‘Can we remain confident in God’s love and His purpose for our lives when crisis looms or disaster strikes?’

The Day David Lost Everything

(1 Sam 30)
If anyone ever had cause to believe that God had abandoned him during a time of crisis, it was David.

David returned with his men to their hometown Ziklag, to find it had been attacked, looted and burned by Amalekite raiders. Their wives, children and possessions had been captured and taken away by their enemy. (1 Sam 30:3)

The Bible tells us that David and his men cried aloud until they had no more strength to weep.

And then, seeking a place to lay blame as grief turned to rage over the loss of their families, David’s men turned on him. They began to talk of stoning him in retaliation.

It had to have been one of the worst days in David’s life.

These dire circumstances had arisen from a leadership decision that David had made, which resulted in his men being away from their families during the time of attack. It appeared that he had failed to protect his own.

He could have given up.

But instead, David’s response resulted in breakthrough—the recovery of their families and possessions and the destruction of their enemies. It also helped position David for his ascent to the throne of Israel.

How did this incredible turn-about in circumstances happen? And what can we learn from this Bible account when faced with our own crises?

4 Things you can do in Times of Crisis

1. Don’t Cover up the Pain.

‘All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.’ Ps 38:9

David wept—he expressed his grief and anguish and let it all out.

One of the things we learn from David’s psalms is that we can be completely honest before God. The psalms teach us that we can ask God the hard questions, cry out our pain, and even express our doubts and rage.

But the Psalms do not stop there, and neither did David at this time.

2. Choose to Trust in God and Find Strength in Him

At this lowest point, we are told that David ‘found strength in the Lord His God.’ (1 Sam 30:6)

David held to the truth that God was still present with Him—that he had not been abandoned.

When we are faced with trials, danger, natural disasters or even spiritual warfare, God is with us. He is our Father. When we have no strength left of our own—He is our source of strength.

This is the ultimate test of trust.

David was overcome with grief, but instead of allowing his feelings to dictate his response, he chose at that time to turn to God.

Trust is not a feeling; it is not something that we need to look within ourselves to supply.

Trust is based on the sure knowledge that God is completely trustworthy.

David wrote in the Psalms, ‘The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.’ (Ps 18:2)

3. Ask God Questions and Find out what He is Saying

David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” (1 Sam 30:8)

Does evidence seem to point to God having abandoned you? To His destiny for your life not being fulfilled? Are people around you, like David’s men, expressing a negative opinion?

David did not respond to the talk of his men; he did not respond to his feelings or the circumstances he was presented with. He responded to the word of God.

When faced with a crisis, we can ask

• What is the truth in God’s Word—the Bible—that I need to believe about who I am, and about who God to me right at this time?

The next question is

• Father, what is Your specific word to me right now?

Through Jesus, we have a personal relationship with God and He wants to speak with us.

Take time to listen. [1]

4. Remember who you are and Whose you are—and Respond Accordingly

During a time of crisis, it is time to dig deep and to rediscover the foundations of our own history with God.

It is time to remember the call, the gifts, and the grace on our lives.

We know that David did that, because his response to this trial came out of the gift and anointing God had given to him from the very beginning.

We see that he responded firstly as a worshipper, then as a leader, and then as a warrior.

Perhaps he remembered protecting his sheep from the lion and the bear. Maybe he recalled slaying Goliath with a stone and the word of God—or the times God had rescued him from Saul and his armies.

David’s own history told him that even though the odds against him were great, they were no match for God and His word.

David took 600 men with him to pursue the enemy. When he had to leave 200 behind who were too exhausted to continue, the odds against him increased yet again.

But they not only succeeded in overcoming the enemy, they regained their families and possessions and a great deal more—all the plunder the Amalekites had captured from other places.

When crisis hits, take time to reflect on what God has done for you and through you in the past. He is faithful.

Your Story is not Finished yet

This crisis not only resulted in a victorious outcome, it came just prior to the fulfilment of the destiny on David’s life.

Ziklag was burned and their homes destroyed. This was a devastating event. However David asked God for guidance and was later led to take his men and their families and settle in the city of Hebron.

It was in Hebron that David would be anointed King of Judah, and later of Israel (2 Sam 2:4, 5:3)

Choose God, choose His Word, and you will find that the pathway through the crisis you are currently facing leads to your destiny.

There is another chapter ahead of you.

When problems or disasters take place—as the book of Job reminds us (Job 42:10)—life does not end there. Sometimes, it begins.

Notes:

[1] I have found that journaling is always a great tool to record conversations with God, and this is particularly true in times of testing. To find out more about journaling, these posts may be helpful:

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

Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

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

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

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)

What comes to mind when you think about the word ‘prayer’?

Some reasons that many people struggle with the concept of prayer include:

• Prayer has become a religious term in our culture today
• We have a preconceived idea as to what kind of activity prayer involves and we can’t relate to that activity
• We may associate prayer with a group or person in the church who seem very spiritual and don’t think that we could ever be like that
• We feel inadequate when it comes to prayer.

The great news is—prayer is simple and you can be yourself with God!

The Journey Of Prayer

Prayer is a bit like Jesus inviting you into a mansion to spend time with Him. You enter one room, and its treasures captivate you. You could spend months there—and you do.

Gradually you realise that there are other rooms to explore with the Lord that contain different wonders. When you are ready, you can investigate them.

To help you get started on this exciting journey, or to reflect on what more might be available to you, here are 4 essential types of prayer:

1. Relating Prayer

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Ex 33:11).

