I came across on Yahoo Answers a worthwhile response to the following question: "What is Chronos and Kairos (sp?) time? Can you please explain them both to me, and what the differences are?"
I like the answer provided as the writer shares a personal experience that helps to bring clarity to the concept of kairos. Here's the response.
"The ancient Greeks had two words for time, chronos and kairos. Chronos refers to chronological or sequential time. Chronos time is measured by the clock and calendar. It is orderly, rhythmic, and predictable. It is what we moderns typically think of as time. Kairos time, on the other hand, has a more nebulous meaning. It does not have an equivalent word in English. The least descriptive translation would be 'in between time'—a moment of undetermined period of time in which 'something' special happens.
Now chronos time is fairly self explanitory...
Kairos on the other [hand] is obviously a lil harder. One of the best examples I can give is martial arts related. If you have ever seen martial arts movies or even The Matrix saga where they stop the movement of everything but the fighters, that is a representation of Kairos.
On a personal note, once I was involved in breaking up a rather large brawl in dennys between two groups of angry drunk people and experienced it (was not my only experience, but is a great example). As I was slinging people to my other friends who were also breaking up this brawl, I caught a guy bout to throw his coffee cup, saucer and spoon at someone in the apposing group. I growled, waggled a finger at him and he threw it at me instead. I managed to catch all three even though the cup and spoon bounced when I first caught the saucer, and set them down before the guy could react...that pretty much took the fight out of that one and he rather meekly left the resturant after that.
If you ever had a moment that time seemed to slow down or stop for others while you are still reacting, that is Kairos time...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Kingdom Kairos | David Davenport
Kingdom Kairos ©
*All scriptural references are that drawn from the New American Standard Bible.
March 16, 2011
Dear Friends:
I believe it fitting that on this date (3-16) I should offer a precursory note to this letter in the form a brief lesson which the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) spoke to me long ago. The lesson is that contained within an apparent “numerological coincidence” between John 3:16 and Revelation 3:16. And the lesson is this: It is through the door of the revelation in John 3:16 that we embrace the gift of eternal life. Grimly so however, it is also through the backdoor of Revelation 3:16 that we will be booted—if we do not daily fan the flame of intimacy with our first love—Y’Shua (Jesus). For Revelation 3:16 reads: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”
“Wow David, some way to start a letter to your friends.”
In that some of you are surly wondering; I will divulge that I presently ingest a high-fiber diet. And so, the above paragraph was not that spawned by a case of irregularity, thank you. As well, I began my morning with a sizable square of high quality (70% cocoa) dark chocolate. My present mood therefore, happens to be quite good, thank you.
Beginning roughly twenty years ago, and for a period of a few years, I was privileged to facilitate a series of classes and meetings in various church/ministry venues, which focused upon the discovery of one’s spiritual gifts and corresponding ministries, as well as the discussion of ministry offices. My true heart-motivation at the time was that rooted in the joy I then found in witnessing the excitement permeating the lives of Believers, who very often for the first time had tapped-into an authentic affirmation of a vital component of the outworking and social expression of their gifts, gift-mixes and external ministries.
Some of these meetings took place within one extended session, as I spoke in an itinerant capacity, followed by a time of personal ministry. In other more didactic settings, these meetings encompassed four meetings over a period of one month. The climax of the classroom meetings also entailed a ministry time, wherein very often the Ruach (Spirit—of God) would show me very pointedly, spiritual gifts which He had been implanted deep within the spiritual DNA of a given Believer. He would also give me surreal glimpses of a given person walking-out a corresponding ministry, in the future. These “glimpses” often came in the form of what resembled a small DVD screen hovering over a person’s head. Very often I would simply describe what I was seeing. Most of these moments were precious, as I very often witnessed rivers of tears—tears of joy—as the Ruach would shower these dear saints with affirmation—deep affirmation—the kind of affirmation that only He can give—a level of affirmation far and above that from the mouths of men. At the same time that I personally received so much joy in witnessing His saints confirmed, a twinge of sadness would entwine itself in my heart—sadness in the form of the realization that for many of these dear people, it was the first time they had ever been publicly affirmed in their gifts and ministries—many of whom had sat on church pews for decades, faithfully abiding by the program.
Some of these meetings took place within one extended session, as I spoke in an itinerant capacity, followed by a time of personal ministry. In other more didactic settings, these meetings encompassed four meetings over a period of one month. The climax of the classroom meetings also entailed a ministry time, wherein very often the Ruach (Spirit—of God) would show me very pointedly, spiritual gifts which He had been implanted deep within the spiritual DNA of a given Believer. He would also give me surreal glimpses of a given person walking-out a corresponding ministry, in the future. These “glimpses” often came in the form of what resembled a small DVD screen hovering over a person’s head. Very often I would simply describe what I was seeing. Most of these moments were precious, as I very often witnessed rivers of tears—tears of joy—as the Ruach would shower these dear saints with affirmation—deep affirmation—the kind of affirmation that only He can give—a level of affirmation far and above that from the mouths of men. At the same time that I personally received so much joy in witnessing His saints confirmed, a twinge of sadness would entwine itself in my heart—sadness in the form of the realization that for many of these dear people, it was the first time they had ever been publicly affirmed in their gifts and ministries—many of whom had sat on church pews for decades, faithfully abiding by the program.
I have alluded to this chapter in ministry, to underscore one of the gifts I used to devote much time to, with respect to sharing my understanding of its critical/vital nature, as time would unfold before us. The gift in question is that of the gift of Discerning of Spirits, or, the Gift of Discernment, and correlative Discernment in general terms (1 Cor. 12:10). I can vividly recall one class in particular, which was at the time perhaps the 2nd week into a 4-week class. This particular class was packed, and included perhaps 2 dozen or more leaders of congregations in the region. I recall as I began expanding upon my understanding of the place and purpose of Discernment, the Ruach flooding me, and quickening within me the reality that what I was about to say was that within the context of a Kairos moment (“Kairos” [Grk.] definition in short: “a supreme moment in time”). I then proceeded to say: “There will come a day when the Gift of Discernment will be thee most critical weapon within your spiritual gifts quiver.” I recall after having said that, my pausing for a moment, as I saw in the faces of those seated; a Ruach-endorsement that was very sobering. I recall standing there for a good 10 seconds; and I simply allowed the weight of this truth to permeate the classroom. I must have looked like “Barney Fife,” with his classic spooked expression, for I had casually begun to address this topic, wholly unaware that the first few words out of my mouth would evoke the presence of God. It was humbling.
I have found purpose in sharing what I have to this point on the topic of discernment, to prompt you to consider praying in a moment, for increased discernment as you read what follows. I wish to encourage you to briefly pray that your spiritual antennae would be pulled upward and into the fully extracted position, that you may personally discern the spirit behind what I am about to share with you. As well, I pray that you would in turn discern my heart-motivation in sharing what follows, with you. I therefore pray on the basis and in the context of Philippians 1:19, which reads, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.”
