INTENTION - The Apostolic Voice of the Third Day Church

Dr. Kluane Spake

“BE anxious FOR NOTHING, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

Every believer knows they need to be thankful, so we usually just say, “Lord, thanks for the food - and thank you for all the missionaries in the whole wide world, amen!” Now we are thankful!

Last week I stood at my kitchen counter peeling an APPLE and heard this little internal conversation with the Lord.

“Are you thankful for this apple?” The Lord asked.

“Okay, sure!”

“Are you thankful for the grocer who unpacked it and put it out on the display for you to buy it?

“Yeah.”

“My daughter, are you thankful for the truck driver who drove those crates and hauled them into the grocery store?”

“Hummmmm… I see what you mean.”

“Are you thankful for the farmer who planted the seed and watered and cultivated the ground so that you could have food?”

“I am now, Lord.”

“Are you thankful for that seed? It had to die to reproduce - so that you could eat?”

“I’m learning to be thankful right now. Yes.”

“A seed that won’t die, just rots! Are you willing to be my seed?”

———-

Of course we know that Jesus is the seed of God. He had to die to be reproduced in us. Are we really thankful? Do we just say words or do we know the power of thanksgiving.

Do we know that the seed dwells within us? It grows day and night and we don’t know how! The seed was created on the Third Day. Seedtime and harvest are the Third Day truth that we need to grab hold of today. It is the intention of God that those of us who actually live in the Third Day (3rd thousandth year from the cross) know the power of the seed of thanksgiving.

Thankfullness is a much underrated FORCE for believers. It is the MISSING LINK. Thanksgiving is the power cord to finding contentment! It is the avenue to our peace. When we TRUST God, we can be truly thankful. Godly thanksgiving give us immunity to depression, worry, envy, anger, and resentment. It heals our sorrows and disappointments.

Thanksgiving will change your future. Losing your worries will open you up to be more clearly guided by the Holy Spirit. Renew your MIND to this concept(Rom. 12). Allow your thoughts to create a nowness of revelation and purpose. This continual process is known by scientists as imprinting or modeling.  Whatever you call it, start now and just do it!

Thanksgiving is not an action nor is it an emotion. It is a state of awareness - of heightened consciousness of the Goodness of God.

Thanksgiving is a kingdom perspective that allows us to FULLY POSSES our INHERITANCE THROUGH GRATITUDE. It brings us into a MANIFESTATION of Who GOD is in us and for us.

You have been given 365 days of 24 hours a day to LIVE. Are you thankful? That’s - 720 hours a month of LIFE to enjoy! That’s 31, 638,000 seconds a month to enjoy RIGHT NOW! It’s time to rejoice with sincerity and purpose.

Paul said it this way, “Thanksgiving is our dialect” (Eph 5:3 MSG).

It is my prayer that today you actively realize the good things in your life. Begin to have a conscious awareness of having abundance. It’s about persistent faith and unrelenting focusing on being thankful. Jesus taught us the principle that to those who are conscious of much, more will be given! (Lk. 12:48). The energy of thanksgiving causes wonderful new things to manifest in your life. Sometimes, it may seem like nothing is happening - but something is always happening when you are thankful.

Be thankful about what you have gained - not what has been lost (the water glass being half full not half empty).

Be thankful about what you have rather than pondering about what you don’t have.

Be thankful for what works in your life right now.

Be thankful for the times when you win and don’t remind yourself of the times when you failed.

Be thankful for those things that make you happy and put behind you thoughts about being sad.

Be thankful for those who love you and forgive those who have hurt and disappointed you along the way!

Be thankful for your talents and don’t worry about what you can’t do.

Be thankful to be part of the Body of Christ and enjoy being who you are in that Body.

Be thankful for the Goodness of the Lord and how He longs to bring blessing to you right now!

—-

Here are a few thanksgiving Scriptures to enjoy over this season.

The reason God brought judgment was that Israel was not thankful. They did not serve the Lord with joy… for the abundance of all things (Deut. 28:47).

