SATURDAY EDITORIAL

Last week, as ya'll know, I asked the question: "how do you know you are saved?" Well, our two faithful comment makers gave what to them is the reason for their being saved. They are both very good answers, as I am sure you will agree. That is the answers that most of us give when asked the very same question.

But, if you will just bear with me for a minute, I have another question, what about knowing and obeying the voice of our Lord?

How many of us are so unsure of His precious voice that we have to ask Him a 100 times a day for a week if that is really Him? By the time we are sure it is Him talking to us it is too late for us to do whatever it was He wanted us to do in the first place. He just plain went and found another one to do His biding.

We have been doing a series of articles on using the Gifts that God has bestowed on us. Betty knows that God is talking to her through these articles. She didn't have to ask Him if that is Him talking to her. She just knows. How does she know? Because like Barbara says, being filled with the Holy Ghost.

Are any of ya'll wondering to yourselves, "what if it isn't God?" So, lets talk about that for a minute. It is just plain stupid to think that satan would want you to do good to others. He who is so selfish only wants us to keep doubting and questioning so that we miss out on helping God do what needs to be done. Don't ya'll know that satan will always tell you not to be so eager to do for others and be sure to take care of yourselves first. He sure don't want any of us out doing the work of the Lord. By the way, who do you think will get the credit for our doing good deeds? God of course.

Thank you Barbara and Betty for leaving us your daily comments. By doing that you are not only using one of the Gifts from God by you are showing rECj, me and others that ya'll aren't of ashamed of God. Therefore, He who is mighty will not be ashamed of ya'll before His Father who is in Heaven. Each of you encourage rECj and me to continue in the work of the Lord.

Now how many Gifts are ya'll using?

God's Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj

THINK ON THIS THOUGHT:
Some read the Bible to learn and some read the Bible to hear
from heaven.

-- Andrew Murray

Keep Pressing On,
Pastor John W. Sweat, Sr.
Crossroads Baptist Church
(904)376-5049

FAITH
SATURDAY EDITORIAL
Comment from: lv2trnscrb
"for me it is believing Jesus is the Son of God and came to earth to take the place of my sins; for dying for me sins, realizing I'm a sinner, asking him for forgiveness and asking him to be the Lord of my life and then trying to live for him every day and have a relationship with him as the Lord of my life 24/7

betty"


FAITH
SATURDAY EDITORIAL
Comment from: bhbner2him
"I know I am saved because I know He who saves me. And He has sealed me with the indwelling Holy Spirit. - Barbara
http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/"


DOUBTING THOMAS (AND MANY OF US)
Source: Christiansunite.com

HELPS

Key Verse: 1 Cor. 12:28-In that verse, Paul lists ‘helps’ along with other more well known gifts such as ‘apostle,’ ‘teacher,’ etc.

Definition:

Greek word: Antilepsis. Literally; “to take one’s turn with, to support; rendering assistance, lending a hand.” The gifts of helps is the God-given ability and desire to support another member of the body of Christ in order that the other person can be more effective in his service for God.

Scriptural References and Examples:

Acts 20:35-‘ye ought to support the weak.’ This word ‘support’ is the verb form of the word used in 1 Cor. 12:28 translated ‘helps.’

Romans 16:1,2-Phebe had this gift.

1 Cor. 16:15-Stephanas’ house evidently had this gift as well.

Phil. 2:25-26-Ephaphroditus was used by the Lord to minister especially to Paul in this gift of helps.

Col. 4:7,9-Tychicus and Onesimus had the gift of helps ministering to Paul, thus making him more effective in his service for God.
2 Tim. 4:11-MARK was ‘profitable’ to Paul at this time in his life. He ministered to the needs of Paul, thus freeing Paul to minister more effectively.

Notes and Observations on the Gift of Helps:

The gift of helps is the ability to serve in any supporting role, often temporal, though sometimes spiritual. While this gift is similar to another gift we’ll study-the gift of serving-it is different in that helps is a support for another member of the body of Christ so that person can be more effect in his service for God. For instance, when the seven deacons were chosen in Acts 6 to help with distribution of food, their ministry supported and freed the apostles to be more effective in their service for God, the service of prayer and preaching the Word. The result: ‘The Word of God increased…’ Acts 6:7.

This gift is one of the most neglected and misunderstood gifts. This gift when operating in the body of Christ will produce great fruit. Often the person with this gift is not well-known. Have you ever heard of Stephanie Willis? She exercises the gift of helps. She is secretary to Billy Graham. This gift is like the gift of mercy, in that it is usually a one-on-one ministry. It is different in that the recipients of the benefits are not normally the poor or needy [as in the gift of mercy], but other Christians who are exercising their gifts.

These people who regularly use the gifts of helps are the unsung heroes of our churches. “When spiritual gifts are mobilized in any given local church, a large percentage of people will undoubtedly find that their gift is the gift of helps. And what a relief they will be to many a pastor who is overworked by a hundred jobs which have little to do with ministering his own spiritual gifts.”

Practical Ways to Put this Gift to Use:

1. Editors, proofreaders [thus freeing the writer to concentrate on writing].
2. A Sunday School Aid [Helper]- Perhaps this person doesn’t have the gift of teaching, but serves to free the teacher to teach more effectively by taking attendance, helping with crafts, etc.
3. Secretary, bookkeeper, ushering.
4. Driving the Pastor or other Christian leaders to the airport or on long speaking trips so he can study and medicate, preparing himself to preach.
5. Short-term missionary service to help missionaries with practical skills such as building buildings, office help, evangelistic efforts, computer work, etc. To the extent they disengage missionaries from the temporal occupation to preach and teach, they are employing the gifts of helps.
6. Preparing elements for the Lord’s Supper.
7. This list, like many others, is only a partial list. Other practical areas can be discovered with some prayerful thought.

Source: Christiansunite.com

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

GIVING

Though He was rich, for your sakes He became poor. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Source: Christiansunite.com

Key Verse: Romans 12:8

Definition: To give a share of; to impart. The word ‘impart’ implies ‘sharing of self as well as things’ 1 Thes. 2:8. The God given ability to willingly, cheerfully and generously give a share of one’s possessions, either material or spiritual, to the work of the Lord.

Scriptural References and Examples:

Mark 12:41-44-The little lady not only gave her coins, she imparted herself when she gave. She gave ‘her all.’ Note, also how Jesus looks at our giving. He beheld how the people gave.

2 Cor. 8:1-7-Paul encouraged the Corinthians to abound in the grace of giving as they excelled in faith, knowledge, and other gifts and graces.

Note, too, that in 2 Cor. 8:2 and 5 that part of the Corinthians liberality was giving of themselves.

Notes and Observations of the Gift of Giving:

The gift of giving is not solely determined by the dollar amount, but by the completeness of his sharing. Mark 12:41-44 In Romans 12:8, Paul instructs that the gift of giving be with ‘simplicity.’ That word ‘simplicity’ is the Greek word which means ‘sincerity.’ It also means without folds, without pretense. Sincere giving is manifested in generous giving, 2 Cor 8:2, 9:11&13.

Paul, then, is not only concerned that the gift be used, but how it is used. More scriptural references refer to this gift as giving money. I believe it applies to other areas as well.

All Christians are required to give. We obediently give 10%. That is our minimum. That is the beginning point. Some, however, are gifted with the ability to make more than what is necessary to live on. Often, God will use these people to give large sums of money to support the work of the Lord.

R. G. LeTourneau, a Texas industrialist, had the gift of giving. In his autobiography, he talks of giving: ‘The question is not how much of my money I give to God, but rather how much of God’s money do I keep.’

