Miller Ministries Podcast

The Manifestations of the Spirit - Part 1

It’s critical that we understand the manifestations of the Spirit in the local body. Their purpose is to profit all, not just an individual. The nine manifestations, or gifts, of the Spirit fall into three categories: the gifts of utterance, power, and revelation. Pastor Christine teaches here on the first utterance gift: the word of knowledge. This is some supernatural information God gives a pastor, minister, or someone else He can use in order to meet a present need. A word of knowledge can come by an inward witness, or less commonly, by an audible voice or through an angel.

Are You Pleasing God?

We can love God and still not please Him: “For without faith it is impossible to please Him.” And when we come to Him we must believe “…that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Let’s please Him by trusting that He rewards us as we earnestly seek Him. Faith is not just for our needs but for what is beyond naturally possible. Faith is the “title deed” to those things. We need a “blueprint” of things we stand in faith for; that blueprint is hope. We lay hold of (receive) by faith that blueprint (our hope).

10 Biblical Reasons to Pray MUCH in Other Tongues

One of God’s greatest gifts is tongues—our individual language through the Holy Spirit. Here are some of the benefits of praying in tongues. It’s evidence and a reminder of His indwelling presence. It charges us up spiritually. We pray God’s perfect will by praying in tongues. It stimulates our faith. The Lord reveals things He wants us to do when we pray in tongues. It keeps us from worldly contamination. It makes us desire His presence and fellowship more, which is what He created us for. Praying in tongues helps us pray for the unknown, even for people across the world. It brings spiritual and emotional refreshing; depression leaves when we’re refreshed by Him. Praying in tongues helps us control our natural language. Damage can be done by unedifying natural speech; but tongues helps us speak only good and truth. Tongues magnifies God in our lives; we see things from His perspective, and people see God in us. Tongues is the doorway to the gifts of the Spirit and the supernatural realm of God.

The Blessing of the Lord Makes Us Rich

God commands the blessing on those who follow Him wholeheartedly. His blessing includes health, wealth, and peace. He wants to bless us, but He can only do it if our hearts are turned to Him and we’re Kingdom-minded. Also, His blessings aren’t just for us to keep—they should flow through us for the good of others and the Kingdom. If we occasionally miss or ignore God’s leading, His mercy and grace can correct our course when we turn back to Him and let Him help us. We should be thankful for His increase and recognize that we can’t earn it, but that it’s His goodness poured out on us.

Increase is Tied to Your Obedience to God's Plan

Discerning the Lord’s body impacts both our health and our finances. Knowing in our spirits that Jesus suffered and died for us is discerning His physical body. Understanding our place in the local church is discerning His Church body on earth. Our health and prosperity depend on whether we understand the covenant relationship with Jesus, with our pastor, and with the brethren. A covenant with the local body means serving and being a supply there. The place where God leads you is the place where you can be blessed and be a blessing. If you change churches based on what’s convenient, where your job is, or any reason that isn’t of the Holy Spirit, you won’t increase spiritually and financially as you will by staying where the Holy Spirit led you!

Qualifications for God's Increase

Increase is part of God’s plan for His people. But we don’t qualify to receive His blessing just because we’re His children. Selfish Christians who think only of what they want, or need, miss His greatest purpose for blessing us. God blessed Abraham so he could be a blessing (Gen. 12:2). In Ephesians 4 Paul explains that we work so we can give to those in need. Our work enables us to be sowers and fund the Gospel; that’s seeking the Kingdom first. Be willing to sacrifice things you want. Put away distractions and instead sow to the Spirit. These things qualify us for His increase.

An Introduction to Things That Pertain to the Spirit

First Corinthians chapter 12 outlines the gifts of the Spirit. There are many ways these gifts can manifest, because we all have unique personalities and God works differently through each person. We must be in unity and value each person’s giftings in the body. The things of the Spirit can manifest if we examine our lives before taking communion (chapter 11) and if we walk in the love of God (chapter 13). Praying much in tongues is also key for the things of the Spirit to flow, and helps us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, e.g. when He wants us to intercede for someone.

How I Learned to Trust God for Finances

God deals with us through His covenant. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are in covenant, or agreement. When we pray for anything, it’s on the basis of covenant. If we’re not in agreement with His Word, we can’t receive what He has for us. Worry is disagreement, so stop worrying! Instead, seek God through His Word and prayer. Agree with (have faith in) His Word; that is, be in covenant with it. When you do, and if you don’t draw back or give up, He will lead you into a good financial position! Faith and agreeing with Him is the key, not money.

Be Interested in the Plan of God

God has a plan for you. If you want to follow His plan, be interested in it. Let go of your plans and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. All His plans are good. If what you sense in your spirit doesn’t seem to make sense or even seems impossible, remember that He knows the end from the beginning. His thoughts are higher than ours. If God said He will do it for you, it is an eternal word from Him. He won’t change His mind. Agree with Him (with His covenant with you) and His word of authority. You will always be blessed if you say yes to His plan!

Understanding Covenant and Agreeing with God

God created us through covenant — or agreement — between the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with Him is based on covenant, and we are created to agree with Him! It’s simple to receive from God: we just agree with His Word and “sign” that agreement by speaking His Word back to Him. “Father, You said . . .” and say His Word. We are also created to sow and then reap. The Father sowed His Son and He has been reaping a harvest of souls. He provides seed so we can sow! The supply from Him is a gift, and we simply receive it by agreeing with His covenant Word.