And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, offer it at your own will (Lev. 22:29).

PS. 100:4 ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANSGIVING -INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE AND BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM AND BLESS HIS NAME.

“It’s the fruit of our lips giving thanks” (Heb. 13:15).

Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Rom. 1:21). IF hearts are darkened because of lack of thankfulness, then it means our hearts our enlightened by giving thanks.

For men shall be lovers of their ownselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy (2 Tim. 3:2).

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? [How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings?]I will lift up the cup of salvation and deliverance and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord, yes, in the presence of all His people. Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones). O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord (Ps. 116:12-17 mSG).

I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among a mighty throng (Ps. 35:18).

They removed the stone (from Lazarus’ grave) and Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me” (Jn. 11:41 MSG).

With dawn about to break, Paul called everyone together and proposed breakfast: “This is the fourteenth day we’ve gone without food. None of us has felt like eating! But I urge you to eat something now. You’ll need strength for the rescue ahead. You’re going to come out of this without even a scratch! He broke the bread, gave thanks to God, passed it around, and they all ate heartily—276 of us, all told! With the meal finished and everyone full, the ship was further lightened by dumping the grain overboard (Acts 27:34 MSG)^..

I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you (Rom. 1:8 MSG).

[ A Love That Will Grow ] Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears (Phil. 1:3 MSG).

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving (Col. 2:6 MSG).

Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can’t quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you! We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope (Col. 1:3 MSG).

So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name (Heb. 13:15 MST).

Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.(Eph. 5:3 MSG).

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus(1 Thes 5:16).

In EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS, FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU (1 Thes 5:16).

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks (2 Thes. 1:-5 MSG).

I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing: Salvation to our God on his Throne! Salvation to the Lamb! All who were standing around the Throne—Angels, Elders, Animals— fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, singing: Oh, Yes! The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving, The honor and power and strength, To our God forever and ever and ever! Oh, Yes! (Rev. 7:11 MSG).

More Thoughts on Tithing and “Tithing UP!”

Dr. Kluane Spake

I heard this story about how George drove through a small country town. George was a top sharpshooter for the FBI. Everywhere he drove, he saw bull’s eyes with bullet holes right in the center. As a championship marksman, this shooting was amazing to George. Every billboard, tree, wall, and fence was filled with centered bullet shots that hit the bull’s eyes.

George asked to meet this amazing marksman. Surprisingly, the shooter turned out to be the “village simpleton.”

“Your shooting is amazing - it’s the best I have ever seen.” said George. “How did you do that?”

“It weren’t nothing,” the simple man answered. “First, I shoot and then afterward, I draw the circles!”

Isn’t that a lot like us? We build our Biblical doctrines first — and then we look for isolated Scriptures that will support our views.

____

In the past, I have written many articles about tithing. Much has been misunderstood and misused. We must learn to accurately hit the bull’s eye FIRST. FIRST we find accurate Biblical principles about subjects like tithing and “tithing up” and then develop our corresponding responsible responses.

The small country town seemed to support the myth that the simple minded fool perpetrated. They allowed the tourists who passed by to believe in the appearance of great marksmanship. Most of those who drove by vastly misunderstood. Most Christians have heard the stories about tithing and “tithing up” and they know the folklore and tradition that has been perpetrated. Now, they ignore the whole topic — let’s not talk about it anymore.

Be assured that the bull’s eye of TRUTH is not about giving to promote a pyramid scheme or hierarchical domination. It’s not about giving money to the manipulating charlatan trying to trick you.

THE ISSUE of TITHING:

It should not embarrass us or anger us to talk about proper giving. Jesus talked more about giving and stewardship than any other topic. As a matter of fact, Jesus talked more about giving money to God than He did about the Kingdom of Heaven

How much money does Jesus want from you and me? Let me share two options with you.

Option ONE: You can tithe. You can say, “If I give $11.42 as 10% and then I’m through with my giving because that is what I have to give and my obligation is satisfied. This giving is often thought to be mandatory, under the hard task-master of the Law and is often given without much joy.