I have found purpose in sharing what I have to this point on the topic of discernment, to prompt you to consider praying in a moment, for increased discernment as you read what follows. I wish to encourage you to briefly pray that your spiritual antennae would be pulled upward and into the fully extracted position, that you may personally discern the spirit behind what I am about to share with you. As well, I pray that you would in turn discern my heart-motivation in sharing what follows, with you. I therefore pray on the basis and in the context of Philippians 1:19, which reads, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.”
As I trust you have prayed the above, and having prayed the above myself; I wish to then share a book endorsement that I was honored to render roughly 18 months ago, and which is included within the book thereafter published by an honored friend of mine. The book is entitled, Hope When Everything Seems Hopeless (I have included a web-link to the book, following the next paragraph).
My book endorsement therein reads as follows:
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26). One need but marginal discernment to realize that the fulfillment of this excerpt of scripture is now lapping at our feet—not unlike a very subtle, incoming tide. In an hour when anxiety medication sales are fueling the pharmaceutical industry to the tune of billions of dollars per year, hope stands ready to guide us through the darkest mire. But hope is a choice. Tom Dooley has penned a beautiful invitation to embrace hope as the quarterdeck upon which we may navigate the worst of storms ahead.” http://www.pathclearer.com/hope_book.html
At this stage, and only 18 months after I penned the above book endorsement, I am dully challenged to revise my previous allusion to Luke 21:25-26, from reading, “lapping at our feet,” to rather reading, “crashing over our heads.”
As I further develop the purpose of my letter to you, I wish to pause for a moment, to share something else with you. It was roughly five months ago that during my daily quiet-time with the Lord, I began to feel a steady prodding in my heart—a prodding to do something, something which, at the time, seemed very irrational and foolish. And at this point, having done the “something” which seemed “irrational and foolish” at the time; it still seems irrational and foolish. What was this seeming irrational foolish thing that I was to do? It was that of quitting my job. I wrestled for four months with this issue, which became cause for deep and perpetual wrestling within my soul. For in my mind I was fighting such the notion, as I had never done anything so irrational with respect to employment in over 30 years or more. My spirit-man however, was saying: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
As I continued to wrestle with this most irrational thought, I felt strongly prompted to attend a little-known yet precious meeting which was to take place in the Washington D.C. area. The meeting was co-led by a teacher who’s teachings I’ve had the privilege of sitting-under sporadically since 1998; and a worship leader, who I encountered for the first time at this series of meetings, and who was and is equally anointed as the designated teacher. The series of three meetings over an extended weekend, were simply called, “A Gathering in His Name.” While fasting and praying during the course of these meetings, I was seeking God for a specific word—a word which would serve to confirm what I was to do with this “irrational” thought which had come to plague me night and day for a number of months at that point. At one point in one of the meetings, this teacher, who happened to be looking right at me, said: “It’s time to lose your head; that Christ can be the head.” The moment he spoke this, my breathing froze, for it was another “Kairos” moment—a moment wherein the Ruach confirmed, magnified and underscored what had just been spoken. And in this moment, I saw a picture of me bowing down and submitting myself to a spiritual guillotine, wherein my head was severed—that Christ (Y’shua) could be the head. And in this moment as well, I understood the Ruach to be saying in essence: “Until you lose the remainder of your tendency to rely upon your rational mind to guide you into the certainty of my will for your life, and rather rely wholly upon what I am speaking to your heart, you will fall short of my perfect will for your life.”
As I continued to wrestle with this most irrational thought, I felt strongly prompted to attend a little-known yet precious meeting which was to take place in the Washington D.C. area. The meeting was co-led by a teacher who’s teachings I’ve had the privilege of sitting-under sporadically since 1998; and a worship leader, who I encountered for the first time at this series of meetings, and who was and is equally anointed as the designated teacher. The series of three meetings over an extended weekend, were simply called, “A Gathering in His Name.” While fasting and praying during the course of these meetings, I was seeking God for a specific word—a word which would serve to confirm what I was to do with this “irrational” thought which had come to plague me night and day for a number of months at that point. At one point in one of the meetings, this teacher, who happened to be looking right at me, said: “It’s time to lose your head; that Christ can be the head.” The moment he spoke this, my breathing froze, for it was another “Kairos” moment—a moment wherein the Ruach confirmed, magnified and underscored what had just been spoken. And in this moment, I saw a picture of me bowing down and submitting myself to a spiritual guillotine, wherein my head was severed—that Christ (Y’shua) could be the head. And in this moment as well, I understood the Ruach to be saying in essence: “Until you lose the remainder of your tendency to rely upon your rational mind to guide you into the certainty of my will for your life, and rather rely wholly upon what I am speaking to your heart, you will fall short of my perfect will for your life.”
Having dully “lost my head” during these meetings, and with the aid and affirmation of my wife (who, by the way, had, months prior, urged me to act upon the internal prodding’s); I resigned from my job—the highest paying job of my adult life—in the midst of the worst economic recession I’ve experienced in my lifetime. Two and a half months into this divinely-mandated sabbatical, I have grown to understand that this time, which may end soon, or which may not, has been that purposed to further consecrate me and prepare me for the “next-step” in the outworking of the work to which the Lord has called me and my wife. It is therefore on this platform, a platform of having spent hours before the Lord for two and a half months at this point, that I pen this letter to you. I have shared this, that you would disregard any premonition that this letter is wholly reactionary, in light of recent world-events. To the contrary, this letter has been some time in the making.
With the aforementioned aside in view, yet an aside which I feel was important, I share what follows, from a place of peace, a place of rest, and a place of centeredness upon a message which I feel has been relayed to me from the Throne Room of Grace, to my friends.
With the aforementioned aside in view, yet an aside which I feel was important, I share what follows, from a place of peace, a place of rest, and a place of centeredness upon a message which I feel has been relayed to me from the Throne Room of Grace, to my friends.
A decade ago, and while engaged in a church-plant on an island on the east coast, and which happened to be an 8-minute drive to the best surf-spot in the entire State (hmmmm, imagine that); I received a gripping dream of a Tsunami. Not long following, I circulated a brief article entitled the same, which went to many surfers around the globe who I had met on the Internet. A few years later, on October 1 of 2004, I composed an expanded version of such, which was later widely circulated by a member of Christian Surfers International. Roughly three months after circulating my expanded article, the Indian Ocean Mega-Quake (a 9.3) and Tsunami struck South Asia on December 26 2004—with devastating carnage. A little over a year later I created a BlogSpot with the help of my extremely technologically gifted son David Jr., wherein my October 1 2004 version resides. You may view it via the following web-link:
I was not by any means alone with revelation of Tsunami’s to come, for after circulating my article on 10/01/04, I received emails from dozens of people around the globe who had also received dreams (and visions) of Tsunami’s. This dynamic is known in general terms, as “collective revelation” (i.e., “each joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part,” Eph. 4:16).