Practical Ways to Use the Gift of Giving:

Supporting the local church
Supporting missionary endeavors
Supporting various evangelistic works
Leading a stewardship campaign. [in this situation, the gift of giving would need to be combined with the gift of leadership.]
Giving generously to a needy family or situation

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS

Source: Christiansunite.com

Applying the Gifts

We have previously defined the gifts and made some other comments elsewhere in these articles concerning all the different kinds of gifts that are operational in the Body of Christ.

In the following several articles we will discover these gifts more fully and also now learn how to apply these gifts in ministry in our personal lives. [The last article dealt with the Manifestation Gifts.]

EXHORTATION
Definition: Greek word; paraklesis; literally to “call to one’s side”; encouragement, consolation. “The God-given ability to encourage others in the Body of Christ through words or deeds, in such a way that they feel strengthened and helped.” Giving direction and support in spiritual things also. The act of laying such motives before a person as may excite him to performance of any duty.

Key Verse: Romans 12:8 The word in the King James Version is ‘exhortation.’

Scriptural references and examples:

John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7-The word translated “Comforter” in the KJV is this Greek word paraclete. This is a form of the verb paraklesis. Hence the Holy Spirit is described in these verses as ‘the encourager.’

Acts 14:21, 22- Paul and Barnabas encouraged the new disciples.

Acts 27:22- Paul encouraged the shipmates not to give up, but to be of good cheer.

1 Timothy 4:13-Paul lists encouragement as one of the activities Timothy, the young pastor, was to give attention to.

Hebrews 10:25-One of the opportunities and benefits of corporate worship is encouragement. Our worship services, our Bible studies, our home fellowships, our youth services, etc. are to be so spirit-filled and relational that people leave encouraged.

Notes and observations of the Gift of Exhortation:

While all Christians are to uplift and encourage others, some Christians are gifted by the Holy Spirit to lift and strengthen others. Paul lists it as one of the gifts of the Spirit, ‘charismata’, of Romans 12. Some people have altogether different understanding of “exhortation.” The person with this gift sees the bad, but concentrates on the good.

Consider Barnabas. His name means, ‘son of encouragement,’ Acts 4:36. Let’s note how he was constantly encouraging:

Acts 4; 36, 37-He encouraged the needy saints in Jerusalem by selling his land and giving the money to help the poor. 4:34, 36, 37
Acts 9:26, 27-He encouraged Paul by endorsing an unwelcome convert.
Acts 11:23, 24-He encouraged the Gentile believers by accepting them into the fellowship of the early church.
Acts 15:37-39-He encouraged a young preacher, John Mark. Even though this young man had been a ministerial drop-out, Barnabas expressed confidence and faith in him even when Paul did not. Later, Paul acknowledged that this same John Mark was an important part of his ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11

This gift is vital in our church today. While so many forces are doing their best to tear us down, we need those who will build us up through the gift of encouragement.

Exhortation is considered as a great branch of preaching, though not confined to that, as a person may exhort while he doesn’t preach; though a man can hardly preach if he doesn’t exhort.

Practical Ways to put This Gift to Use:

1. Writing letters or notes of encouragement and appreciation.
2. Looking out for disheartened Christians and allowing the Spirit to give you a word of encouragement for them. Perhaps, an arm around the shoulder might suffice sometimes.
3. Encouraging discouraged pastors and other Christian’s leaders.
4. Preaching, teaching, singing.
5. Committees in our church need someone with this gift. Often committees or deacon boards will get bogged down. This person can lift their spirits and breathe new life into their efforts.
6. This gift is often combined with other ones such as music, pasturing, teaching, helps, etc.
7. Nursing home/shut in.
8. Hospital visitation.
9. Jail ministry.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

OPERATING IN THE GIFTS

Source: ChristiansUnite.com


Knowing about Gifts is not enough; we have to OPERATE flow in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. A more exact way to say it is that we should be available for the Holy Spirit Gifts to flow through us.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthian church ‘…concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.’ 1 Cor. 12:1 The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words and if the Lord did not want the church then to be ignorant, then I feel convinced He doesn’t want the church to be ignorant today.

Most people today are ignorant.
Some don’t even know they exist.
Some think these gifts have been done away with.
Some know a little about them, but their knowledge is very restricted.

THE MANIFESTATION GIFTS

Turn to 1 Corinthians 12:1-14.
Some observations concerning 1 Corinthians 12.
It is written to the whole church not to an individual.
Paul was telling the whole church as a GROUP to covet these things.
As the whole church covets them, the Spirit will divide to every man severally as He wills.
Not every person is going to have all these gifts. Verse 8
The Holy Spirit proclaims Jesus. Verse 3
[The gifts draw attention to Jesus and not to self.]

DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS

Verse 4 ‘Now there is diversities of gifts…’

The word ‘diversities’ simply means different. Understood as such, verses 4-6 will read: ‘There are different gifts but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but he same Lord. And there are differences of operations, but it is the same God that worketh in all.”
We need to note that all of these gifts are given so that everyone may profit [be strengthened, uplifted]. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

SUMMARY OF MANIFESTATION GIFTS

1. Revelation Gifts or manifestations of the Spirit’s Knowledge:
Word of wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Discerning of Spirits
2. Power Gifts or manifestations of the Spirit’s Power.
Faith
Working of miracles
Healing
3. Inspirational Gifts or Manifestations of the Spirit’s Message
Prophecy
Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues

SPREADING OF OUR WINGS

It is now time to spread our wings and to begin to trust the Holy Spirit [and ourselves] and to EXPERIENCE these wonderful Manifestation Gifts,

The question usually is “How and where do I begin?”
Be a child of God.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit
A clean vessel
A life of prayer
Be available
Realize that you are not perfect
Walk in love
Be bold and courageous
Speak up!…or respond

CONCLUSION

God wants to use everyone of us in the manifestation gifts. Make this a matter of prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and make yourself available today.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

THE GIFTS DEFINED

Source: ChristArt.com

Administration. The special ability to understand the objectives of the church, to organize plans to accomplish those objectives, and to execute those plans in an efficient manner. Acts 6:1-7, I Cor. 12:28, Titus 1:5

Apostle. The special ability to perform a special task or work for the Lord, exercise general leadership over the ministry of the body, which is accepted and appreciated, and speak with recognized authority in spiritual matters. Acts 6:1-6, 13:1-4, 1 Cor. 12:28, 2 Cor. 12:12, Eph 4:11, Gal 2:7-10

Craftsmanship. The special ability to use their hands to make, create, construct and repair whatever is necessary to further the work of the Lord and to bring glory to Him. Ex. 30:22-25, 31:3-11, 1 Chr. 34:9-13, Acts 16:14, 18:3

Discernment. The supernatural ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. Acts 8:18-24, 16:16-18, 1 Cor. 12:10, 1 John 4:1-6

Evangelist. The special ability and desire to share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that they become followers of the Lord JESUS and responsible members of the body. Acts 5:42, 8:4-8, 26-38, 14:21, 21:8, Eph 4:11, 2 Tim 4;5

Exhortation. The special ability to minister words and deeds of comfort, encouragement, and counsel to others in such a way that they feel strengthened and helped. Acts 4:36-37, 11:22-26, Rom. 12:8, 1 Thes. 2:11-12, 2 Tim 4:2, Heb 10:25

Faith. A supernatural endowment that enables the Christian to believe for and expect an extraordinary demonstration of God’s power. Acts 3;16, 11:22-24, Rom. 4:18-21, 1 Cor. 12:9, 13:2, Heb 11

Giving. The special ability to make and cheerfully contribute their material resources without selfish motives to meet the needs of other people and to advance the work of the Lord. Acts 4:36-37, 9:36 & 39, Rom. 12:8, 2 Cor 8:1-15, 9:5-11, 1 Tim 6:17-19

