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

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

1. God is Healer by Name and Nature

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

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

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

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

2. Jesus set us an Example to Follow

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

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

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

3. Prayer for Healing is vital to Pastoral Care

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

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

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

4. It Encourages People to Connect with God

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

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

5. Prayer makes a Difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. We pray for Healing because we can!

Who can pray for physical healing?

A. Leaders in the church

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

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

B. Those with a Spiritual gift of Healing

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

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

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

C. All followers of Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

3 Simple Way to Pray For Healing

Discover Your Unique Healing Gift

The Power Of A Prophetic Act

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

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

Many years ago when The Hunk and I were ministering full time with a mission agency, we attended a meeting together at which a prophet was preaching and ministering in personal prophecy.

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

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

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

Love is a Vital Ingredient of Prophecy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Love is not Based upon our Feelings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Value Intimacy with God Above all Else

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

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

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

We Express God’s Love in the Process of Prophecy

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

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

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

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

God’s Love Requires us to put Others First

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

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

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

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

Have you ever felt God’s love through a prophetic word? Do you have any experiences or questions to share about this topic? Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus Preached a ‘Now’ Message

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

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

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

• For years, they had listened the scribes and the teachers of the law as they reviewed God’s PAST instructions to Israel and taught the law of Moses.

• They were familiar with the prophets who spoke of the FUTURE coming of the Messiah.

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

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

Not News as we Experience it Today

The Gospel is good news. [2]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 3-Dimensional Gospel

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

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

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

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

Reviewing our Message

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

Each is important.

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

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

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

1. Past (Looking back)

Valuing and sharing:

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

2. Future (Looking forward)

Valuing and sharing:

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

3. Present

Valuing and sharing:

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

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

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

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

• Greg wonders why his boss does not seem to have heard his repeatedly expressed concerns about safety in the workplace, and yet jumps at the smallest complaint from customers.

• Kelly, a young mother, jokes with her friends about what she calls her husband’s ‘selective hearing.’ At night he seems to be oblivious to the baby’s cries, slumbering on while she wakes and attends to their son’s needs.

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

Selective Hearing in our Relationship with God

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

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

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

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

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

Signs that we are Selectively Hearing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do a Self-Check for Selective Hearing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk with God about your Whole Life

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

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

Your Prophetic And Christian Ministry Will Be Impacted By This Choice

How To Recover The Wonder Of Hearing God’s Voice

Do you have any further thoughts about 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.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

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

Dear friends,

Greetings from Melbourne, Australia!

‘For the kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.’
(Rom 14:17)

All of heaven celebrated at the first coming of Jesus Christ.

Shepherds in the fields witnessed a great multitude of angels rejoicing and praising God nearby in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:8-14)

I believe that joy is our portion and inheritance. Right now as you read this, I pray that the Spirit of God will release fresh joy over your life.

This joy is not conditional upon circumstances or relationships or feelings; it is sourced in the presence of ‘Immanuel’, God with us.
(Ps 16:11, Matt 1:23)

With Christmas only a few days away, I want to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to you, the readers of Enliven Blog. I have enjoyed sharing the journey with you in 2011.

From our home to yours, The Hunk and I, along with the whole team here at David McCracken Ministries, send you warm Christmas greetings.

The 10 Most Popular Posts on Enliven Blog

Could you do with some inspiring and informative holiday reading? Here is a countdown of the 10 most popular pages on Enliven Blog this year. Bookmark this page to return and read these articles at your leisure—enjoy!

10. 6 Tips For Exercising The Gift Of Discernment In Church Life

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

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

7. How To Exercise Your Prophetic Gift Pt 2: How To Receive A Revelation From God

6. Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

5. How To Discover Your Spiritual Pathway

4. 12 Signs Of Spiritual Warfare

3. 8 Ways To Grow Your Gift Of Discernment

2. How To Develop Your Prophetic Gift Pt 1: Where To Begin

1. 8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift Of Discernment

Father, right now I pray and release a blessing over every person reading this page, wherever they are. May they experience Your grace, joy and overflow during this Christmas period. Let there be miracles of breakthrough, healing and provision. Let relationships be strengthened and families united. Let there be refreshing of body, soul and spirit. And may each one draw closer to You than ever before, in Jesus’ Name.