What few realize at this point in history is that the ultimate death-toll of the Indian Ocean Tsunami actually reached a staggering 270,000 people, and some sociologists have actually asserted that the figure is more like 310,000. What few also realize is that December 26 2004 was exactly one year to the day that a 6.6 quake struck Bam Iran, killing 26,271 people (December 26 2003). Also on December 26, 2003, exactly one year prior to the Indian Ocean Mega-Quake and Tsunami, a Buddhist monk set himself on fire in Charlotte North Carolina (epicenter of many internationally-influential Christian ministries), to protest human rights abuses in his home country of Vietnam. What is little-known about the nature of the geographic devastation in South Asia is that the most pointed locations of total topographical annihilation occurred in the immediate vicinity of some of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples on earth. Many archeologists sifting through the rubble of the aftermath, said collectively, and one literally, “It is very perplexing, that in the very places which once stood ancient Buddhist temples, we see what appears to have been a bomb-blast, whereby the temples have been completely disintegrated.” The areas which incurred the worst devastation throughout South Asia had very dense concentrations of Buddhists and Muslims—populations and representative spokespersons of which have historically lambasted the Nation of Israel.
Let’s backtrack a moment, and consider once again the seeming insignificance of a Buddhist monk setting himself on fire in Charlotte North Carolina—precisely one year prior to the Indian Ocean sea-quake and tsunami. Charlotte is a bastion of Kingdom activity. Consider this corresponding and hypothetical scenario: Imagine an Islamic Jihadist making his way into one of the underground caverns beneath the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and setting himself on fire (as a sacrifice to his god), to protest his perceived abuse of Arabs in the region by the Israelis. Do you suppose the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob might then have a reaction? Back to the Charlotte scenario; understand that before the Living God, the act of this Buddhist produced “strange fire” (Lev. 10:1). There are grave consequences to offering “strange fire” in the midst of a Holy camp. And in general terms, I consider Charlotte North Carolina to be a Holy camp—saturated by a massive army of mature prophetic intercessors and truly apostolic Church leaders.
Am I suggesting that the “strange fire” of one man in a U.S. city, spawned the Indian Ocean sea-quake and tsunami? No. I am however suggesting that the act of this one man was dully representative of millions of deceived people in South Asia, who have wantonly ignored Romans 1:20, after having first heard the gospel preached to them. Romans 1:20 reads, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
Am I suggesting that the “strange fire” of one man in a U.S. city, spawned the Indian Ocean sea-quake and tsunami? No. I am however suggesting that the act of this one man was dully representative of millions of deceived people in South Asia, who have wantonly ignored Romans 1:20, after having first heard the gospel preached to them. Romans 1:20 reads, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
As you consider what I’ve written thus far, I trust that you discern that I do not flippantly allude to these ghastly statistics as if they were nothing more than that, for each life that was lost, was precious.
Many thousands of victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami were innocent victims. Yet my heart not only grieved for them, but also grieved for those who had served other gods. Please do not consider for one moment, that I recount such disasters in a heartless posture. Those who know me well know also that I have been strongly wired for compassion and mercy. In fact I have often been criticized in former leadership roles for exercising too much compassion and mercy in situations which seemed to necessitate stern confrontation.
With that aside, let’s ponder for a moment, two critical excerpts of scripture:
“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Ex. 20:3).
“I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and the one who curses you [Israel], I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).
I continue...
In the early 1980’s I was shepherded and mentored by a very large family of Indians from the island of Sri Lanka, an island/appendage of the mainland of India. Some 50,000 Sri Lankans were killed in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. That particular loss pierced my heart, as it was so “close to home.”
In the early 1980’s I was shepherded and mentored by a very large family of Indians from the island of Sri Lanka, an island/appendage of the mainland of India. Some 50,000 Sri Lankans were killed in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. That particular loss pierced my heart, as it was so “close to home.”
On August 29th of 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in the U.S., equating to the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history ($81 billion), and the loss of 2,000 lives. Exactly one year to the day prior (August 29 of 2004), a large number of anti-Israeli protestors converged upon the streets of San Francisco to protest alleged mistreatment of Palestinians. Many of the signs sported by these protesters contained vicious attacks against Israel and Jews in general. One sign portrayed the then Israeli Prime Minister Sharon as a Nazi. Though this protest was deemed insignificant at the time, it must be noted that it was pointedly representative of the U.S.’s pressure upon Israel at the time, to concede all of the Palestinian interests in Gaza, which equated to the removal of 8,000 Israelis from their homes, further forfeiting Israeli soil—soil which had been paid-for by Israeli blood five decades prior.
Lets again ponder one particular excerpt of scripture: “I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and the one who curses you [Israel], I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).
I continue…
Lets again ponder one particular excerpt of scripture: “I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and the one who curses you [Israel], I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).
I continue…
As of the writing of this letter, Japan is recovering from the aftermath of a 9.0 magnitude sea-quake, and a subsequent Tsunami which devastated the island on March 11, and which has equated to an estimated death toll of 10,000. Exactly one year prior, to the very day (March 11, 2010), the Japanese government issued a formal denouncement of Israel, calling for complete concession of Palestinian interests, followed by demands that Israelis build no further in East Jerusalem.
Let us once again re-visit an excerpt of scripture which is now becoming very familiar to you: “I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and the one who curses you [Israel], I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).
Let us once again re-visit an excerpt of scripture which is now becoming very familiar to you: “I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and the one who curses you [Israel], I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).
It is timely, I believe, to pause for a moment to consider a few excerpts from the Book of Psalms, which refer directly to God’s sovereignty over the oceans. Psalm 65:7-8 reads, “He does still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves…and they who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs.” Psalm 89:9 reads, “You do rule the swelling of the sea when its waves rise. You do still them.” Psalm 107:29 reads, “He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.” Psalm 135:6 reads, “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does. In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” And lastly, Proverbs 8:29 reads, “He set for the sea its boundary, so that the water should not transgress His command.”
With the above progression of scripture in view, it is clear that the indescribable force of tsunamis transgressing the boundaries of the seas, is released only upon His command. This cannot be argued.
“Behold then the kindness and severity of God” (Rom. 11:22).
Returning again to the context of Genesis 12:3, and though tempted to digress by chronicling for you the dozens of “curses” which Barrack Hussein Obama for example has released against Israel since taking office, I will spare you the morbid news clippings. The word “morbid” is most fitting, as his actions represent a morbid measure of scriptural ignorance, especially for one claiming to be a “Christian.” In so doing, our nation has been primed for severe judgment. The forsaking of our most critical ally has equated to a curse from God that will devastate our nation, ultimately plunging us into an economic depression worse than thee Great Depression. At this stage, God’s judgment will not be thwarted. One critical thing we can do at this stage is that to pray for the protection of our loved ones as it unfolds in the form of yet another natural disaster of historical proportions—this time, in our own backyard.