In the relating type of prayer, we approach God as our friend.

Just as in any relationship, you can choose whether or not you relate at a surface level or whether you will trust enough to disclose the real issues in your heart.

Sometimes people hold back from doing this because they think that God knows everything about them anyway, so why tell Him how they feel? However, God wants to share an intimate relationship with us—He wants us to tell Him what is really going on inside.

Relating with God also includes dealing with anything that might get in the way. This means:

• Forgiving anyone who has hurt you or done you wrong (Mark 11:25) and
• Repenting of any sin—wrong thoughts, acts or attitudes in your life (Matt 6:12).

We can also take time to thank Him for what He has done through Jesus and in our lives, just as we would thank a friend for something they have done.

As with any friendship, meaningful communication in prayer is not just one way. Besides talking to God, we can also listen to what He is saying. This is where journaling can be beneficial, as it enables us to keep a record of what God is saying to us.

2. Requesting Prayer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)

In this kind of prayer, we relate to God as our Father. (Matt 7:9-11)

Prayer is where transactions are made that will bring about needed change in your life and in the lives of those you care about.

The Bible calls this ‘petition.’ This is where we make requests about people and needs that concern us. We are looking for God’s help and intervention. We ask in Jesus name. (John 15:16, John 16:23-26)

Through relating prayer and studying the Bible, we discover God’s plans for our lives. In requesting prayer, we ask for His plans to come to fruition. (John 15:7, 1 John 5:14-15)

3. Receiving Prayer

‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.’ (John 7:37)

Here, we relate to God as our Source—our life-giver and baptiser in the Holy Spirit

This type of prayer is not focused on tasks or requests, but is about enjoying and benefiting from God’s presence. Ps 91:1, Ps 63:1-8

Receiving prayer enables you to be refreshed and filled with the Holy Spirit. It includes:

• Personal times of worship or adoration (having accompanying music can help but is not necessary)
• Positioning yourself to receive a fresh infilling of His Spirit
• Enjoying God’s presence without agenda

Like intimate friends or family members who can enjoy each other’s company in silence, you do not always have to talk to God. In receiving prayer, your relationship has moved beyond the place where you have to fill it with words.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Our natural tendency in our busy, service-oriented life is to downgrade the importance of this kind of prayer. However, it is a vital way to receive power to live the Christian life. Placing yourself in a position to be receiving from God in prayer may be the most unselfish thing you can do.

4. Ruling Prayer

‘Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ (Matt 6:10)

In this kind of prayer, we relate to God as King.

Ruling prayer is where we discover and use the authority God has given us as His sons and daughters.

We remember that God is and has the ultimate authority. We praise Him for who He is, and the power that He has.

We then step up to use the authority God has given us in the name of Jesus. We get bold, reminding the Lord of His promises and declaring His Word for our lives. We speak out scriptures and prophetic promises that have personal meaning and application.

In ruling prayer, we are saying we are not putting up with the status quo of circumstances and our enemies. We can address forces of darkness, resisting Satan’s plans for our lives, or the lives of others (Eph 6:10-18). We exercise spiritual warfare.

The benefit of this type of prayer is that it helps us grow in our spiritual authority. Through ruling prayer, we can shift situations where others or we have become immobilised. It helps us break through to a better place.

If this kind of prayer is new to you, trying it with others might be helpful (Matt 18:18-19). Remember it is okay to write out prayers and proclamations and to read them when you are learning.

Questions to Consider

Note that although I have identified these as four distinct types of prayer, they can be used together. Here are some questions to reflect on:

• Which type of prayer are you most familiar with?
• Which type of prayer are you least familiar with?
• Which types of prayer could you focus on to bring positive change or refreshment in your devotional life?

For Further Study:

Would you like the opportunity to study these 4 types of prayer further in a small group setting? Review my e-book here:

Encounter God: Change Your World Through Prayer

This study will also take your group through basic training on how to pray for each other for healing and other needs.

Related Posts:

Prophetic Prayer Training Session

Pray For Those You Love And Unleash The Power Of God

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

This is the fourth in a series of posts on the topic of the spiritual gift of discernment.

The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare in church life, and of great assistance when breakthrough is needed.

Is it any wonder, then, that the activation of this gift is highly contested?

Many discerners struggle when it comes to communicating an insight they have received concerning what is taking place in the spiritual realm to leaders in their church.

Here are some tips to help you establish trust with your leaders and to maximise the effectiveness of your gift of discernment in church life. Note: these keys also apply to exercising the gift of discernment in any Christian organisation.

1. Make Prayer your First Response

Whenever we have an insight as to something taking place in the spiritual realm, our first response should always be prayer. As we pray, we are:

• Confirming that our insight is based on something we have received from a place of intimacy with God and not from our personal feelings
• If the discernment relates to spiritual warfare, we are beginning to pray for God’s intervention
• Asking for further insight relating to the bigger picture of what we are perceiving

2. Discern What the Spirit of God is doing

A fallacy about the gift of discernment (and the watchman ministry) is that it exists solely to identify demonic attack.

Actually, the highest use of the gift of discernment is to see what the Spirit of God is doing.

Someone with a gift of discernment of spirits has the ability to perceive:

• What the Spirit of God is doing, i.e. where His anointing is
• Angelic activity
• Demonic activity, and to describe it by name and nature for the purpose of waging spiritual warfare
• What is sourced in human desire or nature (not necessarily negative unless it is presented as being of the Holy Spirit but isn’t)

In other words, a discerner has a Spirit-given ability to distinguish between what is from the human soul, what is of the Spirit of God, and what of a demonic source.