Have you enjoyed Enliven Blog in 2011? Leave a comment to tell us what Enliven Blog has meant to you personally or share with us your favourite post or topic. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

As I write today, I believe there are people and pastors reading this who are weary and in need of encouragement in relation to your church life.

The Holy Spirit is ministering renewal and a fresh sense of expectation to you.

A few weeks back I looked at identity and destiny from a personal level.

I noted that your DESTINY is the answer to the question, ‘What has God called me to do?’ While your IDENTITY is the answer to the question, ‘Who has God called me to be?’

This is also true of your church. [1]

If you can benefit from having your church vision renewed, here are some reflections that may help:

Your Church has a Unique Gift and DNA

The Hunk and I have been visiting churches of different denominations and movements for over 20 years, and we never cease to marvel at the unique grace and calling that is on each individual church. [2]

No other church has the same blend of people, leaders, vision, values, history, experience, gifts, strengths and call that your church does. Your church has its own, one of a kind, DNA.

Looking back, you can see a trail of clues where God’s blessing has been, where His power has been released, and where people’s lives have been impacted. Your church is individually anointed and called for a purpose.

The problem is, we sometimes forget these good things and lose our focus. Maybe our church has been through a season of difficulty, or we have become wearied through busyness or trials. When this happens, we need to remember the things that make our church great and why became a part of it.

Q: What are the things that comprise the DNA of your church—the ‘Distinctive Nature of your Anointing?’

Remember why you are Here

At this time of the year, when one can easily become weary and distracted, I believe God is calling us to rise up and celebrate—to remember the people and the qualities that make our churches great.

In every marriage, there are times when it is helpful to remember the things that attracted you to your partner in the first place.

In the same way, we also need to take time to reflect on the good things of our churches—those things that comprise our unique DNA.

We have been members of our local church for over nine years—since we immigrated to Australia from NZ. I spent much of that time on staff, as well as being a department leader.

In nine years, it has not all been smooth sailing. Whenever the waters become rough, it helps me to remember the unique qualities that I love about our church—the DNA that drew me to our church in the first place.

• I love that my church is generous, reaching out to our local community with love and practical assistance—and has a significant overseas mission impact
• I love that one of our values is being authentic and non-religious
• I love that my church makes unchurched people feel welcome and that I can bring a neighbour or friend in who does not know Jesus
• I love the passion in our church and leaders for the power of God to transform lives—to be a church not just of talk but of power

When I remember these things, then I know with absolute assurance that there is no place I would rather be.

Q: What are the qualities that drew you to your church in the first place?

God has a Unique Purpose for Your Church

When you study the New Testament, you see that no single church was alike. Each one had a unique gift and call.

• The Corinthian church was recognised as rich in the demonstration of spiritual gifts (1 Cor 1:5-7)
• The church at Philippi had a unique partnership with the Apostle Paul’s ministry (Phil 4:15)
• The Thessalonian church was known for the regional influence of its testimony (1 Thess 1:8)
• The church in Philadelphia was an example of faithfulness and perseverance in hardship (Rev 3:7-13)
• The Macedonian churches were known for their gift of generosity (2 Cor 8:1-2)
• The church at Antioch was uniquely positioned as the capital of Syria, a province of Rome, and became a centre of missionary activity to the Gentiles.The apostles Paul and Barnabas were sent out from there—both released from and reporting back to, their sending church (Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:26-28)
• The Jerusalem church had a unique position as the founding church. It had governmental influence and was a centre of missionary activity to the Jews (Acts 16:4-5, Gal 2:8)

One of the things we notice about this list is that even smaller churches can have a significant impact beyond themselves.

The key lies in identifying the unique gift that God has entrusted you with—and taking that to the world.

Q: What is on the heart of God for your church to be known for?

It is Time to Dream Again

Why has God placed your church in your community, in your nation, in this generation? It is for His purposes.