In light of what is coming to this nation in the form of judgment, it is wise to store-up provisions such as food, first aid supplies, back-up power, etc. However, I believe that what is far more important than these things, is the storing-up of time with God—alone. This practice will equate to heart-preparedness—which is right where He wants each of us, as it unfolds. He’s after our hearts as He prepares us to withstand the storms ahead. For as the storms rage, so will the greatest Harvest rage—which requires that our hearts remain fully yielded to the ebb and flow of His every command—by the hour.
Lest Barrack Hussein Obama unwittingly take the full “wrap” for the coming destruction of the U.S. as we know it, I offer yet, another guilty party—Hollywood—Jezebel’s very penthouse. “The harlot Jezebel” is referred to in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2:20-30). As well, “Babylon the Great,” which I believe to be the U.S. (referred to in Rev. 17:5), and which I personally believe to be depictive of the Los Angeles Basin in general, will meet with unspeakable destruction and annihilation. Obama has however “sealed the deal,” and it is now just a matter of time.
Lest Barrack Hussein Obama unwittingly take the full “wrap” for the coming destruction of the U.S. as we know it, I offer yet, another guilty party—Hollywood—Jezebel’s very penthouse. “The harlot Jezebel” is referred to in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2:20-30). As well, “Babylon the Great,” which I believe to be the U.S. (referred to in Rev. 17:5), and which I personally believe to be depictive of the Los Angeles Basin in general, will meet with unspeakable destruction and annihilation. Obama has however “sealed the deal,” and it is now just a matter of time.
At this point in this letter, you must wonder how I could possibly paint more gloom onto this canvas. Please understand that what I have shared to this point has been that designed to offer you a spiritual cup of coffee, that you might with heightened awareness re-visit with me something which King Solomon visualized many centuries into the future, this depicted in Proverbs 4:18, which reads, “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” In the same way that the light of a candle shines brighter as darkness encroaches, so Y’shua (Jesus) in you is shining brighter as the End-Times clouds more quickly gather overhead. For you are representative of “the light of the world, a city set upon a hill, which cannot be hidden…” (Matt. 5:14).
As darkness rages about, Y’shua in us becomes more apparent. And as He abides in us, it is His desire to take full residency in our hearts—flushing-out all that remains of the world in us. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has over the past few years especially, intensified His internal dealings with each of us. He is presently much like a miner with a very bright lantern, wandering through the caves, tunnels and rooms of our hearts, searching high and low for anything that must be chiseled out of the walls of our hearts. My challenge to you is that to let Him have His way with this chisel. For His present cleansing of His Bride (the Church Universal) is that in preparing Her for a grand wedding. It is during this preparation that you must allow Him to deal freely with you. Otherwise, what you refuse to deal with in secret, with Him, will be displayed for the public to see (spots and wrinkles). Leaders especially are being dealt with severely at this time, to flush-out and forsake all that does not glorify Him. If they refuse, they will simply be replaced.
As darkness rages about, Y’shua in us becomes more apparent. And as He abides in us, it is His desire to take full residency in our hearts—flushing-out all that remains of the world in us. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has over the past few years especially, intensified His internal dealings with each of us. He is presently much like a miner with a very bright lantern, wandering through the caves, tunnels and rooms of our hearts, searching high and low for anything that must be chiseled out of the walls of our hearts. My challenge to you is that to let Him have His way with this chisel. For His present cleansing of His Bride (the Church Universal) is that in preparing Her for a grand wedding. It is during this preparation that you must allow Him to deal freely with you. Otherwise, what you refuse to deal with in secret, with Him, will be displayed for the public to see (spots and wrinkles). Leaders especially are being dealt with severely at this time, to flush-out and forsake all that does not glorify Him. If they refuse, they will simply be replaced.
A few months ago, and while in Jerusalem, I approached the Western Wall to pray. As I did, I prayed what I later learned was a very dangerous prayer. With Ezekiel 36:26 as a prayer-platform, and as I slowly approached the wall, I prayed, “Lord, remove this ‘heart of stone’ (hard places in my heart—scar tissue—from many wounds), and give me a ‘heart of flesh’ (take the numbness of the scars away—that I can feel and love again).” In essence, I was praying for the promise which Ezekiel prophesied to Israel, wherein God declared that He would remove their “heart of stone” and give them a “heart of flesh.”
As I placed my hands upon the wall and closed my eyes, stilled and steadied myself, and began to breathe deeply and slowly, a current of heat passed from the wall, into my right hand, through my right arm, into my heart, and back out through my left arm, through my left hand, and back into the wall. Each time this current reached my heart, I was given a picture of empty caves and tunnels in my heart, very similar to the images now achievable as surgeons insert tiny cameras into a human heart. Each time that I was shown a new room, a new tunnel or cavern, the Lord asked me, “Do you want Me there?” Each time that I agreed to His habitation, I felt a tremendous heat within my heart, a burning and scorching sensation. For within each of these areas, I had harbored a number of things for many years, things which were not supposed to be there (e.g., unauthorized affections, long-standing resentments, hurts, places of mistrust, unforgiveness, doubt, unbelief, callousness, etc,). The things He flushed from my heart were many. This indeed, was a KAIROS moment—a moment when time seemed to stand still. When it was over, at least for that day, there was very little of me left, and a great deal more of Him, in my heart. Had I clung to the wall much longer, I dare say all that would have been left of me would have been that of a pile of smoldering clothing.
As I placed my hands upon the wall and closed my eyes, stilled and steadied myself, and began to breathe deeply and slowly, a current of heat passed from the wall, into my right hand, through my right arm, into my heart, and back out through my left arm, through my left hand, and back into the wall. Each time this current reached my heart, I was given a picture of empty caves and tunnels in my heart, very similar to the images now achievable as surgeons insert tiny cameras into a human heart. Each time that I was shown a new room, a new tunnel or cavern, the Lord asked me, “Do you want Me there?” Each time that I agreed to His habitation, I felt a tremendous heat within my heart, a burning and scorching sensation. For within each of these areas, I had harbored a number of things for many years, things which were not supposed to be there (e.g., unauthorized affections, long-standing resentments, hurts, places of mistrust, unforgiveness, doubt, unbelief, callousness, etc,). The things He flushed from my heart were many. This indeed, was a KAIROS moment—a moment when time seemed to stand still. When it was over, at least for that day, there was very little of me left, and a great deal more of Him, in my heart. Had I clung to the wall much longer, I dare say all that would have been left of me would have been that of a pile of smoldering clothing.
Throughout the gospels, Y’shua (Jesus) always spoke to matters of the heart. He was not so much interested in what was going through the heads of those around them, nor even necessarily what they were doing with their hands; He was rather constantly after their hearts—challenging them to their very core to come to terms with the condition of their hearts. In this context, consider this, spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). Y’shua is after every ounce of your heart in this hour. He wishes to form and fashion it into a vessel that will attract the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matt. 10:6), and the lost at large (Mark 16:15). For it is the pure, undefiled and refined-by-fire love of God that will provoke the House of Israel to jealousy, and which will draw all nations to the irresistible presence of Y’shua—the Y’shua that millions have given their lives for, that we may build upon their foundations and experience levels of intimacy with Him that were not even experienced by those during His earthly walk—“things into which angels long to look” (1 Pet. 1:12).