If a discerner is only ever seeing and relaying reports on demonic activity, there is an unhealthy imbalance, which needs to be corrected.

3. Seek God for His Redemptive Plan

Related to the above point, it is vital that we form the habit of looking for what God is doing, not just reporting on what the enemy is doing.

Leaders get enough negative reports coming their way without it continually coming from intercessors and their prophetic team as well!

Even when there is warfare happening and the church is under spiritual pressure (attack) our Father is up to something good. He has plans to overturn demonic strategies and to grow the church.

So don’t just bring a negative report to your leaders. Go back to God and ask Him – what is HE up to?

Something that’s especially helpful if you have the gift of discernment is to activate the gift of prophecy as well (even if this is at a basic level of encouragement) and team the two gifts up.

4. Find out the Preferred Means for Delivering Discernment and Prophetic Words in Your Church

Every church has its own practices for sharing revelatory insights. And within a larger church, individual leaders or pastors may prefer different approaches.

It is important if you are unsure, especially if you have changed churches, to ascertain what this protocol is. If your leader has not considered this before, give them a few options and find out which they prefer.

If public sharing in your church meeting is encouraged, I recommend running your insight past a leader before presenting it before others. Prayer meetings may have different practices to other public meetings or services.

Some examples of avenues to report a revelatory insight to a leader are:

• Speaking to the leader personally
• Report directly via email or other means
• Report via a secretary or PA
• Share via a designated leader or prayer coordinator

5. Share your Discernment Appropriately

One thing we must never do is ‘gossip’ revelatory insights. We do that when we share with others who are not in leadership the discernment we are receiving about leaders or the church.

The reason I make a special note of this is that it can happen unintentionally, in the guise of seeking advice, confirmation, help or prayer support from our peers.

Discernment received in a prayer meeting may be prayed through at that time, but should be relayed immediately to the church oversight.

Sometimes we do need a SAFE PLACE to process what we are receiving—especially when we are starting out and we lack confidence.

This may be the leader (minister or pastor) directly. However, our leaders may be too busy, or have a limited understanding of developing the ministry of discernment. They need the benefits of receiving it, but it is not necessarily their job to develop it.

In many cases, a trusted prophetic leader or intercessor may have delegated authority to assist a discerner with processing what he or she is receiving before presenting it to the oversight.

6. Other Tips for Sharing Discernment with Leaders

Use Prophetic Jargon Sparingly

Many church leaders are not themselves prophetically gifted. Even if they are, we should, as far as possible, use straightforward language and expression when communicating issues of discernment.

Be aware of Differences Between your Values and those of your Leaders

We need to be aware of differences between our own priorities and those of our leaders, because these are often reflected in the content or way we present a word of prophecy or discernment (this is a vital issue and I will discuss it further in a later post).

Submit your Discernment Without Strings Attached

When we share an insight concerning discernment that we have received, we naturally want to know whether it has been acted upon.

However, as with words of prophecy, we need to release our discernment and not place any expectation that our insight be acted upon or responded to.

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

UNLOCKING THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT E-BOOK – *NEW!*

$5.95 e-Book*

Are you sensitive to what is taking place in the spiritual realm? Have you ever been adversely affected by a negative atmosphere?

You may have the spiritual gift of discernment.

The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare, and can be of great assistance when ministering freedom to individuals.

And yet many who have the gift of discernment have difficulty knowing what to do with what they are feeling or sensing.

(More details …)

Related Posts:

8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift Of Discernment

The Heart Of A Discerner

8 Ways To Grow Your Spiritual Gift Of Discernment

© Helen Calder  2010   Enliven Publishing

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

‘Do not neglect your gift…’
(1 Tim 4:14)

‘A prophet visited our church in Auckland, New Zealand. He pointed me out in the congregation and said, “You have a gift of discernment.”

A few years later when we were living in another city, the same prophet visited our church there. He again pointed me out and said, “Has anyone ever told you that you have a gift of discernment of spirits?” I said, “Yes, you did several years ago.”

We all had a good laugh—but he remembered neither the earlier prophecy nor me. He ministered throughout New Zealand and overseas and had prophesied over hundreds of people in the interim.’[1]

It is one thing to know that you have a spiritual gift of discernment—it is quite another thing to know what to do with it, and how to use it.

A short time after this prophetic confirmation, I began to struggle in church life. I had not been taught the principle of honouring leaders and accountability in the use of my revelatory gifts.

I thank God that He allowed a time of trial to teach me and bring me through repentance to a place of fruitfulness in the use of my gifts. [2]

Through good stewardship we can reach our potential and our gifts can be used to bless and grow the church.

The gift of discernment is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare and of great assistance when breakthrough is needed in our personal or church life.

Here are 8 ways that you can grow your spiritual gift of discernment of spirits. And yes, some of these I have learned the hard way—through trial and error.

1. Source It

True discernment comes from intimacy with the Father.

It is vital that we understand the difference between discernment that is from the Holy Spirit and suspicion, which can masquerade as discernment, but is actually sourced in our own human nature. This is a danger that can trip even mature discerners up. The best means of preventing this is our intimate relationship with God. Other ways we can keep our gift on track are below:

2. Plant It

‘Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.’ Ps 92:13

The Biblical context for growing in our gifts is the community of a church (1 Cor 12).

