For the month of January, services were held at the Annapolis Senior High School, which is about ten miles from the church. However, over the next four months, services will be held at four different auditoriums throughout the county. Some of these areas have never been evangelized, so there are significant efforts being made to reach the communities near these locations.

At the beginning of this change, the decision was made to leave out the church’s name for the promotion of these services. The services are being promoted as Acts-in-Action. The theme of these services is “Come experience the power that changes lives.” Since there is no specific church name, if people have affiliations with another church, there may be a better chance of reaching them without a particular church being promoted. And, for those who are un-churched, the goal is to share the message of the power of Jesus Christ.

The first month has been a very exciting time. It has been one of the most severe winters that the area has had over the past few years. However, in spite of that, God is doing wonderful things. There have been over fifty first-time visitors, and eight people have received the Holy Ghost. There have also been many saints who have received a significant touch from the Lord. Most of all, the power of Jesus Christ is being taken into areas that have never experienced it before.

Paul made mention in his writings to the church at Rome that he sought God for opportunity, and as the Lord had sent him, he longed that he might impart some spiritual gift. What would the method or vehicle for this impartation be? Is there spiritual principle for Paul’s statement to the church at Rome, and how does it apply to the ministry of the church today?

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

As a result of my exposure to other men’s ministries, it has become evident to me that some men’s ministries differ in the fruit produced and how the hand of God begins to move. 
Faith is the platform by which many spiritual gifts come into operation. 
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  We clearly understand that through the act of speaking, or
by the utterance of the spirit, there is a work of the spirit that we call
impartation.  Seed of the Spirit in the form of spoken word is imparted as the gift of God is in operation. 
That seed is then mixed with faith which provides germination, or makes it the living word.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.

Paul declared that the “Manifestation of the Spirit” or the ministry given to a man or individual is not for the profit of that individual but for the profit or benefit of all. 
Therefore the gift is given to the church (body of Christ), not the man. He simply becomes the vehicle or facilitator by which God performs this spiritual work. 
The idea that all ministries are alike is ludicrous, and to give myself to only one form of ministry
would be a mistake.  It is also recognized that the scripture gives two ways in which this impartation takes place. 

Speaking — The flow of ministry that takes place by teaching, preaching, prophesying or even praying. Yes, praying is a ministry.

Laying on of the hands — God apparently ordained that gifts and spiritual ministries would be given when men of God laid their hands on people associated with praying or prophesying.

Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:6 
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Keeping in mind that Jesus gave strong references to the word of God being sown as seed, let’s consider the principle. Other references speak of trees producing fruit. We know that sown seed will produce a tree. We know that a tree will produce fruit that bears seed after its kind. This is one reason why we are to know them that labor among us. The ministries we are exposed to will produce the fruit of that ministry in our lives. 
The next reference that Jesus made concerning the tree was whether it was a good tree or a bad one. Jesus was more forgiving to the tree that bore no fruit than he was to the one that bore bad fruit.

Matthew 3:10
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

The obvious reason being, a bad tree would produce bad fruit that would only perpetuate itself through the bearing of it’s own seed.  
Our ministries are much the same way. Our fellowship with God and praying in the spirit are critical to what is produced in our ministries. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.  
If I failed to live a measurable part of my life in prayer and meditation in the word, then without fail my ministry would only produce the things of my personality, my thoughts and probably my own intellectual ideas.

by Howi Tiller

CODE is an acronym…Conference of Drama Evangelism. CODEs are three day regional conferences that offer drama ministry classes from beginner to advanced. Classes cover such subjects as; acting, rehearsal management, dinner drama, dowel rods, mime, lighting, stage design, playwriting, directing, prop building, voice imaging, stage combat, monologue and more.

The clinicians are people who do drama ministry every day or every week. Some of the clinicians are Terry Vik from Urbandale, IA., Kelly Ventura from Visalia, CA., Gaylen Cantrell from Hanford,CA., Colleen Clabaugh from Norfolk, VA., Eric Roemheld from Los Angeles, CA., Howi Tiller from Omaha and many more.

