INTENTION - The Apostolic Voice of the Third Day Church

Focus on Being Loved
Dr. Kluane Spake
http://kluane.org
http://the-Q.org

What is love to you? They asked Jesus, “Teacher, which is the GREATEST commandment in the law?” Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your sol and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is LIKE IT: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the laws and prophets hang on these tow commandments.”

1. Love God
2. Love others.
3. Love yourself as you love others and God.

LOVE GOD: This is a huge topic but one that Jesus summed up when He said, “If you love me, you will do what I say.” We must learn to obey the Scriptures and DO them.

LOVE OTHERS: The Scriptural purposes of prosperity are ultimately about loving others - social transformation brings about the reform of the Kingdom. This is the God kind of love that confers blessings to others. With a loving state of consciousness we can transform society. This transforming love has no expectation of return.

This form of prosperity should be a central part of our meditation and confession. We must love others in the same way that Jesus loves us. Jesus came, died, and rose again to demonstrate the Father’s love to us. We are imitators of God and He gave Himself up for us (Eph. 5:1-2).

Remember — faith works by love. Love is the fuel for your life of success.

Understanding the Divine purpose of your life is the imperative that will navigate the rest of your life!

LOVE YOURSELF: Well, the first two parts seem easy for believers. It’s that last one… “love yourself” where most fail. Most of this book will be dedicated to changine your mindset about yourself and your surroundings.

We can’t truly love others without FIRST loving ourselves (love others AS you already love yourself). Most of us wonder HOW God could love us at all - it’s a wonder! Especially when we know who we really are. But, if you don’t love yourself, then Prosperity will be difficult. Without loving yourself, your purpose on earth can never be fully activated.

Right now, do you feel unreservedly loved and cared for?

How does it “feel” to be loved? How do you know when someone loves you?

What it means to you to love someone else? How do you express love?

What you believe about being genuinely, unconditionally, and eternally loved will create your belief system and your character.

Your concepts of love come first from your parents and environment. Your perceptions about how you were loved and treated as a young person have created a “mind set” within you - that is the main factor that formed your personality and character right now. YOu mindset it the expression of who you are.

If you mindset believes that you have to make everyone happy for them to love you, then you will just always run around trying and failing to make them happy.

Experiences of rejection, guilt, and shame can profoundly affect you. If you think you have to conform (mind, obey) to be loved, or have to earn love by “doing” something, it will prevent you from understanding your purpose.

When you learn to love yourself, the way you relate to others will change. Your environment will change. You are unique and one of a kind. When you realize who you are, your soul will shout, sing, and dance! Knowing you are LOVED gives you identity. It gives you hope in your future.

1. God loved you when you were a sinner and still spiritually dead.

2. Jesus died for you because HE loves you.

3. The final prayer of Jesus was, “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME” (Jn. 17:23). Did you see that? God loves you as much as HE loves …. Jesus! How can you fathom that? We must absorb the truth that Christ is IN US — in you and me.

Our all-powerful God doesn’t prefer some people more than others. In the book of Galatians 2:6-9, Paul talks about Peter, James and John as the pillars of the church. Yet, he said about them, “Whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no one.”

IF you don’t love yourself and think of yourself as special, you are saying that God is wrong in dying for you. Learning to love and accept yourself changes the way other people relate to you! You’ll find a huge difference as you progress in this self-love.

Out of a God of Love, all things were created. He knew you before the foundation of the world and He ALREADY wrote your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The Holy Spirit is calling you to a finished place. There is no pushing or tugging — just a call to come closer.

You may not always “feel” loved, but God simply promises that NOTHING will ever separate you from His love (Rom. 8:35-39).

God created you exactly you. You are incredibly special. Psalm 139:13 (NLT) explains that…Every day of your life was recorded in God’s book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Notice that God has a great plan for every day of your life.

God can and will do the impossible through you, or He isn’t God. Loving yourself is a PIVOTAL understanding for you to obtain your full spiritual heritage!

The purpose of life itself is all about learnng to love and be loved! The Greatest factor in obtaining a prosperous life, is to know without doubt that God loves you, listens to you, cares for, accepts, and connects you to Himself, His unfathomable love, and His sincere care continually reach out to fill you with Himself.

If you don’t “KNOW” you are loved, you will not be able to fully express love or properly dispense Prosperity. Loving yourself brings harmony and synchronicity to your life. Everything else will fall into line.

