Word Praize

What is Your Mountain Experience?

Mount Everest is the gold medal in the Olympic Games of mountaineering.  At 29,028 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the world and represents the highest point of achievement for humans on the face of the earth.  Sitting astride the border between Tibet to the north and Nepal to the south, Everest is a huge mass of black, forbidding rock and ice that dominates the landscape in every direction.

            Meet Mr. John Amatt, a member of the first Canadian expedition to reach the summit of Mount Everest.  In the introduction of his book entitled, Straight to the Top and Beyond – Nine Keys for Meeting the Challenge of Changing Times, ©1995, he encourages his readers with the following quote:

The challenge of change is forcing us to rethink our values and to rekindle the spirit of adventure.  It will take courage, resourcefulness and endurance to meet this challenge – the courage to try, to commit and to take risks; the resourcefulness to be innovative and creative in finding new ways of doing old things; and the endurance to keep going when the going gets tough.

It is one of the great paradoxes of human existence that, by nature, we seek out comfort and predictability, using all of our financial resources and intellectual powers to devise technologies that will make our lives easier and less stressful.  The paradox is that once we have created the comfort we desire, we must leave it all behind if we are to move forward toward future opportunity.

His parents, on their honeymoon in 1936, climbed in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland and, two years later, reached the summit of the 12,142-foot Wetterhorn, a mountain that his sister and he climbed when he was eighteen years old.  Also in 1938, his parents were present in Grindlewald when the deadly north face of the Eiger was climbed for the first time, at that point, the most dramatic climb in history. 

            In chapter ten of his book, Mr. Amatt introduces a faith principle that he calls:  Adventure Attitude.  The nine keys of the Adventure Attitude are:

A         

Adaptability

Change is not merely necessary to life.  It is life!  By the same token, life in adaptation.

- Alvin Toffler

D         

Desire and Determination

You’ve got to hang on to your dreams.  Great dreams don’t happen overnight.

V         

Vision and Values

Vision…is the ability to:

Look to the past and learn from it;

Look to the present and be attuned to it;

Look to the future and be prepared for it.

- Unknown

E         

Experience

The only failure in life is when we fail to learn the lessons from our experience.

N         

Natural Curiosity

If we’re not pushing our limits, we’re not discovering anything new.

T         

Teamwork and Trust

Rarely do we achieve complete success in today’s changing world without the help and support of others.  The essence of teamwork is to identify and use the strengths of others to offset our own limitations, so that the strength of the team becomes greater than the sum of the individual parts.

U         

Unlimited Optimism

Life is a leap of faith.  There is no way that we can know what will happen tomorrow.

R         

Risk-ability

The only limiting factor to our achievements in life is our fear of the unknown.

E         

Exceptional Performance

Achievement is the constant process of going one step beyond your previous experience.

John 10:10 – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

As the mountain climber gets an occasional exhilaration from climbing, we get the most out of life when we live for Christ.  I see an application to the Christian’s experience.  Jesus did not call us to live the Christian life just to escape hell.  It is not a life of minimum joy and fulfillment, but a life that is full and overflowing.  Our purpose in following Christ should not be merely to avoid eternal punishment.  If that is our primary motivation, we are missing the wonders and joys and victories of climbing higher and higher with Jesus.   

            Do not live minimally.  Live life to the maximum.  Climb that mountain with confidence!      

2 Corinthians 4:18 – “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Black History Month and Family

“A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.”

(Proverbs 12:14)

            Black History Month is upon us.  It is a time to reflect and celebrate the significant contributions that people of color have made toward the betterment of this nation known as America.  This month, I celebrate family, that is, the value and importance of family in the midst of our deteriorating society.  In this issue, I call out to men, and women, to celebrate family and its positive impact.  Here is my story:

“Daddy, daddy, welcome home!” are the words that I hear almost everyday from my sons as I arrive home from a hard day’s work.  “Glad to see you, Daddy!” they say with such joy and tenderness of heart.  I cannot explain in words how proud that makes me feel.  Nor can I write  about the shear delight as I see their little faces twinkle as I enter the door each day.  “How was your day, son?” I ask each of them.  “Good, Daddy,” they utter back with such confidence.  What a precious way to end my day!

