When we conduct our Ignite & Unite Conferences for those involved in the children and youth ministries, I always share…
“I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!”
Job 42:5 (The Message Bible)
So short and yet so powerful. Quite simply, Job is telling us that seeing is believing. I personally can testify of the importance of seeing God’s presence and power put on display. You see, as a child and teenager, I repeatedly saw with my own eyes God’s powerful gifts of the Spirit demonstrated. In our local church and in special meetings elsewhere, I witnessed undeniable, supernatural miracles. Service after service, I learned that the Holy Spirit has a voice and could/does speak today just as He did in the book of Acts.
I know what you are thinking about right now. I really do. You are asking yourself if my seeing all of this caused me to ask questions, right? Most definitely, yes. And, thankfully those questions brought understanding, understanding that I otherwise would have never gained. Finally, this understanding brought a hunger for God to do these things in and through me. The end result is what you see as Vickie and I travel across the nation and declare “TODAY is the day of the Holy Ghost” and expect Him to show His presence in our services.
As a parent, grandparent, or children’s ministry worker/leader you will agree that at best (and this isn’t too common), our children have only heard or read the accounts found in the book of Acts. They definitely have the “I admit I once lived by rumors of you”. The “now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!” in today’s church environment is a rarity. Am I right?
Here is the reason for this blog post. I am crying out for us to make it known that the Holy Spirit is still alive and well. For the sake of our children, let’s validate the reality that He is still at work today. Let’s make it a priority for our children to have the opportunity to see the working of the Holy Spirit. If not in your own home, attend services where the Holy Spirit speaks and demonstrates His power through the gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12). If this is not seen in your local church, take advantage of visiting other churches in your area that are desirous of moves of the Holy Spirit. If that isn’t a possibility, YouTube has countless videos showing signs, wonders, and miracles. And finally (this is so important), establish a biblical foundation by explaining and teaching about what is being seen.
For the sake of our children, it’s time to squash rumors. The book of Acts Holy Spirit is still a see and hear Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:33). Let’s make it known!