One of things we try to do is use local drama teams for the Thursday evening drama Revue. It’s a night of drama variety. Friday evening is a full length play. Registration starts on Thursday at 11:00am and classes start at 1:00pm – 4:30pm. Friday starts at 8:45am and goes through 4:30pm. Saturday runs 8:45 – about 1:00pm. It’s three days of intense drama ministry and performances.

Learn and be inspired from clinicians that have years of experience and are active in drama evangelism. If you have a passion for souls and want to impact your world for the cause of Jesus Christ, come, enjoy and learn how to effectively communicate the gospel through the ministry of drama!

Mark 4:11-12

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kindom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Most of the folks that attend this church come into contact with the HOLY ANOINTING that brings about the NEW BIRTH: we call it THE HOLY GHOST. In the past, folks had been touched by some one pouring OIL onto their heads, and the SPIRIT would come upon them. While the OIL was symbolic and the SPIRIT was REAL, I am very concerned that many of us are living with the SYMBOLIC in place of the SUBSTANCE. We have been given SPIRIT LIFE and only that life can accomplish the various acts and deeds needed to LIBERATE FOLKS.

I read where JESUS WAS ANOINTED WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND POWER. Without that, nothing of any spiritual consequence would have happened. We must experience a RENEWAL, A FRESH TOUCH OF SPIRITUAL EMPOWERING or all the scripture in the world will not move a devil or disease. When Elisha went across the Jordan , that old river did not respond to the PERSON but rather to the ANOINTING, and nothing else. Jesus told his crew not to leave the city until they had been filled with the SPIRIT, or if you please, ANOINTED WITH HOLY POWER. After receiving the SPIRIT it can become very easy to learn how to OPERATE within flesh without requiring any touch of GOD. Our own desires can dwindle into just dreams of what we once planned to happen, we just settle down into the LAND OF CONTENT .

Life has the ability of DRAINING us from what we need to impact our world. We just cannot continue to just do as our flesh, money and ideas permit. I implore all of you, please seek the FACE OF GOD and ask to be FRESHLY ANOINTED so that HIS WILL can be accomplished through the only means intended: NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY MY SPIRIT. Each and every impossible situation will not only recognize the ANOINTING but it will also bow to it and submit to it, no matter how long it has been or how bad it seems to be. Let’s pray now.

Being exposed to the phenomenal work being done in China with the biblical concept of, “House Church” made a great impact on me. Upon my return home, I researched a group that began in China around 1980 called “Three Self Patriot Movement”. This was an effort to found Christian house churches after the Cultural Revolution. Today the leaders and authorities of this massive body of believers (80 million house churches) are answerable directly to the Communist Party. This in time has spawned many underground house churches who are hungry for the pure word, as well as genuine apostolic ministry. There greatest need at this time is for teachers. These people already congregate in homes by the thousands. I was reminded of the account in Acts 2 & 3 where Peter and John went daily to the Temple for prayer and went house to house to minister the word, break bread together in fellowship and in prayers.

Acts 2:46-3:1 (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 3:1) Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Seeing the boldness on these beautiful people to worship and praise God while meeting in secrecy and under threat of safety will mark me for life. Most all of these precious souls would never hope to meet in public buildings, nor is there intent or desire to ever hang an organizational sign on them. Most only go on a first name basis for the protection of others. God alone knows the true number of saints there and I doubt there will ever be an attendance record kept. One’s motive would surely come into check as we in America have placed so much emphasis on buildings and extended great effort to incorporate organizational names to our structure. I now possess a greater vision of how the Lord wants to work through his church in America, as well as in the earth. From this day forward I am taking a fresh look at all my ministerial involvements, as well as personal motive and making adjustments where necessary to better serve the kingdom of God.

Our Lord Jesus spoke about the parable of the fig tree, showing that when the tree put forth its TENDER BRANCHES you can tell that summer was very near, using the illustration from nature to show how we could tell about HIS COMING. I am lifting the example from the setting to speak about TENDER BRANCHES.

Having a TENDERNESS in us is the first stage for the next level of GROWTH. Growth only occurs when the branches are YET TENDER, what a challenge to all of us. Maybe the progress and growth many of us are desiring has not come, due to the fact that TENDERNESS is not working in us, so that the next STAGE can happen. There is a time when the branches must be TOUCH AND HARD; that time is WINTER. The branches HARDEN to brace themselves against the HARD, COLD SEASON called WINTER. Hardships of winter include the terrible cold, fierce winds, and various animals foraging for food.