As we yield fully to His deep prodding in our hearts at this hour, and we are subsequently more sensitized to His heartbeat for us as individuals and His heartbeat for the nations, we will not be able to escape His passionate pursuit to gain the affections of the “apple of His eye,” the Nation of Israel (Zech. 2:8). He will gain their affections, and their hearts, largely through a Gentile and Messianic Church that is so yielded to Him, that His love disarms them, melts their hearts, illuminates their minds, and beckons them to intimacy with Him (Rom. 11:11-17). It is in this capacity, this place of exuding His love of His Lost House, and also the world at large, that we will also understand the treasure that has been long hidden within the Genesis 12:3 promise. For I have soberly outlined the grim consequences of cursing Israel. But allow me now to define what it means to “bless” Israel.
Understand that as I expand upon what it means to bless Israel, thus evoking the promise of Genesis 12:3; I do so not only for the benefit of Israel, but also for the sake of your personal survival and the survival of your family in the times ahead of us. I wish to challenge you to consider sowing-into the Nation of Israel by sowing-into any of a number of many ministries devoted the Salvation of Israel. Even if you are only able to give but a meager sum on a monthly basis to begin with, I implore you, for your sake, to work this discipline into your financial life. You will be blessed in doing so, blessed in ways which far transcend monetary gain. The peace of God for example, is a priceless commodity in this age. One of the many profound benefits of honoring Genesis 12:3 is that of a steady stream of peace beneath one’s feet, irrespective of what unfolds about them. I cannot promise you that a brand new car will fall out of the sky and land in your driveway, nor can I promise you that your mortgage will be mysteriously paid-off, though these things can happen. But I can promise you that He will bless those who bless Israel, and He often does so in supernatural ways which defy the rational mind, not the least of which is that of providing for you this day, your daily bread.
As we yield fully to His deep prodding in our hearts at this hour, and we are subsequently more sensitized to His heartbeat for us as individuals and His heartbeat for the nations, we will not be able to escape His passionate pursuit to gain the affections of the “apple of His eye,” the Nation of Israel (Zech. 2:8). He will gain their affections, and their hearts, largely through a Gentile and Messianic Church that is so yielded to Him, that His love disarms them, melts their hearts, illuminates their minds, and beckons them to intimacy with Him (Rom. 11:11-17). It is in this capacity, this place of exuding His love of His Lost House, and also the world at large, that we will also understand the treasure that has been long hidden within the Genesis 12:3 promise. For I have soberly outlined the grim consequences of cursing Israel. But allow me now to define what it means to “bless” Israel.
Understand that as I expand upon what it means to bless Israel, thus evoking the promise of Genesis 12:3; I do so not only for the benefit of Israel, but also for the sake of your personal survival and the survival of your family in the times ahead of us. I wish to challenge you to consider sowing-into the Nation of Israel by sowing-into any of a number of many ministries devoted the Salvation of Israel. Even if you are only able to give but a meager sum on a monthly basis to begin with, I implore you, for your sake, to work this discipline into your financial life. You will be blessed in doing so, blessed in ways which far transcend monetary gain. The peace of God for example, is a priceless commodity in this age. One of the many profound benefits of honoring Genesis 12:3 is that of a steady stream of peace beneath one’s feet, irrespective of what unfolds about them. I cannot promise you that a brand new car will fall out of the sky and land in your driveway, nor can I promise you that your mortgage will be mysteriously paid-off, though these things can happen. But I can promise you that He will bless those who bless Israel, and He often does so in supernatural ways which defy the rational mind, not the least of which is that of providing for you this day, your daily bread.
As we continue to consider what is unfolding about us with respect to the unfolding judgment upon our nation, I also wish to challenge you to carefully consider the place and purpose of the discipline of tithing (“Ouch. Did he really mention that word?”). Many of you have experienced trying seasons of financial shenanigans while tithing, which have caused you to doubt the validity of Malachi 3:10.
May I offer to you that for some of you, if not many of you, the source of such shenanigans is that rooted in having tithed to an impure altar. In short, an impure altar is that of a congregation or ministry which has at its core, a mission to build a personal ministry empire—versus that of a pure motive to expand the Kingdom of God. There are many other elements which define an impure altar, which I will not expand upon presently, but the aforementioned is chief among such. We have arrived at a place in history, and in a place in our lives, where this vital discipline has to be re-visited immediately, if we are to fully benefit from God’s planned-provision for us as we transition from economic recession, to economic depression. We can no longer afford to toy with this discipline. I encourage you to devote concerted prayer and meditation to hearing His voice as to where to sow your tithe. I say this primarily for those of you who are presently not plugged-into local fellowship of any sort.
God’s “storehouse” is much larger than a local congregation, and spans many venues, though the local “storehouse” in the most common vestibule for such. Many “pastors” would argue that the “local church” is the only venue for receiving the tithe. That’s OK, but I’ve little liberty to argue at this stage, yet full liberty to speak bold truth—bold truth which includes the reality that many local “churches” are nothing more than personal businesses run by hirelings (“Ouch. Did he really say that, too?”) You must contend to know which facet of His storehouse He wishes you to sow into. This is critical at this juncture. Ask Him, and He will be faithful to reveal it to you. In essence, wherever He happens to be on-the-move, inhabiting a given work, which includes caring for “widows and orphans” (Jas. 1:27), is where your tithe should be sown. If your “local storehouse” (congregation or body of Believers) is in such a state that you are hesitant to sow into such via the tithe, then find a group of fellowship or congregation of Believers which does warrant your tithe. The right body of Believers will be evidenced by two primary attributes: You will sense the strong presence of God as you gather, and, you will sense His strong anointing upon those facilitating His work therein. If either one of these elements is missing, keep looking.
David Davenport
May I offer to you that for some of you, if not many of you, the source of such shenanigans is that rooted in having tithed to an impure altar. In short, an impure altar is that of a congregation or ministry which has at its core, a mission to build a personal ministry empire—versus that of a pure motive to expand the Kingdom of God. There are many other elements which define an impure altar, which I will not expand upon presently, but the aforementioned is chief among such. We have arrived at a place in history, and in a place in our lives, where this vital discipline has to be re-visited immediately, if we are to fully benefit from God’s planned-provision for us as we transition from economic recession, to economic depression. We can no longer afford to toy with this discipline. I encourage you to devote concerted prayer and meditation to hearing His voice as to where to sow your tithe. I say this primarily for those of you who are presently not plugged-into local fellowship of any sort.
