
It's Wise to Make a Regular Spiritual Assessment
It's always near the back of my mind that I will one day give an account (Rom. 14:12) for how I stewarded my life and that there are eternal rewards (Rev. 11:18 & 22:12 and 2 John 1:8). My friends, our time here is so short when compared to the riches of eternity.
Jesus admonishes us in John 15:16 that He wants fruit and fruit that will remain. In other words long term results. Lives that are impacted in such a way so that they to impact eternity as well. In fact, God just doesn't want us to impact lives, Psalm 137:14-17 and Jeremiah 1:5 reveal that God has planned a divine destiny for each person. You and I each have an assignment. Vision helps us articulate that assignment.
Use Your Vision and Missions to Look Back
Your vision is your overall target, your overall assignment. Your missions describe how you will accomplish that vision. Therefore, I use our visions and missions to judge what is produced. Are the results contributing to the overall assignment.
As I look back, I want to consider two scriptures.
- Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
So looking back requires discernment. Don't dwell on things you ought to be forgetting and remember, even meditate upon those things that are praiseworthy. Think about the results and what was produced that brags on Jesus! What glorifies His name? What did you do that perhaps was an answer to a prayer He prayed or exhorted us to do?
Wisdom Gazes into the Future but only Glances at the Past!
Why? Because Revelation 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. By meditating on what glorified Jesus you prophesy fruit, results, that glorify our Lord even more.... with compound interest.
As I contemplated the newsletter I was going to write I remembered with great gratitude those who'd partnered with us. Our longest partner has been with us since 2003. 3 John 4-8 reveals that when we give to a ministry we become a partner in the work and therefore share in the eternal reward. Candidly, I'm concerned that we steward well this ministry and altar so that our ministerial family and fellow workers (partners) are richly blessed.
Because of that, I always like to encourage people to sow into vision rather than give towards a need. Why? There is a greater covenantal return promised those who sow seed (Gen 8:22) and give first fruits (Prov. 3:9) as compared to those who just give alms (Prov. 19:6 - needs).
The Results - Looking Back to Look Ahead!
Excerpt from the newsletter. What is below, was an example of how I applied the lesson above.
I hope and pray you are inspired to do the same this year. Look back with discernment to look ahead. Keep pressing towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.
An Example
#GivingTuesday is the international day of generosity after the shopping frenzies of Cyber Monday and Black Friday. We are so very grateful for your partnership throughout the year. I trust that you are encouraged to see your investment in Kingdom League and 1Church1Day bearing increasing fruit.
Know that I am personally very thankful for the trust you have put in us. As you consider your yearend giving I'd like to invite you to prayerfully consider sowing a special year end gift. Rather than share the needs of our missions, projects, staff or orphanage I'd rather focus on impact and invite you to sow into vision. Here's some of our long-term results.
Looking Back!
- Two communities have been undergoing transformation for over 10 years and another one for 3 years. This includes from Charismatic to Catholic and from Presbyterian to Pentecostal working together to raise up a canopy of continual prayer while forming councils, seating the elders back in the gates representing the 7 spheres and the fivefold. Since 2005 over 30+ prayer centers or ministries and 40+ churches have been reported launched by leaders in 38+ nations who’ve used our strategy.
- A few have maintained long term relationship with us. This includes India (2009) and Myanmar (2006). This led to the launch of the India Prayer League (38+ churches), two church buildings, many salvations and in Myanmar the founding of MT Horeb Prayer Center (7 denominations working together) & an orphanage (Adonai Child Rehabilitation – 9 children).
- While I frequently emphasize the strategy and big picture. The truth is, many lives are impacted, through supernatural encounters with God’s power as Jesus is glorified.
Looking ahead to 2019!
- The launch of the online Kingdom Academy planned
- International prophet overseeing a TV network asked us for a proposal to use 1Church1Day to unite the Church.
- (Note: this is related to a vision God gave me in 1988, 1992 and in 2008. The potential for the impossible to occur)
- We are believing God for $85,000 mature our apostolic communication system which will mobilize even more 24/7 while forming more apostolic/prophetic councils and connecting apostolic hubs from nations to states, counties, regions and cities.
- Mission trips are being planned and considered to Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa
In the service of King Jesus,
Tim Taylor