It is time to dream again, because your church has a calling and a mission that cannot be fulfilled by any other church.

And God has called you personally to be a contributor towards that calling.

For a free, comprehensive 10 page questionnaire to help you discover the unique DNA and Mission of your church, click here for the Enliven Blog Articles page.

Do you have any further thoughts about this topic, or something that you would like to share about your own church? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

[1] I am sharing a favourite photo in today’s post—taken on the day we were received into membership in our home church.

[2] Much of this was in our capacity as missions leaders, including the 9 years my husband was National Director of a mission agency in New Zealand and Australia. I now minister itinerantly with David McCracken Ministries—often accompanied by my husband Malcolm—or ‘The Hunk,’ as he is affectionately known!

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Have you ever purchased something on sale, at a marked down price, and then tried to pull away the price sticker to see what the original value was?

The higher the original price tag, the better you feel about the savings made on your purchase.

Sometimes in life, we get stuck with ‘mark-down labels’ that are not God’s original estimation of us.

These are definitions that others or we place upon us, that are not consistent with our God-given identities.

This can occur, for example, if we have been through an extended time of hardship. And it can happen not only to individuals, but also families, churches, even geographical regions.

When this happens, we need to peel back the label, and recover our God-given identity.

Last week, we looked at how Gideon received a life-changing insight into his identity and destiny when God spoke it over his life. Today we look at another story set in the Old Testament time of the Judges, from the book of Ruth.

1. Bethlehem – House of Bread

Remove the Label of Barrenness and see God’s label of Fruitfulness

‘In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.’ (Ruth 1:1)

In scripture, a God-given name is synonymous with identity and can speak of destiny.

The name Bethlehem means ‘House of Bread,’ and its original name, Epharath, means ‘fruitful,’ or ‘fertile,’ so we know from the scripture that this was a fertile region.

Bethlehem destined to be the birthplace of David, a future king and deliverer of Israel, and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world—one of whose names would be, ‘The Bread of Life.’

So the name, ‘House of Bread,’ was both descriptive and prophetic.

And yet for some reason, as the book of Ruth opens, there is no bread in the ‘House of Bread,’ and there is a famine in the place that was named ‘fruitful.’

For a season, Bethlehem becomes synonymous with famine and hardship. But that is not the last word—it is not God’s Word. [1]

Remove the Label of Insignificance and see God’s label of Significance

Bethlehem was a small town in Judah. It was deemed to be so insignificant, that when Joshua and Nehemiah listed the cities of Judah, they left Bethlehem out. [2]

And yet the Prophet Micah was later to say, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

And in the Father’s eyes, you are significant. With Him, there are no little people and no little places.

2. Naomi – Pleasant

Naomi’s husband Elimilech, did not wait for God’s hand to bring Bethlehem through the tough time to its destiny. Perhaps he thought,

‘My household needs bread, and God’s not providing here, so I’ll go and find it myself.’

And he took his family to go and live outside of Israel, in the land of Moab.

The sad thing is, that the very thing that he had thought to escape from came upon his family. And he lost his life and the life of his sons in the process.

Now, Naomi is now alone and without support. In this place of devastation, she hears ‘Good News’—a message of hope that there is a move of God back in her hometown of Bethlehem.

She hears that God has ‘visited His people’ and that once again, there is bread in the ‘House of bread’. Bethlehem’s identity is once again emerging. And so she turns her face towards Bethlehem.

Remove the Label of Bitterness and see God’s Identity of Sweetness

‘“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”’ (Ruth 1:20-21)

Naomi’s name means ‘pleasant.’ This is her God-given identity, but severe hardship has robbed her of the ability to believe it.  She says, “Call me Mara.” Mara means bitter.

Although Naomi does not know it at this time, God’s word to her is, “I have named you ‘Pleasant,’ pleasant is your identity, and pleasant your life shall be.”

3. Ruth – A member of God’s Family

Remove the Label of ‘Not Belonging’ and see God’s Identity of Chosen

Ruth, who is Naomi’s widowed daughter-in-law, enters Bethlehem alongside Naomi as a foreigner relying on charity.