As with all prophetic people, discerners need to be cared for and pastored in a church environment.

When we are planted in the life of a healthy church, we can flourish and grow in our gift. However, we must remember that it will not always be smooth sailing in community life—even in the healthiest of churches.

3. Submit It

It is vital, and a matter of protection for others and ourselves, that we operate in our spiritual gift of discernment with accountability, and under God-given leadership.

It is important that we encourage our insights to be weighed up (1 Cor 14:29). As the Apostle Paul said, ‘For we know in part and we prophesy in part.’ (1 Cor 13:9)

The discernment that we receive is incomplete without the insights of others, who will have different pieces of the puzzle and complementary gifts. (1 Cor 12:12-27)

Feedback is also a great tool to help us grow in our discernment.

4. Purify It

It is possible for the expression of a discernment gift to be affected by our response to negative experiences that we have had in our lives.

I had prayer ministry to help me break free of fear associated with early experiences of demonic encounters. I also received ministry in relation to difficulties with authority. As a result, I have a much more useful gift.

I have also had to grow a great deal in my character—a journey that is ongoing!

5. Study It

Find out what the Bible has to say about the gift of discernment:

• Read examples of people who encountered unseen spiritual realities—how did they respond? What did they do as a result of their experiences?

• How and when did Jesus use the gift of discernment to minister to people?

• What does the Apostle Paul say in his epistles about how spiritual gifts operate in the context of church life and ministry?

6. Develop It

As with other gifts, discernment can be developed and strengthened.

The ability to receive a revelation from God is only one aspect of this spiritual gift. Other aspects include:

• Having the wisdom to know what to do once you have received the discernment,
• How and when to share your insight
• How to weigh up what you have received against scripture
• Procedures for submitting an insight, and so on.

Seek to be trained or mentored in the context of Christian community, where you have safe people who can give you feedback and encourage you on the journey.

Look for good training, along with books and other resources on the topic of spiritual warfare and related areas.

7. Use It

Don’t hold back. Even if you are starting out and tentative, God can use you powerfully. Use your gift of discernment to help guard and grow your church.

If you discern warfare or have a warning, remember that God’s heart is always to redeem and restore. Seek the Father for a promise and His outcome.

The gift of discernment can also help give you insight as to how to respond and pray for breakthrough in any situation.

8. Persevere With It

In the development of every spiritual gift there are times of trial.

In some testing times, God may be allowing us to lose confidence in our own ability to perform in our gift. For example, we may have a period when our discernment becomes cloudy, or we may make an assumption that turns out to be in error.

During these times He is calling us to become more dependent upon Him, and to grow in humility.

You may have true discernment but have been misunderstood or feel as though you have been set aside for a season.

These are times to persevere, and not to allow offense or discouragement to divert you from your calling.

Wilderness seasons are allowed by our Heavenly Father to help us grow in our character or to direct us into new areas of fruitfulness.

*************************

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

UNLOCKING THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT E-BOOK – *NEW!*

$5.95 e-Book*

Are you sensitive to what is taking place in the spiritual realm? Have you ever been adversely affected by a negative atmosphere?

You may have the spiritual gift of discernment.

The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare, and can be of great assistance when ministering freedom to individuals.

And yet many who have the gift of discernment have difficulty knowing what to do with what they are feeling or sensing.

(More details …)

Would you like to develop your prophetic gift?
Here are 3 things that can help you:

1. Prophetic Teaching:
Enter your email address in the subscribe box at the top right hand side of this page to receive:

• regular blog posts containing teaching that will help you grow in your gift of prophecy, as well as articles on spiritual gifts, prayer, spiritual renewal and supernatural Christian living
• notifications about online prophetic training opportunities

2. Prophetic Training:

Check here for prophetic training resources and information

3. E-books to Help you Develop Your Gifts:

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

Check out our e-books page for more e-books related to prophetic and prayer ministry.

Related posts:

8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift Of Discernment

The Heart Of A Discerner

Prophetic People In Testing Times: The Reason For The Season

6 Tips For Exercising The Gift Of Discernment In Church Life

Notes:
[1] This is quoted from my book, ‘Grow Your Prophetic And Prayer Gifts’
[2]I tell the full story in ‘Prophetic People In A Changing Church.’ For a brief testimony check out the Enliven Publishing ‘About’ page.

© Helen Calder 2010    Enliven Publishing

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

In the early days of our ministry, the Hunk and I would often travel and stay in many places in Asia and throughout New Zealand. It seemed that no matter where we were, my intrepid husband could sail through any situation, but it was a different story for me.

• Staying in a place in Asia where strange spirits were worshipped? I would encounter them in my dreams.
• Ministering in a region or church where there were trials or strongholds? I felt them acutely.

We were often led to wage spiritual warfare or intercede through my sensitivity to the spiritual realm.

The gift of discernment of spirits is the one spiritual gift that has continually presented the most difficulties and challenges to me personally.

Because of my journey, I would like to share what I have learned with others. This article is the first of a series of three articles in which I will cover:

1.      Signs you may have the gift of discernment,
2.      How to grow in the gift of discernment and
3.      How to exercise the gift of discernment in the context of church life

What is the Gift of Discernment?

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits…All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor 12:7-11)

Discernment of spirits is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to some Christian believers. It is a Spirit-given ability to distinguish whether Divine, human or demonic origins are the source of what is presented—whether it be in an atmosphere, encounter, event, or prophetic message.

What are Some Signs You May Have the Gift of Discernment?

