Gifts

There are a great many books written today about developing our spiritual gifts or discovering our purpose . . . most of them are absolutely worthy of our attention. Recognizing our gifts and being trained to serve God in our individual calling is part of doing His will. Yet, there is a deeper, more essential goal -- an objective that is ultimately far more valuable both to God and us. I am talking about the genuine quest to possess the likeness of Christ.

We marvel at the life of Paul. Here was a man who wrote Scriptures, who led many thousands to Christ; he founded churches and was proficient in all the spiritual gifts. Yet, what compelled him forward in life was not his calling, but his passion to be like Christ. He articulates this profoundly in Phil 3:10. He wrote,

"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."

My concern is that, over the years, I have seen far too many people who devoted themselves to perfecting their gifts or ministry, but neglected the deeper quest of conformity to Christ. To seek spiritual fulfillment from "our ministry" or "gifting" is to walk a path that actually leads away from the fulfillment.

Let me reinforce this point about the nature of our calling: my calling is not the core element of my destiny. A person's calling is a combination of divine preparation and a present assignment. A calling often unfolds or even changes throughout the seasons of life. As important as our calling is, the core of our destiny is not rooted in what I do for God, but in the conformity of my heart to Christ's. Christ likeness is my destiny. God may use my calling to perfect Christ likeness, but the purpose of my existence is to become like Jesus. Spiritual gifts and ministry assignments are only passengers in the car as I journey toward the fullness of Christ.


Predestined to be Conformed

Speaking of destiny, Paul wrote, "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom 8:29). Do we see this? We are "predestined to become conformed" to God's Son. When the New Testament speaks of destiny, it is almost always in the context of becoming Christ like. A "calling" or task may be to serve as a pastor or teacher or a housewife or in the marketplace, but regardless of my outward responsibilities, my core destiny -- the reality that continues unfolding within me regardless of outward circumstances -- is to embrace a life "conformed to the image of [God's] Son."

You see, our destiny is not what we do for God, but who we become to Him. As we reach for Christ likeness, our love for God becomes richer, our witness to sinners more powerful, and our secret life holy. As we seek conformity to Jesus, we discover that all our spiritual desires are rooted and nourished by conformity to Him.

Apart from Him, we may think we are doing great or important things, yet Christ tells us "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up" (see John 15:1-8). With Christ, however, even in the midst of conflicts, trials and temptations, we manifest "the life of Jesus . . . in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor 4:8). This, indeed, is the transcendent life of God.


The Gifts and Callings

It is to our shame in the west that many of our seminaries do not focus on becoming Christ like, but rather devote themselves primarily to theology and hermeneutics. Obviously, we need correct biblical knowledge, but even more do we need conformity to Christ. Even in our churches we labor to see people released in "their gifts," and may we never stop! But let us not neglect the more foundational work of seeing Christ likeness structured into the congregational attitude.

Paul taught that the gifts and calling of God were "without repentance" (Rom 11:29 KJV). The apostle was writing about Israel and the irrevocable place she has in God's future, yet the principle of which he speaks is true for us as well: God's calling on our lives, and His gifts, remain living realities independent of our state of heart. The gifts and calling of God exist "without repentance."

A pastor can still preach and even inspire the congregation, though he is living in serious sin. His "calling" is not dependent upon the current state of his righteousness. A worship leader that commits adultery Saturday night still may stir a congregation Sunday morning because his gift still works "without repentance" of his sin. The evangelist that weeps as he saves souls, even after he spent the night drunk, thinks that God has excused his lawlessness. Yet, even while the Holy Spirit is working through the minister's gifts, the man himself is in grave danger. For after he has preached to others, he himself might be disqualified (see 1 Cor 9:27). We have all seen gifts and callings remain functional even though individuals led double lives, with hearts that were trapped in sin.

The fact that the gifts and calling of God operate somewhat independent of our character tell us that God will use imperfect people. But we still must beware. A day may come when we look to our gifts or ministry and plead, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?" But Christ will not have it. Instead, He will utter those most terrible words, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matt 7:21-23).

You see, our gifts are necessary and understanding our calling is vital. Yet, attaining the nature of Christ is our destiny.

Beloved, as we approach the end of the age, a new priority is coming to God's people: the summing up of "all things in Christ" (see Eph 1:9-10). Both our gifts and our calling must serve our destiny, which is to reveal the nature of Christ. The focus that brings meaning and fulfillment is that which works to conform us inwardly to Christ. Our lives are to become "a fragrance of Christ to God" (2 Cor 2:15). Yes, the path to Christ likeness is the way to transcendent life of God.

         Today is your day to win and rejoice in the Lord for He has given you all things. Your day of blessing is in the now! Let not your heart be sorrow, neither let it be afraid. For the Lord has given you great things. He has come with your answer hide in His Word. Not hide from you but for you. Seek and you shall find the knowledge that is needed for you to win.

