Recently, I heard the Lord speaking to my heart about a
couple of shifts that are about to occur. We have a strong work ethic in the US
Church. We believe that we are successful in Heaven’s eyes if we perform
impressive acts here on Earth. We count hands, offerings, and big smiles. Signs
and wonders are sought after because they feel like results achieved. We have a
performance problem: We are trying too hard to do things for God. He has let us
do this for a season. He has given us limited power and manifestation even
when our motivations were questionable. It has been grace that carried us. It
has been the goodness of God that is intended to lead us to repentance.
Things are now going to change, a little at first but then
more. God is coming in a move that will be like a freight train. He owns the
power, and He owes the track ahead. This time, the track has a third rail. The
drive will not come from our strategies and tireless efforts. Heaven is going
to power our forward motion. We have a learning curve ahead of us. Rest and
obedience are the new burdens to be carried. Keeping step with Jesus as we walk
yoked with him is the new focus.
Most assuredly, I say
to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird
you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what
death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him,
“Follow Me.” – John 21:18-19
When the glory of God is manifested, there is awe, relief
from heavy burdens…and usually judgment resulting from a casualness about God.
God brings his entire nature when his Presence comes into our presence. Those
who would attempt to take hold of the third rail of God’s glory in this coming
move will suffer serious consequences. The track ahead is not all together comfortable.
Jesus, our King, is determining the track ahead. Our commission for the days
ahead will sound like, “Take up your cross and reproduce the death of Christ on
a daily basis”. It will be a full disclosure of the suffering that we are
destined for and then a call to, “Follow Me”.
The track ahead is shifting. Many who started out well in
their ministry will be derailed because they chose to set the pace and the
direction of their ministry. The Conductor is about to fill his rightful seat.
He will drive this move, direct the pace of this move, and take us into a place
of personal suffering and submission.
Results in ministry has been the certificate of authenticity
until recently. Like Samson, there are ministers who have lived in sin. It was
a struggle at first, then a compromise in which they allowed the enemy to keep
captured ground, and finally they accepted the enemy as a friendly neighbor. The
people kept coming to the services, the programs produced smiles and nods, and
the money was enough to fuel the vision that came from the heart of the leader.
Lead and gold cannot remain bonded together. A fire must come to separate the
two. Samson’s anointing is lifting. We will begin to see a new wave of leaders
exposed, and we will watch them fall from their places of ministry authority. God is
removing the idols from the high places. These ones lifted the heavy burdens,
and they won the praise of men, but God had intended for them to be righteous and merciful judges who would deliver his people. The wave will start small and then will
crest. It is the mercy of God that a few will fall at first in the hope that
greater judgment might be averted through repentance.
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