Word Praize

Spiritual Gifts

             On last evening, our small group from our local church concluded our weekly “40 days of community.” We convened as a small group for six weeks at our home, in accordance with the vision of our senior pastor, to equip ourselves to serve our local community through God’s demonstrated love. While learning how to implement God’s plan for our next move as a small group, I reflected upon how God uses each of us differently to fulfill our unique purpose(s). When asked by my small group what I received from the last six weeks, I read from The Holy Bible about our spiritual gifts – what they are, how we use them, and what it means to our growth & development in God’s Word.

God has established in our hearts certain gifts that are operational within the earth-realm. These twenty (20) gifts are categorized as power, or protectional (operational), functional, and perfecting. These 20 gifts work in unison with the nine fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22-23). The Word of God operates through us, as predestined before the Earth was formed, based upon the gift(s) that God has entrusted us with. In order to be fully used by God, we must know and understand our gifts in order to maximize our productivity in the kingdom of God. In doing so, we also raise the level of productivity of those who are within our sphere of influence.

 

POWER GIFTS:

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” 

 (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

 

 Through the will of the Spirit, 1Corinthians 12:8-10 identifies the nine protection or power gifts. These gifts protect and empower us to do the will of God concerning our lives. These gifts are manifested through our words, our acts, and what we know. God is glorified through the operation of these gifts in the natural realm. That is, they can be seen of men. They are as follows:

   

Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of spirits, Divers kinds of tongues, and Interpretation of tongues

 

FUNCTIONAL GIFTS:

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that shewth mercy, with cheerfulness”

(Romans 12:6-8).

 

 Through the will (choice) of man, Romans 12:6-8 identifies the seven (7) functional gifts. Functional gifts specifically identify our responsibilities toward society and one another in the body of Christ. How we conduct our everyday affairs in the presence of people who have no relationship with God (verse 20), as well as the brothers and sisters in Christ (verse 13), is taught in this scripture. The functional gifts are:

 

Prophesy (encouragement by the measure of faith),

Ministry (service with patience),

Exhortation (wise counsel/encouragement),

Teaching (instruction),

Giving (giving without complicating matters - simplicity is key),

Ruling (diligent leadership), and

Showing mercy (cheerful compassion).

 

PERFECTING GIFTS:

“Wherefore he saith, WHEN HE ASCENDED UP ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS UNTO MEN. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:8 & 11-12).

 

 Through the will (choice) of man, Ephesians 4:11 identifies the four perfecting gifts. These gifts are designed to “perfect” us. “Perfect”, in this instance, does not refer to something without a flaw. God has called into the ministry those that can preach and teach His Word in a manner that will cause growth, development, and maturity to those of us with an ear to hear. These perfecting gifts are as follows:

 

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, and Pastors & Teachers

 

 As we transition into summer and have the opportunity to relax while on vacation, pray and mediate with your Heavenly Father regarding the gifts that He has placed within you. Encourage others to do the same. For me, that was the blessing that I received from leading our small group for the past six weeks. We voted to stay together throughout 2006 to impact our local community with the love of God. I ask that you do the same.

 

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29).

 

Excerpt: Give God the Glory! Know God and Do the Will of God Concerning Your Life, Chapter 3, ©2001, by Kevin Wayne Johnson.

WRD: Best Summer Read 2006

Today is World Refugee Day. Journalists all ove the world have united to highlight refugee issues today. However, I want to highlight a book that I have selected for my girl scout troop parent committee to read to their daughter's this summer. This book is also on my list of great summer reads.

 

Drita, my Homegirl, by Jenny Lombard

 

"You got to start to let her go and let someone in..."

 

In short, the novel is about two fourth graders Drita and Maxie. Drita is a Kosovo refugee that immigrated to New York and is having trouble at her new elementary school. Maxie, an African-American "Chatty Kathy", who is also Drita's new classmate can't stay out of trouble. In lieu of another punishment Maxie has to do a school project on Drita and Kosovo. As Maxie begins to learn more about Drita's home country, they both begin to learn that they are similiar, both share a secret pain regarding their mothers and can lean on each other. The book is written well and in an authentic voice for both teenagers and their cultural differences. I think this is a great book for the scouts and mothers with daughters. (March, $15.99)

 

Dee Stewart is a mother, book critic, book marketing consultant and syndicated columnist. She hosts Third Thursdays Reader Event Series and served as a judge for the 2006 Christy Awards. She’s written for Spirit Led Woman, Gospel Today, Anointed and Precious Times Magazines. Her short story, “Straddling the Fence,” is featured in Infuze Magazine’s Best of 2005 Christian Shorts Anthology.

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A Seed and A Prayer by Stanice Anderson

Looking back, I believe the seed for I Say a Prayer for Me: One Woman’s Life of Faith and Triumph published in hardcover in November 2002 and trade paperback in October 2003 by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books was planted on a cool, dry September evening in 1998. Discouraged and perplexed, I called a childhood friend and confessed, “I pour my heart into the stories I write and all I get back are letters from editors saying how powerful my stories are and yet they reject them. If my stories are so good, why won’t the Lord allow magazines to publish them?”