Prosperity means that you intentionally align yourself with the SOURCE - which is the God of Love. Align yourself to His holy Word and dare to believe it!

Your beliefs, expectations, and feelings about who you are will create your world.
You cannot focus on Kingdom prosperity until you have an awareness of already being fully accepted by God - right now. Unworthiness, doubt, and pessimism limits the possibilities of your future. Negative thoughts about others wastes energy and short circuits your success.

You are individually created with God’s image and likeness. The primary reality that each believer must have is to know that the God of love dwells within. You are not God, but you can be the manifestation of God on this earth.

Jesus told us His LOVE secret two thousand years ago, and it still is the only answer. If you choose to view your life as one of LOVE, you activate everything to respond back. Reciprosity is Kingdom language - you reap what you sow.

God’s ultimate purpose for you and through you is to know yourself IN CHRIST and Christ IN You. When you are secure in being loved, you can focus on what your purpose!

We’re not talking about being self-centered and selfish. This is not about being SELF serving. We’re talking about you learning to love yourself so that you CAN fully love God and others. Only then, will you have a right motivation to be able to proceed into obtaining your destiny!

Loving God, loving yourself, and loving others is the Great Commission of your life.

Having success in life demands that you love yourself, love others, and love God. That’s how you you fulfill your God planned destiny.

It is not more holy or more noble to deny your mind, deny your soul, or deny your body. We are supposed to integrate ourselves and co-exist as one functioning unit.

It does not make you closer to God to be poor or sick. If you live in unexpressed potential or function, you will be unhappy. It is absolutely Scriptural that you would want to enjoy your life.

You must totally get rid  of any trace of the notion that there is or may be any force in the universe - or any poverty minded deity who wants to keep you poor and/or sick, or who is able to make you poor, or who’s objectives can possibly be served by keeping you in poverty or sickness.

And also, you need to illuminate all fear that YOU have to “GET GOD’S APPROVAL” He already does love you, accept you, and approve of you. It is His ultimate desire that you finish your course and be successful.

CONFESSION:
“The Bible says I am as important to God as Peter, James and John. God loves me as much as He loves Billy Graham. YES, He does!

The cloud of witnesses stands on tiptoe looking over their heavenly balcony just waiting to see the astounding things I will achieve for the glory of God. I am as spiritually blessed as anyone else. I expect to be blessed. The Lord wants to make me a powerful force in His Kingdom.”

Love is not a state to be achieved, but a recognition of a condition. You are already loved and therefore, you are love.

Dr. Kluane Spake, http://kluane.org

A message to leaders

Let’s not keep going round and round on the endless farris wheel ride of same-ol’  ministry. It really is a New Day! And EVERYTHING has changed.

Most leaders know that Church is different. What worked before, just isn’t as effective as it was.

For sure, we know that believers are earnestly looking for “MORE.” They want to see the real deal and gather with real people. They want to experience God at church, in their lives, and at work. People are tired of the “hype.” They are more than tired of the false pretenses and evang-elastic words.

Hebrews 9:10 says, “They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings-external regulations applying until the time of the NEW ORDER.”

MESSAGE BIBLE says, “Under this system, the gifts and sacrifices can’t really get to the heart of the matter, can’t assuage the conscience of the people, but are limited to matters of ritual and behavior. It’s essentially a temporary arrangement until a complete overhaul could be made.”

Do we sit like blind Bartamaus not listening to what has been taught for centuries? Or do we hear the shift - God is blowing the whistle and gathering a people unto Himself. Jesus is releasing us into this new season of believing and leading.

TIME OF THE NEW ORDER. = diorthosis NT:1223 dia: reformation: NT:1357  diorthosis (dee-or’-tho-sis); from a compound of NT:1223 and a derivative of NT:3717, meaning to straighten thoroughly; rectification, i.e. (specially) the Messianic restauration.

Jesus introduced this NEW ORDER.

He gave the world everything that we needed to bring it forward. Much of these truths have been lost in the Dark ages and Middle ages. A sequence of reformation has continued up to our lifetime. Now, we stand at the fullness of time. At the brink of  the dawn of a new day - chosen to user in this apostolic order of higher perception that brings forth LIFE. It is an order of wisdom, knowledge, and stability. Of greater manifestation. Correct focus.

What is NEW in your way of ministry?

Our assignment is not to find fault or criticize what has gone on before. We only need to learn from it, use what we’ve learned as stepping stones, and move forward. We can appreciate the value of each passing renewal that brought us to our fabulous new day.