Healing's. A supernatural demonstration of God’s power to heal sickness, injury, and disease. Acts 3:1-10, 5:15, 20:9-12, 1 Cor 12:9 & 28, James 5:14, 1 Pet 2:24

Helps. The special desire and ability to invest their talents in the life and ministry of other members of the body in order that those persons can be more effective in their service for God. Acts 9:36, Rom 16:1-2, 1 Cor 12:28, Phil. 2:24-30, Philemon 11

Hospitality. The special ability to provide a warm welcome to those needing food and lodging, to make people feel welcome and accepted in any situation and to help people get acquainted with others. Acts 16:15, 21:4, 7,8,21, Rom 12:13, 16:23, 1 Tim 3:2, Heb 13:1-2, 1 Pet. 4:9

Intercession. The special ability and calling to make petitions to God on behalf of others on a regular basis, over an extended period of time, which results in specific answers. Acts 12:5-17, 16:25-31, Col 4:12, 1 Tim 2:1-8, James 5:14-16

Interpretation. The ability to state in the language of the hearer the message of one who speaks in tongues. 1 Cor. 12:10, 30, 14:13, 26-28

Knowledge. A revelation of facts or circumstances to an individual that could not be learned from any human source. Acts 5:1-11, 9:11-18, 1 Cor 2:14, 12:8, 2 Cor 11:6, Col 2:2-3

Leadership. The special ability to set goals for the body in accordance with God’s will, to communicate these goals to others, and to motivate them to work together harmoniously to accomplish these goals for the glory of God. Acts 15:7-11, Rom 12:8, 1 Tim 5:17, Heb 13:17

Mercy. The special ability to feel genuine empathy and compassion doe individuals in distressing situations and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds that reflect Christ’s love and alleviate suffering. Acts 5:1-11, 9:27, 36, 16:33-34, Rom. 12:8

Miracles. A supernatural demonstration of God’s power that supersedes the laws of nature. Acts 5:1-11, 9:36-42, 19:11-20, 20:7-12, 1 Cor. 12:10,28

Missionary. The special ability God gives certain members to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture. Acts 9:15, 13:2-3, Rom. 10:15, 1 Cor. 9:19-23, Eph. 3:1-7

Music. The special ability to sing or play a musical instrument in such a way that the body is edified and Jesus Christ is glorified and exalted. 1 Chr. 16:42, 2 Chr. 5:12-13, 34:12, Psalms 101, 150, 1 Cor. 14:26, Eph. 5:18-19, Col. 3:16

Pastor. The special ability to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. John 10:11-14, Acts 20:28-32, Eph. 4:11-12, 1 Tim 3:1-7, Heb. 13:20, 1 Peter 5:2-3

Prophecy. The special ability to speak a message from God to the church through a yielded believer given in the language of the speaker and the hearers. Acts 2:14-20, 11:27-28, 21:9, 1 Cor 4:13

Serving. The special desire and ability to identify unmet task-related needs in the body and make use of available resources to meet those needs doing so with a willing and joyful attitude. Acts 6:1-7, 9:36-43, Rom. 12:7, 15:26-33, Gal. 6:10, 2 Tim. 1:16-18

Teaching. The special ability to acquire and communicate spiritual truths relevant to the needs of the body in such a way that others will be motivated to learn and to respond. Acts 2:42, 15:35, 18:24-26, 19:8-10, Eph. 4:11-15, Col. 3:16, 1 Tim 3:2, 2 Tim 2:2, Titus 2:3-5, James 3:1

Tongues. The ability to speak a message from God to the church through the yielded believer given in a language unlearned by the speaker. Acts 2:1-13, 10:44-46, 19:1-7, 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 14:13-19

Wisdom. A revelation by God to men of a portion of His perfect wisdom that would not otherwise be known. Acts 6:1-6, 15:13-33, 1 Cor 12:8, James 1:5-6

PASTOR BEGINS
Developing leadership
Training the church
Reaching the community
Reaching beyond to the world

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
BUILDING ~ Believers are "God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9); and heaven is called "a building of God" (2 Corinthians 5:1). Christ is the only foundation of his church (1 Corinthians 3:10-12), of which he also is the builder (Matthew 16:18).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Source: ChristArt.com

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will be glad and rejoice in it. For the past two nights I have been at a revival that has turned my life upset down, inside out in so many wonderful God filled ways.

I went looking for a revival in my life, isn’t that why we have revival? Ready to go to the next level in my relationship with the Lord, He in turn blessed me with more then I asked, believed or even thought was possible. Now that is what a revival is suppose to be all about.

As I sat in Church tonight I was talking with The Father. I told Him I knew that I did not need to be at a building to get revival in my life, it can happen just as well at home. Then things started to happen. Before the service started when we first walked in the building you could feel the present of the LORD. The lights were dim, no music playing just blissful peace. The service started before the speaker went to the pulpit. People were praying and the Spirit of God was moving through the place. The body of Christ was going to have a party and it involved everyone there.

We did in fact have a party, praising the Lord in song, and worship. Needless to say I am a little tired and ready to rest in the Lord.

So for today my prayer for each one of you is revival, revival in your mind, body, soul. Revival in all you are in Christ.

I will share more with you later about the past two nights and all that happened in detail. Then I will share with you an amazing story of many people, the man at work, the young man across the walkway, two churches and how God has brought us all together.

God is awesome all the time.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
SAVIOUR ~ One who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest sense the word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to his redeemed ones, he is their Saviour. The great message of the gospel is about salvation and the Saviour. It is the "gospel of salvation." Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the work of redemption. Salvation is redemption made effectual to the individual by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Source: ChristArt.com

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE SAVED?

God's Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj

CLASSIFICATION OF GIFTS

WORD OF WISDOM
EVANGELIST ~ A "publisher of glad tidings;" a missionary preacher of the gospel (Ephesians 4:11). This title is applied to Philip (Acts 21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Source: ChristArt.com

Three broad categories or classifications of gifts are commonly used for the division of gifts: manifestation, motivational, and ministry gifts. Under these three headings, we can group our list of 27 gifts.

MANIFESTION............. MOTIVATIONAL....... MINISTRY
word of wisdom.... teaching ... apostle
work of knowledge.. exhortation... prophet
tongues........... giving........ evangelist
interpretation..... helps........ pastor
discerning of spirit mercy....... teacher
faith.............. hospitality............
miracles............ craftsmanship........
healing............ intercession...........
prophecy............ music........ serving

MANIFESTATION GIFTS

The word manifestation is defined as ‘an uncovering, a shining forth, to make visible, or a clear display.’ These nine gifts are further defined in three categories.

Revelation gifts or manifestations of the spirit’s knowledge.
Word of wisdom........... Word of Knowledge.. Discerning of Spirits

Power Gifts or manifestations of the Spirit’s power.
Faith.................. Working of Miracles.. Healing

Inspirational gifts or manifestations of the Spirit’s message.
Prophecy.................... Tongues.................... Interpretation of Tongues

MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS

Although the list below, which includes twelve items of giftedness, is long, it is not necessarily complete. As stated above, many authors include items found in scripture, which can define an area of giftedness.

