In modern society, everyone seems obsessed with achieving personal success and happiness. That holds true for most Christians as well. They have gotten away from the core values of Christianity. They have developed a "works mentality" while forgetting their primary call- walking with God. To walk with him means to stay in His Word, develop integrity, reverence His presence and value our relationship with Him above all else. These things have been replaced with our church programs and dull patterns of "worship." Religion is man-made. Relationship is from the Father.
Most Christians are seeking to be entertained at all times. They grow impatient during church services. Their attendance is sporadic at best. When trouble strikes, they seek a bailout. This attitude is cultivated by pastors who are more interested in numbers than a real move of God. They adopt the world's methods to draw people in. They brag to other pastors about the number of members or new converts. They forget that Christianity isn't just about converts. It's about discipleship. It's about teaching people the oracles of God and watching them grow and mature. It's about spreading the Kingdom and preparing for the return of our King.
Before Christ returns for His Church, we are promised a glorious outpouring of His presence and power. We will see a massive harvest of people into the Kingdom of God. The true believers will walk as manifested sons and daughters of God. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time when "the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you" (Is. 60:2). Jesus will return for "a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish"(Eph. 5:27).
In order for us to get in our called places, we must submit to His grace and renew ourselves through His Word and His Spirit. That might require setting aside some of our personal agendas. We may have to be willing to participate more instead of just being observers and spectators. Leaders may have to consult God's Word instead of the world's counsel. When David had the ark returned to Israel, a man died because he neglected to consult God's detailed instructions for handling His presence. Instead, he consulted with other men. Think about that. It wasn't until he sought God's knowledge that he realized the ark must be carried upon poles and only by the Levites. Then God's presence and glory was returned to His people. They had to be properly prepared.
Are you properly prepared for His manifest presence? His Glory is about to be revealed as never before. It will mean tremendous blessing for those who seek Him and tremendous judgment for those who seek to defraud others and treat His presence with irreverence. It happened to Ananias and Sapphira. When the power is turned up, darkness is eliminated. That is why God has only been able to reveal a little of Himself to His people. They're not ready. It's time to get established. The rain is coming.