It is alright for us to have HARDENING, OR TOUGHNESS, which is needful in TIMES OF TRIAL, WINTER, AND COLD EXPERIENCES. Once the trial is over, we must allow God to SOFTEN us again, so that through being TENDER, we can experience a new level of growth and fruitfulness.

In the natural world, when winter is over, the branches do NOT REMAIN TOUGH, there comes to it THAWING AND TENDERNESS; the same thing must happen in us. We must PERMIT GOD to SOFTEN US, so GROWTH may happen, for NEW GROWTH ONLY HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE TENDER…. Remember, SUMMER prepares us for the next season, which is a TIME OF HARVEST; each stage is connected to the next. We must not become BITTER, HARD OR CRITICAL, but we must SEEK TO BE MADE TENDER after trials and tests. As soon as its branches become TENDER, it PUTS FORTH LEAVES. Ask God to help you to be balanced between TOUGH AND TENDER, for your next stage of GROWTH is determined by the condition of the previous one….

Ships have rudders! And there is a very good reason why ships have rudders attached because, as with life, any number of things can happen to knock a sea-faring vessel off course.

When a ship embarks from port, the navigator and/or captain have a definite and predetermined destination in mind. The vessel is set upon a heading that will ultimately bring it safely to harbor in the desired seaport, but from port to port, corrections will be made in the heading so the ship can stay the course. Corrections are not made because of some miscalculation, but rather because winds, tides, currents or some obstacle has forced the ship off course.

Staying the course does not mean that a vessel never gets off course, but when it does veer, corrections are implemented to bring the ship back to proper bearings. Apparently the Apostle Paul understood this principle and realized how it applies to spiritual life. Paul’s own testimony states, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4:7)

The Apostle did not claim to have kept the course, but he was very adamant in his acknowledgment that the course had indeed been finished. This text seems to imply that certain things may happen which cause a life to get off course, but the course can still be finished. The wise man noted in Proverbs 24:16, “a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again”. Paul’s assertion that he did “keep the faith” evidently supplied the enabling ability for him to rise up again so that he could “finish the course.”

Winds

When winds of adversity blow a ship off its desired heading, only the determined faith and vision of the Captain will continue to bring it back on course. Winds do blow, and that is one of the reasons why ships are built with rudders attached.

“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” (Matthew 14:24)

Like the wind described by Matthew, it seems as if most of the winds in life are “contrary”. A contrary wind is not necessarily a wind from hell. Any wind that is trying to push the ship in a direction other than the desired port is a contrary wind.

Winds usually come in the form of influence. People, circumstances, temptations, old habits or any other areas of life that serve as a center of influence, can become a contrary wind.

Winds of adversity and resistance must be met with an intentional resolve to persevere. If allowed, contrary winds will cause even a large vessel to stray. Contrary winds are faced almost every day. Resistance is a fact of life for any spiritual pursuit, and it seems especially so in the area of prayer. Diligence is the catchword for spiritual accomplishment. God does reward those who seek Him faithfully.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Tides

“…and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

The “care of this world” would be an all-inclusive description of the tides of life. Daily life abounds with concerns that ebb and flow. If not met with determined strategy, the cares of day-to-day life, though varying, will cause us to become unproductive in spiritual pursuits.

Changing tides are an accepted part of the routine in sea travel. Varying tide patterns from one port to another, although sometimes a bother, are considered to be part of the process of ocean voyage.

Tides are an expected, even a predicted occurrence of life. Although expected, tide patterns must still be calculated into the scheme of navigation. If tide variations are not properly evaluated, they will have devastating effects on the final destination of any sea-faring vessel.

Tides represent the normal routines of life. Although not sinful in and of themselves, the routines that many people follow in daily life are very capable of creating environments that are not conducive to spiritual growth. Something as simple as working overtime, having to work on a rotating shift, or even summer break from school, if not properly considered and planned for can bring a prayer-life to a grinding halt.