Teaching................... Mercy..................... Craftsmanship
Exhortation............... Hospitality.............. Intercession
Giving....................... Leadership............. Music
Helps........................ Administration........ Serving

MINISTRY GIFTS

Apostle..................... Prophet.................. Evangelist......... Pastor....... Teacher

1. The prophet is to inspire the teacher.
2. The teacher is to steady the prophet
3. The evangelist is to continually remind us of the lost and dying world and its need for the gospel but must come under the ministry of a local pastor.
4. The pastor is to show us souls still need much caring after they have been won but they must open their ministry to all other gifts in order for the body to mature.
5. The apostle is to inspire and lead the ay to fresh conquest for Christ and the Church, never losing sight in all his work that the local church is God’s expression to the world.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

13 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. 18 But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money in it. 19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 The one with the two talents also came and said, ‘Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more.’ 23 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter? 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. 29 For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 25:13-30 This parable is also told in Luke 19:11-27

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS-TERMINOLGY DEFINED

WORD OF WISDOM
TALENT ~ Of silver contained 3,000 shekels (Exodus 38:25, 26), and was equal to 94 3/7 lbs. avoirdupois. The Greek talent, however, as in the LXX., was only 82 1/4 lbs. It was in the form of a circular mass, as the Hebrew name kikkar denotes. A talent of gold was double the weight of a talent of silver (2 Samuel 12:30). Parable of the talents (Matthew 18:24; 25:15).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Source: ChristArt.com

Man Traveling.............. Christ
Far Country.................. Heaven
His Servants................. Believers
Goods/Property............. Talents/Spiritual Gifts

OBSERVATIONS

1. His goods or property described in verse 14 are Christ’s.
2. Different amounts of talents were given to each servant, yet each was given at least one.
3. The man traded or put to work his five talents in verse 16. Successful Christians are not lazy. God requires us to work but at the same time He works in us. See Phil 2:12-13.
4. The servant who received two talents worked as diligently as the servant who had five.
5. Both servants had equal success.
6. The servant who received one talent was negligent, failing to use his gift, but used valuable energy in hiding his gift.
7. The unfaithful servant did not use his talent because:
fear of failure or his master-vs 25
laziness-vs 26
perhaps anger over receiving only one gift
perhaps jealousy against others who had more
perhaps felt it was too late-vs 19
8. We are to use our gifts until Christ returns.
9. We shall all have to give an account for the use of our gifts.
10. Both faithful servants were commended for faithfulness in exactly the same way.
11. The faithful servants were rewarded for their usefulness.
12. The unfaithful servant blamed his failure on his master.
13. Uselessness leads to eternal death.

God Bless,
rECjLJG

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS

WORD OF WISDOM
FULNESS ~ 1.) Of time (Galatians 4:4), the time appointed by God, and foretold by the prophets, when Messiah should appear.
(2.) Of Christ (John 1:16), the superabundance of grace with which he was filled.

(3.) Of the Godhead bodily dwelling in Christ (Colossians 2:9), i.e., the whole nature and attributes of God are in Christ.

(4.) Ephesians 1:23, the church as the fulness of Christ, i.e., the church makes Christ a complete and perfect head.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Source: ChristArt.com

REGULATIONS- 1 Corinthians calls for these regulations

Motivation-love Chapter 13
Maturity-be not children in understanding...be men. 14:20
Edification-called for seven times [Verses 3-5,12,17,26] All to edify, to build up, to add to, to contribute to the common good
Order-all is to be ‘done decently and in order’ [Verses 33, 44]

JUDGING A GIFT- The exercise of an utterance gift can be judged [vs 29] by asking questions:

Does it agree with the word of God?
Does it glorify the Lord Jesus?
Does it witness with your own spirit?
Is it ministered in love?
Can it stand the test of being judged by others?

GUIDELINES FOR USE-Further guidelines are given in the following scriptures

Forbid not-1 Cor 14:39
Desire earnestly-12:31, 14:1, 39
Evaluate-14:26-33
Despise not-1 Thes 5:20
Prove-vs 21
Hold fast- vs 21
Neglect not- 1 Tim 4:14
Stir up- 2 Tim 1:6
Take heed [to fulfill] Col 4:17

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

FIVE STEPS TO DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

WORD OF WISDOM
BUILDING ~ Believers are "God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9); and heaven is called "a building of God" (2 Corinthians 5:1). Christ is the only foundation of his church (1 Corinthians 3:10-12), of which he also is the builder (Matthew 16:18).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Source: ChristArt.com

Explore the possibilities. Read through the three key chapters in Holy Scriptures dealing with spiritual gifts. [1 Cor. 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4]. Learn what the gifts are, what characterizes them, and how they function in the Body of Christ, so that you can have something concrete to look for as you move ahead.

Experimenting. Discovering gifts is not necessarily easy. IT requires some trial and error. Error in this case does not denote something wrong, but it implies that a person is learning. The majority of the gifts should be ‘tried on for size.’ Look for ways to help people. Meet needs. Be available for any job around the church you might be asked to do. When you get an assignment, undertake it in prayer. Give each job a fair shake and do not give up easily. Every gift you find you do not have reduces the number of options you need to work with for getting positive direction.

Examine your feelings. Since God has put the Body together, you will feel fulfilled when functioning in the proper area. Thus, if you enjoy your attempts to use a particular gift, that is a good sign that you possess it. If, however you dislike the service activities associated with a certain gift, that is fairly a good sign that you do not have it.

Evaluate your effectiveness. Since spiritual gifts are designed to benefit others, you should see positive results as you use your gift[s]. If you do not see any results when you experiment with a particular gift, you probably do not have that gift. But it could be that you did not give it a fair try, or that it will simply take time for you to learn to use the gift effectively. As you evaluate, pray for the courage to be honest with yourself and with the Lord.

Expect confirmation for the Body. You cannot discover, develop, and use a gift all on your own. Gifts are given to build up other members of the Body. If you have a gift, other Christians will recognize it and confirm it. If you feel that you have a particular gift and no one else agrees with you, then you should take a closer look at yourself and re-evaluate.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

PRINCIPLES REGARDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

WORD OF WISDOM
REVELATION ~ An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Hebrews 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth.

Revelation and inspiration differ. Revelation is the supernatural communication of truth to the mind; inspiration (q.v.) secures to the teacher or writer infallibility in communicating that truth to others. It renders its subject the spokesman or prophet of God in such a sense that everything he asserts to be true, whether fact or doctrine or moral principle, is true, infallibly true.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary


Source: ChristArt.com

God imparts spiritual gifts according to His divine grace; they cannot be earned through human merit. They are received not achieved. Ephesians 4:7-8 (King James Version) 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

God gives spiritual gifts according to His own discretion; He is not bound by man’s wishes. 1 Corinthians 12:11 (King James Version) 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. Hebrews 2:4 (King James Version) 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

God wills that every Christian exercise spiritual gifts; these divine enabling's are not limited to a few believers. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (King James Version) 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Peter 4:10 (King James Version) 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

God provides spiritual gifts for the purpose of ministry [service]; they are not given in order to draw attention to man. Corinthians 12:7 (King James Version) 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Peter 4:10-11 (King James Version) 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

God intends that the ministry of the church be accomplishes through spiritual gifts; human talents are not adequate for spiritual ministry.

By understanding which spiritual gifts have been entrusted to us, we can come to understand God’s perfect will for our life's. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
ABOMINATION ~ This word is also used symbolically of sin in general (Isaiah 66:3); an idol (44:19); the ceremonies of the apostate Church of Rome (Revelation 17:4); a detestable act (Ezek. 22:11).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary


Source: ChristArt.com

Have you ever seen the title of something and thought that sounds great, only to read further and think "what the heck." The following title caught my eye and I decided to read more. "I AM WHO I AM, BY GOD'S GRACE."

Sounds interesting, doesn't it. We know who I AM is, but how often do we stop to think that we our self are who we are because of the Grace of God?

I Am Who I Am, is one of the Names of God. I believe it would be okay to say that God is Whom He is because of His own Grace. I Am Who I Am, really that Name says a lot. This is Whom I am, no more or no less. There is One Me, One Way, Take Me as I Am. The Lord does not change.

