe the keys of knowing Father’s pleasure and being filled with the Holy Spirit are to living the supernatural Christian life? What experiences have you had? Leave a comment in the comments box. If it is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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

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

Observe the ‘Front’ where God is at Work

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

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

Change is in the Air

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

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

The Holy Spirit and Rain

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

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

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

The Discomfort of Change

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

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

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

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

Rain and the Season of Harvest

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

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

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

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

Rain Reminds us of God’s Sovereignty.

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

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

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

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

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

Anticipating our Father’s Generosity

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

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

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

Related Posts:

No Longer Waiting For Revival

This Can Be A Year of Visitation from God

An Open Heaven Is Your Inheritance

What is your anticipation of a move of God? What experiences have you had? Leave a comment in the comments box. If it is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing Bible Facts about the River of Life

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

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

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

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

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

3. Healing is associated with the River of Life.

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

4. The River of Life brings a harvest.

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

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

The Psalmists say:

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

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

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

The River of Life is Personal

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Feel Dry?

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

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

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

The River of Life and the Dead Sea.

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

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

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

The River of Life—Receive and Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

7 Signs of Spiritual Dryness

Escaping a Half-Lived Christian Life

7 Ways to Combat Spiritual Dryness

What Pentecost tells us about God’s Heart for Nations

What attributes of the River of Life inspire you? Leave a comment in the comments box. If it is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

‘The Lord… leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.’ (Psalm 23:2-3)

Recently during our team’s regular time of worship and prayer, I had an unusual vision.

I saw a wide river, with smooth waters. Alongside, following the course of the water, tall pipes stood from the riverbank. I recognised them as being those of a pipe organ.

The Pipe Organ

The pipe organ is a magnificent instrument. Yesterday, The Hunk and I saw and heard one in action at St Paul’s Cathedral here in Melbourne, Australia.

The secret of the pipe organ lies hidden below the pipes—a reservoir filled with pressurised air.

As the hand of the organist selects a note, the corresponding pipe receives a burst of wind, producing a glorious sound.

Vibrations—waves of sound—pour out through the pipes, into the air. All who are within hearing distance can enjoy and respond to them. [1]

The Father’s call to Intimacy

‘A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I’m thirsty for God-alive.’ (Psalm 42:1, MSG)

The Father is calling us to spend time with Him—with no agenda except to know Him and to be known by Him.

In that place of intimacy He fashions and shapes our hearts, tuning them with His own desires. In that place of communion, He refills us with His Holy Spirit.

The New Sound

‘He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.’ (Psalm 40:3)

Just as the pipes of the organ are filled with a burst of air that has only one place to go—outwards—as we spend time in intimacy with God, His Spirit fills us to overflowing.

Then, ‘we cannot help but speak of what we have seen and heard.’ (Acts 4:20)

• This new sound is, for some of us, a renewed testimony of God’s goodness as we encounter Him.

• For others, it is a fresh revelation of God—His love, His power, His mercy. As we pass it on, it brings life, healing and hope to those we encounter.

• For those of us who are in prophetic ministry, it is God’s message, crafted in us, then resonating through us. [2]

Returning to Intimacy

Sometimes, we do not take significant time apart with God because we are busy. We may even be spiritually dry.

And yet, we should prize God’s intimate Presence and anointing above all else. (Ps 51:11)

Have you lost the freshness of your close relationship with God?

God is always present with us. (Matt 28:20) However, just as Jesus took time apart with the Father, so can we. (Mark 1:35, 6:46)

Time spent alone with God is life giving. You can start by rediscovering the unique ways that you connect with Him. [3]

The picture of intimacy with God beside still waters has particular significance to me, as I connect with God best through spending time outdoors—especially where I can walk alongside water, be it a lake, a reservoir, or the sea.

Today, I encourage you to take a moment to meditate on this—listen to God’s personal call to you. Allow His Spirit to awaken the hunger for His Presence in your life.