As a Christian man, father, husband, author and preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I am on a mission to inspire, encourage, and challenge everyone within my sphere of influence.  My mission in life is to reinforce why it is important to glorify God, the one who created us.  God birthed us into this world for specific reasons: (a) To do His will and, at the same time, (b) To fulfill our purpose.  Fatherhood falls in line with our purpose.  Quite frankly, fatherhood, is in line with the purpose for all men, whether you actually father a child or not.  Our lifestyles are the examples that the youth of this world observe to distinguish between right and wrong.  Since they cannot see an invisible God, our role is to make God clear and visible through our lifestyles.

Father is a noun, and derives from the Greek word patēr, meaning “a nourisher, protector, and upholder.”  This word, in its singular form, as written in The Holy Bible, is used 963 times!  Other forms of this word include:

§        fathers – 522 times,

§        father’s - 146 times,

§        fathers’ – 10 times, and

§        fatherless – 41times.

Further, there are 254 references to the Heavenly Father (God Almighty) throughout the Scriptures.   

The biblical definition of father is: A nourisher, a protector, and an  upholder. 

A Nourisher

This means to supply with what is necessary for life, health and growth, to cherish or keep alive, and to strengthen or promote.

A Protector

This means to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, or insult, to cover, to shield, and to provide.

An Upholder

This means to support or defend, to lift upward, support, or raise, and to keep up or keep from sinking.

Abba is a biblical word for “‘Daddy.’”  It is an ancient Aramaic word and considered a peculiar term for Father-God, used by Jesus Himself.  All three New Testament references are specific to God and shows that God is a loving, approachable Father:

a.         “And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14:36).

Here, Jesus addresses God with the household term for Father.  This was unheard of in Palestinian Judaism at that time.  It points to Jesus’ unique relationship to God.  So it is with the natural father.  Because of the unique relationship that we have with the children that we have fathered, they should feel comfortable enough to approach us at any time, in any situation.  Do you create an environment in which you children can approach you?  Care for your children as God cares for us – His children.

b.         “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).

Abba becomes the intimate name that is only used by believers, in terms of our relationship with our Heavenly Father-God.  The Holy Spirit places the believer as a son in God’s family.  Abba denotes the intimacy of the believer’s relation to God.  When our children call us “‘Daddy,’” they are expressing a natural intimacy towards their natural father. 

Biblically, there is no difference between the love that a father has towards his child, whether they become our children by natural birth or through adoption.  We became children of God through the Spirit of adoption.  Likewise, through the natural process of adoption, our children become ours.  Either way, our ordained role as a father requires that we take proper stewardship over these precious little ones with unconditional love.

c.         “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).

Again, every child of God was divinely given the Holy Spirit the moment we were adopted by God.  Abba represents the term by which the father was called in the affectionate intimacy of the family.  The Spirit gives us an awareness that God is our Father.

The Word of God is consistent throughout The Holy Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.  Fathers are called to protect, nourish, and uphold.  When we fulfill this role, our children will indeed feel comfortable in our presence, know that they can approach us, will not be ashamed to cry on our shoulders, and will ask of us their hearts’ desire, knowing that their father will respond with the truth.  Be a father as God intended for you to be.  God will surely smile upon you and the blessings upon your family will come through you as their conduit and as the head of your household.  YOU ARE A FATHER.  Love your ordained role and be fulfilled while doing it!  What a precious word to hear: Daddy.

Excerpt:  Blended Families: An Anthology © 2006 & Give God the Glory! The Godly Family Life, Chapter Four © 2005, both by Kevin Wayne Johnson

A New Year Prayer for You

Heavenly Father, I come to You

In the precious name of Jesus

To pray on behalf of my brothers and sisters

Who need You as another new year shines upon us.

Father, it is my prayer for 2007 that

My readers will prosper, be in good health, even as their souls prosper,

And be especially sensitive to Your voice

As Your encouraging Word fulfils and satisfies their hunger.