God's Grace comes into our life's and changes us into whom He would have us to be. God's Grace does not allow us to remain the way we were as a sinner, but changes us, sometimes in the flash of an eye, sometimes slowly over time. He shapes us into the creation that He intended us to be when He created this earth and all that is in it.

Being a sinner we are saved by His Grace. We welcome the changes that He brings into our life, even when it is things we were comfortable with, because we want to line up with who His Word says we are.

The guidelines as to the person we can be in Christ, is completely spelled out in His Word. I might add, we all know, or should know, we are not to add to or take away from His Word.

It is by His Grace that we are changed. Years ago I knew a gentlemen who with a group of others like himself met together to study and share the Word of God. Other local churches did not accept them, because they were known in the community as being gay people. They knew what the Bible said about homosexuals, they knew it was a sin. They had given up that part of their life's, their problem was that churches could not, would not accept that just as they were sinners so where they. As all have problems with sin, some of them had problems in this area of their life's, area churches were not equipped to handle those issues. So they met together, so they would not be judged. Please understand me here they did not try to explain away their past behavior, nor did they try to adjust the Bible to fit in their lifestyles. Open gays were welcomed into the group, in the hope that they could learn that God did love them as they were, but that God did not desire that they stay in this lifestyle.

A sin is a sin, no matter what it is.

There was behavior in my life before I asked the Lord into my life, which was sin. Since I have been saved there has been sin in my life. As I write this there are still areas of my life that need work, and as the Lord reveals it to me I work on those areas. Some things I am aware need work, and then there are things that I am comfortable with that God will tell me, "Girl that has to go." I am a work in process, and very thankful that I can go to Him ask forgiveness and be changed. I can not in good faith take any sin that is in my life and justify it to make it okay.

God does not and will not work that way for any of us. God is a just and righteous God that will forgive us anything that does not line up with His Word, if we have asked Him into our life's and ask forgiveness. He understands and will help us in those areas of our life that do not line up with Him. Do not misunderstand there are some thing's in our life's that He wants us to take the step and give up, but know also that if we do go to Him with a sincere heart He will be there for us each step of the way.

God does not desire that any should continue to live in sin. Is this were we become so comfortable in sin that we accept that which is wrong because we
are lead by those claiming to be right with God that He did create us this
way. Do we love our sin so much that we look for ways to be
comforted in being told that it is okay? This in no way makes that sin
right. Accepting something as right that does not line up with the Word of
God is a sin in itself.

The following was posted in our local paper. Instead of addressing the sin, it is being covered over. We will accept you as you are, and let you stay that way. God accepts you as you are and then changes you to become who you can be in HIM.

Gay and lesbian faith examined
The Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau is the site for "I Am Who I Am - By God's Grace," a prayer retreat that focuses on the giftedness and mission of gay and lesbian people of faith. It will be held May 16 and May 17 and will be presented by the Rev. Rusty Shaughnessy and the Rev. Jim Schexnayder.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
Psalm 63: Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary



Source: ChristArt.com

God morning everyone. We finally got some much needed God's music (rain) yesterday afternoon and it was a delight to hear the music.

Today I want to share something with ya'll that I have been praying and thinking about this week. As most of ya'll know I have five wonderful and delightful (well most of the time) children. But the one I want to share with ya'll is my baby boy, O. He is 31 years old and has finally found him a pretty little honey. Now that I don't have a problem with cause I have known since he was in the hospital with staft infection back in July 2004 or 2005 when she came to visit him with her little boy. Her baby is named after my O but he isn't my O's son. Little O is the son of my O' best friend at time anyway. The reason for my O not being friends with this boy is another story I will share with ya'll at a later time.

My question is this, when they do have a honey, why all of a sudden do they tkink they know more that I/we do? Knows more about raising children and everything else in this world? No, it isn't a surprise, I've already been thru it his brother and three sisters. I know it is an "adult" thing, but it isn't pretty and sometimes it is just plain downright stupid. You see, I am one of those old timey mama's who didn't "spare the rod." I am praying about taking up the "rod" again to this boy of mine and giving him a reminder who it is he is talking too. I know in my heart that he loves me, but he has forgotten who it is trying to give him advice.

No, as some of you may be thinking, I am not jealous of this young woman. I am so happy that God has finally sent this woman to fulfill my son in his life. No, she won't take my place in his heart, but as it should be she will be first. That's fine with me too. That is as God said it should be. But why does this growing experience has to be so hard on the parents? Yes, I know that it is part of life God intended, but why does it have to hurt so much? Because I am letting it is probably the answer. Sometimes it is just plain dare some for me to even say "good morning" to him.

He knows he has just about gone to far with me. Like this morning, when he was leaving for work, he woke me up only to asked me where we still friends and did I still love him. "Yes, of course we are friends and yes I love you but sometimes I just plain don't like you," was my answer to him.

I have turned this whole matter to the Lord. I know that God is working on my O cause of his question to me this morning. The hardest part for me is stay out of the way and don't try to HELP God do what needs and has to be done. God knows I am a "IN CHARGE" person, after all He did create me in His image, but sometimes I forget I am not always in CONTROL of what goes on. But the greatest part is that He knows that I know HE is the One with the final answers for my life and the life's of my adorable children.

So, I will accept this stage in our life back off, and Let God have His will with all this. That is the only way I will be able to make it through it all.

God's Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj

WHAT SPIRIT GIFTS ARE NOT

Spiritual gifts are not natural talents.

The gifts of healing have nothing to do with medicine or surgery. Speaking in tongues has nothing to do with linguistic ability or the learning of languages. The word of wisdom is not glorified common sense. Prophecy is not merely preaching. The gifts are gifts of the Spirit. As such, they are resident in the spirit. They are manifested and not imparted…according to the will of god and not according to our merit.

Spiritual gifts are not The Fruit of the Spirit

GIFTS.............................................FRUIT
Word of Wisdom..............................Love
Word of knowledge.......................... Joy
Faith...............................................Peace
Healing............................................Longsuffering
Miracles..........................................Gentleness
Prophecy.........................................Goodness
Discerning of Spirits..........................Faith
Tongues...........................................Meekness
Interpretation of Tongues...................Self-Control
Evangelist, etc.

There are numerous differences between the Fruit [singular] and the Gifts [plural]. Here are a few of those differences.

Gifts are functional............................Fruit is a quality of life
Gifts are bestowed............................Fruit is growth implanted
Gifts are given..................................Fruit is gradually developed
Gifts are complete............................Fruit is eternal
Gifts are temporal.............................Fruit defines who a Christian is
Gifts define what a Christian does

The possession of gifts does not indicate godliness of life.

Spiritual Gifts are not Christian roles.
Spiritual gifts are not abilities to be displayed.

