Part 1 emphasized that we must not let go of this absolute reality: there is a quietness in God that He designed and desires for each of us. And just as importantly, that promise, and grace is also granted and to be seized for our surroundings. But since the prevailing winds of lifestyle in our world today are not conducive to this, many regard God's promise either skeptically, as laughable, or virtually impossible. But again, the absolute reality is there is a quietness in God that He has designed and desires for each of us - one that not only quiets the spirit but restores the soul and will even bring wholeness to the body. Believing that revelation of the Lord, the question most often becomes 'how do I get there from here?'
Everything in our society today reminds me of my 7th and 8th grade Middle School orchestra room. Just before attempting to quiet the various instruments - all of them blasting, clanging, strumming, or banging their noises as loud and long as possible- the director would then make several attempts by raising his voice. That said, today we must not let go of the absolute reality that there is a quietness in God that He designed and desires for each of us and - believe it or not - for our surroundings. Since the latter may seem not only unlikely but virtually impossible, it often causes the former - a personal quietness in God - to either be skeptically regarded or surrendered outright.
We've heard it said so many times that we immediately make an automatic reply. We say, 'all the time' whenever we hear 'God is good.' So, let's don't differentiate: the God who is good does good work. He is attributed with "every good gift and every perfect gift" (Ja.1:17). There is nothing like a fresh communiqué from God. Call it what you will: He has many ways to release Himself to you. A revelation of the Word (or a rhema). A prophetic word that gets inside of you that neither dissipates nor allows you to hold to previous perspectives.
I believe the following is a biblically 'safe' statement to make: when God acts in the earth, the Holy Spirit is the source of power that makes what happens take place. When Christ said: "the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed me to preach," He was defining the intrusion of God's authority and action into human affairs - to bring back into order what was out of order (Lk.4:18-21). By this, He demonstrated the kingdom of God. Furthermore, Jesus said: "I must preach the kingdom of God" and about 'The 12' it says, "He sent them to preach the kingdom of God" (Lk.4:43; 9:17).
In part one we began to distinguish between what it means to be "added unto" as opposed to living in the "multiplied" "grace & peace" of God (2Pe.1:2). This was done to bring understanding to the difference between daily covenant life & those times & seasons when breakthroughs come, promises are fulfilled & advances- otherwise impossible to us- are made. After we briefly defined what it means to be "added unto" in Mt.6:33, we went to 2 Peter 1:1-4 which reads: "Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace & peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God & of Jesus our Lord.
Where is the explosive dunamis power seen in the New Testament today? When will the Church be established in the "multiplied" "grace & peace" of God? Have you set your sights too low. We are by the Lord: "Your heavenly Father knows your need. First pursue the kingdom of God & His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. So don't worry for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself" (Mt.6:32b-34a; 21CLV). This is Christ calling us to "trust" God in childlike faith (Pro.3:5-6; Mt.18:4-5).
Will it be faith, or fear? As the enemy fails to completely destroy the Church in the efforts to take over and control the totality of the human race, the move is from what can't be accomplished physically, to what can be produced through fear. Although the Coronavirus is real, and we are to be "wise as a serpent," the fear factor of intimidating the Church & the world's population renders true "wisdom" null & void and betrays any ability for you as a believer in Christ to be "harmless as a dove" (Matthew 10:16). That is, if you buy into it.
Much has been taught, written and spoken about apostles and apostolic ministry during the last 30 years or so. Some even believe we had a bona fide "apostolic movement" beginning in the late 1990's through the late 2000's. There was a much needed acknowledgement of apostolic callings which resulted in some divine connections being made for encouraging one another. There were some instances of co-laboring that developed. A few of these still exist in varying forms. Among some circles, in varying degrees, acknowledgement of the apostolic gift, office and ministry gained some measures of acceptability, if not in function, at least in matters of discussion and consideration.
I have not spoken to anyone personally about what I am about to share. I have been sensing this from my times with the Lord over the last few days. Although we live in a specific geographic area (& I claim no global sphere of authority), I also know that the Church is being prepared in ways that go beyond the past, and many have no frame of reference for what God is doing.
Recently more than a few physicists have concluded that when what is called The Big Bang occurred, it took place faster than the speed of light. At the same time, they are certain that nothing can move through the universe faster than that same speed of light. Their conclusion confounds them, but still, they concede it. They can offer no explanation for this contradiction. It is just something they accept by observation as the only explanation. By doing so, these physicists are making a huge concession. They are concluding that what created the universe had an ability superior to what resulted from that act.