In the first part of the book of Ruth, she is known as ‘the Moabitess.’ Her perceived identity is that of a stranger, a foreigner.

But her true identity from God—one of belonging—is about to be established.

The Redeemer Makes the Difference

The key to the recovery of Naomi’s identity—and the key to the discovery of Ruth’s identity—lies in the identity of a man called Boaz.

Boaz is a member of Naomi’s husband’s family, a ‘Kinsman Redeemer’, and has the ability under the laws of Israel, to marry Ruth and restore the family line and inheritance. [3]

Boaz marries Ruth, and they bear a son named Obed—the grandfather of King David.

Naomi’s rejoices in the birth of Obed, and her life, which was bitter for a season, is pleasant once more.

And Ruth now belongs to God’s people Israel, fulfilling her destiny—to be included in the Messianic lineage that will bring forth kings and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. (Matt 1:5)

Prophesy a word of God’s Goodness

A lengthy time of hardship can start to impact upon your sense of identity.

But we too have a Redeemer—Jesus, who has paid the price to restore our lives to God’s original intention and design.

It is time to prophesy a word of God’s goodness over your life, over your family, your church, or your geographical area.

It is time to pull off the labels that history, hardships, the viewpoints of people, even your own perspective, have placed upon you.

And whatever the perception that events have caused your life, your town, city or region, your family or church to be synonymous with, today we can declare again the Father’s Word.

Do you have any experiences or questions to share on this topic, or difficulties you are facing that you would like us to agree with you in prayer for? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

[1] I believe God is speaking to someone today regarding persevering in your current situation–His hand is on it and will bring it through to that place of fulfilment.

[2] See http://topicalbible.org/b/bethlehem.htm

[3] For a concise definition of a kinsman-redeemer and scriptural references, check here: http://www.gotquestions.org/kinsman-redeemer.html

Related Posts:

Your Identity And Destiny: 3 Keys From The Life Of Gideon

In Transition? Take The Next Small Step

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

Your DESTINY is the answer to the question, ‘What has God called me to do?’

Your IDENTITY is the answer to the question, ‘Who has God called me to be?’

How can we discover the answers to these questions? And what will it take to completely fulfil the calling of God on our lives?

Out of Hiding and into History

In Judges 6, Israel is living under oppression from their enemies, the Midianites. A young man called Gideon is hiding from the enemy in a winepress, threshing wheat.

God sends an angelic messenger to Gideon to proclaim his God-given destiny and identity.

‘And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valour!” Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us?… Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” (Judges 6:12-14)

When the angel calls Gideon a ‘Mighty man of valour,’ he is calling him by his God-given identity.

In the Bible, a given name is often synonymous with a God-ordained identity or destiny. [1]

The name Gideon means ‘cutter down’ or ‘destroyer’, and Gideon is destined to be a leader who, with God’s help, overthrows Israel’s powerful enemy.

Gideon, however, sees himself differently—as insignificant and powerless. As a result, he is living in fear and weakness.

The angel’s pronouncement of Gideon’s identity and destiny sets in motion a chain of events that propels Gideon out of hiding and into history.

What Gideon teaches us about our Identity and Destiny

We may not have an angel turn up on our doorstep with a message from God like Gideon did. We may not even have a personal prophecy. But we can begin to grasp our God-given identity and destiny.

When we do, it will have life-changing consequences to others and ourselves.

Here are some things that we can learn from Gideon’s story:

1. God Himself Initiates our Identity and Destiny

‘For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’ (Eph 2:10)

God steps into Gideon’s normal, everyday life and announces His intention for him.

God’s purpose for our lives is not our own good idea of what we would like to be or do; it is His plan for us.

God’s destiny for your life will be consistent with the way He has wired you. It may be helpful to consider the clues He has given—your unique experiences, passion, abilities and spiritual gifts.

But don’t limit God by over-defining these things. Remember—He took Gideon by surprise and may have some surprises in store for you too.