The very nature of gifts is that they are for the body of Christ or an individual’s benefit, not for the benefit of the gift channel. When pride enters a saint used in a particular gift, the careful balance between fruit and gifts is upset. Pride always precedes a fall. Once a person determines that he or she is over or above another because the Lord chooses to use them in a gift, their ministry is greatly curtailed in effectiveness. When gifts become ends in themselves, they are being used to glorify the user rather then the body. There is no first class or second-class citizen determined by your giftedness. We are all one in Christ.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

A CLOSER LOOK AT MINISTRY

WORD OF WISDOM
PROPHET ~ (Hebrews nabi, from a root meaning "to bubble forth, as from a fountain, " hence "to utter", Comp. Psalm 45:1). This Hebrew word is the first and the most generally used for a prophet. In the time of Samuel another word, ro'eh, "seer", began to be used (1 Samuel 9:9). It occurs seven times in reference to Samuel. Afterwards another word, hozeh, "seer" (2 Samuel 24:11), was employed. In 1 Ch. 29:29 all these three words are used: "Samuel the seer (ro'eh), Nathan the prophet (nabi'), Gad the seer" (hozeh). In Joshua 13:22 Balaam is called (Hebrews) a kosem "diviner," a word used only of a false prophet.
The "prophet" proclaimed the message given to him, as the "seer" beheld the vision of God. (See Numbers 12:6, 8.) Thus a prophet was a spokesman for God; he spake in God's name and by his authority (Exodus 7:1). He is the mouth by which God speaks to men (Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 51:16), and hence what the prophet says is not of man but of God (2 Peter 1:20, 21; Comp. Hebrews 3:7; Acts 4:25; 28:25). Prophets were the immediate organs of God for the communication of his mind and will to men (Deuteronomy 18:18, 19). The whole Word of God may in this general sense be spoken of as prophetic, inasmuch as it was written by men who received the revelation they communicated from God, no matter what its nature might be. The foretelling of future events was not a necessary but only an incidental part of the prophetic office. The great task assigned to the prophets whom God raised up among the people was "to correct moral and religious abuses, to proclaim the great moral and religious truths which are connected with the character of God, and which lie at the foundation of his government."
Any one being a spokesman for God to man might thus be called a prophet. Thus Enoch, Abraham, and the patriarchs, as bearers of God's message (Genesis 20:7; Exodus 7:1; Psalm 105:15, as also Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15; 34:10; Hosea 12:13), are ranked among the prophets. The seventy elders of Israel (Numbers 11:16-29), "when the spirit rested upon them, prophesied;" Asaph and Jeduthun "prophesied with a harp" (1 Chronicles 25:3. Miriam and Deborah were prophetesses (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4). The title thus has a general application to all who have messages from God to men.
But while the prophetic gift was thus exercised from the beginning, the prophetical order as such began with Samuel. Colleges, "schools of the prophets", were instituted for the training of prophets, who were constituted, a distinct order (1 Samuel 19:18-24; 2 Kings 2:3, 15; 4:38), which continued to the close of the Old Testament. Such "schools" were established at Ramah, Bethel, Gilgal, Gibeah, and Jericho. The "sons" or "disciples" of the prophets were young men (2 Kings 5:22; 9:1, 4) who lived together at these different "schools" (4:38-41). These young men were taught not only the rudiments of secular knowledge, but they were brought up to exercise the office of prophet, "to preach pure morality and the heart-felt worship of Jehovah, and to act along and co-ordinately with the priesthood and monarchy in guiding the state aright and checking all attempts at illegality and tyranny."
In New Testament times the prophetical office was continued. Our Lord is frequently spoken of as a prophet (Luke 13:33; 24:19). He was and is the great Prophet of the Church. There was also in the Church a distinct order of prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5), who made new revelations from God. They differed from the "teacher," whose office it was to impart truths already revealed.
Of the Old Testament prophets there are sixteen, whose prophecies form part of the inspired canon. These are divided into four groups:
(1.) The prophets of the northern kingdom (Israel), viz., Hosea, Amos, Joel, Jonah.
(2.) The prophets of Judah, viz., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah.
(3.) The prophets of Captivity, viz., Ezekiel and Daniel.
(4.) The prophets of the Restoration, viz., Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary



SAMUEL BRINGING GOD'S MESSAGE

Source: Christiansunite.com


Summarizing the Different Gifts

1. The Letter to the Corinthians

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (King James Version) 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: Word of wisdom,Word of knowledge, Faith Miracles, Prophecy,Discerning of spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues

1 Corinthians 12:28 (King James Version) 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Workers of miracles, Healers, Administrators, Tongues

2.The Letter to the Romans

Romans 12:6-8 (King James Version) 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Mercy

3. The letter to the Ephesians

Ephesians 4:11 (King James Version) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers

GOD WANTS TO USE YOU IN THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. MINISTRY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH IS AVAILABLE TO ALL.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

BUT ALL THESE WORKETH

WORD OF WISDOM
SPIRITUAL GIFTS ~ (Gr. charismata), gifts supernaturally bestowed on the early Christians, each having his own proper gift or gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. These were the result of the extraordinary operation of the Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost. They were the gifts of speaking with tongues, casting out devils, healing, etc. (Mark 16:17, 18), usually communicated by the medium of the laying on of the hands of the apostles (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14). These charismata were enjoyed only for a time. They could not continue always in the Church. They were suited to its infancy and to the necessities of those times. It differs from the charisma (1 Corinthians 12:4) as denoting not miraculous powers but the working of a new spirit in men, and that spirit from God.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary


DO NOT NEGLECT THE GIFT(S) GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

Source: ChristArt.com


1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

Years ago I was in a church that actually had classes for new members to take. They wanted us to learn and grow in the Lord. Over the next days I will be sharing with you a folder from that church I found. I want to share it with you and pray that it will be a help to you where ever you are in your walk with the Lord.

GIFTS AND MINISTRIES IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

CONVERT John 1:12 (King James Version) 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

DISCIPLE Matthew 28:19 (King James Version) 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

MINISTER Ephesians 4:11 (King James Version) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

TRAINER 2 Timothy 2:2 (King James Version) 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

THE LOCAL CHURCH >NEW CONVERTS>DISCIPLE>MINISTER>TRAINER>TO THE WORLD [MISSION FIELD] INVOLVED IN MINISTRY

Definition of Spiritual Gifts
A SPIRITUAL GIFT is a SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE given by the HOLY GHOST to EVERY BELIEVER in the BODY OF CHRIST according to GOD’S GRACE for use within the CONTEXT OF THE BODY

BENEFITS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

..................You will be a better Christian and more able to follow God to make your life count for Him.

2. Not only does knowing about Spiritual gifts help individual Christians, but it helps the church as a whole. Ephesians 4:13-14 (King James Version)13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

3. The most important thing that knowing about Spiritual gifts does is that it glorifies God. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (King James Version)10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

WATCH AND PRAY

WORD OF WISDOM
PRAYER ~ "Prayer is like the dove that Noah sent forth, which blessed him not only when it returned with an olive-leaf in its mouth, but when it never returned at all."

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary



Source: ChristArt.com

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.

Our Lord does not direct them to pray to God that no temptation might befall them, but that they might not be overcome by the temptations in which they must be involved. The need of such prayer was shown by Peter's denial.

Your spirit: yourselves. The flesh - Your nature. How gentle a rebuke was this, and how kind an apology, especially at a time when our Lord's own mind was so weighed down with sorrow.

It is well for us that our salvation is in the hand of One who neither slumbers nor sleeps. All are tempted, but we should be much afraid of entering into temptation. To be secured from this, we should watch and pray, and continually look unto the Lord to hold us up that we may be safe. Doubtless our Lord had a clear and full view of the sufferings He was to endure, yet He spoke with the greatest calmness till this time.

Christ suffered being tempted; probably horrible thoughts were suggested by satan that tended to be nothing but gloom: these would be the more hard to bear from His perfect holiness. And did the load of imputed guilt so weigh down the soul of Him of whom it is said, He upholdeth all things by the word of His power? Into what misery then must those sink whose sins are left upon their own heads.

As the disciples were unmoved by their Master’s danger, their attention is directed to themselves, that a conviction of their own danger may arouse them. Christ therefore threatens that, if they do not watch and pray, they may be soon overwhelmed by temptation. And let us observe, that the manner of resistance which is here shown is, not to draw courage from reliance on our own strength and perseverance, but, on the contrary, from a conviction of our weakness, to ask arms and strength from the Lord. Our watching, therefore, will be of no avail without prayer.