1. While tithing is not emphasized (or taught) in the New Testament, it was assumed. The early church were Jewish believers who practiced Jewish customs (Acts 2:5, 21;20).

2. Tithing is not totally legalistic. It predates the Law and was the practice of Judiasm before and after Jesus. Tithing was a vow of Abraham and Jacob before the Law (Gen. 4:4; 14:20; 28:2022).

3. The tithe was a measuring stick or a starting point. Remember that is “Is the Lord’s” and it was called “holy” (Lev 27:30).

4. We know that tithing an essential “part” of the Old Covenant Law, it provided the way for the priesthood to function. Clearly, the ordinance of tithing funded the Levitical priesthood. And… The Levitical priests did “tithe up” to the high priest.

However, we don’t see Jesus extending the Levitical priesthood in the New Testament Church. He never appointed one single priest (we are all priests because of Him). The New Testament Church is not intended to be a Levitical system in any way. Therefore, the Levirate structure is not the intended way to run or to finance New Testament Church.

Option TWO: Ask the Holy Spirit what you should give.

There’s a problem with step two. Oddly enough, people who choose this option of being “free from the Law” and personally “led” to give, often tight-fistedly stop giving! They say they are “not under the Law” and use this as an excuse to why they don’t/won’t support the church or ministers. Those who choose this option to take their money and give it away as they see fit, often leave much damage and sorrow to the Kingdom.

If you really do hear from the Holy Spirit and ask what to give, that number will generally be far more than 10%. It will support ministries and ministers. What being free from the Law should mean is that the TITHE IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO. Yes… it means you and I should now give MORE than the tithe.

I believe that we do great disservice when limiting our giving to a “tithe.” Do I believe in tithing? Yes. It is the start of giving for when we are first Christians. The Law was the School Master to teach us what is right.

But, New Testament giving should not be out of “legalism” or “obligation.” Nor should our giving be because of reward, or given out of fear of Divine retribution. Tithing should not be to “open the windows of heaven.” Those windows are now open and never shut.

Limited mindsets can actually stunt our spiritual growth. The Law was satisfied in Christ and we don’t need a School Master (tutor) when we are grown up. Together, we financially help build the Kingdom.

THE PROBLEM:

The focus of this article is giving to spiritual leaders and ministers. Of course we agree that … there has been horrific misuse about money these days. And we have seen how these unethical manipulations have driven people away from Christianity.

Today we continue to hear those who promise that if you give to God [meaning "to them"], God will give you a what you want - it’s the over-the-top opportunistic marketing mentality. I heard one guy say, “If you don’t give to me, your prayers cannot be answered.” Or how about, “Give to me and… expect your brand new car, your swimming pool, and your new gorgeous wife.”

They say: tithe to me and become my son, be protected, and get a blessing. Many leaders claim that their “Spiritual covering” or “Apostolic oversight” demands a payment. They quote practices from the Levitical system (Numb. 18:21-30). It is true, tithing did support the Levites (Num. 18:24, 1 Tim. 5:17). But, as we saw earlier, that this system is no longer in force.

The 11th century Johann Tetzel came up with the idea of priests issuing “indulgences” to those who gave. This money was thought to cancel all divine punishment. Manipulation for money is nothing new and indulgences was one of the big reasons for the Protestant Reformation.

CORRECTION NEEDED

Since our focus here is about giving to your spiritual leader, we’ll use the term “tithing up” because that is the most familiar phrase used today. Truth is:

1. We can’t “tithe up” in order to get or maintain true relationship - or to become a “son.” Godly associations are formed regardless of financial transactions. Money doesn’t MAKE the parent/son relationship.

2. “Tithing up” doesn’t “give us a blessing.” We are already fully blessed because of the cross.

3. “Tithing up” does not protect us or is it the way we satisfy our spiritual parental obligation.