Following are some signs that you may have the spiritual gift of discernment, from my personal study, observation and experience. You may not identify with all of them, but if you do have the gift, you will recognise some of these in your life:

1. Desire for the Gift

As with other spiritual gifts, desire is often the first sign of a gift of discernment of spirits (1 Cor 14:1).

• You may have a longing to see people set free from demonic bondage.
• You may want to be more effective in prayer and spiritual warfare
• You may have a desire for holiness
• You may simply be curious about the spiritual realm.

2. Love for God’s Presence

One of the benefits of having a gift of discernment of spirits is a heightened awareness of God’s Presence and anointing. A true discerner will have a passion for the un-grieved Presence of the Holy Spirit.

This is because—and I will continually reiterate this—the highest use of the gift of discernment is not to see what the enemy is doing, but to discern what the Spirit of God is doing.

3. Sensitivity to the Spiritual Atmosphere

You may be more sensitive to spiritual atmospheres than most other people. In the early stages of developing the gift, you may be affected adversely by the presence of any demonic activity in the environment around you.

The reality is that we live in a natural world and a spiritual world concurrently. In the Bible, when Jacob came across a group of angels, he named that place Mahanaim, meaning ‘double camp.’  (Gen 32:1-2)

Like Jacob realised, we also live in a double camp where there is constant spiritual activity, and discerners have spiritual senses that are attuned to this.

4. Feeling Different from Other People

Most people, even in church life, experience life through their natural senses. However, someone with an emerging gift of discernment of spirits can see and sense things that others do not see.

This ability can result in us feeling different, lonely or misunderstood at times, especially when starting out. It is vital that someone with a developing gift of discernment finds a safe place to journey with others who are similarly gifted and accountable in the life of their church.

5. Unusual Signs

It is not uncommon for someone who is gifted in discernment to experience unusual events or manifestations.

People who are incubating a discernment gift begin to see or feel things that others are not aware of. This may include unusual visions, dreams and sensations that alert them to what is happening in the spiritual realm.

6. Childhood or Pre-Salvation Signs

It is not uncommon to experience things relating to your gift even before becoming a Christian. Our creator-God prepares us for our calling and gifts from conception. Even when a talent or gift is misused, God can redeem it and anoint it for His use to serve Him and love and minister to others.

As a child I ‘saw’ things in the night and as a teenager was sensitive to the spiritual realm, sometimes encountering demonic spirits in my room or dreams. Later, as a fully committed Christian, God redeemed this spiritual sensitivity as a gift of discernment. I know Christians who have a gift of discernment who were drawn to New Age counterfeit gifts prior to becoming a Christian.

7. Ability to Know What Lies Behind a Person’s Words or Actions

Someone with a gift of discernment has the ability to see behind what a person is saying and presenting. You may know whether they are telling the truth or not. You may also recognise if someone is manifesting a demonic spirit and be able to identify what that spirit is.

If a prophetic or revelatory message is brought, a discerner can often tell whether it is anointed of the Spirit or from the speaker’s own heart.

This is not always the case, and as with other revelatory gifts such as prophecy, you will sometimes get it wrong or have incomplete discernment (1 Thess 5:19-21, 1 Cor 13:9-10)

8. Confirmation by Others and Leaders

You may have the gift confirmed through a prophecy given to you. My gift of discernment was identified through prophecy twice (perhaps this was because I was reluctant to accept it!)

However, the bottom line of the presence of any gift is that it is recognised and acknowledged by leaders in the church and that it is useful for its purpose—which is to help build up the church and bring people closer to Jesus.

When you submit what you are seeing or sensing, your leaders confirm your accuracy and your gift begins to be recognised for its effectiveness.

Whenever a gift is used to criticise or tear down a church, person or leader, you know it is being misused, or is simply a person’s hurt, frustration or agenda masquerading as discernment. Because these kinds of abuses are common and have brought disrepute to the gift of discernment, I will take some time over the next couple of posts to share how the gift of discernment can bring value to church life.

Have you experienced any of the above, or any different signs of a gift of discernment emerging in your life? Do you have any joys and challenges to share? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the box below. If the comment box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Are you sensitive to what is taking place in the spiritual realm? Have you ever been adversely affected by a negative atmosphere?

You may have the spiritual gift of discernment.

The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare, and can be of great assistance when ministering freedom to individuals.

And yet many who have the gift of discernment have difficulty knowing what to do with what they are feeling or sensing.

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Related Posts:

8 Ways To Grow Your Gift Of Discernment

The Heart Of A Discerner

What Are Some Signs That You Have A Prophetic Gift?

6 Tips For Exercising The Gift of Discernment In Church Life

© Helen Calder  2010   Enliven Publishing

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

The Hunk and I have a drawer that contains personal prophecies given to us over a period of 20 years. Most of them are on loose-leaf pieces of paper.

Some are yellowing with age. On a couple, the typed print is fading and I can barely make out what is written there. A few are on audiocassette tapes.

A number of the prophecies have been fulfilled to varying degrees. Others speak of times yet to come—of things that we carry in our hearts but have not yet seen with our eyes.

Igniting a Prophecy with Prayer

A prophetic word from God is like a notice to us of His intentions. However its fulfilment will only take place as we partner with Him—as we pray, listen and obey.

Jesus taught us to pray,

‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ Matt 6:10

Everything God does on the earth He accomplishes in partnership with His people through prayer. As John Wesley said,

“God does nothing but in answer to prayer, and everything by it.”

