“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. And bless the Lord” (Ps. 134:2 NKJ).
Part Two
Yesterday we saw how the hands can be used as instruments of worship. Today we will point out from scriptures other uses of the hands for spiritual ministry:
1) Prayer (Job 11:13): Stretch out your hand toward God. This is a prayer posture engaging the hands.
2) Blessing Children (Gen. 48:13; Matt. 19:13-15): Both Jacob and Jesus reached out their hands to bless children. We can impart something special to youngsters by this kind of touch.
3) Intercession (Lam. 3:41): As intercessors we can lift up our hands and stand in the gap for God’s intervention in the lives of others.
4) Healing (Mark 16:15-17): The power of God in us who believe is greater than any sickness or disease. By the laying on of our hands in accordance with the Lord’s command, this greater force is released to remove the ailment from the body of the sick and afflicted.
5) Miracles (Acts 5:12; Acts 19:11): These verses tell us that signs, wonders and special miracles were done by the hands of the apostles. We have the same apostolic power residing in us that was in them. We are not claiming apostolic succession, but apostolic success.
6) Holy Spirit Baptism (Acts 8:17): One translation of this verse reads: “They laid hands on them one by one, and one by one they received the Holy Spirit.” Your hands can be used to bless seekers of this experience.
Don’t let your hands be idle or awkward. Put them to work in the Lord’s service.
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.