Ø Philippians 4:16-18 says that apostles were supported by freewill offerings and also by those to whom they ministered (Gal. 6:6).

Ø Ministers’ needs were met by those they preached to (1 Cor 9:4-15) and they lived by means of preaching the Gospel.

Ø Apostles did not charge anyone for ministry (Tit. 1:11, 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 15, Jude 1:11).

Ø Paul sometimes worked to provide for himself (Acts 20:33-35, 1 Cor. 9:12).

Ø Money was thrown at the apostle’s feet for distribution to needs (Act. 4:35).

NEW STANDARD:

No more criticizing those current Johann Tetzels type preachers—there is a strong new message of truth, love, honor, and generosity that will trump all man-made and phony frauds.

No matter what your experience has been or what your theology is, the PRINCIPLE remains — we are supposed to support ministers. Your giving of your money reflects who you are, your relationship with God, and those who have loved and cared for you.

What we’re really talking about here is not only liberal giving, but also GIVNG TO THOSE WHO MENTOR and HELP US. We must find the truth about spiritual sonship.

1. There are real genuine leaders who care for you. They mentor, counsel, and train you out of passionate desire to serve God through you.

Everyone needs accountability relationships. You need to find those you trust. You do need mentors and those who truly care. If you have someone, do you appreciate their value? Is the time they spend worth something to you? Does their work in your behalf matter?

Who knows if Jesus would use the WORD “tithe” to teach how to give to ministry leaders today. He does teach giving principles of thanksgiving and generosity!

2. Many of those who oppose “tithing up” say that spiritual parents should support their children. They insist that you shouldn’t have to financially care for your parents, because parents are supposed to care for YOU. Well that’s true when you are an infant! How about when you are a grown up? I don’t know about you, but I financially and emotionally cared for and provided for my parents most all of my adult life.

Ø Obviously, if you quit giving and supporting ministry, then you are not grown up and still need the Law as a School Master!

Jesus commanded that we honor our fathers and mothers (Matt. 15:3-7). Paul added, “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1-3). The word “honor” means to place a value on something, to give money, to consider it a prized possession. In the original Hebrew, as found in Exodus 20:12, the word “honor” has very interesting roots. It comes from a Hebrew word which means “to be heavy” as in heavy with wealth. Notice this description of Samuel (I Sam. 9:6), “And he said to him, “Look now, there is … a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass.”

3.Honor them and who they are in the Lord to you (Heb. 13:7 and 17).

I remember flying to the states and visiting an old famous prophet who had come to Guam. He lived in a one room shabby motel. Every day he put on his dress suit and tie and waited in that hot little motel. He sat at the old chrome table with his Bible in his hand. Every day he sat there all dressed up – just waiting for the phone to ring. Just one more place to preach. Just one more life to change. Just a small way to pay his rent.

We have neglected many older ministers who have helped this generation succeed have never been given honor or thanks. Many live in great poverty and loneliness - without comfort or thanks. We forgot how they have poured out their lives for the Church and for us (1 Tim. 5:8).

Who helps you? Can you let them know what they mean to you? Can you tell them how much you care? NOW, before it is too late? Can you be thankful for how they have encouraged and contributed to your success? Have you noticed how they are always there (Prov. 23:22)? Love should be expressed beyond just a obligatory meager “monthly seed.”

4. Give according to the Melchizedek Principle.

We see the establishment of priority with Abraham tithing to Melchizedek. The “lesser” gives to the greater. The priest king Melchizedek certainly didn’t NEED money. Jesus, our Melchizedek, gives us this priesthood and the way to give “UP” (Heb. 7:2-7, 11-12). This giving continues…

5. Give according to the Stewardship Command.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down… for with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Clearly, giving positions your ability to receive. Consider their needs, and be generous (Phil 2:25, Jam. 2:16).

You and I can show honor and love that is covenantal and unbreakable. We should be able to generously give to those who spiritually care for us without a Law to tell us that it is right to do. Generosity is love. Giving is the mode of the Kingdom. Real love gives.