Is Really Such a Thing as a Move of God?

As I typed the title to this week's post I thought to myself "this could ruffle some feathers" I'm not trying to ruffle feathers but I really want to generate some discussion on this topic because I hear the phrase "move of God" dropped from the mouth of preachers and congregants alike. Usually it's in a context as follows: 

• "We really had a move of God last Sunday"
• "What our church really needs isn't another program, but a move of God"
• "God only moves when people......(you fill in the blank)"
• "There's a great move of God happening in.....(insert city/country name here)"  

I'm sure if you've been in church for long you've either heard or used one of those phrases or others like them. For sometime I've wrestled with the term "move of God" and pondered its meaning. What defines a move of God? In Pentecostal/Charismatic experience a "move of God" is usually measured by a few factors: the number of people slain in the Spirit, the amount of time spent in worship and intercession or the number of meetings that have taken place (5 nights a week for 2 years etc...) I've come to the conclusion that it's probably one of 3 things:

 

1. A purely subjective term that is defined by the person and/or group of people experiencing it.

 

2. Something so great, awe-striking, life-changing, city changing and amazing that it can't be defined in human terms.

 

3. It doesn't exist at all. (What I mean by this is that God is perpetually moving and active in the hearts and lives of people and all we have to do to find Him is to Seek Him.)

 

Rather than give my opinion here in the blog, let's discuss it. This should be lively.

If I Only Had the Nerve....

The Cowardly Lion in the "Wizard of Oz" story lacked what many of us lack at times when it comes to facing things head on - Courage.  Remember his #1 hit?

"Yeah, it's sad, believe me Missy, When you're born to be a sissy, Without the vim and verve
But I could show my prowess, Be a lion, not a mowess If I only had the nerve."

Truth is, we are all born with a level of courage.  We aren't born to be "sissies," (if you don't believe me, you need to observe kids - they'll try almost anything with no fear) but over time, fear creeps into the equation and stops us from acting courageously in life and in leadership.  This past week, Gwen and I along with our Youth Pastor attended the Catalyst West Conference in California and the theme of the conference was "Take Courage." 

When it comes to leadership, you have to have "the nerve" otherwise your organization will never progrss beyond its current reality nor reach its full potential.  Churches that play it safe all the time and lack courageous leadership are doomed to wallow in the pits of mediocrity and never fully impact their communities for the sake of the Gospel.  I walked out of that conference determined to lead courageously and not allow the organization I lead fail to reach its full potential.  That may involve some risks, but ultimately, didn't Christ demonstrate the ultimate courageous risk for the sake of humanity? 

My favorite quote from Catalyst West came from the keynote talk Andy Stanley gave:  "A single act of courage can become the tipping point for something extraordinary to happen in your life." 

It takes courage not only to lead, but to live vicariously in these uncertain times.  Where do you need something extraordinary to happen in your experience?  Leadership, personal finance, your business, your marriage, with your children?  Do you need to act courageously in one of these areas - make a tough decision, launch a new initiative, have a difficult conversation, face an uncomfortable conflict head on?  That one single act of courage may be the tipping point for something extraordinary to happen.  It takes nerve to lead and live and we don't want to look back on our experiences and wonder what would have happened if we'd only had the nerve.  Be courageous. 

Who Needs a GPS?

All I wanted for Christmas this past year was a GPS and my wife got me one (see picture below).  A month later it was stolen and since it cost substantially less than our homeowner's insurance deductible, I wrote it off as a loss.  It probably won't make a dent on my itemized deductions, but life goes on. 

This week, Gwen and I are taking a couple of personal days on the central California coast before attending the Catalyst West Conference in Irvine.  This morning I left our San Luis Obispo hotel in search of a coffee shop (Notice I didn't use the 'S' word - we just wanted something better than the complimentary in-room packets that are nothing more than a slight upgrade from Auto Repair shop coffee).  Armed with only the Google Maps app on my phone, I set out.  30 minutes later I was still trying to figure out  the flawed Google maps while bemoaning the fact that my "real" GPS would have had me back in my room with a fresh brew in hand and the perfect start to the day. 

Finally I got an address, turned off the phone app and set out on my own.  I've always had a good sense of direction so I used my inward navigational instincts and within 3 minutes, I found the coffee shop, got the drinks and the aroma is filling the room as I write this.  

As we search for direction in life, too often we look to external sources that are flawed and lacking in real substance.  Christ gave us the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth, so in reality He (the Spirit) is our inner GPS.  I understand we need and should seek external counsel, but sometimes when we can't find a Pastor, leader or trusted friend we just need to shut off all the things around us that are flawed and trust our inward navigational instincts that only the Holy Spirit can provide.  You may be surprised at how quickly you can find your way.