Charisma Magazine

My eyes fluttered open, and I was jolted awake. My heart seemed as if it were pounding out of my chest. Where was I? Nothing looked familiar. Was I in a motel room?

Then suddenly it dawned on me that I had bought new bedroom furniture, the first in 18 years of marriage. I was in my own room.

Glancing at the clock, I could see that it was 6:03 a.m. Slowly I made my way to the kitchen. The constant gnawing pain in my side was growing with each step I took.

Since the age of 13, Perri Costley has been burdened with a message that transcends her youth. She says nothing can satisfy believers in Christ like the Holy Spirit can, not music, people or the latest "new thing." She says, "The Spirit of God is sweeter and tastes better, and is way more attractive and effective than anything that the world makes that we could put in our churches." To hear Perri share her heart, watch the videos below.

Because of the music ministry with which God has blessed me, I have had the privilege of worshiping in countless churches. I have praised the Lord with people of numerous races and denominations. As a result of my experiences, I have come to the conclusion that, regardless of doctrinal differences, racial preferences and varying worship styles, the body of Christ has more in common than it has differences.

John stood at our door arrayed in all his black leather splendor. Safety pins ringed his ear lobes; jewelry pierced his nose and lips. Tattoos covered his arms. Both sides of his head were shaved, the hair on top spiked down the middle.

Our daughter had told me her date was coming, but I wasn’t prepared for what greeted me when I opened the door.

My thoughts raced: Should I let this road warrior in? Is my daughter in danger? What will my congregation think if she brings this guy to church?

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NKJV). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every single believer who names the name of Christ. It not only enables you to live holy; it also empowers you to be a spokeswoman for God in your community, city and the nation. Let Sharyn Culp of His Majesty Ministries pray with you that the Father would endow you with "power from on high." Listen to podcast below.