I ask today that Your Word and Your Will

Be prominent in the lives of every boy and girl,

So that they can be used by You in a way

That will make You clear and visible to this dying world.

We have been translated from the power of darkness

Into Your marvelous light.

Therefore, Father, keep us mindful through this new year

To do all things decent and in order in Your sight.

Thank you for the unlimited opportunities before us

That we have to raise and  praise Your Holy Name,

And for grace and Your Son Jesus

So that we can effectively teach others to do the same.

I lift up this prayer Father, in the name of Jesus,

Whose I am and whom I serve, Amen.   

©2007 by Kevin Wayne Johnson.

KWJ commentary:  I love you all very much and thank you for your continued support of the Give God the Glory! series of books and devotionals.  Keep me in your prayers in 2007 as the book series expands into the Walmart chain (Eastern region) this month and internationally through key relationships that come my way.  Together, let’s continue to Give God the Glory!

Religion and Philosophy Book Month

If you have been following my bi-weekly e-newsletter for the past two years, you have come to know that in previous issues, I have frequently shared with you why I write.  To me, writing is therapeutic, relaxing, thought-provoking, challenging, causes me to think, forces me to do my homework (that is, to know my subject), and makes me a better teacher and speaker.  Well, this month is Religion & Philosophy Books Month, so allow me share the vision of the Give God the Glory! book series for the benefit of our new readers. 

            November is the month that we collectively transition into the fall and winter seasons.  The cold air moves in, the days are shorter, daylight savings time becomes a reality, frost coats the ground in the morning, winter clothing dominates our closets at home and Christmas gifts/ornaments are on display throughout the stores and shopping malls.  It is a time to focus on Christian literature as the world prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a personal Lord and Savior to many of us, yet just a figure, amongst the other gods, to some. 

That said, the Give God the Glory! book series is an extension of my personal ministry.  The evangelistical outreach and focus is six-fold: (1) To strengthen the resolve for those of us who have an established relationship with our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ.  Our growth and development is key to living the abundant life and to have knowledge of God’s Word, and His will for our lives, should be first and foremost, (2) To inspire and encourage the unbeliever to desire a relationship with Jesus.  He is the way, the truth and the life, (3) To clearly explain how to Give God the Glory! through our personal relationships with Jesus (book 1 released in 2001), on our jobs (books 2 & 3 released in 2003 and 2004), in our families (books 4, released on Father’s Day 2005, & 5 coming in the spring 2006), in our churches (books 6 & 7 coming in 2007), and during our recreation and/or relaxation time (books 8 & 9 coming in 2009), (4)  Outreach to our Spanish/Latino brothers and sisters through the translated book series into Spanish, (5) Outreach to children, youth, and teens through the Give God the Glory! book series specific to those markets (2007 and beyond), and (6) Through the media as radio and television host of the Give God the Glory! talk show, featuring guests that openly acknowledge that their success in life is directly tied to their personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ (since 2004).

As Pastor Frederick K.C. Price always concludes his weekly Ever Increasing Faith Ministries television broadcast, I thank you all for your past, present, and future support of the Give God the Glory! book series.  You are helping to make it happen!!          

Pastor Appreciation Month - October

I often think about the 3 pastors who have been instrumental in my life since I confessed Jesus as my Lord and Saviour on May 2, 1993. They are:

1. Episcopal Pastor John A. Cherry, From the Heart Church Ministries, Temple Hills, MD (1993 – 1997 & 2003 – 2005),

2. Pastor Patricia Webster, Shiloh Pentecostal Church, Inc., Christian Love Center, Somerville, NJ (1998 – 2003), and

3. Pastor Robert S. Davis, Jr. (Robbie), Celebration Church, Columbia, MD (2005 to present).

These ministries are/were impeccable, either through their preaching or lifestyles (or both).

This is the month dedicated to the appreciation of our beloved pastors. They work diligently on behalf of those with whom they have been entrusted, by God, to shepherd. I believe that all pastors have a strong desire in their hearts for members of their respective congregations to come to know the simplicity of God’s Word. To this end, carefully consider how you respond to these five questions:

1. Will you spread the good news of Jesus Christ to at least 10 people this year, and each year, for the rest of your life?