God’s “storehouse” is much larger than a local congregation, and spans many venues, though the local “storehouse” in the most common vestibule for such. Many “pastors” would argue that the “local church” is the only venue for receiving the tithe. That’s OK, but I’ve little liberty to argue at this stage, yet full liberty to speak bold truth—bold truth which includes the reality that many local “churches” are nothing more than personal businesses run by hirelings (“Ouch. Did he really say that, too?”) You must contend to know which facet of His storehouse He wishes you to sow into. This is critical at this juncture. Ask Him, and He will be faithful to reveal it to you. In essence, wherever He happens to be on-the-move, inhabiting a given work, which includes caring for “widows and orphans” (Jas. 1:27), is where your tithe should be sown. If your “local storehouse” (congregation or body of Believers) is in such a state that you are hesitant to sow into such via the tithe, then find a group of fellowship or congregation of Believers which does warrant your tithe. The right body of Believers will be evidenced by two primary attributes: You will sense the strong presence of God as you gather, and, you will sense His strong anointing upon those facilitating His work therein. If either one of these elements is missing, keep looking.
In closing; I alluded earlier to a time when I so enjoyed teaching about Spiritual Gifts and Ministries, inclusive of discussing at length the nature and purpose the five-fold Offices within the context of public ministry. For nearly three decades I took very seriously the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “earnestly pursue the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1). In so doing, I have been used on hundreds of occasions since 1981, to speak life into His saints, through ways and means which were a direct answer to decades of praying in accordance with 1 Corinthians 14:1. And for a number of years stubborn remnants of egocentrism and self-esteem drove me to position and posture myself, to find identity in and through the revelatory gifts, and in and through associated offices. The root of this behavior, and the common root of this behavior for every Believer, is that of our deep hunger for affirmation (this behavior is quite often as well, a sociopathic mask—to cloak wounds or sin which have yet to be healed or dealt with). And when we neglect to seek this affirmation from God alone, through cultivating deep personal intimacy with Him, we will fall prey to seeking it from the masses as we position, posture and parade our gifts and ministries, to in turn receive public accolades. This can easily turn into an addiction to public praise, temporarily supplanting the lasting affirmation that only God can give, and which He wishes to give us as we draw near to Him.
The neglect of the daily cultivation of our time alone with Him spawns “rock star pastors,” and Christian celebrities who feast on public adoration of their ministries. Only God Himself can affirm our deepest being, and He does so as we figuratively sit in His lap while alone with Him, that He can speak deep into our souls the things which men cannot. And as we continue to draw very deep into intimacy with Him, we may ultimately find ourselves being referred-to by Him, as a friend. It is this friendship with God which will draw us up and into a place which even transcends the highest offices in public ministry—a place which supersedes the gifts, ministries and offices through which many of us have long sought to define ourselves. The gifts, ministries and offices are simply a medium, to serve this age. But friendship with God serves eternity. Why then should we wait until the end of our earthly lives, to seek friendship with Him? Why should we not now cultivate such intimacy with Him that our transition to the eternal becomes but a hiccup in time, wherein upon our earthly passing, and following the ordeal of the funeral, etc, we simply say, “Lord, as I was saying a few days ago…”(?).
The neglect of the daily cultivation of our time alone with Him spawns “rock star pastors,” and Christian celebrities who feast on public adoration of their ministries. Only God Himself can affirm our deepest being, and He does so as we figuratively sit in His lap while alone with Him, that He can speak deep into our souls the things which men cannot. And as we continue to draw very deep into intimacy with Him, we may ultimately find ourselves being referred-to by Him, as a friend. It is this friendship with God which will draw us up and into a place which even transcends the highest offices in public ministry—a place which supersedes the gifts, ministries and offices through which many of us have long sought to define ourselves. The gifts, ministries and offices are simply a medium, to serve this age. But friendship with God serves eternity. Why then should we wait until the end of our earthly lives, to seek friendship with Him? Why should we not now cultivate such intimacy with Him that our transition to the eternal becomes but a hiccup in time, wherein upon our earthly passing, and following the ordeal of the funeral, etc, we simply say, “Lord, as I was saying a few days ago…”(?).
I leave you with a precious gem found nestled within scripture, a gem which promises visions of things to come—visions, Kairos moments, which burn away the scabs and scars of the emotional and psychological carnage we often face in this lifetime. This gem is that in the form of 1 Corinthians 2:9, which reads, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
It is my believe that the promise contained in 1 Corinthians 2:9 holds not only a promise for the age to come, but also a promise for Kairos moments in this lifetime. For I have had many moments with God’s power and presence wherein time was very difficult to define—experiences which have left me dumbfounded for days—dumbfounded by the reality that God would care enough about me to reveal such a measure of His majesty that my physiological construct would go into system-overload, not unlike the blowing of a fuse box. And as you embrace Him in an hour when millions of people are clamoring about for a tangible hope, allow Him to override your circuitry, to then overwhelm you with His deep abiding presence—a presence that is unshakable in the face of the earthly upheaval of End-Times events.
It is my believe that the promise contained in 1 Corinthians 2:9 holds not only a promise for the age to come, but also a promise for Kairos moments in this lifetime. For I have had many moments with God’s power and presence wherein time was very difficult to define—experiences which have left me dumbfounded for days—dumbfounded by the reality that God would care enough about me to reveal such a measure of His majesty that my physiological construct would go into system-overload, not unlike the blowing of a fuse box. And as you embrace Him in an hour when millions of people are clamoring about for a tangible hope, allow Him to override your circuitry, to then overwhelm you with His deep abiding presence—a presence that is unshakable in the face of the earthly upheaval of End-Times events.
You are loved, dear one, and you have a Father Who is already in tomorrow, waiting for you in that secret place of alone-time, with Him.
David Davenport
*Permission is granted to copy, post, circulate or publish this article, provided it is done so in its entirety.
Kingdom Kairos © David Davenport
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Spurgeon Quote
Friday, March 4, 2011
Maxims for Your Kairos Momentum #1
Left to chance, divine moments pass by—within the grasp of a man’s heart throbbing with the pulse of heaven, opportunities are seized.
Copyright © 2011, Kairos Momentum
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Definitions of KAIROS
I love the study of words; often I've been known to get lost in dictionaries mulling over a specific word and its etymological roots. The evolution of words over time is also fascinating. For instance the word coach was used centuries ago in England to speak of a vehicle pulled by horses, i.e., a carriage of sorts, that brought passengers from point A to point B. Now fast forward to the 21st century. What is the first thing you think of when you think of coach? Many think of a person who leads a team by assisting each player to perform at the highest level possible. Perhaps you thought of a person trained to help people such as a life coach. Regardless both are similiar to the coach of old: they help people get from point A to point B.
There are rich meanings inherent in the Greek words that make up the New Testament. By no means am I a Greek scholar (far from it!). However I do love exploring the word meanings of various Greek words in the biblical texts.
One Greek word that has fascinated me is kairos.
What is your working definition of kairos? The most common that I've heard or read that come to mind immediately are as followed: an opportune time; the fullness of time; a time pregnant with destiny; the right time.