Do you realize that you are hand picked to live and to lead in this hour? To be the first ones in the door with new understanding and new relevance! My God… your and I are the most fortunate people.

The task now is to get to where the cloud has already moved…

Principles of Reformation
Matt. 16:27
Ep. 2:20
1 Cor. 12:28
Ep. 4:11-13

We’ve learned from the mistakes of even our recent past.  Inaccurate emphasis and imbalances. The “me” selfish mentality. Mendicancy vs. Name it and claim it. Searching for the Spiritual without applying it to the temporal. Controlling and haughty leaders.

Great apostolic leaders must create an environment where the unique potential of each individual can be actualized. People will follow an ethical leader(s) who release(s) them.

Godly authority cannot be fully released to those who are not accountable for their actions and behavior.

Leaders must be consistent. Practice what you say — or don’t say it!

You must have credibility.

You must be Trustable.

You must genuinely care.

The only thing in the universe that grows without sustenance is the human ego.

Gal. 2:1 “Fourteen years after that first visit, Barnabas and I went up to Jerusalem and took Titus with us. I went to clarify with them what had been revealed to me. At that time I placed before them exactly what I was preaching to the non-Jews. I did this in private with the leaders, those held in esteem by the church, so that our concern would not become a controversial public issue, marred by ethnic tensions, exposing my years of work to denigration and endangering my present ministry.  (another translation, “I wanted to make sure they did not disagree, or my ministry would have been useless.)”

Apostle Paul understood the necessity to communicate and be understood by other leaders. Do you do that?

Paul was able to say FOLLOW ME AS I FOLLOW CHRIST. Can you say that?

Well… it is a new day! Effectiveness IS dependent upon character.

HOW do you treat others?

WHAT do YOU do when they come to you for reconciliation and help? Are you a reconciler? Or do you hold hurt and unforgiveness?

Is there unresolved misunderstanding or offense with someone - that you have not deeply addressed (with them)?

Do you need to talk to someone who is waiting for you to call?

Do you look for WHY things happened and perhaps even sometimes admit the blame?

HOW do you talk and act behind their back?

HOW do you pray for them? Do you really care?

Is Koinonia real in your life?

Is loyal friendship an imperative?

Do you actually care about anything besides our own success and that of your ministry?

Is ministry a job or a passion? Is it routine or exciting?

These are things that believers are looking for! That’s what your ministry friends want to know too…

Gal. 2: 19 “What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be “God’s man.” Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The LIFE YOU SEE ME LIVING IS NOT MINE, but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.” (MSG).

Prov. 14:28, The mark of a good leader (king, monarch, ruler) is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following.

Leaders must move past what has been previously defined as “revival.” As wonderful as it is to experience these revivals, we need to see that the next real revivals will ADD something new - they will enable us to change our world!

There is a reason for the visitation of the Holy Spirit - to inhabit us! The Holy Spirit comes to change us into His image. And… there’s purpose in these Divine encounters! Sure we can enjoy the Presence and moments of mystery and delight. And… when the gold dust fades away, we are supposed to get up OFF the floor after being “laid out” — and then GO OUT and make a difference.

Authority means that certain individuals are permitted to give vision and instruction to others.

Authority requires a vision - you can’t lead unless you are going somewhere!

Anointing is more than a “feeling” it is the power to accomplish God’s purposes.

Responsibility means that each person is accountable to someone for the performance of tasks assigned to him. Was it completed on time? Satisfactorily finished? Etc. WHY? To get somewhere!

As soon as leaders align with new genuine character, they can lead the way to dynamic influence in the world systems. Believers will want to imitate them and work alongside. Together, they can affect change in the world. God gave you the authority to make a difference. Selah

“You can start again in 2010!”