Elijah understood this. He prophesied to King Ahab that the drought would be broken immediately by rain. What happens next? We see him immediately birthing the prophetic message in prayer. As James says:

‘Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.’ James 5:17-18

Elijah prophesied—and then He prayed. When the prophecy and prayer were combined, in God’s timing, ignition took place. God’s power was released to fulfil His Word.

Discerning the Timing of God

‘In the first year of [Darius’] reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.’ Dan 9:1-3

Here we see Daniel using Jeremiah’s prophecy to pray, repent, and remind God of His mercy and promises.

Daniel was gifted himself in prophetic ministry. But he recognised that Jeremiah had received a message from God that pertained to the current time in which he, Daniel, lived.

It was time to birth that prophecy in prayer.

Nehemiah reminded God of the prophetic promise made through Moses—that God would restore His exiled people to their land when they returned in obedience to Him. (Neh 1:8-9)

Nehemiah’s prophetic prayer was so powerful that it propelled him into becoming a leader in answering that prayer.

Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

It is not enough to prophesy or simply receive a prophecy.

Many times we receive a personal prophecy and we say, “That’s nice.” We might even get excited about it, because it speaks to something that is already on our hearts.

We may pray about it as we weigh it up. But then, we shelve it where it gathers dust. After all, the ultimate test of whether it is actually a word from God is whether or not it comes to pass. And so we wait.

Now here is the challenge that I believe the Bible makes to us:

There comes a time when we should begin to birth that prophecy in prayer. And we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as to when that time is.

In 1 Chronicles 12:32, we read about the sons of Issachar, who ‘understood the times and knew what Israel should do.’ This ability to sense God’s timing is a quality and gift that we should seek as prophetic people.

The Holy Spirit directs the timing of prophetic prayer to bring to birth God’s purposes at the right moment in history.

We need to ask Him for sensitivity to the times and seasons of God, so that like Daniel, Nehemiah and Elijah, we will know when it is time to pray for God’s prophetic word to be brought to pass.

A Neglected Prophecy

Last week, I led a study in prophetic prayer. As I was preparing for it, I realised that we have neglected to review and pray over our prophecies.

A prophecy that was given to us more than 10 years ago came to my attention. A visiting prophet to our church in New Zealand brought a word over my husband and me. He said that God was going to increase the prophetic anointing in our lives.

Now I have a confession to make right here. Because we have other, more dramatic and exciting prophecies, I have never paid much attention to this one.

However, we discussed the prophecy last week and realised that this was indeed stirring in us right now.

I shared the prophecy at our training night and demonstrated some different ways we could pray and proclaim it. Within 24 hours something happened that confirmed to us that the timing of that prophecy is for our current season.

A message from God that we had shelved has suddenly been brought to the forefront.

Here is a challenging question for you to consider:

What prophecy have you shelved—but it is now time to birth it in prayer?

Some Ways to use a Prophecy in Prayer:

1.    Use the prophecy to remind God of His promises in prayer and ask Him for their fulfilment

2.    Turn the prophecy into a declaration of what God will do—and speak it out

3.    Use the prophecy to wage spiritual warfare

4.    Consider the power of praying and proclaiming prophetic scriptures (e.g. over yourself and family members)

Related Posts:

Dealing With Prophetic Disappointment

4 Things You Can Do With Your Personal Prophecy

How Do I Know A Personal Prophecy Or Dream Interpretation Is From God?

The Power of Prophetic Prayer

© Helen Calder    Enliven Blog

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

Overcoming in Times of Spiritual Warfare

In the last post I shared two important keys to dealing with spiritual warfare as a Christian in your personal life and ministry, using the acrostic RICE. These were:

R = Recognise

• Be aware of the signs that spiritual warfare is occurring

I = Identify

Assess the

• Means—who or what is the enemy using to get to you
• Mandate—what is the treasure that he is after in your life and ministry, and
• Message—what is the message he wants you to believe in the crisis

Up until now, we have not taken action in response to the spiritual warfare. However, realising that we are in a battle and taking time to assess what it is about are steps that are critical to our recovery and victory.

C = Combat

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes ( Eph 6:10-11)

Now it is time to take action. Here is a checklist of 11 ways that you can proactively respond when experiencing spiritual pressure:

1. Recommit to GOD

‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’ James 4:7-8
Remember, we don’t wage warfare in our own strength, but in Jesus’ authority. Ensuring that we are yielded to His authority, then, is of great importance and our first act of warfare.

2. Take Ownership (1 John 1:8-9)

When a battle is occurring, we need to take ownership of our own part in it. Spiritual warfare is not a reason to blame the devil for our less than perfect responses. Examples of things we need to acknowledge are:

• The lies we have listened to
• The inroads we have allowed in relationships.
• Our sin of discouragement, fear, or condemnation, and so on

We need to be wary of the danger of simply dismissing something as spiritual attack and not dealing with our own part in it.

Have you ever noticed that spiritual warfare is a great opportunity for personal and character growth?

3. Disagreement  (1 Pet 5:9)

This may sound strange, but getting into an opposing position in times of attack is critical, yet often the hardest thing to do! This is especially true when we are struggling to overcome discouragement, condemnation, fear, failure, etc.

We may have been feeding on negative thoughts or feelings, and we have to rise up in disagreement against them. This is not about summoning up an emotion; it starts with a quality DECISION backed up by prayer that we will no longer give way to our wrong responses.

