the underground kingdom

Some time ago, Beverly had a conversation with a client. In the conversation, the client mentioned that a mutual acquaintance had felt that God desired to establish "safe houses" in Juniata County for people who  lost their way.

As Bev and I discussed what could be called a prophetic word, we began to realize the truth of word. We know of three different situations where followers of Jesus ( incidentally with no relational connection with each other) have opened their home to people who have lost their way. In all three situations, people felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit to utilize their home for the establishment of a place where restoration could occur.

This is an example of the kingdom of God being established like yeast in dough or like seed in the soil. So often when we hear the prophetic word outlining God's desire, we quickly establish a program or a ministry to accomplish the word. We advertise our ministry so people will know what we are attempting to accomplish. Perhaps the most effective ministry occurs in secret. Jesus said the following - Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

The three "safe houses" (and for all I know, there are many more in the area) were established, not by people seeking the glory of ministry, but by followers of Jesus who were moved by the leading of Holy Spirit. They did not wait for a pastor's permission, they did no seek to be sanctioned by "the board". They were not even aware of the larger work of God in the area. They simply acted on what they knew.

As a result the kingdom of God expands like yeast in the dough, like seed in the soil.