Strange that such words had no effect. But so it was, and so deep was the apostles’ sleep that Christ left them undisturbed the second time. The relapse is worse than the original disease. Sleep broken and resumed is more fatal than if it had not been interrupted.

This admonition relates properly to believers, who, being regenerated by the Spirit of God, are desirous to do what is right, but still labor under the weakness of the flesh; for though the grace of the Spirit is vigorous in them, they are weak according to the flesh.

How will those escape who neglect so great salvation?

God's Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj

Sorry we are late again. Our rECj's computer isn't working for some unknown reason(cause she is writing an outstanding series of articles).

This will tell you why she does most of the writings. I was up and ready to get the article on line but MY computer wouldn't say logged in. My son says, "Oh no mama, you have a virus." He tells me to do a system restore but I decided to run a full scan instead. Well let me tell you after about 30 minutes of signing on and getting the scanning running again and again, this little sign comes on with, "YOUR BATTERY IS LOW, ETC," Yep ya'll I didn't plug the charger all the way in!!!! Now you can see that I sometimes just plain ain't too bright. But I am so thankful that God loves me in spite of all my short comings. LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Source: MySpace.com

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

Jesus shares in my journey


Only Jesus knows my path

The confrontations that I will face

But Jesus knows of my strength

So I walk this path of faith


Faith that empowers me

Faith that instills in me

Faith that moves mountains

Faith that relies on Jesus beauty


A path of righteousness

A pathway of salvation

A road of revelations

A highway of inspiration


I walk this path

But never alone

For my Jesus shares in this journey

For his kingdom is my desired eternal home


I know there will be

Detours that will try to deter me

But Jesus said as long as I believe

The devil will never have the power to deceive


Because Jesus walks this journey with me


©2008-05-04 GC

An EbonyPoetJoint

I copied this from one of our friends blog. It is so meaningful that we had to share with you. Her blog address is http://tagmin.multiply.com/journal/item/102/When_its_time_to_go.... Please go visit her site you sure will be blest.

God's Blessings to each of you
LJG/rECj

TO KNOW GOD IS TO KNOW COMFORT

WORD OF WISDOM
MOURN ~ (1.) Mourning for the dead. Abraham mourned for Sarah (Genesis 23:2); Jacob for Joseph (37:34, 35); the Egyptians for Jacob (50:3-10); Israel for Aaron (Numbers 20:29), for Moses (Deuteronomy 34:8), and for Samuel (1 Samuel 25:1); David for Abner (2 Samuel 3:31, 35); Mary and Martha for Lazarus (John 11); devout men for Stephen (Acts 8:2), etc.
(2.) For calamities, Job (1:20, 21; 2:8); Israel (Exodus 33:4); the Ninevites (Jonah 3:5); Israel, when defeated by Benjamin (Judges 20:26), etc.

(3.) Penitential mourning, by the Israelites on the day of atonement (Leviticus 23:27; Acts 27:9); under Samuel's ministry (1 Samuel 7:6); predicted in Zechariah (Zechariah 12:10, 11); in many of the psalms (51, etc.).

Mourning was expressed, (1) by weeping (Genesis 35:8, marg.; Luke 7:38, etc.); (2) by loud lamentation (Ruth 1:9; 1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 3:31); (3) by the disfigurement of the person, as rending the clothes (Genesis 37:29, 34; Matthew 26:65), wearing sackcloth (Genesis 37:34; Psalm 35:13), sprinkling dust or ashes on the person (2 Samuel 13:19; Jeremiah 6:26; Job 2:12), shaving the head and plucking out the hair of the head or beard (Leviticus 10:6; Job 1:20), neglect of the person or the removal of ornaments (Exodus 33:4; Deuteronomy 21:12, 13; 2 Samuel 14:2; 19:24; Matthew 6:16, 17), fasting (2 Samuel 1:12), covering the upper lip (Leviticus 13:45; Micah 3:7), cutting the flesh (Jeremiah 16:6, 7), and sitting in silence (Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 12:16; 13:31; Job 1:20).

In the later times we find a class of mourners who could be hired to give by their loud lamentation the external tokens of sorrow (2 Chronicles 35:25; Jeremiah 9:17; Matthew 9:23).

The period of mourning for the dead varied. For Jacob it was seventy days (Genesis 50:3); for Aaron (Numbers 20:29) and Moses (Deuteronomy 34:8) thirty days; and for Saul only seven days (1 Samuel 31:13). In 2 Samuel 3:31-35, we have a description of the great mourning for the death of Abner.

Source: Eason's Bible Dictionary





Source: ChristArt.com


I came across this and decided to post it. All of us I am sure know someone like this.

The passing of loved ones is a time to mourn. All kinds of feelings and emotions try to take over and control your body and mind. We do and say things that under normal situations we would not do. People also say the dumbest things to you when someone passes away.

Being a Christian we can look to the Lord for peace and comfort. While we might not have answers, God will comfort us. I am blessed in that as a Christian I can have that.

A dear friend just lost her young son. That in it self is sad but in the last six months she lost that son, a month later that son’s daughter only 18 and now another child. Her one son left is on drugs. She is one of those people who is happy with her relationship with God. It amounts to there is a God and He is awesome but my life is my own, if God was here it would be better.

What is really sad is what she says is so true. I saw her recently and she was in terrible shape, I suggested things for us to do to get her out of this, to encourage her. She wanted no part of it.

What is even sadder is she does not want to know my God. To her if He was so loving why did He do this to her. The fact is, if God were in her life, if she had a relationship with Him things would have been much different for her.

To begin with she would know how to protect her children, and she would know the promises that belong not only to her but her children and her grandchildren. Even then if this would have happened she would have mourned, but God would have comforted her.

The things we choose to go through without Him. I am so blessed to know my Lord and have that relationship with Him. I mourn when there is a passing, I cry and long for that last goodbye. But even in the mist of the tears, and pain I know that my family is going home, we will met again and it will be joyful. To know that is enough. The wait might be long for us, but for them it is a blinking of the eyes.

Thank You Lord for letting us know we are going home.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

LET THIS HOUR PASS

WORD OF WISDOM
SHADOW ~ Used in Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1 to denote the typical relation of the Jewish to the Christian dispensation.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary




Source: faithclipart

Mark 11:35 He went a little further, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

That scripture could apply to any of us. We have all been in places were we did not want to be. Lord I know this is your will, is there a chance we can forgo this one step? There have been times in my life where I prayed for a little rest before we continue. I am not strong enough, let me rest, strengthen me and then we can go on.

Even the Lord Jesus asked His Father ‘can this pass?’ Then He said ‘Your will not mine.’ Oh that we could do that more. Is there anything in our life that can compare with what He suffered for us? This shows that He was human, even Jesus asked can we stop now.

Your will not mine! As we go through things in life, we have to remember He knows the outcome. His will is that we will not fail; His will is that we can hold on, stand strong and make it till the end.

We must remember that when we are going through a valley, the sides of the valley is high on each side of us, the shadows can leave us in dark places not knowing what is up ahead. In the shadow of the Almighty is when we are to find our rest in the Lord. In the shadow we are in fact in the dark, but it is that very darkness that is protecting us from harm, if we stay in the shadow.

Psalm 91 (King James Version)
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

By staying in His shadow we are promised that angels will keep charge over us, we will call on Him and He will answer us, He will be with us in trouble. He will deliver us and honour us. I love verse 16 it does not say with long life we will be tormented, it says with long life He will satisfy us, and then it tells us He will show us His salvation.