Prayer journaling is one helpful tool that you can use to converse with God. [2] Take time to pray and ask your Father the questions:

• ‘What have you called me to do?’
• ‘Who have you called and created me to be?’ [3]

Ask godly leaders that you have a relationship with what they see in you. Allow them to speak into your life.

2. He Turns our Weaknesses into His Strengths

‘Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.’ (1 Cor 1:26-27)

When God calls Gideon, the young man does not comprehend his destiny or his identity—in fact, he is currently being and behaving the very opposite of what God has called him to be.

Gideon is fearful, however his God-given identity is to be bold. He feels himself to be the smallest and least significant, but God is calling him to be a leader.

In the Bible, those whom God uses powerfully usually have a history of weakness or failure in their very area of strength.

God is by nature a Redeemer.

Consider where you have been hurt and wronged, or have sinned, or are weak. These are the very things God is redeeming. With His help you will not only overcome those weaknesses, but they will become points of strength. They will become areas in which you minister to others.

Remember, too, when your Heavenly Father speaks to you of your identity and destiny, it will be something beyond your own natural ability to accomplish.

3. It Takes an Intimate Relationship with God to Wholly Fulfil our Destiny

An encounter with God is an invitation to relationship with Him.

Potentially, Gideon’s encounter with God could be the beginning of a personal relationship with Him. He has the opportunity to be an Abraham, a Moses—a friend of God.

Gideon has the opportunity now, to not only overcome the enemy, but also to lead Israel in worship of God.

However, tragically, he will fall short of his destiny and instead, lead the nation into idolatry. (Judges 8:22-27)

Here is the bottom line.

Here is the very foundation of our identity and destiny.

We are created to have an intimate love relationship with God. This is both the beginning of our identity and the ultimate end of our destiny.

As Christian believers, we are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. This is the relationship that Jesus paid to restore when He shed His blood on the cross.

And before we can fully understand our personal identity, we need to comprehend our Family identity.

We need to understand what it means to have the divine DNA, the identity of being a member of God’s royal family. [4]

Only once we have understood this can we fully embrace and enter into our personal God-given identity—and fulfil it.

Do you have any experiences or questions to share on this topic, or difficulties you are facing that you would like us to agree with you in prayer for? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down

Notes

[1] It makes an interesting study to track name changes in the Bible, and see the destiny that God was speaking into those He named—for example, Abram became Abraham (father of a multitude). Jesus renamed Simon (meaning reed), Peter (meaning rock).

[2] To learn more about prayer journaling, read the following post:

Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

[3] In relation to personal guidance, the following post contains vital information:

Personal Guidance For The Important Decisions Of Life

[4] I discuss this more in the following article:

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

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

As I write, it’s Pentecost Sunday—a time when many of us pause to remember and celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and reflect on what that means for us today.

I had been a Spirit-filled Christian for 20 years, and I thought I knew all there was to know about the Holy Spirit.

But then God showed up in unexpected places and revealed just how little I really knew.

The Box

Upon reflection, I can see that I had the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit all wrapped up in a neat little package.

My ‘box’ was comprised mainly of two compartments—the role of the Spirit in my personal life, and His role in church life.

In the first, I knew the Holy Spirit as my Comforter, Helper, Teacher and Leader—the One sent to empower me in my Christian life. This is the Holy Spirit as revealed by Jesus in John chapters 14-16.

In the second compartment, I knew the Holy Spirit as the One who distributes spiritual gifts to the church (1 Cor 12:4-11). This expression of the Holy Spirit—in my experience back then—was largely confined to church meetings and church services and church life in general.

This second also included my expectation and joy of the Holy Spirit’s Presence being felt, and His power being manifested, in church meetings and church services. And as a prophetic worshipper, I particularly loved this aspect of the Spirit!

But then in 1995, some things began to happen for which I had no prior frame of reference.

Surprised by the Holy Spirit

At that time, The Hunk and I experienced a fresh encounter with God personally. Our love for Jesus overflowed as we sought to reach out to people around us with the good news of salvation.

The Holy Spirit showed up in our neighbourhood, moving amongst unchurched people—people who had never stepped inside of a church building.

