Happy Mother’s Day!
Before I go any further, I want to pause and say from the bottom of my heart,
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, spiritual mothers, and mother-figures in our congregation. Today, we honor your love, your labor, and your legacy. Whether you birthed children naturally or nurtured them spiritually, you have shaped lives, carried burdens in prayer, and stood in the gap when others could not. You are a reflection of God’s care and compassion, and today, we thank you. May your strength be renewed, your heart encouraged, and your soul refreshed.”
Now, to each of you who attended this our service on May 4: thank you. Your commitment to gathering, growing, and engaging with God’s Word is what keeps this ministry thriving. And to those who took the extra time to research the Sons of Sceva, as I encouraged, I deeply appreciate your dedication to going deeper in Scripture. The Word is alive — and those who seek will find.
As we continue our teaching on Spiritual Gifts, we anchor again in 1 Corinthians 12. Paul’s words are clear: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” Each of us has been given a gift by the Spirit — not for our own status or applause, but for the edification of the Body. God is still moving through wisdom, healing, prophecy, discernment, and tongues. The gifts are real, but they must be stewarded in truth, humility, and unity.
From 1 Kings 14, we’re reminded that God sees through disguises and dishonesty. Jeroboam sent his wife in costume to deceive the prophet — but you can’t disguise your intentions from the all-seeing God. This Word speaks loud today: don’t try to look spiritual — instead, be spiritual. Walk in integrity. God honors the heart that comes before Him clean and surrendered.
Now, let us return to the Sons of Sceva — a sobering story many of you revisited this week.
In Acts 19:13–16, seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, saw Paul casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Wanting the same results, they tried to use the name of Jesus like a magic phrase: “We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” But the evil spirit didn’t respond with fear — it responded with exposure: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about — but who are you?” The demon-possessed man then attacked them, leaving them naked and wounded.
This story teaches us that spiritual language without spiritual authority is dangerous. These men used the right name but had the wrong relationship. They were near the truth, but not rooted in it. They were imitators, not believers.
Let that not be said of us.
Church, you cannot walk in authority if you’re not walking in obedience. The devil is not moved by church attendance, fancy prayers, or borrowed phrases. He responds to real faith, real submission, and real connection to Christ.
Let us not be like the sons of Sceva. Let us be filled, not just with words, but with power. Let us seek not only the gifts — but the Giver. And let us remember: when we walk in truth, the gifts of the Spirit won’t just function — they will flourish.
I’m praying for a church that’s not just active — but anointed. A people not just speaking about the Kingdom — but living it out daily, in love, in order, and in power.
May this word continue to stir your spirit, challenge your walk, and deepen your commitment.
God bless,
Bishop John L. Ghee