2. God is dependent upon each of us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the earth. Can He depend on you to do your part?

3. The Prayer of Salvation is simple and available to everyone. Will you encourage someone with prayer? (Romans 10:9; 13)

4. What will you do today to help those who have a desire to know God?

5. As Christ’s representative in the earth, are you an effective witness?

(1Corinthians 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:20) 

The Book of Romans tells the gospel message - The Good News of Jesus Christ. It is a message about personal relationships^[i] and practical exhortation: Jesus Christ is more than just facts to be believed - It is also a life to be lived. The message is for everybody. It was designed by God to be meaningful and applicable to every person on earth, without regard to where they live, who they are, or the culture (geographic boundaries) in which they were raised.

 The Book of Romans is an epistle (letter) written by Paul the Apostle to the Romans approximately fifty-seven years after the death and ascension of Jesus Christ. It is considered Paul’s greatest work and is placed first among his thirteen epistles in the New Testament. Paul was born a Jew in the city of Tarsus, he was a Roman citizen, tentmaker, and a Pharisee, responsible for the persecution of Christians before his conversion on the road to Damascus. He became a faithful follower of Christ, a dedicated missionary, and a respected leader in the early church. Romans explores the significance of Christ’s sacrificial death, whereas the four Gospels (Matthew, Luke, Mark and John) represent the words and works of Jesus Christ. During the time of the writing, the city of Rome was the greatest city in the world with over one million inhabitants, yet the majority were slaves.

 The key words throughout this book are righteousness, faith, law, all, and sin. Each appear at least sixty times. Jesus Christ is presented as the Second Adam whose righteousness and substitutionary death have provided for all who place their faith in Him.

 Paul’s message concerning personal relationships is immediately captured in verse 7 of the first chapter - His message is written to those called saints (believers in Christ) in Rome. Paul, himself, establishes a personal relationship with the readers of his message in verses 9 through 13 through a series of key messages:

I. Making mention of them repeatedly, to God, in his prayers,

II. By the will of God, he is coming to the Romans to deliver a message,

III. Shares with the Romans some spiritual gift (the gifts and calling of God are without repentance - 11:29),

IV. Desires to be comforted together by the mutual faith that they share, and

V. Comes to them so that they will not be ignorant and to share some fruit even as he did amongst the Gentiles.

 Paul admonishes the Romans throughout this book to recognize and live according to the righteousness of God. That is, how it is revealed and how to apply it to their lives. In Chapter 2, verse 10 reminds the Romans that “There is none righteous, no, not one.” In Chapter 3, Paul proves that all humankind has sinned. The key words used during his instruction are “coming short;” “unrighteousness;” “trespass;” “iniquity;” “transgression;” and “ungodliness.” Each of these descriptions, according to Paul, interferes with our ability to establish and maintain personal relationships with humankind. Chapter 12 is perhaps the operative chapter in Romans as it relates to establishing and maintaining personal relationships with mankind. Responsibilities toward God and toward society are specifically addressed. 

 As it relates to God, we are instructed not to be conformed to this world’s system, but to be transformed with the renewing of our mind and to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (verse 1 and 2). In other words, the least that we can do is to conform to the kingdom standards that are clearly established in Jesus’ trial discourse (Sermon on the Mount), Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7. Do not rely on the world’s system, but God’s kingdom standards. As it relates to society, Paul instructs us to be humble, remove all hidden agendas, promote honesty, live peaceably with all men, if possible, and to overcome evil with good. 

 So…show your pastor how much you appreciate his/her teaching through your actions toward others. Looking to Paul as a teacher of the Romans, look to your pastor this month, and every month, as your teacher of God’s Word. Spread the love of God everywhere that you travel. Be a doer of His Word, not a hearer only!

---

^[i] See Purpose magazine, “Roman’s Gospel Message: The Good News of Jesus Christ”, by Jim Davis, Melanie Diggs, and John Matney, May 2000, p. 32.

9/11 - Five Years Later

My reflections of my personal experience(s) in NYC on 9/11/2002 as published in the Hillsborough Beacon newspaper on August 26, 2002:

One year ago, I witnessed an incredible sight on the morning of September 11, 2001. 

