*Extract from Ever Present Communicator:Engaging with a Dynamic God (2014)
“I believe that the not too distant future will require more than human wisdom and strength to navigate. Mankind will not be able to depend on their culture for moral guidance.
Satan knows the best way to destroy the enemy (the Church) is from within. Mainstream culture in the West has largely retained a form of Christianity that lacks spiritual authority. Human wisdom pollutes the truth and strips the Word of God from its power. Religion without the Spirit of God fails to provide discernment, invoke change and deliver practitioners from strongholds in their lives.
Another clever technique that Satan uses is to counterfeit what God designed for good, to bring doubt, disbelief and distortion into the church. Some have shunned the gifts of the Holy Spirit because of counterfeit shepherds and churches that manufacture spiritual encounters.
In both instances, the result is the same – believers that do not live in the Spirit.
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
—2 Timothy 1:1-5 (Emphasis added)
God called His followers to live according to the Spirit and accept our identity as heirs in the Kingdom of God. We must be determined to establish ourselves spiritually and find an environment of like-minded people that are committed to the truth.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
—Romans 8:12-17
True believers will have to be prepared and aware. We will have to continuously depend on the Holy Spirit to discern between truth and deception. Do not miss out on the fullness of a Spirit-filled relationship with God because of the failures of man and the cunningness of evil. Take ownership of your relationship with God. Identify any bad experiences for what they are, learn from them and start fresh. Do not let your inheritance go to waste. The Bible contains precious truth, that together with the Holy Spirit, allows us to overcome in His power if we can harness the fullness of our identity in Christ.
Spiritual growth is not possible without putting in the effort. Stay focused and be determined to succeed in growing closer to God. I pray that you will be blessed with a real, dynamic and intimate relationship.
The greatest football fan may know all the rules of the game, what the role is of each player and even if they are performing their function well. The fan would however be destroyed if he attempts to play as a professional without ever having played the game at a lower level or even in his back yard.
Knowing the path and walking the path is not the same. If you choose to pursue a more dynamic relationship with God, I suggest that you start small. Begin your journey with God by taking risks in a safe and forgiving environment. Allow yourself the space to grow. God will honor that and lead you with His instruction.
I find it useful to keep a journal detailing the instances when God communicated. I include information on when, how and the action that resulted from the communication as well as the outcome. This is a useful tool to strengthen one’s faith when you face future challenges and also to learn from one’s mistakes.
Only when you are confident that you are able to observe and discern God’s guidance in your personal space is it time to venture out. Do not short circuit the process. Build a solid foundation and confidence first. If you choose to share a word of knowledge with a friend, a fellow church member, a colleague or even a stranger, always proceed with humility.
Through my journey that I have shared in this book, I pray that you will know that God is all-powerful, ever present and available. There is no situation or circumstance out of His reach and He wants to walk with you on your journey, bringing glory to the Kingdom of God. The Father is evident in the details and created you the way you are. His door is open to all who seek Him and He will engage with you in a way that resonates with your character.
The Father’s intent towards man has not changed. God is alive and is actively searching the earth for men and women to call upon, not only to be missionaries in a foreign land but also to raise a monument to His name in all areas of life. Men and women that will testify of the grace, love, majesty, might and glory of God in every forum. People that do not merely stand, but excel in the name of righteousness.
God is looking for shepherds that lead from the front by example and not merely with words that have not manifested in their own lives. He is looking for parents that raise their children by example in a home that is saturated with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Father is searching for young adults that honor their parents and channel their energy and vigor in service of His Kingdom.
The most exciting times in the history of mankind is approaching and Jesus is looking for His followers to be champions.
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
—Daniel 11:32
Our strength is in the power of the Holy Spirit that works through us. His ability is without equal. It is only logical that developing a personal dynamic relationship with God should be the priority above all else. I challenge you to make a choice, humble yourself, believe and live in the Spirit. This analytical engineer did and never looked back. “