Here are a few more definitions that I found on the Bible Study Tools website:
due measure
a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time
a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis
the decisive epoch waited for opportune or seasonable time
a limited period of time
to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time
Have you heard of another definition that captures this Greek word more fully? Please leave a comment if you have a definition that you would like to share.
There are rich meanings inherent in the Greek words that make up the New Testament. By no means am I a Greek scholar (far from it!). However I do love exploring the word meanings of various Greek words in the biblical texts.
One Greek word that has fascinated me is kairos.
What is your working definition of kairos? The most common that I've heard or read that come to mind immediately are as followed: an opportune time; the fullness of time; a time pregnant with destiny; the right time.
Here are a few more definitions that I found on the Bible Study Tools website:
due measure
a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time
a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis
the decisive epoch waited for opportune or seasonable time
a limited period of time
to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time
Have you heard of another definition that captures this Greek word more fully? Please leave a comment if you have a definition that you would like to share.
Monday, February 21, 2011
KAIROS MOMENTUM: Seismic Shifts that Accelerate God's Kingdom Purposes
Opening remarks: I wrote this short posting in embryonic form back in '07. Today the Lord led me to this specific article to revamp it completely. Previously I had written about the San Francisco earthquake and the Azusa Street Revival, which was the core element of this template that I expanded upon today. I infused into it the framework of the KAIROS MOMENTUM. However tonight as I neared upon the completion of this article, I received an email from Kathyrn Walters concerning an urgent appeal to pray for the city of Christchurch which had just experienced a devastating earthquake. I felt that it was no coincidence regarding the theme of this article and the unfortunate earthquake in Christchurch (by no means do I want to minimize the suffering and hardship that many are enduring as I write this). It is my desire that we unite together to pray for God’s Spirit to move mightily upon those in the Christchurch region—both in bringing forth physical, emotional, and mental solutions while also addressing spiritual needs. Right now is the time to pray as lives could be hanging in the balance in wake of such destruction.
I will be praying for Christchurch.
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a NEW THING! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
~Isaiah 43:18, 19
I want to pose a question to you: Are you ready to step into the kairos momentum? Kairos is one of two words in Greek used for time (the other is chronos). The actual rendering of this Greek word is best described as the fullness of time. Kairos speaks of the opportune time within a very specific window of time (versus chronos which is linear, chronological, ongoing time). It is a season that is pregnant with God’s destiny. In essence it is when the eternal invades the temporal realm; the mundane is overtaken by a heightened sense of God’s presence and eternal purposes. It is the window of heaven.
You may be wondering the full implications of the two terms together—kairos momentum. Kairos momentum is the overall, cumulative acceleration of God’s kingdom purposes manifesting within a specific timeframe, with staggering outcomes (which can only be orchestrated by heaven’s decree). It is a divine crescendo of sorts that culminates with a breakthrough of epochal proportions.
It is not business as usual; quite the contrary.
Traditionally when it came time for the DST shift in the fall or spring, I had to pause for a moment to recall which way to move the clock—forward or backwards? Honestly, I could not remember; my mind kept confusing the two. However, I finally learned a cliché that solved my dilemma: “Fall back, spring forward.” In the spring of 2007 Congress enacted legislation to shift forward the daylight-savings time (DST) by three weeks. The primary goal was to save money by conserving energy. It also had a leisurely benefit: extra daylight in the evenings (for me, this meant an evening stroll with my wife!). It was a SHIFT that many took advantage of to enjoy the cherished daylight in the evenings (after a drab winter of short days and limited exposure to the sunlight, extra daylight is so refreshing!).
There's a shift that is going to bring us from the constraints of the chronos time into the kairos momentum. It is a shift to spring forward into the kairos momentum decreed by the Lord for our times. And it is sooner than you think! Now is the time to agree with heaven's decree that you are on the brink of stepping into your kairos momentum. No more procrasination and unbelief. The Holy Spirit is stirring faith in your heart as you ruminate upon the rhema of Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a NEW THING! Now it springs up..."
In fact, I sense that we are on the threshold of an actual divine shift that is about to spring forth in the United States (and abroad) today among the emerging generation. It seems that the Lord is doing a new thing in the midst of desperate people hungering for the full Reality of Christ to be revealed in the earth today. Prayer movements are springing forth all over the earth today. Miracles are transpiring with countless stories of God’s miraculous healing, deliverance, and breakthroughs flooding the Internet. God's people are responding to the grace invitation to seek His face above all else.
We are on the verge of stepping into a kairos momentum.
The words in the text of Isaiah 43:19, “springs up” speaks of a shift that precedes the kairos momentum, the "new thing". (For sake of clarity, I’m using the term kairos momentum and “new thing” interchangeably.) This shift has a causative function, meaning that it is the primary catalyst that ignites a kairos momentum. Think of it in terms of a cause and effect relationship. The shift—the “springs up”—is the cause that catalyze the effects of “the kairos momentum.” It is the shift that sets in motion the kairos momentum to sustain the epochal breakthrough.
No shift. No kairos momentum; albeit no new thing.
Sometimes shifts can occur in a linear fashion that unfolds in an incremental manner, gradually over time. However, nonlinear change can be abrupt, elusive, swift, and without warning; creating an upheaval along the way. A shift of the San Andreas Fault at 5:12 am on April 18, 1906 created a massive, tumultuous catastrophic event that was one of the worst natural disasters in history of the United States. The actual shift itself lasted approximately 48 seconds—however, the ramifications extended well beyond the short-lived fault shift. The earthquake registered at a conservative estimation of 7.7 magnitude, which was felt from Oregon all the way to Los Angeles. The city of San Francisco was in ruins due to the fires that ensued after the shakings, destroying 80 percent of the city.
Chaos abounded—normalcy for many dissipated within a mere 48 seconds. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. Families were stricken with grief. Destruction was rampant.
Shifts can be costly. And abort the catalyzing of the kairos momentum.
Ten days prior to the San Francisco natural disaster was an unprecedented outpouring of God’s Spirit in Los Angeles; otherwise, known as Azusu Street Revival. It was a seismic shift whose epicenter was at 216 North Bonnie Bray Street, but with a magnitude of world-wide impact. Indeed, it was “the new thing” (i.e., the kairos momentum) that forever changed the landscape of Christianity in the 20th century. Lives were forever ruined for a powerless testimony and witness. Hearts were set ablaze by God’s flaming Spirit as this epochal shift brought about a kairos momentum to the ends of the earth—lost souls were converted; desperate souls were baptized with power on high; ministries were birthed; missionaries were sent; apostolic movements were pioneered. Worldwide was the reach.
A shift transpired. The kairos momentum coalesced God’s purposes with pliable human hearts; and the world was never the same.
What is on God’s heart for this hour?
Dutch Sheets, author of God's Timing For Your Life writes concerning the phrase “springs up” in the verses mention earlier in Isaiah: “These words mark a shift in time. Something new is about to spring forth…when He does move, it can transpire quickly. Never give up. Your shift may be closer than you think.”
