Hosea 12:1: “Ephraim feedeth on wind”.
There is no nourishment in the wind! On the contrary, the bloated feeling of dry, empty wind becomes a sign of malnourishment, much like the swollen stomachs of famished children.
Brazilians have another way of expressing the empty wind concept: “A fool bleches caviar while he is eating chicken feet.” Along the same lines, there is a root in Brazil called Mandioca used by poor Brazilians as a hunger pacifier. It is a proven fact that mandioca contains no nutrients, yet it continues to be consumed by many hungry natives.
Regretfully, wind has become a significant part of Pentecost, mainly when used by those behind the pulpit as a “soul filler!” Sad to say, many Pentecostals cannot distinguish the difference between a “rushing mighty wind” vs. a dry, arid “empty” wind.
Empty wind does NOT fulfill (nor satisfy) a hungry soul. So, even with the abundance of anointing now available to all preachers willing to pay the price that comes with unction, we are seeing more and more miserable-looking souls that have bloated stomachs and no doctrinal substance!
What we need is more anointed preaching, not more harmonizing praise teams.
We need more preaching about authentic holiness over windy messages about healing (and I BELIEVE in a miraculous healing!). It is interesting to note that Peter’s mighty Day of Pentecost sermon mentioned NOTHING about healing! Why? Because healing is a natural (expected) result of authentic Holy Ghost preaching! In other words, you can automatically be healed when you receive the Holy Ghost, BUT… just being healed does not automatically save you!
Feeding on wind may tickle the tongue’s taste buds, but when empty wind reaches the soul… there are no reinforcements for the tissue (issues) of the heart!
Preacher, preach to me! I need to be fed with Holy Manna from the Word, which, in turn, will cause the Mighty Rushing Wind to fill my soul with the Holy Ghost!
Missionary Brad Lambeth
Brazil, SA
The short article above is my way of welcoming the relaunch of the Apostolic Standard (digital version). My father always cherished receiving “The Standard” in our missionary home after weeks of travel across the slow channels of foreign mail. Congratulations!
