“The owner of a house…brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matt. 13:52).
Part Two
Yesterday’s article spoke of the value of the “old” treasures. In addition to time-honored and trustworthy truths, the Lord has some “new” truths for us. In the Old Testament, the word new has the connotation of something fresh, exhilarating, invigorating. One translation of it is “fresh and green.” “Having life,” “being supple and vibrant,” and “having a growth potential” – all describe this word new.
Changes do not come easy to the church world, yet it must change in order to keep up with the Holy Spirit. Changes do not come easy to individuals, yet the Lord wants us to be receptive to all the new things He offers:
NEW WINE: Predictable Christianity reduces our service to the Lord to sameness, lameness, and lameness. New wine gladdens the heart. It brings new life, spontaneity, and the release of God’s creativity.
NEW ANOINTING: In Psalm 92:10 David writes: “I shall be anointed with fresh (‘new’) oil.” The Lord has a new touch of His Spirit to place in our lives.
NEW HEART: God has promised to replace our calloused, stony heart with a new heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26). You will always know when you have a new heart by the attitude change that comes to you.
We have been promised a new name, a new strength, new tongues, new direction, new blessings, a new heaven, and a new earth. Let’s retain and esteem the old things of God, but let’s also be open to all the new things the Lord has prepared for us.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.