Currents

Popular fads, world events, tragedies of life, and other such unexpected but temporary happenings that incite emotional reactions fulfill the definition of currents. It is so easy to be swept into the fray of a strong current, being pulled completely off the desired heading. Often, because of the strength of the current, it is a struggle to get free of its affect. It is possible to be totally aware of the current and how it is changing the direction of spiritual growth and yet feel helpless to be freed of it on our own.

Currents of life usually create a situation where a “life-guard” is needed. “Life-guards” are those people that God places in our life to assist us in overcoming currents and who help supply spiritual direction and insight. God never intended for His children to be self-sufficient. Prayer partners should be sought for and established so that in times of crisis a lifeline can be attached to provide greater security during the voyage. Prayer partners become sounding boards, confidants, and enablers that help us in the recovery process, which also includes the re-establishing of a proper spiritual heading.

Obstacles

Natural elements of normal life produce the greatest amount of spiritual resistance. But natural elements are not the only source of spiritual resistance. Circumstances, other people, or demonic spirits often create obstacles in our path, which can cause us to veer off course. At times, certain obstacles produce situations that necessitate a brief, but intentional, departure from the established route for safety’s sake.

Shallow water, one of the more obvious concerns of sailing, is most often a concern only when leaving or entering a harbor. As a ship nears a new port-of-call, the captain naturally pays special attention in guiding the vessel, keeping it in the deepest channels possible. But, every good sailor understands that shallow water can also be of grave concern on the open sea. “Shallow water on the open sea?” some may question. The seasoned seafarer responds with a resounding “yes”, knowing that every underwater mountain range can present eminent danger. Careful observation exposes a sobering revelation: “Many great lives and ministries
have been side-tracked (some permanently) and even destroyed during or near mountain-
top experiences.” Victories so often produce an intoxicating affect, which has proven to efficiently debilitate righteous judgment.

God is inviting His elect now as He invited the Prophet of old to come into the waters where it is deep enough to swim. (Ezekiel 47:5) Shallow water is a far too perilous place for a child of God to weigh anchor. The Psalmist understood the desire of God to bring His people into the depths of the Spirit realm;

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” (Psalm 42:7)

The ocean floor is thoroughly littered with sunken vessels that must be avoided at all cost. A simple glimpse of ships that have failed in their attempt to complete the voyage is one of the most discouraging sights any seafarer could ever see. Every sunken vessel, regardless of the cause, looms as a dreary reminder of what any ship’s fate might be.

A great hindrance to the spiritually cautious, who dare to seek the deeper things of God, is the memory of others who tried, failed and were ultimately lost to the sea. The knowledge of fallen comrades should never deter the venture from taking place, but ought to serve as buoys, marking the dangers along the journey.

Certain trade routes are at times strewn with debris and hazards such as icebergs. Most of the devastation that occurs from these perils is a result of what cannot be seen rather than what appears to be the obvious danger. Comprehending the immense jeopardy of the unseen will assist in navigating safely around and through the perils of life.

One of the more discouraging aspects of ocean voyage is the day to day monotony between ports-of-call. Leaving home port is exciting; a new adventure is underway and many positive changes rapidly take place. It is easy on the outset of the trip to see the benefits of the voyage. However, it is difficult, if not impossible, to fully appreciate the progress being made when physical landmarks can no longer be seen.

Embarking upon a daily commitment of early morning prayer is a life-changing decision. In the beginning of any new spiritual endeavor, many changes quickly occur which enhance the resolve to continue. But after the initial experiences of change, staying in the process becomes somewhat tedious when the changes seem to slow down or stop altogether.

It is extremely important to remember that a prayer-life is not an event but rather a continuous journey. A Prayer Voyage will bring us into numerous harbors where great spiritual treasures are introduced into our lives. While in port, being laden with spiritual gifts and cargo, it is easy to stay encouraged about the benefits of living a sacrificial life of early morning prayer. However, those trips between ports, which appear to be uneventful and unfruitful, are the times we must be careful to “keep the faith.”

Winds, tides, currents and obstacles seemed to have all come to visit at one time. My life had been bounced from one wave to another for weeks on end. Every schedule had suffered, and my prayer time was so battered that I felt totally ashamed to even approach God. After all, those who knew me well considered me as some sort of an authority on the subject and practice of prayer. “Mr. Prayer”, as I had been dubbed by more than a few, had been virtually prayerless for days on end.