           Love came in the form of Jesus. Love (Jesus in action) gave Himself and all that he has for you. You are seated with Him in heavenly places and it gives Him no greater Joy than to give to God’s children. Love died so that you could live the abundant, to the full, overflowing life. Love took away your sins and punishment so that you could raise again clean as new snow upon a mountaintop. Love took away death and gave you eternal everlasting good life. Everywhere in your life that you submit to the Spirit of Love, You allow Jesus to empower perfect peace to be given to you. (Love will embrace you to live your life through Him).

          Ps 24:7 says, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be lifted up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of glory shall come in.” What does this mean to you?   This is no longer hide. Do you know? Well the Spirit of Love is demolishing generation of strongholds and Jesus is releasing all those held captive to spiritual bondage and oppression. The Spirit of Love is here to release the timely decrees for this set time of breakthrough for the members of B.T.M. and the body as a whole.

        This month we need for you to pray as never before. Add fasting to prayer along with your giving. We believe for the thousand times more harvest as well as the 100-fold return. Plus when you find the thief (the Devil, your enemy) demand 7 fold more. And let us not forget double for your trouble. God has set you up to win, so take it now! 

       The Word of the Lord has come to B.T.M.  By the mouth of 2 or more witnesses the word is applied and accepted. Exodus 14 verses 13 and 14 states this:” And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace.”

Confidence 1: firm belief; trust; reliance 2: certainty; assurance 3: belief in one own abilities; self-confidence 4: the belief that another will keep a secret (told in strict confidence) 5 something told as a secret.

Confident - Full of confidence

     Lately it has come to me that many of our people lack confidence and are having a hard time receiving from God. Many times it is because of the things that we have been through, seen with our eyes, or felt in our emotion. At the beginning of every act of Faith, there is often a little fear there.  Acting on the things we have seen, been through, or felt in our emotions, will affect our faith in a negative way. It takes 7 more positive words of faith spoken by your mouth to overcome the effects of these things. The things that you say with your mouth are called confessions. They will frame your world. The words you confess will either, build your faith and allow you to tap into God’s best or build fear and keep you worried and make you a failure. God’s plan is for you to win.

      First you must have a firm belief in God. When you accepted the Lord Jesus into your life, you were given all things that pertain to life and godliness. You must develop these seeds that are placed within you. Everything you need to live the overcoming life is already in you. It takes training to develop you into a winner. These letters are designed to give you the power to overcome the attacks of the Devil. Many times the Devil is really our own lazy (no Word study) ways.  We can tell by your acts of reliance. To go farther, are you certain that God loves you? You are in right standing with God. Salvation was free but everything else costs you in the form of studying and renewing your mind to God’s way and not your own.

       Fear is defined as anxiety over real or possible danger, pain, fright, etc.  We sometimes also call it False Evidence that Appears Real.  Fear is the opposite of faith. The Bible gives us the corresponding actions we are to take. Corresponding actions are the things we are to do to enforce what we are praying and believing for. This is very important to our faith. Example: If you believe for healing and you began to confess that I am healed, don’t start telling every one about how sick you are or looking for pity. Your action will out do your words. Let’s say you believe that God is promoting you, act like it has already happen. You are a minister long before you get your papers. You are born of God.

      Have you ever wondered how is it that some people, some of the time, get things so fast and others seem to take forever? Well I have found the answer, Life consist of knowing when to sow. Seed need to be planted in the right kind of soil at the right time. God wants for us to be faithful and truthful. Only God appoints when and how to plant his Spirit and life within us. We must accept Jesus Christ's forgiveness and become Christ like. (1Cor 3:11) We must study the Word and use the 5-fold Ministry gifts. The uses of the 5 fold gifts are to help you understand and apply the Word to your life in Him to make you strong. (1Cor 3:12-13) If you do not use the 5-fold ministry gifts you weaken your own life and it will collapse when problems or persecution arise. (Matt 7:21-28). Usually this comes from family and friends. Always make sure what you are hearing and feeling lines you up with the Bible. You will only know this if you read the Bible for yourself. Pray for direction and understanding with all your men and women of God. Always make sure they believe as you do. Let's build a strong foundation together so you can have a strong life.

     At this time it is very important that I hear from you to know how you are doing. Many seem to be lacking confidence (trust). We have been lied to, betrayed, left for dead, disappointed and missed treated. But the good news is that Jesus told us these things would happen but He gave us His Word to overcome all of this. You are never alone. God cares for you and so do I. You will win if you believe His Word and put it into action. Now for those of you that do not have a local church or not enough faces to feel encouraged, God sees your labor of love and the Anointed One (Jesus) is now releasing people into your life, your church and family, as you read this letter. The power of God is present right now. Nothing is too hard for you to defeat.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. God called you and the same people that now seem so far away will need you, so be ready.

     The Word of God produces godly thinking, which produces godly emotions, which produces godly decisions, which produce godly actions, which produce godly habits, which produce godly character, which produce a godly destiny. Most of you are in a test of character. Character is who you are all the time. The type of character we display determines our success in life. You can never rise higher than your character. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Read the Word in the present tense, it is speaking to you.

"All these blessings shall come on thee and OVERTAKE thee,” 
  

Bishop Tim