The new thing is close. And the shift is even closer. Seize the kairos momentum!
I will be praying for Christchurch.
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a NEW THING! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
~Isaiah 43:18, 19
I want to pose a question to you: Are you ready to step into the kairos momentum? Kairos is one of two words in Greek used for time (the other is chronos). The actual rendering of this Greek word is best described as the fullness of time. Kairos speaks of the opportune time within a very specific window of time (versus chronos which is linear, chronological, ongoing time). It is a season that is pregnant with God’s destiny. In essence it is when the eternal invades the temporal realm; the mundane is overtaken by a heightened sense of God’s presence and eternal purposes. It is the window of heaven.
You may be wondering the full implications of the two terms together—kairos momentum. Kairos momentum is the overall, cumulative acceleration of God’s kingdom purposes manifesting within a specific timeframe, with staggering outcomes (which can only be orchestrated by heaven’s decree). It is a divine crescendo of sorts that culminates with a breakthrough of epochal proportions.
It is not business as usual; quite the contrary.
Traditionally when it came time for the DST shift in the fall or spring, I had to pause for a moment to recall which way to move the clock—forward or backwards? Honestly, I could not remember; my mind kept confusing the two. However, I finally learned a cliché that solved my dilemma: “Fall back, spring forward.” In the spring of 2007 Congress enacted legislation to shift forward the daylight-savings time (DST) by three weeks. The primary goal was to save money by conserving energy. It also had a leisurely benefit: extra daylight in the evenings (for me, this meant an evening stroll with my wife!). It was a SHIFT that many took advantage of to enjoy the cherished daylight in the evenings (after a drab winter of short days and limited exposure to the sunlight, extra daylight is so refreshing!).
There's a shift that is going to bring us from the constraints of the chronos time into the kairos momentum. It is a shift to spring forward into the kairos momentum decreed by the Lord for our times. And it is sooner than you think! Now is the time to agree with heaven's decree that you are on the brink of stepping into your kairos momentum. No more procrasination and unbelief. The Holy Spirit is stirring faith in your heart as you ruminate upon the rhema of Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a NEW THING! Now it springs up..."
In fact, I sense that we are on the threshold of an actual divine shift that is about to spring forth in the United States (and abroad) today among the emerging generation. It seems that the Lord is doing a new thing in the midst of desperate people hungering for the full Reality of Christ to be revealed in the earth today. Prayer movements are springing forth all over the earth today. Miracles are transpiring with countless stories of God’s miraculous healing, deliverance, and breakthroughs flooding the Internet. God's people are responding to the grace invitation to seek His face above all else.
We are on the verge of stepping into a kairos momentum.
The words in the text of Isaiah 43:19, “springs up” speaks of a shift that precedes the kairos momentum, the "new thing". (For sake of clarity, I’m using the term kairos momentum and “new thing” interchangeably.) This shift has a causative function, meaning that it is the primary catalyst that ignites a kairos momentum. Think of it in terms of a cause and effect relationship. The shift—the “springs up”—is the cause that catalyze the effects of “the kairos momentum.” It is the shift that sets in motion the kairos momentum to sustain the epochal breakthrough.
No shift. No kairos momentum; albeit no new thing.
Sometimes shifts can occur in a linear fashion that unfolds in an incremental manner, gradually over time. However, nonlinear change can be abrupt, elusive, swift, and without warning; creating an upheaval along the way. A shift of the San Andreas Fault at 5:12 am on April 18, 1906 created a massive, tumultuous catastrophic event that was one of the worst natural disasters in history of the United States. The actual shift itself lasted approximately 48 seconds—however, the ramifications extended well beyond the short-lived fault shift. The earthquake registered at a conservative estimation of 7.7 magnitude, which was felt from Oregon all the way to Los Angeles. The city of San Francisco was in ruins due to the fires that ensued after the shakings, destroying 80 percent of the city.
Chaos abounded—normalcy for many dissipated within a mere 48 seconds. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. Families were stricken with grief. Destruction was rampant.
Shifts can be costly. And abort the catalyzing of the kairos momentum.
Ten days prior to the San Francisco natural disaster was an unprecedented outpouring of God’s Spirit in Los Angeles; otherwise, known as Azusu Street Revival. It was a seismic shift whose epicenter was at 216 North Bonnie Bray Street, but with a magnitude of world-wide impact. Indeed, it was “the new thing” (i.e., the kairos momentum) that forever changed the landscape of Christianity in the 20th century. Lives were forever ruined for a powerless testimony and witness. Hearts were set ablaze by God’s flaming Spirit as this epochal shift brought about a kairos momentum to the ends of the earth—lost souls were converted; desperate souls were baptized with power on high; ministries were birthed; missionaries were sent; apostolic movements were pioneered. Worldwide was the reach.
A shift transpired. The kairos momentum coalesced God’s purposes with pliable human hearts; and the world was never the same.
What is on God’s heart for this hour?
Dutch Sheets, author of God's Timing For Your Life writes concerning the phrase “springs up” in the verses mention earlier in Isaiah: “These words mark a shift in time. Something new is about to spring forth…when He does move, it can transpire quickly. Never give up. Your shift may be closer than you think.”
The new thing is close. And the shift is even closer. Seize the kairos momentum!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
A Kairos Moment
Sometimes in our lives a situation or set of circumstances is pregnant with meaning. Pregnant is a strong word and to the ladies out there, my wife is pregnant, so I don’t use the word lightly! The New Testament and Old Testament describes such a moment in time as a “kairos” moment. At the time of Jesus, there were two common words to denote time in the ancient Greek language: kairos and chronos. Kairos is used to highlight an extremely significant event in time, while chronos, from which the world chronology is related, describes a span of time—boring waiting in line sort of time.
I want kairos time but I often settle for chronos time; however, I believe that we are living in an extremely significant set of circumstances. Why? God is birthing a “new thing.” In a word that new thing is characterized by “community.” Community? You might be saying to yourself, “He didn’t just say community? What is so significant about that?” Contrary to its frequent use, community is revolutionary. Just ask any revolutionary how much they need community. Most people don’t really live in community with one another. I know what you might be saying, “Sure they do, 255 million plus people live in
“The new thing” ministry is being birthed...God is birthing true community and he wants to do it alongside with you. I believe that there is a sort of prayer that births something. If you want this then pray—a lot! This isn’t just any prayer; it’s the sort of prayer that calls fire from heaven, a dead man from a tomb, and tears of blood from the brow. The flow of the river is against this—we’re too busy, too broken ourselves, too dry. Yet, I know of another river that flows in the desert and makes green things grow. It’s starts out a stream but ends up a flood over taking all other rivers. It’s starts out tiny but ends up titanic. If you want something real and authentic then come to the Cross—you’ll find the birthing of authentic community in this context.
A Kairos Moment © Jeremy Pendergraft
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