Holy Ghost Times

"I just want more of God." Her wide eyes searched my own for response, acknowledgement, compassion. She is a young Chinese woman, recently touched with deep emotional healing by the Lord, and now she is hungry for more.

"Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit?" I queried. If not, I knew there was an essential next step. Her quizzical look led to another question. "Do you speak in tongues?"

"No."

"Oh, you need to. We need to pray for you to be baptized and to speak in tongues. Tonight we will have some people gather and pray. This afternoon, you need to be praying and seeking God. Come ready!"

Her friend heard and made her request known. "I don't speak in tongues either."

"Well, you come prepared as well then!"

They came expectant, we prayed believing, and indeed, just as the scriptures promise, He gave abundantly. There were tears, shouts, laughter, praise, and tongues -- all freely given by our Father in Heaven who knows how to give good gifts to His children.**

"Go home, pray in tongues regularly. It will build up your inner man.*** Just let it flow!" My husband admonished them to use the gift that God so generously bestowed.

Their joy was unashamed and full. And we all boldly rejoiced with them.

We need more of the Holy Spirit's free movement in our midst; we always need more of Him. I suppose that's why the Bible exhorts us to earnestly desire* spiritual gifts. Making time to wait and hear, learning to trust that small voice, and stepping out in bold faith are all necessary components.

It does not require deep intellectualism (I could not be a participant were that the case) so that all might partake and enjoy. He is not exclusive save for this: you must be born again through child-like faith. All Christians start there. But we sometimes leave such simpleness of heart and soul behind, heading for the safer harbor of profundity and lofty theology, spelling out the forms and rules and how to's. The Father still looks for those who will leave all that behind to venture out on the high seas of the Spirit-led life.

And I say, "Let's go!"

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** Luke 11:11-13

If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?
Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

***Jude 1:20

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

*1Co 12:31
But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
1Co 14:39
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.