 

My colleagues and I were approaching the Lincoln Tunnel on our daily commute into the Port Authority in New York City. The New Jersey Transit bus was loaded with 43 morning commuters, as usual. We prepared ourselves for arrival into midtown Manhattan at approximately 8:59am on that morning as we viewed the Manhattan skyline for the first time.  A year later, I still have a vivid memory of how clear it was that day as we witnessed the thick dark gray smoke that was piercing from one of the World Trade Center towers. 

 

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at Bible study and Friday, September the 14, 2001, in observance of the National Day of Prayer, I joined my church family as we praised God for sparing lives as well as for peace for the families that lost loved ones. In the midst of that terrible event, God took away baseball, football, the Emmy’s, and all regularly scheduled programming, as a means to get our ATTENTION. He desires that we draw closer to Him. God loves us, for we are His children. His Word, The Holy Bible, is His will for our lives. But what lessons have we learned? What changes have we made in our lives? Does God still have our attention or have the events immediately following September 11^th become a distant thought? 

 

Last year, the entire Times Square area was filled with people looking up at the large television screens located at 3 Times Square, the ABC News desk, and along the 42^nd Street corridor. That is where I first learned about the horrific events of that morning. I arrived at work at 3 Times Square and one-half of the buildings’ occupants, my fellow co-workers, were standing in front of our building looking at the news on the large screens. I e-mailed my Pastor and deacons at our church to urge them to join me in prayer for our country and for all New York City workers, especially those at the World Trade Center.  I began to pray at my desk amidst the chaos, panic, chatter, and uncertainty. I remember several colleagues, including my boss, asking me questions while I prayed – and I still prayed. Within the next half hour, my colleagues and I watched in horror, from our 20^th floor window, the second tower collapse in its entirety. A group of about thirty of us watched this in total disbelief, yet it was happening. As smoke, brick, mortar, and debris filled the air, there was nothing that we could do but think about the massive loss of life. Midtown Manhattan came to a halt on September 11th. Traffic was null and void. No yellow taxis were to be found. People were conscience but in a state of shock. There was uncertainty in the air. Today, Times Square is the envy of all major cities in the world. Tourists are everywhere, construction is flourishing, Toys R Us is a key attraction with an indoor ferris wheel, another McDonalds has moved into the heart of 42^nd Street theater district, and there is a new mayor in town. Business is back as usual and thriving.

 

On Wednesday, September 11, 2002, and the weeks following, this country’s citizens, young and old alike, will be reminded through radio and television programming about the tragic events that took place one year ago. Most Americans do not recall that the United States Department of State acknowledged in their September 12, 2001 public announcement that they had been warned on May 11, 2001 “that American citizens may be the target of a terrorist threat from extremist groups…” Unfortunately, the warning was not taken seriously and I doubt that the announcement, if properly communicated, would have caused much concern. I encourage my fellow citizens to carefully observe the times in which we are living. Take heed to the warnings that we see and hear each day through print and television media. The economy is no longer robust as it was under the Clinton Administration, corporate executives are being openly punished and humiliated, as they should, for willful misconduct that negatively affects the lives of thousands of employees, multi-billion dollar corporations are filing for bankruptcy protection as a means to save face, personal bankruptcy is at an all time high, police officers are still being videotaped abusing their authority as witnessed in Englewood, California in July, the value of family has deteriorated to the extent of becoming less meaningful than one’s desire to please their employer, and the dotcom and telecommunications bubbles that once seemed impenetrable have burst.

