A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (May 15, 2017)
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
Let me first give you a little history on the spiritual background of my wife and myself. My wife Cheryl gave her life to the Lord and was baptized as a young girl in a Southern Baptist church. I was raised in a Methodist church and signed a pledge to serve Jesus and was sprinkled as a young boy. As some of you may know, Methodists sprinkle rather than dunk. Neither of us actually served the Lord until 1978.
In 1978 our youngest son was born. He was born prematurely and had a lot of life threatening complications. The hospital doctor attending him told Cheryl he did not know if our son would live or die. However, Cheryl’s personal doctor had told her early in the pregnancy that God had his hand on this child. That prophetic word from a Christian doctor came rushing back to her the minute the hospital doctor spoke those words and Cheryl told him, “Well, I know. He will live and not die because God has his hand on him and God deals in everlasting life and not death!” That child is 38 years old today, married with two sons, and is a Pastor.
The miraculous birth of that son changed everything in our household. Cheryl started going to church and she rededicated her life to the Lord. Four years later (I was a little slow) I dedicated my life to the Lord and we started ministering together in prisons and churches within a five state area of where we lived. Our home church was a country Methodist church but it was not like most Methodist churches. Our Sunday school teachers were a couple that was on the staff of Oral Roberts all through his tent crusades. Our young Pastor and his wife were Spirit Filled, which I had no clue what that meant early on. The gifts of the Spirit were allowed to flow freely in that church which sparked a true revival in our area and were very instrumental in our own spiritual growth.
We have been in ministry now for 37 years and there is something that I see that concerns me, especially within Spirit Filled churches. There has been a tendency over the years to back away from the freedom to allow spiritual gifts to flow in the main church services. I have even heard leaders say, “Oh, we ministered like that in the past, but we don‘t minister like that anymore.” It’s almost like we are ashamed of the Holy Ghost. It’s almost like saying we don’t need Him anymore. Have we grown up and matured past that now? Can I tell you something? We need the Holy Ghost and His gifts more now than ever!!! We need to be edified and built up! Unbelievers still need the gifts as a sign! We need that spark that initiates the fire of revival! We still need a Word from God!
I just want to thank the Pastors and churches that have not backed away from the gifts; have not bowed to political pressure; have matured their people by the reason of use and by correction during that use; have not succumbed to the fear of losing members, tithes and offerings; and realize that without the Holy Ghost we are a very sad lot for He is our teacher, helper, and guide, and most of all, Jesus said we needed Him. Thank you Pastors for your courage and your commitment.
The answer to the question is, we still need Him and His gifts!!!