God is calling us to take time apart in intimacy with Him—and as we do so, a new sound will resonate from our lives and ministries, reaching the hearts of many.

Notes:

[1] Information about the pipe organ can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_organ and http://www.aucklandorgan.org.nz/tour/how-it-works

[2] In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul uses the following example:

‘Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you.’ (1 Cor 14:6-9a)

[3] See the following posts for thoughts about how you can uniquely connect with God:

How To Discover Your Spiritual Pathway

How Using Your Learning Style Can Revitalise Your Bible Study

Related Posts:

Hunger For God: 6 Ways You Can Stir It Up

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

Do you have some thoughts to share about intimacy with God? Leave a comment in the comments box. If it is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

Prophetic intercession is simply praying for another person, group or situation by the direction of the Holy Spirit. This guidance comes by way of prophetic revelation—in other words, the Holy Spirit is making something known that is not comprehended by natural means. [1]

All Christians can expect to receive the Holy Spirit’s guidance to pray at certain times. Some, however, will be especially gifted in this area.

The Hunk and I learned the value of having a prophetic intercessor on our prayer team throughout our years of ministry in New Zealand.

During our most difficult trials, one of our personal intercessors—an elderly woman named Marge—would invariably phone us. Her opening words after greeting us would be, ‘What is going on?’ Marge always knew by the Holy Spirit when we were having our fiercest battles, and her insights and prayers were a constant encouragement to us.

The Unique Role of a Prophetic Intercessor

During the years I led the prayer department of our church, I grew to appreciate the different kinds of prayer gifts:

• There were the prayer warriors who would pray every day, on a regular basis. Regardless of what was going on, you knew you could depend on them.

• Some prayer partners thrived on written or emailed prayer requests—and we honoured this by keeping in regular touch with them.

• Still others came to the fore when there was a crisis—swelling the ranks of prayer partners when called upon during an emergency.

A prophetic intercessor operates on a different kind of alert system – being directly alerted by the Holy Spirit as to when there is a need to pray.

The benefit of this is revealed during times when you are in a spiritual battle, or in a crisis where you do not have the ability to send out a general prayer request.

As a leader, I have learned not to place expectations on prophetic intercessors to operate outside of their natural gifting. The communication of prayer requests and testimonies should be seen as fuel for their gift, rather than an expectation that they will pray at a certain time or in a certain way.

Traits of a Prophetic Intercessor

I learned personally about prophetic intercession when the Holy Spirit awakened the gift in me during the 1990’s.

As with all spiritual gifts, no two prophetic intercessors will experience the leading of the Holy Spirit in the same way. Some ways that the Holy Spirit can lead a prophetic intercessor in prayer include:

1. The simple ‘knowing’ that prayer is needed at a certain time.

2. A sudden or growing burden or urge to pray.

3. Receiving insight from God through prophetic revelation such as a scripture, vision, word or feeling.

4. A sense of identification with the object of prayer—in other words feeling the needs of those being prayed for.

5. Sensing the heart of God towards the person or situation requiring prayer.

Note that both 4 And 5 may result in what seems to be an emotional response. This may either prompt the prayer, or manifest during the prayer.

As a prophetic intercessor, I  learned one key difference between my own emotions and those awakened by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of prayer. Feelings allowed by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of prayer can (and should) be released completely through intercession.

6. A prophetic intercessor may at times experience the deep ‘groanings’ of the Holy Spirit. [2] He or she understands what Paul writes about in Romans 8:26-27:

‘In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.’

Important Reminders for Prophetic Intercessors

From the viewpoint of those of us who are not gifted in prophetic intercession, a prophetic intercessor that is lacking in maturity may seem ‘flaky.’ However, he or she may simply be in need of some pastoral leadership and guidance in the use of the gift.

