It's so simple we miss it - the key to hearing God is truly wanting whatever He wants! We've developed such a pragmatic, even transactional approach to the prophetic realm over the years that we have arrived with 'us' at the center of the equation. But really, although God is ALWAYS wanting to reveal Himself to us through an authentic experience and intimacy with His Spirit, since He is God, the issue is really what He wants to reveal much more than it is what we want to 'know.'
Jesus came to "preach the Kingdom of God... for therefore am I sent" (Lk.4:43). We are also commissioned to do the same (Lk.9:60). That in mind, two questions are worth considering. First, how is the Holy Spirit's presence related to the Kingdom of God? They are inseparable. Jesus said: "if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, and the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Mt.12:28). It is the clear biblical testimony that Jesus did what He did by the "power" of the "Holy Spirit" (Lk.4:14; Ac.10:38).
In Part 1 we began to address what so many face, but rarely, if ever, speak of: "Why does it seem like so much of my prayer must be missing the target? What am I doing wrong? I believe the Bible and I'm praying in faith. Why isn't it being answered accordingly?" We answered by illustrating the extent to which we, God's very own, tend to be much more transactional than relational, more accustomed and attuned to 'doing life' by mechanisms which eliminate the necessity of being 'in the moment.' Punch a few buttons, or speak a few words, and "the whole world" opens to you, but can't this be at the expense of your "own soul?" As Jesus said: "what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mt.16:26).
Sometimes, it is not what we talk about as believers that requires addressing. Often it can be what we are prone to 'dare not mention' for various reasons. But now more than ever it's truth time, because "our salvation is nearer now than when we became believers" (Ro.13:11 ISV). Today's church is very apt to repeatedly give you the 'how to' for seemingly every aspect, while often failing to create an environment in which members can freely 'fess up' about their frustrations with those very aspects being so enthusiastically promoted as a 'sure thing.'
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John 14:21) Only Jesus Christ is "The way, the truth, and the life." (John14:6). All "truth" is found in Christ and no 'truth' that is truth is separable from Christ (Romans 11:36). Jesus Christ is the only "way" to God and no other path can lead you there. Jesus Christ is the only true source and model for living as well as basis for understanding the process of God's ongoing activity in the "life" of one who calls upon His Name (Romans 8:29).
Several years ago, I came to a conclusion that's only been strengthened by what I've seen & experienced since: "If the truth isn't good enough, then a lie definitely will not work." It's essential to visit this today because of what we see around us, but I'm not going to go on & on about 'my truth' & 'your truth' & 'their truth.' Suffice it to say that the reality is there is only one "truth" (Jn.14:6- but see also Jn.1:14; 4:24; 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 17:17, 19). Otherwise, you're left with a nothingness that provides nothing absolute to stand on, as well as nothing to really stand for, not to mention nothing to ultimately count on, or even honestly hope for.
On Palm Sunday evening the Holy Spirit started saying "something more." God has "something more" for His people and we have been made faithful to stand with Him and release the impartation that comes from His Word of revelation. A special one-time meeting was held Saturday, April 20th to release what the Lord has given us. Below are some thoughts that were included, as well as some that did not get mentioned that I sense will be helpful to those who sincerely desire, need & are seeking "something more."
Ask anyone who has been 'in the way' with the Lord during the last 30-40 years &- regardless of reports of 'this and that' happening 'here, there & everywhere' - they will almost certainly tell you, 'Things in the church are going in the wrong direction.' By & large, they are onto something that most either ignore, or refuse to see. Of course, to face this stark reality takes an honesty which betrays organizational priorities, baked-in patterns of promotional hype & the fleeting forecasts of coming circumstantial change. Moreover, to face this reality requires a humility very few are willing to even personally face, let alone publicly admit. Therefore, the question: how will we stop regressing, turn it around & then go forward?
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.