 

As I study, meditate and pray about what God is speaking to me in His Word, I often refer to the Book of Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 12 – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Do not allow yourself, or your loved one’s, to lose focus of last year’s tragedy. It received worldwide attention as the global economy was shaken, but smaller and less publicized daily events can be just as devastating if you ignore the signs. For the word of God is quick – God can and will quickly change your heart and mind to put the concern of others before yourself (Acts 10:34-35). …and powerful – God is omnipotent, meaning that He is all power. All power comes from Him because He is our source (Psalm 24:1). …and sharper than any than twoedged sword – God’s Word cuts to the core of man’s being much like the surgeon’s scalpel that is used during surgery. The sharp blade makes a clean cut so that the surgeon can remove a diseased organ from the body. So it is with God; He cuts us with His Word to remove the old habits, lifestyle, and ways so that He can insert what is good and righteous (Romans 3:25).  …piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit – His Word will penetrate to the core of mankind, even to the point to where the mind (soul) and the spirit (the inner man) meet and have communication (1 Thessalonians 5:23 and 3 John 2). …and of the joints and marrow – The joints represent how the body (and humankind) is connected together so that it can function as intended. The elbow is useless without a forearm and the shoulder blade cannot perform its intended function without an arm. The marrow is located inside the bone where blood is manufactured. Blood is what sustains life form. Without blood, there is no life (Genesis 9:4 and Leviticus 17:11;14). …and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart – God is omnipresent, thus, He knows our thoughts before we can speak them. He knows the intent of your heart before we can act upon them (Psalm 44:21 and 139:1-2).

 

As we reflect upon September 11, 2001 and seek comfort in the midst of the changes that constantly bombard our lives, please remember this: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).” God loves you. Ask Him to come into your heart today.

Declaration of Independence

 

Today, August 2^nd, represents the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (1776). The U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed by fifty people on this day in 1776.

 

The Book of Galations - The Christian’s “Declaration of Independence”

(The “Magna Carta of Christian liberty”)

 Through Jesus Christ, we are declared independent. Dependent upon God, yet independent from the world system that is controlled and managed by Satan. Grace declares that we are complete, established, able to endure, and anxiety-free in our relationship with God. By casting all of our cares and concerns on Him, we are free to live a moral and righteous life without fear of retribution from this unkind world.

 

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. A-men’ ” 

(1 Peter 5:10).

 

 The Book of Galatians is an epistle of Paul the Apostle that is written to the churches of Galatia who have become content with their exercise of faith. They are displaying outwardly signs of works that becomes a concern of Paul’s. His letter to these churches is an attack against gradual turn from faith to works. He learns of their actions from a report that the Galatian churches were suddenly taken over by false teaching(s) of certain Judaizers. Paul’s message to the Galatians is so important that he chose to write it himself in lieu of dictating words to a secretary, as was his usual practice (chapter 6, verse 11).

 In Chapter 3, there is a clear explanation, with details, that the Holy Spirit is given by faith, not by works. In other words, there is nothing that we can do to “earn” this precious gift from our Heavenly Father.

 

“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth”

(Hebrews 9: 15-17).

 

“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” 

(Titus 3:7).

 

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

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.

The Journeyman Years…From Learning to Leading

   

 

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses…There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest

 (Joshua 1:1-3,5-7).”

 

T

ransition from a state of learning to leading can be the most challenging – and most rewarding - aspect of one’s career. This state requires a different set of challenges, rules, policies, expectations, and values. Preoccupation with self must be substituted with a desire to make a positive and constructive impact on your surrounding - others. This means to help others achieve their goals while continually striving to improve the workplace for the benefit of everyone.

 Joshua was handpicked by God as Moses’ successor (Numbers 27) to lead the people of Israel into the promised land - Canaan. God Himself encouraged Joshua because he did not feel that he could handle this awesome task. Through three major military campaigns involving more than thirty enemy armies, the people of Israel learn a crucial lesson under Joshua’s leadership. Victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His Word rather than through military might or numerical superiority. His comforting words in chapter one of the Book of Joshua, …be strong and of good courage…(verse 6), are very appropriate during this transitional stage in the life of the worker.

In order to effectively apply what has been learned at the entry level, be guided at all times by God’s word - “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light onto my path (Psalm 119:105).” God encourages us to “Acknowledge Him in all thy ways, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). ‘Paths’ is plural, and indicative of all of the options that we will have throughout our working life. Options create choices. Knowing that we will be faced with many, many options, we must not lean on our own understanding, but trust in the Lord with all of your heart (Proverbs 3:5). God is not in the business of disappointing His chosen children!