4. Move in the Opposite Spirit (Matt 5:43-45)

This is especially true when it relates to warfare being directed through the actions or words of another person. This means that if they are closed, be open with them, if they’re being deceitful, be honest, unkind, be kind, and so on.
Take the enemy by surprise! Break out and do the very thing that there’s pressure against you doing (see Identify:Mandate).

5. Obedience (1 Chron 14:13-16)

Obedience to the Holy Spirit often means doing the very thing that you don’t feel like doing. This is about not responding to what you feel, but Who you know. Ask the Lord to show you what He would have you do in the situation.

6. Expose the Enemy (Eph 5:8-13)

Bring the situation and your responses into the light. Confess your own struggles to someone who is a ‘safe’ person. Exposing the enemy might also mean exposing his strategy.

7. Speak Truth (Eph 6:17)

In the last post, I discussed the importance of identifying the message (lies) that the enemy wants us to believe. What is God’s Word on the matter? Identify the truth and use scripture, or a paraphrased/personalised version of it, as a confession and for meditation.

Remember also who you are in Christ and speak it out.

8. Praise and Thanksgiving (2 Chron 20, Ps 8:2, Ps 149:6-9, Acts 16)

‘May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.’ Ps 149:6

9. Prayer (Eph 6:18) and Praying in the Spirit (Rom 8:26)

Prayer using the authority of Jesus’ Name is a primary weapon of spiritual warfare.

10. Refresh (Psalm 32:7; Psalm 23:5)

If you have been under siege, you need to receive grace and regain energy. Take extra devotional time. Utilise worship and other ways you personally connect with God.

11. Remember Prophecies Made About You (1 Tim 1:18)

Keep prophetic encouragement at hand. When hard times come, prophecies can help keep you encouraged and on track. You can also use them to pray.

E = ENLIST Help (2 Cor 1:10-11)

We were never meant to stand alone as Christians. When spiritual warfare is occurring, find safe people who can support you (Gal 6:2, James 5:16, Lev 26:7-8).

These can include:

• A leader who can pray for you and advise you
• Intercessors—those who are gifted in prayer (of particular value if you are in a Christian ministry role)
• Friends and team members

PROVIDING A SAFE PLACE

There are many things that we can do to help and support each other during times of struggle, These include: listening, providing a safe place for confession, encouraging, speaking truth that will combat the enemy’s lies, prayer and supporting in practical ways.

Related Posts:

12 Signs Of Spiritual Warfare

Responding To Spiritual Warfare Pt 1

© Helen Calder    Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries

When we experience a spiritual attack as Christians, we need a plan to deal with it as well as to recover from any injury that we may have sustained.

R.I.C.E is an acronym used for treating physical injuries:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

Here is a strategy for dealing with spiritual warfare that I have developed for our training using the R.I.C.E acronym.

R = RECOGNISE the Battle 1 Peter 5:8

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The first step in dealing with spiritual warfare is simply to recognise that it IS spiritual warfare.

This might sound very simplistic, but in reality, this is half the battle! Remember, the enemy likes to operate under cover, in darkness. (Eph 5:8-13)

You may be drowning in discouragement, pain or condemnation. And the accuser will make sure that you think it is just YOU, that you have done something to deserve it.

Once you recognise the signs that you are experiencing spiritual warfare, you are on the way to winning the battle.

I = IDENTIFY the Enemy’s Strategy

There are three things it is helpful to identify when you are experiencing a demonic attack:

1. MEANS:

Isa 54:17

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.

What, or who is the enemy using to fulfil his purposes?

Is it personal? It may be something physical such as a health issue, or it could be an internal, soul issue such as a personal weakness or pain from your past.

Or is it a circumstance or person external to you, such as a work colleague, family member, or even the weather or traffic!

If it’s something external that you cannot change (except by addressing it through prayer), remember that you can control your RESPONSE.

2. MANDATE:

2 Cor 2:11

… in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Where there is a battle, there is BOUNTY. If there is warfare going on, you know that the enemy will be after something. It may be helpful to identify what that is.

What is he after? Does he want to compromise or destroy your ministry call, your sanity, your health, your marriage or family relationships? Is he after your peace with God, your joy, or does he want to steal away a word God has spoken to you?

3. MESSAGE:

Gen 3:1

Now the serpent… said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

When under pressure, ask: what is the message Satan wants me to BELIEVE?

What is he saying – identify any battle going on in your MIND. What are the ‘tapes’ that are playing there?

The enemy usually wants us to give up. You might recognise these examples:

• I can’t do it!
• It’s hopeless!
• Someone else could do this better than me!
• Did God really say that / call me /heal me? (Doubts)

Note that the enemy often speaks in the first person—we think it is us!

**************************************

In the next post, I will look at the last two parts of the RICE strategy, the proactive ways we can enter into the victory Jesus’ has won for us on the cross. These keys to overcoming in spiritual warfare are:

C = Combat, and

E = Enlist Help

**************************************

Related posts:

12 Signs of Spiritual Warfare

Responding to Spiritual Warfare Pt 2: Time To Engage

Prophetic People & Spiritual Warfare

Your Prophetic Word And Spiritual Warfare

© Helen Calder   Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries

Is what you are experiencing spiritual warfare, or ‘just life?’

For many months I blithely walked around my favourite local park, enjoying the gardens, the scenery, and my time out, oblivious to any dangers that might be lurking in the shrubbery.

Then one day I read a newspaper article about a boy who had been bitten by a snake in the same park just a few days before, and had been taken to hospital.