I have discussed some strengths of prophetic intercession above. Some things a prophetic intercessor may need to be gently reminded of at times are:

1. Don’t be intimidated by others’ prayer gifts (such as those who have an ability to pray more regularly). You have a unique and precious gift from God. [3]

2. On the other hand, don’t expect all intercessors to experience prayer the way you do. Their gifts are different but just as powerful.

3. Honour the leadership and culture of your church in the public expression of your prayer. If you are experiencing a feeling or sense of direction that is different to the way the prayer meeting is being led and are unsure what to do about it, pray about it and check privately with the leader. It may be something for you to pray about personally.

4. Related to 3., remember that all prophetic revelation is subject to being weighed up. Submitting the direction of your prayer to leadership and at times needing adjustment is a vital part of your prophetic ministry. (1 Thess 5:19-22)

5. If you do experience manifestations, be aware of appropriate times and places. It is wise to save the ‘emotional’ part of releasing your gift until you can get alone with God. ‘The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.’ (1 Cor 14:32)

6. You do not need to carry an unhealthy emotional burden related to your ministry of prayer. If you are becoming weary or emotionally involved, check with a leader or have someone pray with you.

7. Prophetic intercession is a ministry of faith. We do not always know the reason for the prayer burden that the Holy Spirit gives us; neither do we always learn the outcome of our prayers. But we do know that God is faithful. And—that the greatest reward of prophetic intercession is intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

Notes:

[1] The NT Greek word for revelation, apokalupsis, means ‘an uncovering,’ or ‘disclosure.’

[2] This has sometimes been called ‘travail’ and been related to birthing the purposes of God through prayer. The Apostle Paul said of the Galatians, ‘My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.’ (Gal 4:19) One way this was likely to have been expressed was in his prayers.

[3] For insights about different prayer gifts, I highly recommend Intercessors Discover Your Prayer Power, by FEMRITE, T; ALVES, E; KAUFMAN, K.  2000.  Ventura : Regal.

Related Posts:

8 tips For Personal Intercessors

How To Increase Your Prayer Support Through Personal Intercession

Releasing The Resources Of Heaven Through Prayer

Do you have any questions or insights about prophetic intercession? 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

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

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

4 Valuable Lessons from the life of Ezekiel:

1. The Horizons of our Lives may Change

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

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

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

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

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

However, God was not finished with Ezekiel.

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

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

2. Honour Those who have Gone Before

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

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

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

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

Their ministry overlapped and their prophecies complemented each other.

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

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

3. Yield to the Holy Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

4. Be Faithful and Leave the Results to God

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then, leave the results to Him.

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

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

The Power Of A Prophetic Act

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

Do you have any insights or responses to share about lessons from Ezekiel? 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

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

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

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

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

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

Pentecost: Evidence of God’s Heart for the Nations

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

Pentecost: a Pilgrimage Feast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pentecost : the Harvest Feast

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

The feast of Pentecost had a symbolic significance.

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

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

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

The Message of Pentecost

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

Related Posts:

Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With
The Holy Spirit

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

Do you have any questions or thoughts on the topic of ‘Pentecost, God’s Heart for the Nations’? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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

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

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

7 Ways to Combat Spiritual Dryness

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

1. Break the Blame Cycle

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

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

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

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

2. Recognise Your Deepest Need

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Stop Deferring

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes, a moment is all it takes.

4. Reconnect with God

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Ask God to Re-fill you

The best prayers are the simplest ones, such as

‘Father, fill me afresh with Your Spirit.’

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

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

6. Review and Re-Focus

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

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

Some traps we can fall into include believing that:

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

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

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

7. Receive the Support of Others

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

This may include:

• Being honest
• Asking for prayer
• Receiving assistance

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

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

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

Notes:

See my earlier article, 7 Signs of Spiritual Dryness

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

[2] For more thoughts on this, see

How To Discover Your Spiritual Pathway

Does Your Devotional Life Need Resuscitating?

How Using Your Learning Style Can Revitalise Your Bible Study

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

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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