• There were answers to prayer requests made on the behalf of non-Christians.
• There were Divine appointments—seemingly ‘coincidental’ meetings or circumstances that were clearly arranged by God to lead someone closer to faith in Jesus.
• One time, friends and I prayed for a neighbour in our living room. She fell to the ground, overcome by the power of the Spirit as she experienced God’s love. And she wasn’t even ready to give her life to Jesus.
• There was the guy we had been praying for who called us one night in alarm—he was physically feeling the power of the Holy Spirit and he wanted us to explain to him what was happening.

‘Why God—You’re Here!

One evening I was visiting a neighbour who did not know Jesus. In our conversation, I referred to the troubles and escapades of my younger years.

Surprised, she asked me what had taken place in my life to cause such a change in me.

I began to share my story—the testimony of how I came to faith in Jesus and the changes that happened in my life as a result.

Whilst I was talking to her, I noticed something taking place in the room. The manifest Presence of God—the anointing of the Holy Spirit—filled her lounge room.

I had never known such a thing. We weren’t in a church service. There was no worship taking place, no spiritual ambience at all.

In fact, we were in a dark house, which smelled of cigarettes and the family dog and had witch puppets hung around the walls.

On the outside, I was still talking, but on the inside, I wondered in amazement: ‘Why God—You’re here!’

The Holy Spirit of the Book of Acts

I realise now that although I knew the Holy Spirit personally, and experienced His ministry in church life—I did not know the Holy Spirit as He is revealed in the book of Acts and in the life and ministry of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit—like Jesus—has come to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He loves people and wants to reach them in partnership with us.

When the Spirit came upon the waiting believers on the day of Pentecost, the manifestation of His arrival drew thousands of people from around the area.

When Peter shared the Gospel, 3,000 were saved as the Spirit caused conviction to rend their hearts.

The Holy Spirit didn’t just come for those in the upper room—He came for those who were outside of the room. And so it is today.

A Reservoir, or a River?

‘Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.’ John 7:38-39

As the years go by, and as The Hunk and I visit from church to church, we recognise that many Christians have a limited knowledge and experience of the Holy Spirit— similar to the ‘box’ I described above.

This is not surprising when you consider that there are two contexts in which we primarily teach on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our churches today.

These are:

• Discipleship, where the infilling and baptism of the Spirit is taught in the context of spiritual growth
• Spiritual Gifts and ministry in the church

As a result, our personal lives and churches have become like reservoirs—we expect that thirsty people will come to us and drink. And we wonder where the crowds are.

But Jesus has called us to be releasers of the life of the Spirit—people and churches from whom the Spirit flows like a continuous river.

A River bringing transformation and life wherever we go—in our homes, in the streets, in our neighbourhoods, our schools and universities, in our workplaces, hospitals and supermarkets.

In our suburbs, our communities, our towns, cities, states, our nation and the nations of the world. (Acts 1:8)

This is the purpose of Pentecost.

And this is the vision I live for.

Notes:

Read more about this subject in the following posts:

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

The Secret Of Living An Undivided Christian Life

When Non-Christians Encounter God’s Power They Learn Of His Love

This article is related to my book, ‘How To Be A Supernatural Christian In Your Everyday World,’ a beginners’ guide to prophetic evangelism.

Find out more about the e-book here:

‘How To Be a Supernatural Christian In Your Everyday World’

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

© Helen Calder  2011   Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries

In this final article on the topic of prophetic art, I share a portion of my actual conversation with Jennifer Koch. We are discussing how Jenny has personally experienced the process of prophetic art, the types of prophetic paintings she does, and who she paints for. [1]

This process will be different to each prophetic artist, depending on how you are wired and what God has called you to do.

Note also that this article should be read in conjunction with the post, ‘What Is Prophetic Art?’ [2]

Helen:

Sometimes you don’t know yourself how what you are painting could have significance to a person viewing it.

Jenny:

No, no idea!

Helen:

Which is so much like how prophecy can be, you get a revelation or picture or whatever and by faith you are bringing this thing. [Rom 12:6] You have got no idea what it means to the person who is on the receiving end.

