The Holy Spirit drew my attention this morning to the story in 1 Kings 18, when Elijah and Ahab and the prophets of Baal had their showdown. As you recall, Jezebel had been killing the prophets of God and supporting the prophets of Baal and Asherah. When Elijah shows up to meet with King Ahab, Ahab accuses him of making trouble in Israel but Elijah declared that it was the king and his family that had made trouble for the nation by turning away from God to worship Baal.
A fresh wind is being released from heaven that will bring waves of divine power to the church. This is not something that will come upon us nearly so much as it will arise from the fullness of the Kingdom that is already within us. No longer will the church look at what is buffeting the world and simply murmur, "This is not okay." No longer will His people see the influence of the enemy on the world and think the answer is to isolate or pull away. Instead, from deep within, the Voice that spoke to each of us like a trumpet to call us out of darkness and into His Light will stir within us and remind us of the dominion power He has given us to not only be His watchmen and discern the times but also be His stewards and agents of impact in all of creation, speaking in His divine authority to command that which is not right to shift, bow and be undone.
The Jewish festival of Shavuot is more commonly known as Pentecost and takes place 7 weeks (50 days) after Passover. Jesus was resurrected from the dead on Passover and 50 days later the promise and power of the Holy Spirit came upon the early Church at Pentecost (Acts 2). Although the Christian Church celebrates the day of Pentecost this coming Sunday, the actual Jewish holiday is from sundown on May 30 through sundown on June 1. This is a week of revelation and power that is now flowing to you from Heaven. Pentecost signifies the wheat harvest in Israel and the celebration of God giving the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. During Pentecost, we will begin to reap what we have sown (wheat harvest) and God will give us words as He did for the Israelites when giving the Torah.
Of all the biblical characters, David gives us a glimpse of a man who walked with God with great emotion in victory and in defeat. David never lost a battle throughout his many years of serving as king of Israel. In many of the Psalms, David often lamented about the difficult places where God had placed him. He talked of his enemies and the need for God to deliver him. He talked of God's everlasting love for him. How do you suppose David came to this understanding after years of being sought after by King Saul who wanted to take his life? His years of turmoil within his family gave him many reasons to lose all hope in a loving God.
There is something about the name of Jesus. It is the name above all names. God began to speak to me concerning the miracles you have been seeking out. He told me that you have to look for your miracle. It requires action. Your miracles will be in the most unexpected place. Your miracles will manifest when you do the most unexpected things. It is truly time to trust God and look for God in places you never thought.
In the book of Acts chapter two we read about the day of Pentecost when the disciples were in the Upper Room in one accord, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. They were so intoxicated with the glory of God that some of the onlookers thought that they were literally drunk with wine. Peter went on to say, these men are not drunk as you suppose, and he quoted the prophecy from the book of Joel 2:28-32.
Mary Magdalene is referred to in early Christian writings as the "apostle to all apostles" and "the favorite apostle." Most of us think that Mary Magdalene had a notorious reputation. Many speculate that she was a prostitute, but the New Testament never said she was. And now, in recent years, we have a lot of stories about Mary being Jesus' girlfriend and even wife, which of course we also have no record. But, Mary Magdalene was a very important disciple! All four Gospels mention that she was a witness to both the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
And there was given to me a thorn in my flesh… 2 Corinthians 12. There are many schools of thought about what was Paul's thorn. What is clear is that it was a messenger of Satan. The purpose was so that he would not be conceited about his revelations in God. Paul wrote this to a people who were confused about an apparent contradiction in the life of Paul. He moved in great revelation and miraculous power. But it seems that he was buffeted violently by something, which threatened all what was revealed and the miracles. This something was a messenger from Satan. He was given permission by God to afflict Paul.
The Lord is good. Christ "ever liveth to make intercession" for you and all who have received Him (Hebrews 7:22). Let's allow what He has done and continues to do be fulfilled for His glory. Since Monday morning, I've been reminded time and again of what I used to hear from various people, ones who would go in to do various orthopedic rehabs with my Mother over the years. They would say to her: "I'm here to get you started, but you will have to do the work." Notice that I didn't say they were there to do 'various orthopedic rehabs for my Mother,' but instead they there to do them "with my Mother."
Are you waiting for good things to come? Sometimes good things are on the way from God but it may take time. I can remember when God used to do good things and answer prayer within a few days. He was always doing something in lightning speed and doing something often. But as time goes on God wants to develop faith and patience in us and He doesn't answer as fast as he used to or may not be doing as much things. That doesn't mean He is not going to do it. It just means we have to be patient. Maybe you have been waiting for a while, well its coming.