We are Kiwis living in Australia. We don’t have snakes in New Zealand. We can walk in the bush in our ‘jandals’ without a care in the world.

On my next visit to the park, I was on high alert. Tense, and on edge, I watched the path and was alerted by every rustle in the bush. There seemed to be an awful lot of rustling! I did not enjoy the walk that day.

Sure enough, I soon settled down and was back to taking pleasure in my walks. However I took some basic precautions; not veering off the paths and ensuring that I had my mobile phone with me if I was walking alone.

In Luke 10:19-20, Jesus said,

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Like my response to snakes in the park, there are two errors that we can fall into with regard to spiritual warfare. One is to ignore it altogether (2 Cor 2:11) and at the other extreme, to make too much of it.

Balance requires us to always step back and discern whether what we are experiencing is spiritual warfare, or just something happening that is physical and emotional, or a combination of both.

12 signs you may be experiencing spiritual warfare

Our goal in spiritual warfare is not to draw or pay attention to what the devil is doing. It is to focus on God and pay attention to what HE is doing—and not put up with less than His best.

Here are some signs of a spiritual battle taking place. Being alert to these can help you weigh up whether or not a situation is being affected by spiritual warfare.

1. Changes for the worse (especially sudden or severe) in areas of health, finances, relationships

Important note: When we are sick or when bad things happen to us, it is not always the devil that causes it
·It may be just physical
·Sometimes it is just life
·Sometimes (e.g. financial or relationships) it is others’ or our own wrong choices.

2. Temptation to sin—beyond the normal

Temptation originates with our own weakness and ungodly desires (James 1:13-15) but the enemy can use situations and people around us, to apply extreme or sudden pressure on us in these areas.

3. Pattern of recurring negative events

Note that this can also be indicative of a curse in operation.

4. Atmosphere – of pressure or oppression

In Rom 14:17, the Apostle Paul tells us that the Kingdom of God consists of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When we are robbed of these things, we need to pay attention. What happened?

5. Severe discouragement

We need to particularly pay attention when the first signs of discouragement strike. Discouragement or confusion should be like an orange flashing light, alerting us to the possibility that we are in a spiritual battle.

According to Rick Joyner, the progressive ‘sting of witchcraft’ is: discouragement, confusion, depression, loss of vision, disorientation, withdrawal and despair leading to defeat. These are the signs we need to pay attention to when on the alert for spiritual warfare in our personal lives and ministry [1]. One example of this in operation is Elijah’s response after he was threatened by Jezebel. (1 Kings 19)

6. Crippling condemnation

The conviction of the Holy Spirit is specific and brings conclusion through repentance, but condemnation is cloudy.

7. Intimidation and Fear (I Can’t)

This is especially so when the fear is pressuring you to stop moving in the direction of God’s revealed will for your life, or that of your family, ministry or church.

8. Confusion

The enemy thrives in confusion. We think it’s us. Everything gets hazy. Confusion is often an attack on our minds, but it can also be apparent in relationships where communication becomes distorted, perverted and misrepresented.

9. Anything that brings pressure to bear AGAINST God’s revealed will for your life

10. Pressure (beyond the normal) on important relationships

11. Battle in the mind – negative ‘tapes’ playing

Our mind (and that of others) becomes a central battleground (2 Cor 10:5), where the enemy tries to sow messages that are contrary to the word God has spoken to us or revealed in the Bible underscoring feelings such as failure, fear, condemnation, hurt, or even attack and accusation of others.

12. Distinct start time,

With spiritual warfare, there is usually a distinctive time of onset. If you have an ongoing history in one of the above areas, e.g. fear, relational or sin issues, it is probably not warfare. It may be personal ‘baggage’ that you need to deal with.

The Battle Won

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, [Christ] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Col 2:15)

The good news is that Jesus has won the battle for us on the cross. We can apply the authority He has given to us and enter into His victory.

In the next blog post I will begin exploring some ways to deal with spiritual warfare once you have discerned it taking place in your personal life, church or ministry.

If you have any ideas about other signs of spiritual warfare or personal experiences, we would love to hear your response in the comments section of this post.

Snakes Alive!

My first real-life encounter with a snake came later, in another park. The Hunk and I were exploring a trail when we came across a poisonous brown snake barring the way to our destination.

My intrepid husband crept closer to the snake doing his best Steve Irwin impression (‘Crikey! Isn’t it a beauty?)

I, on the other hand, dug my heels in and refused to progress any further, even when the snake veered off into the undergrowth. What if it was there again when we returned?

It seems that some things never change!

[1] Rick Joyner, The Surpassing Greatness Of His Power, 1996, Whitaker House:New Kensington

Related Posts:

Responding to Spiritual Warfare Pt 1

Prophetic People & Spiritual Warfare

Your Prophetic Word and Spiritual Warfare

Prophetic People & Spiritual Warfare In The Church

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries

A Prophetic Song of Praise Releases the Power of God

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

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

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

A song of praise is a powerful prophetic tool that

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warfare(2 Chron 20)

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

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

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

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

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

(see also Psalm 149:5-9)

Provision (Numbers 17)

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

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

This song of praise did two things. It

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

Impossibility (Isaiah 54)

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

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

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

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

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

Obstacles (Acts 16)

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

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

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

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

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

When Singing Is The Hardest Thing You Can Do

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

Mark records of that night,

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

Prophetic People in Testing Times: The Reason For the Season

Your Prophetic Word and Spiritual Warfare

© Helen Calder    Enliven Publishing