Jenny:

That’s happened a lot where I’m thinking of a meaning that it has to me, and then 5 different people come and speak to me later and say that it impacted them in 5 different ways. I love it, because it takes the pressure off me, too!

Helen:

Anything of the Holy Spirit should be easy like that, and I love that about Him, that He can just use something and bring revelation to people at their point of need, in several different ways, He’s so creative.

Jenny:

It should be easy and that’s something that I think that as time has gone on, I’m just resting more and more. Sometimes some ideas for paintings come… you just get a snippet of an idea or you just glance at something and you could so easily have missed it, and then think, ‘I’ll go with that.’ And it ends up being something really significant to somebody.

There was another time that I was involved at an outreach night. And we had to set up, half dark, a banana shaped theatre, with no room whatsoever, and painting and playing [worship] in the half dark.

During one meeting, I was doing a painting about the anointing oil. I couldn’t get there to the prayer meeting the night before, and that [picture] was exactly what they had been praying! And a lady who had been praying had this picture. She didn’t know what I was painting because she was singing, and she came over and said, ‘That is exactly what we had prayed about!’

Helen:

In what arenas do you [personally] do prophetic painting?

Jenny:

A lot in church, but I prefer the market place.

I use a lot of symbolism and metaphors when painting, which means that sometimes, but not always, it needs interpretation. Water has been a recurrent symbol.

If you do something that is more symbolic, or is a metaphor, then you might get an opportunity to explain it and it might be more relevant to someone than a painting that is religious in nature. That’s not the way I work. Some people do lots of paintings, and they directly translate [i.e. are overtly religious or depict a story from scripture].

There have been a few times I have translated something from the Bible, for example I did a painting of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Because it was meaningful to me at the time and it was an Easter thing we were doing. That painting has been sold—I could have sold it five times over.

So it’s Christians that can relate to it—but what I’m really more about, and where my heart is, is communicating to the unchurched. That’s why I like the symbolism.

Helen:

When I receive a prophecy, I often get a picture of something, and so really, prophecy for me starts in art form. I get a picture and it’s a symbolic picture, and what I’m doing verbally is explaining that picture that I see, whereas you’re painting the picture, and the Holy Spirit is explaining the picture individually to people.

But you might also then get the opportunity to the meaning that you sense. I can see very much how that is another form of prophecy.

Helen:

How do you receive inspiration for your prophetic paintings?

Jenny:

• From the word [Bible]
• From life itself
• The Bible is full of stories and symbolism. I love symbols and stories
• Music, lyrics to songs
• Everything around me

I’m like a sponge, taking in the everyday things and things I see, hear, even smell! Sometimes I have just followed on an idea. However, it’s not an airy fairy thing; ­often it is researching and sometimes ideas flow and other times it is hard work.

Helen:

Are there any other things that we haven’t discussed that are on your heart?

Jenny:

We’ve been talking about art prophetically, but something that I’ve been mulling about recently is art as prayer.

Helen:

Prophecy is God communicating to us; prayer is us communicating to Him… you could go further and include art as worship, too.

Jenny:

It’s a little bit hard for me to separate prophetic and worship.

Helen:

That’s not surprising, is it? It’s as we’re in worship that we see Him, and receive a revelation of Him, and there’s that intimate connection from which we can receive revelation for others and ourselves.

Notes:
[1]  Jenny describes the above painting, called ‘Deep Springs’ as follows:

It’s about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is poured out from above and also as Jesus said; “will become within him a  spring of living water ” from the woman at the well story [John 4]. Often people dont see the figure in the background and when they do its a bit of an ‘aha’ moment.

You can find Jennifer Koch’s website and view more of her artwork at: www.jenniferkoch.webs.com

[2] This post comprises part of an interview I had with Jennifer Koch and should be read in conjunction with the post: ‘What Is Prophetic Art?’

See also the other articles collaborated with Jennifer Koch on this topic:

Art That Reflects The Heart Of God
Journey Of A Prophetic Artist

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

On team with David McCracken Ministries