My friend’s words were like cool well water on a hot and dusty day. I felt myself refreshed and revived with every word she spoke, so I grabbed a pen and took notes. With authority—she spoke and with great abandon—I listened:

• “The stories you wrote have not found homes because they ARE a book—it’s all one story. • God WILL use your writing to free people up—but He will use this process to free you up first. You cannot free anyone else until you are free.” By faith, I received those words as if from the mouth of God. So, I prayerfully typed the notes and filed them away.

In August 1999, I felt led to encourage friends. Thus began my daily email series, FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT.

The response? “Why are you sending us other folks’ stuff? You are an author now. We want to hear what YOU have to say!”

Although taunted by insecurities, I sat at my computer, prayed and typed, “Show me, Lord.” Within a few minutes, my creative juices were flowing and I followed my memories like colorized movies projected on a theater screen. The next day I e-mailed an original life-story to 16 friends.

By the week’s end, wonderful responses began pouring in from people all over the world. Seeing how God was using what I wrote fueled me to keep writing.

As the writing of each story neared its’ end, it felt like I was dancing in a vast, freshly-cut field. With my head to the sky, I basked in the warmth of God’s light as it healed the old and newly broken places in my life and heart. It was like dancing—undisturbed—on Holy Ground.

Then, a need to pray came over me and with eyes closed I heavy-handedly tapped out the prayers on the keyboard. The prayers became a vital part of the story—as did the verses from the Bible. Together they were a kind of adhesive that sealed the freshly written stories.

Soon my son and friends proclaimed, “THESE STORIES that you write ARE your NEXT BOOK!”

“Yeah, sho’ you right.” My unrelenting insecurities vied to keep the truth from me. But in the stillness of the night, the Lord impressed upon my heart that it was so. This was to be the book that was prophesized through my friend, on a cool, dry and desperate night in September 1998.

© 2006 Stanice Anderson, www.stanice.com,  Blogs: Soul Shout www.soulshout.blogspot.com, Stanice’s Open Mic (featuring YOUR talents and testimonies) www.staniceopenmic.blogspot.com, For speaking engagements and I Say A Prayer For Me: The WORKSHOP,  contact stanice@stanice.com.

Books for Young Men...

This week I'm sending out an 'all points bulletin' for HELP! We are putting together a proposal for a Summer Reading Challenge at our church and need a list of reads for young people ages 5-15 or so. I know, I know, it's already 3 weeks into summer, but that's mostly my fault. Sister Williams was giving me the look last week and I finally managed to get percolating on this project. My plate seems always too full these days, but that's another story.

I believe two female authors, Reshnonda Tate Billingsley and Jacquelin Thomas are coming out with YA lines and that's great. But, I'm trying to figure out who makes books for young men other than Walter Dean Myers. Our minister does not like storylines he considers 'dark', and so I have feeling Walter Dean might not be up his alley. Has anyone read the Harper Hill book pictured? What type subjects does it tackle and what age range would it work best for?  It might be nice if few of the male authors began to focus some of their writing on stories for young males. These young brothers need something to interest them, to get them reading and start them out on the right tract. Just a thought...

On another note, I'm hearing great things about Mata Elliott's novel, "Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin'" and about Derek Jackson's, "Brother Word." Also, I saw Norma Jarrett in the Essence this month, so she must have a good read out as well.  As for me, I'm reading J.R.R. Tolkien's letters, his biography and other works revolving around his career for a new class. Additionally, I'll be taking in some Western Ethics and a little Cultural Geography over the next several weeks. No rest for the weary! But, then, such is life and it's a blessing to be old and still living it...

That's all for this week folks!

Cheri Paris Edwards is the first-time author of “Plenty Good Room”, published in hardcover by Walk Worthy/Warner Books in Spring, 2005. She is the 50-year old single parent of two young men and lives in East-Central Illinois. Visit the website at www.cheriparisedwards.com

 

More Than Passion

I wrote this article a couple of years ago. It has been slightly revised, but I trust you will still enjoy it.

More Than Passion by Mata Elliott

Writing is easy if you love to write, right? Well, partially. Professional writing is a process, perhaps founded on creativity but structured and maintained with challenging work, and while at times words may pour out with ease, becoming a successful writer requires more than passion. It takes practice, preparation, perseverance, lots of patience, and if you’re writing for God, a commitment to prayer.

I’m finished my first novel (it was released yesterday!!) and I'm currently writing a second novel. I have a long journey ahead of me, but here are some of the steps that have helped me thus far.

SEEK GOD. Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. But just as I love to write, some people love to cook. But this does not mean he or she will open a restaurant. Therefore, writing and sharing your writing with an audience is two different things. If you have a passion for writing, wonderful! But for some, writing is their PURPOSE--no longer something they simply want to do but also that which they MUST do. If you believe you’ve been called by God to write, persistently seek Him. He will show you what to write, how to write it, and how to get it to an audience.