 Having trusted fully in God, the Apostle Paul teaches us to extend kindness and courtesy to everyone, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our light – lifestyle – could be the magnet that eventually draws others to Christ. We are the substance of

things hoped for and the evidence that proclaims that God is real although He cannot be seen with the naked eye. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing in prayer (Romans 12:10-12).” Love never fails because God is love (1 John 4:8). 

 Lastly, as we transition from learning to leading, we must be watchful as God’s chosen overseers on the job. In our new and expanded role, we are responsible to be on alert and watch for situations and circumstances that we can change. “Ye are all children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6).” Be prayerful and vigilant. Show compassion, care, and understanding. Mediate where needed. Solve problems and make decisions based upon God’s Word. Demonstrate the peace that passes all understanding while in the midst of tests, temptations, and trials. Dare to launch out into the deep (Luke 5:4)!

What is Your Mountain Experience?

Mount Everest is the gold medal in the Olympic Games of mountaineering. At 29,028 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the world and represents the highest point of achievement for humans on the face of the earth. Sitting astride the border between Tibet to the north and Nepal to the south, Everest is a huge mass of black, forbidding rock and ice that dominates the landscape in every direction.

 Meet Mr. John Amatt, a member of the first Canadian expedition to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In the introduction of his book entitled, Straight to the Top and Beyond – Nine Keys for Meeting the Challenge of Changing Times, ©1995, he encourages his readers with the following quote:

The challenge of change is forcing us to rethink our values and to rekindle the spirit of adventure. It will take courage, resourcefulness and endurance to meet this challenge – the courage to try, to commit and to take risks; the resourcefulness to be innovative and creative in finding new ways of doing old things; and the endurance to keep going when the going gets tough.

 

It is one of the great paradoxes of human existence that, by nature, we seek out comfort and predictability, using all of our financial resources and intellectual powers to devise technologies that will make our lives easier and less stressful. The paradox is that once we have created the comfort we desire, we must leave it all behind if we are to move forward toward future opportunity.

His parents, on their honeymoon in 1936, climbed in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland and, two years later, reached the summit of the 12,142-foot Wetterhorn, a mountain that his sister and he climbed when he was eighteen years old. Also in 1938, his parents were present in Grindlewald when the deadly north face of the Eiger was climbed for the first time, at that point, the most dramatic climb in history. 

 In chapter ten of his book, Mr. Amatt introduces a faith principle that he calls: Adventure Attitude. The nine keys of the Adventure Attitude are:

A 

Adaptability

Change is not merely necessary to life. It is life! By the same token, life in adaptation.

- Alvin Toffler

D 

Desire and Determination

You’ve got to hang on to your dreams. Great dreams don’t happen overnight.

V 

Vision and Values

Vision…is the ability to:

Look to the past and learn from it;

Look to the present and be attuned to it;

Look to the future and be prepared for it.

- Unknown

E 

Experience

The only failure in life is when we fail to learn the lessons from our experience.

N 

Natural Curiosity

If we’re not pushing our limits, we’re not discovering anything new.

T 

Teamwork and Trust

Rarely do we achieve complete success in today’s changing world without the help and support of others. The essence of teamwork is to identify and use the strengths of others to offset our own limitations, so that the strength of the team becomes greater than the sum of the individual parts.

U 

Unlimited Optimism

Life is a leap of faith. There is no way that we can know what will happen tomorrow.

R 

Risk-ability

The only limiting factor to our achievements in life is our fear of the unknown.

E 

Exceptional Performance

Achievement is the constant process of going one step beyond your previous experience.

John 10:10 – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

As the mountain climber gets an occasional exhilaration from climbing, we get the most out of life when we live for Christ. I see an application to the Christian’s experience. Jesus did not call us to live the Christian life just to escape hell. It is not a life of minimum joy and fulfillment, but a life that is full and overflowing. Our purpose in following Christ should not be merely to avoid eternal punishment. If that is our primary motivation, we are missing the wonders and joys and victories of climbing higher and higher with Jesus. 

 Do not live minimally. Live life to the maximum. Climb that mountain with confidence! 

2 Corinthians 4:18 – “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”