Growing in Glory
Growing in Glory
There are seasons of seeking, seasons of intercession, and then there are Reaping Seasons. God has positioned his bride to reap the undeniable, transforming power of His Glory. God is desiring his children to step out of religious ritual into the realm of His Glory. Recently, in prayer, God brought fresh revelation on how we can experience Glory Growth. There is Religious Growth and then there is Glory Growth. In this new era, God is wanting his children to earnestly desire Glory Growth.
Religious growth is positive and involves your typical church growth. With this growth comes structure, organization, various programs and fundamental increase within the body. This type of growth is necessary at times for the ecclesia, however, God is calling his people to hunger for an intimate encounter with His glory so that we may become familiar with His presence and begin ministering from the glory.
Recently I was praying about this upcoming year and had my mind and spirit focused on praying to experience more of God’s Glory! As I continued to pray, I felt an increase in the wind and presence of Holy Spirit. I heard the Lord say: “You have experienced religious growth but you have not yet experienced Glory Growth.”
I immediately saw the places throughout our ministry where we experienced tremendous growth, whether it was in programs, numbers, or youth and children’s ministries. All of these experiences were positive and legitimately blessed by the Lord but I knew God was saying, “There is more!” After hearing this word, I must say I was somewhat discouraged! I began questioning the Lord, “How can I experience your Glory?” or “Lord, where can Your Glory be found?”
Weeks before this, I was listening to a pastor who experienced complete burn-out. He was ready to leave a successful ministry career of 20+ years because he had completely lost his motivation and zeal. After typing his resignation letter to his church, he went to bed late that night only to be awakened by God Almighty audibly calling his name. He arose from his bed and asked, “Lord, where have you been?” When I heard the Lord’s response, it radically changed my life! Jehovah answered him, “I’ve been waiting for you in the secret place!”
My spiritual hunger began to increase as I determined in my heart to seek the Glory of God at whatever cost. I was reminded of that pastor and his testimony and grabbed my Bible to read the Psalms: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalms 91:1)
Glory Growth happens when an appeal to heaven is made from the secret place. The secret place is where deep hunger for the presence and power of God is cultivated. Glory Growth happens in an atmosphere of love, unity, humility and total reliance upon the presence of the Almighty. God is wanting the ecclesia to experience a surge of Glory Growth in these last days. There is a latter-day outpouring awaiting those in the body of Christ who are humbling themselves and seeking the face of God.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This Glory surge that is coming will provide God’s people with greater insight into His word and a new encounter with Holy Spirit like they have never seen! In this new era, we are called to minister from the Glory and impart restorative power into the body of Christ.
Over the years, I have learned that at times, God speaks in a whisper so that we will lean into his voice and embrace His presence. Our Heavenly Father desires his children to be filled and overflowing with his power, love, and compassion so that we will be ready to move in power and lead others into His Glory.
Recently, I was in the hair salon and one of the stylists brought her daughter with her. This precious little girl was bouncing around all over the salon with endless energy! She ran up to my chair and I asked her, “Wow, you have so much energy-can you share some?” Her response absolutely pricked my heart! She boldly replied, “Sure you can have some! I’ve got a full tank!”
We all laughed in wonderment at her conquering personality and I then felt sweet Holy Spirit tug on my heart and say, “Heavenly Father wants each of his children to be able to say, ‘My spirit is full and running over-what do you need? That which I have, I give to you!’”
Peter knew the gift he had received and fully understood he was expected to give it freely for whosoever would believe! “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
How empowering the body of Christ would be if we could all simply recognize that greater is He that’s within us than He that’s in the world! And this gift we have received is meant to be shared, stirred up, and ever-increasing throughout the body of Christ! For His Glory! There IS more to Jehovah God than we realize. His character, imagination, creativity and power are infinite! Fortunately for us, God not only desires covenant relationship with us but to give freely to each of His children according to His riches in Glory!
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Let the body of Christ rise in boldness and proclaim, “Here’s my cup, Lord! Fill it up!”