SET GOALS. Write every day, even if it’s only one paragraph. Set a realistic goal and strive to reach it. Make it a priority.

STAY CONNECTED. Join a critique group or writing group. Writing groups are made of people like you so they understand your zeal and frustrations. They also provide answers to questions you may have about writing and expose you to unique writing opportunities, like contests and conferences. Do not neglect to form a personal cheering section, too. Sports teams have one. So why not you? Establish a few people who can pray with you, offer constructive criticism, encourage with sincerity, and have your back no matter how many rejection letters you receive.

STAND ON SCRIPTURE. The promises of God daily remind us that WE CAN DO IT! Select a few verses from His Word and memorize and/or write them down, and they will keep you encouraged.

SPEAK FROM THE HEART. At times this is hard for me. I am a private person, programmed to keep my feelings and experiences locked inside. But experience is what links us with the heart of our neighbor or the person on the other side of the earth. The things you have learned during the dark seasons of your life can shine light on the darkened path of another.

Mata Elliott is the author of Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', published by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books, June 2006. She invites you to visit her website and say hello at http://www.mataelliott.com.

Artist Call: The Perfect Romance

"But now listen, I will woo her, I will go with her into the wilderness and comfort her" (Hos. 2:14)

 

Last year, we launched Third Thursdays, an Atlanta Live Christian Event Reader Series. This year we've gone a step higher.  This summer you are invited to

 

The Perfect Romance

A Christian Romance and Word Event Series

 

When: Every Second Friday from July-September from 7:30-9:30 pm

Where: Firenze Coffeehouse & Gallery

             145-B Satellite Blvd., Suwanee, GA 30024

Cost: Free to the public and free to the artists

Contact: Dee Stewart(here)

Details: The Perfect Romance Reader Series encompasses the Hosea scripture, as it will portray God, the consummate romantic through the arts(literature, fine art, music and dance.) Click the underlined text below to be directed to the artist call for these events. Please pass this info onto those who may be interested that live in or around the Atlanta, Georgia vicinity or who will be doing booksignings in the coming months.

 

Artist Call for July, August and September

 

 

Dee Stewart is a mother, book critic, book marketing consultant and syndicated columnist. She hosts Third Thursdays Reader Event Series and served as a judge for the 2006 Christy Awards. She’s written for Spirit Led Woman, Gospel Today, Anointed and Precious Times Magazines. Her short story, “Straddling the Fence,” is featured in Infuze Magazine’s Best of 2005 Christian Shorts Anthology.

 

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Write Time

by Camy Tang

Working Full-Time and Writing
(or for any busy writer)

As always, remember that these tips won't all work for everyone, so pick and choose what's right for you.

Little moments

Be efficient with the little time you have.

No, I’m not talking about when we all get caught up with Him in the clouds. I’m talking about little things like minutes. Do you know how many spare ones you’ve got in a day? You might be surprised. And you can utilize them for your writing.

First, record the time you start and end writing.

Write down on a piece of paper or a spreadsheet the time you start working on your manuscript, NOT the time you sit down at the computer. Don't count the time you spend surfing the web, checking emails, or paying bills. Just record actual writing time. It can be enlightening and either encouraging or motivating. You don't realize how much time you spend emailing, IM-ing or blogging until it's in black and white.

Find your moments.

Related to this exercise, take a pen and paper and list all the spare moments of time you had during the day. You'd be surprised at the random minutes you'll notice while waiting for something to simmer, in doctors' offices, during commercial breaks, 30 seconds at a red light.

Even if you can't write during those periods, can you do something else that you would otherwise have done during your writing time? Could you vacuum one room during a commercial break so you don't have to vacuum it later? Could you wash a couple glasses or spoons while the soup comes to a boil? Can you edit a paragraph or two of your manuscript at the red light?

In writing down the spare moments you have, it'll help you be more aware of those times so you can be efficient.

Small steps

Take it one paragraph at a time. Don't try to write a full page in half an hour, although if you do--congratulations! Aim small, and get it accomplished. You'll feel better than if you aim high and don't get it done.

Write a little every day

This doesn't work for everyone, but it does work for most people. Even if it's only 5 minutes, one paragraph, or 100 words, just do it.

Sometimes if you force yourself to write everyday like this for a few days in a row, you get used to it and it starts to become a habit. Your mind and your body get used to the routine and it becomes easier and faster to jump into the mood and mindset of writing

Anticipate

Another thing to think about is if you're ANTICIPATING a pocket of time for writing, use the busy time leading up to it to THINK about what you're going to write about. This mental preparation will help you sit down and take off when it's writing time.

Camy Tang lives in San Jose, California. She previously worked biology research, and she is a staff worker for her church youth group. She runs the Story Sensei critique service, and her Asian chick-lit novel has just been contracted by Zondervan.