Dr. Kluane Spake htttp://kluane.org spake@mindspring.com Perfection of Divine Order Begins in 2010 This last decade has been one filled with terrorist attacks, shock and awe, dread, war, numerous alarming failures in church leadership, Enron, Afghanistan, Iraq, political leaders in dreadful scandal, scam artists, hucksters galore, economic disaster, and of course, Tiger Woods. Where is safety? Honor? Respect? Who can you trust? As believers we are learning that we are “in the world, but not of it!” We have found many blessings midst all the troubles. Many are thankful to start a new decade and begin with fresh hope. 2010 - do you say two thousand and ten, or twenty-ten? The number 10 is very significant. Noah lived through the antediluvian age which was the tenth generation from creation. The Ten Commandments contained all that Israel needed. The Lord’s prayer contained ten clauses. Optimum giving is usually based on tens. The magicians and astrologers were 10 times weaker than Daniel in matters of wisdom and understanding (Dan. 1:20). Egypt suffered ten plagues, Jesus spoke ten parables, He told of ten virgins. In Luke 15:8 Jesus told a parable about ten coins and how when even when one was missing, the owner tried to find it. 10 Brothers (Gen. 42:3) 10 Cubits (Ex. 26:16) 10 Years (Ruth 1:4) 10 Loaves (1 Sam. 17:17) 10 Virgins (Mat. 25:1-13) 10 Talents (Mat. 25:28) 10 Lepers (Lk. 17:11-19) 10 Minas (Lk. 19:12-27) 10 Horns (Rev. 12:3) Ten is a phenomenal number that is defined as the perfection of Divine order, commencing, as it does, an altogether new series of numbers. Ten means the completeness of a past order, marking the entire round of anything, and it is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number ten. It implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete.[i] Luke 24:46-48 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to risefrom the dead the THIRD DAY, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” What this means is that “You can start again in 2010!” The cycle of the old wineskin of your life is complete - the New Day is come! It is the perfect time to begin with a new series of hopes and dreams. The Third Day was resurrection and LIFE. After you get that part, it is time to be endued with power from on high! This is the real deal! What if you’re someone whose ideas are completely outdated? Have you had prophetic Words that have not happened… yet? Do you stand in faith waiting, and nothing happens? Are there steps that you need to take to come into your destiny. Nobody like you has ever lived before. It is time for you to regain stewardship over ever area of your life! It is time to come into resurrection LIFE and be that witness endued with power. It has been said that perhaps the 11th commandment is, “CHANGE.” Everything around us is changing — fast. Are you changing? Are you relevant. Is your understanding increasing?  As this new year approaches, are you ready to really begin a new fresh start in a new cycle? “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” –George Bernard Shaw “All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination. “Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and SUCCESS.” –Napoleon Hill SUCCESS is different for each one of us.  But, the fundamentals for achieving success are the same for all of us.  If you concentrate on your weaknesses, you will be average and be limited by boundaries of your own making. Don’t allow yourself to re-taste the bitter experiences of failure and quitting again and again. Making excuses must end. FAILURE = TRADING YOUR DESIRES AND GOALS FOR WHAT YOU WANT RIGHT NOW. REMOVE all hindrances. Throw off every weight. Let go of anything that doesn’t have God’s LIFE in it. ——– Success = Becoming the best you can (the perfection of Divine order). Success = keeping commitments to yourself and others, What is DREAM IN YOUR HEART? WHO PUT IT THERE? Success = BEING what and who are you BORN TO BE! CONSIDER that God allows you to be the architect of your own life. Where are you going this year? Life Will Not Go According To Plan If You Do Not Have a Plan RESOLUTIONS are a profound message about who you are and what you are capable of. It is a decisiveness to proceed to your dream. Resolutions should be GODLY DESIRES THAT MOTIVATE! Do your resolutions align with your life’s vision?  How? Do your resolutions align with your values? Do your resolutions belong to you? Are they authentic or are you trying to be someone else? Do your resolutions have resurrection LIFE in them? Hope? Do they make your heart leap? Your baby jump? Do they generate excitement, expectation, and momentum in your life? FOCUS your efforts on the smallest number of activities that will produce the largest amount of productivity. Make all your decisions based on your vision and goals not on your income ability or current situation. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt. —– Beloved, whether you feel like it or not- YOUR LIFE IS taking a huge turn. The veil is rent and the sea has parted. Make way to cross over to the Promised place. This next year YOU will begin to converge into a greater NEW and LIVING WAY. As the heavens and earth SHIFT into this New Day, you will see more clearly how to ALIGN. For the Lord your God will perfect that which concerns you. The hand of the Lord and His favor is upon you to impact this generation. Get excited and ignited for you are hand picked to live NOW. BE-come a manifestation to this generation! This next year can affect possibly the next 10 years of your life! Behold, this marriage brought forth sons. Do you hear the sound of the manifestation of these grown-up sons? They are the willing volunteers in the womb of the morning coming forth. At last, the First Fruit Company is reproducing. The Glory of God comes forth - Christ in YOU, Christ AS you. “You can start again in 2010!”

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.

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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.