For Those Who Can Perceive It

Last September 2020, just before I left for the UK during a weekly prayer session, God spoke to my heart the words #TheChangingOfTheGuards. This "Changing of The Guards" meant that there would be significant shifts in leadership in ministries and the worldwide Church in the months and years to come. Soon after this, the Word came to earnestly pray for Pastors, their protection, ministry, and sexuality. Not so sweet to my ear, the Word was that many Pastors would be exposed publicly in sexual sins and other lustful actions (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) that would permanently tarnish reputations. Through much turmoil and tears, I encouraged my prayer group and friends to pray. Here is a good place to remind someone, God weeps for us, and this is the same pain that's often manifested from the heart of people praying. So sometimes, when you see "bawling, snotty, and messy prayers," not every time is the prayer just overly emotional though it can be; many times, the Holy Spirit is weeping for what may come upon God's children.

Now, where was I? Yes, after sharing about the "changing of the guards" and leaders falling, the news broke of Hillsong Pastor and Ravi Zacharias. I'm not a follower of the Hillsong leaders, but Ravi Zacharias, on the other hand, intrigued me, his mind, his eloquence, his easy humour, and the intricate simplicity with which he dissected biblical truths. Therefore when news of his infidelity emerged, I was genuinely heartbroken and shocked. So much so, I went into the questioning mode I often slip into in prayer when the truth is hard to digest. How Lord was my question, how? Not how in the sense that the man should have been perfect, no, not at all. More like how to reconcile that he was, in fact, human, and it could and did happen. But I was still in disbelief and needed an explanation for the now-deceased man's humiliation, his family, and Church. Then the Lord spoke to my heart these words that will stay with me for a very long time. The answer "Such men have not experienced the Dunamis power of God." It was a profound and direct answer. What is the Dunamis power of God? Well, in my simple understanding, in this sense, it's the transforming, miraculous nature of the Holy Spirit to help us or prevent us from falling so far from God that exposure will be our reward. It is the healing of carnality and active sensitivity to sin and disobedience. It is the "raw" power of God that miraculously changes us from Glory to Glory; it is the expression of "2 Corinthians 5: 17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Why am I sharing this here? Well, first, let me say this is not about Ravi Zacharias' judgment or anything so disrespectful or demeaning. I didn't know the man personally. I only know of his legacy in the physical sense, books, ministry, and sermons, and I suspect these will continue to help saints in years to come. What I do know with absolute certainty is what the Holy Spirit had to say when I petitioned. I don't know anything of his eternal destination, and the truth is, it's of little consequence now; it's all settled with God. But my experience after such an answer tells me that the Holy Spirit has a lot to say about "us" if we would listen. This Word of knowledge also echoes a warning to my soul, a warning for all of us that we should take heed lest we fall (1 Corinthians 10:12-14). I'm more sensitive that Kingdom work is just for a season, and at the end of that season or the beginning of the season, we should know by God's Spirit how He sees us. This post is more for believers by nature, examining ourselves, and seeing what kind of guards we are. Whether we are checking in or checking out, the fabric of our Christianity matters, the mark we bear is essential. I leave you with this song; it's been on my heart and encourages us to pray for each other, but most importantly, it's also the encouragement of what God did for Peter and can do for all of us (Luke 22:31) https://youtu.be/2aA2jXyaAL4.

We are not perfect, but God desires obedience, and for those who can perceive this, He always makes a way.'

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#TheChangingOfTheGuards #OnlyByGodsSpirit