This hour shall pass, and we will be with Him. Praise the Lord.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

GOD BLESS

For today's article please go to http://journals.aol.com/momsfirstscreenn/FAITH/

Thank you,
rECj/LJG

PSALMS 119:33-35

WORD OF WISDOM
EARTH ~ (1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah'. In Genesis 9:20 "husbandman" is literally "man of the ground or earth." Altars were to be built of earth (Exodus 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules' burden of earth (2 Kings 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil.
(2). As the rendering of 'erets, it means the whole world (Genesis 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (1:10). Erets also denotes a country (21:32); a plot of ground (23:15); the ground on which a man stands (33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (2 Chronicles 13:9). In the New Testament "the earth" denotes the land of Judea (Matthew 23:35); also things carnal in contrast with things heavenly (John 3:31; Colossians 3:1, 2).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary





Source: ChristArt.com


33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Direct me in the path of Your commands….Turn my eyes away from worthless things.

So easy to say and sometimes so hard to do. We are surrounded by things that we do not want to see, do not want to hear. Is it possible that we can hide from the world? Can we always escape? How Lord do I escape from the things of the world that I know if they offend me, certainly they offend You?

Turn my eyes from worthless things…and in turning my eyes from them I will focus on You. You are the way, the One and only way, You are the truth and the light. If I am focused on You then the rest of the world is just there.

I have chosen to walk with the Lord, this is a life long journey. Lord give me strength for the journey. So easy to say, not quite as easy to do?

My home is my safe place, where I can shut the door on the things of the world. I cannot stay here forever. I must go out and in going out I see that which I do not wish to see. It is nothing different then what any of us see everyday, and we turn our heads. God have mercy on them. At work I must be polite and friendly, I cannot walk away from the things that offend You Lord. I will not take a part in them; I know the price that many will pay for their actions in this world. Have mercy on them Lord, as You had mercy on me.

I know that the day is coming when I will not have to turn my head to avoid the things of the world. In that day it shall be as You intended this earth to be. I look forward to that day Lord. For now Lord I thank You that You are living inside of me and go with me wherever I go.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

WORD OF WISDOM
WORKS ~ The old objection against the doctrine of salvation by grace, that it does away with the necessity of good works, and lowers the sense of their importance (Romans 6), although it has been answered a thousand times, is still alleged by many. They say if men are not saved by works, then works are not necessary. If the most moral of men are saved in the same way as the very chief of sinners, then good works are of no moment. And more than this, if the grace of God is most clearly displayed in the salvation of the vilest of men, then the worse men are the better.
The objection has no validity. The gospel of salvation by grace shows that good works are necessary. It is true, unchangeably true, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. "Neither adulterers, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards" shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Works are "good" only when, (1) they spring from the principle of love to God. The moral character of an act is determined by the moral principle that prompts it. Faith and love in the heart are the essential elements of all true obedience. Hence good works only spring from a believing heart, can only be wrought by one reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18,22).

(2.) Good works have the glory of God as their object; and (3) they have the revealed will of God as their only rule (Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18, 19).

Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer's heart (John 14:15, 23; Galatians 5:6). They are the fruits of the Spirit (Titus 2:10-12), and thus spring from grace, which they illustrate and strengthen in the heart.

Good works of the most sincere believers are all imperfect, yet like their persons they are accepted through the mediation of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17), and so are rewarded; they have no merit intrinsically, but are rewarded wholly of grace.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary



Source: ChristArt.com

It is not always possible for us to understand God’s plan. Sometime our own faults can be the result of things not going right. But we step out in faith and do what we can with His guidance. We ask forgiveness if it is needed for mistakes we make, and then we go forth. One door being shut does not stop God’s children. As long as we are on His pathway and show that we will preserve in spite of, then He is worthy and righteous to forgive us and doors that we have caused to be shut, will be opened back up. Hopefully we have learned from our mistakes and will not fall again behind the same thing.

Everyday that we live and walk for the Lord is a growing experience. It might not appear to us that we are getting anywhere. It might seem as if we are in a stale mate in life. But in some way, each day that we open our eyes to see another day, we can and should be doing things for the love of God.

We do need to remember that God does not need us to do anything for Him. If God wants you to speak to someone about Him, and you either miss the message or choose not to act on it, God can and will find someone else to do the job. He has used angels to get the message to people many times. There are numerous accounts we can read of in the Bible. But there are angels delivering messages today in our time.

What then does God desire from us most of all? A every easy question, He desires us to spend time with Him. But we are rushed, we get woke up to late in the morning and then our day is off and running. And what does that do to us?

I cannot get my morning back. I cannot undo what I have already done. All I can do is step into the line of His plan and make myself spend time with Him. Does God want us to make ourselves spend time with Him? Well the thing is, God knows us better then we do. He knows that if we start crawling out of bed and make that effort, it will become easier each time we do it. We will became so ingrained to spend that time, that if we don’t we will be lost without it. It would be like getting up and rushing out the door without brushing our teeth. We will be so uncomfortable with that morning taste in our mouth; we will have to stop and so to the bathroom and rinse our mouth, trying to get that taste out.

God is a God who understands that we have to change to get into spending time with Him, as we should. And we can, if we make that effort. If that means you have to get up an hour earlier then so be it. Your body will get used to it. You will adjust.

Whatever is going on in our life’s there is one thing we can do and that is start right where we are. No matter what the problem, we can pray. Work with what you know and ask God to reveal to you how you can gain wisdom to do more.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
TRADITION ~ Any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Colossians 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Peter 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the "strangers scattered" whom he addresses (Comp. Acts 15:10; Matthew 15:2-6; Galatians 1:14).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary




Source: ChristArt.com

SINCERITY FROM YOUR HEART

If you cannot convince me with the sincerity of what you are saying then how can you expect me to believe you. Yes I do want facts to back up what I am being told, but if you don’t speak as though you believe it yourself, you will lose me.

Years ago I had a young woman come up to me in the park where I was watching my child play. She started sharing the Lord with me and I told her I was a believer. She proceeded to tell me about my clothes, I had on shorts. She informed me if she had her Bible she could show me where I was wrong to wear them. I told her why do you need the Bible to convince me of something you believe so strongly about. Then she told me that because of my attitude I would answer to God in the long run.

I do tend to be controversial, I admit it. There is a young man at work who actually calls me Ms Controversy. I told him that if it gets him to question why he believes what he believes then good, I have earned the right to be called that.

I do not want anyone to believe what I say because I say it. No I want people to believe in what they believe because they study, seek and learn the truth for themselves. I am sincere in my belief and want all to know and have a relationship with the Lord. The little things do not bother me. I personally do not care if you eat meat or not. I do not care if you circumcise your sons. I do not care if you wear your hair long, or wear long sleeves or dresses to your ankles.

While I am on clothes let me say this, I do not dress the way I dressed before I had a relationship with the Lord. I do wear shorts but not up to my you–know-what. I have retired my bikini not because of my age, though that is a factor, but because it left nothing to the imagination. No as a Believer I want to present myself modestly. It is not what you wear but how you wear it.

No I do not beef about things like that. My beef is with traditions that are passed down that are not from the Bible. My beef is taking the Word of God out of context, and twisting it to make yourself and other’s happy.

It is quite one thing to believe something because you know no better. It is quite another to hear that it is not right and not question it, to learn and grow and come to your own conclusion about why you should or should not believe something.

There have been an number of things that I thought was right in the Lord that I have learnt was not through the years. Many things I spend a lot of time in prayer about, others once I read it in the Bible I know that I know that the Bible was right and I was wrong.

Being sincere is important to me, if you tell me something from your heart that tells me you believe yourself what you are saying. If you don’t believe it then how can you convince me to believe it?

God Bless,
rECj/LJG