I am still not sure whether guilt or desperation convinced me to press on in prayer that morning, but whatever it was, I am eternally grateful that I did. I was busy explaining to God all of the things that had hindered my early morning prayer time and begging forgiveness when God arrested my attention. I saw a vision before me of a graph. On the graph about halfway down on the extreme left side (which was labeled west) appeared a line. The line came from the west and continued approximately a quarter of the way across the graph. As I beheld this sight the voice of the Lord spoke to me and asked, “Which way is the line going?”

After careful examination of the graph I answered, “From west to east.” “Does it always go from west to east?” the Lord inquired. “No” I said, “sometimes it drops toward the south and at other times it peaks toward the north, but over all it goes from west to east.” “Exactly” replied God, “This is a graph of your prayer-life. At times, your prayer drops off a bit. Still, at other times your prayer-life excels, but overall you are heading in the direction that I have called you to go. When you fall you keep getting back up and that’s all I require from you.” God continued, “You have been whining about missing a day. I am from everlasting to everlasting, what is twenty-four hours to me? I created the day for you, so quit whining, get over it and get busy praying!”

I now have a better understanding of Paul’s statement. I may not always keep the course, but as long as I can keep the faith, I will finish the course. Should I veer off the proper heading and for whatever reason neglect my time of prayer, a new day dawns. And with each new day comes a new Nautical Hour, where I can discover how far I have drifted off course and what corrections I need to make to get back on course, because, I intend to “finish my course”.

The Lord Jesus seemingly went to great lengths to challenge the hearers of that day to do EVERYTHING possible NOT TO FIND THEMSELVES LOST FOREVER. In our present day, many folks attending church seem to act and think that being LOST is not REALITY and that GOD IS JUST TOO GOOD to allow such a thing to happen. I warn all of you; God will not forsake HIS PROMISE OF FAIR JUDGMENT over HIS OWN KINDNESS. It is very evident that God wants all to be SAVED, but He is not going to CHANGE THE RULES for a generation that thinks it can LIVE LOOSE OR UNGODLY and still be READY FOR HIS COMING.

My heart is greatly moved as I watch the SPIRITUAL LEVEL of some seem to DIMINISH FURTHER, and with no sense of SHAME OR FEAR. The longer one lives a certain way, the easier it becomes to believe that GOD MUST NOT CARE, but I WARN YOU as best I can; GOD IS NOT MOCKED, SIN WILL BE DEALT WITH. I am issuing a CRY for all of us to seek the FACE OF GOD for a RENEWAL AND REVIVAL within our own hearts and spirits. We must again get INFUSED WITH HOLY FIRE AND ZEAL if we plan to be whatever God has designed for us to become. Do not be fooled over the fact – NO BIG SINS have been done – for we all can EASILY DRIFT into a level of UNGUARDED, LOOSE LIVING.

Recent events have challenged me to EXAMINE my DESIRES, LEVEL OF DEDICATION, and my own WILLINGNESS to make any and all CHANGES needed. I cannot afford to allow the shame level of some to IMPACT my drives and desires; I must be SAVED no matter what. Both HEAVEN AND HELL are real, the possibility of going to either place lies within each of us, TRADITION, BIBLE KNOWLEDGE AND LONGEVITY will not be the DETERMINING FACTORS, our CONNECTION to GOD and our pouring out of our lives for HIM WILL BE…. We all can have more KNOWLEDGE than we apply into our actual living; we must SEEK GOD UNTIL something moves us into PROPER CHANGE. While this world laughs its way into Hell, and some joke about it, GOD IS DEAD SERIOUS, DO NOT END UP LOST, PLEASE….

I think our very nation is held hostage by the concept: BELIEVE IN GOD, but do not let OUR BELIEFS in any way become a PLATFORM for SUBMITTING AND SERVING GOD. Joshua cried to his people, “I am going to SERVE GOD”, which was shouted to those who BELIEVED IN GOD. It is so easy to BELIEVE and not REALLY SERVE. When we serve, our very lives are turned over to JESUS AND HIS KINGDOM, but if we just believe we can go on our merry way and never give HIM any thought or VALUE HIM above everything else.

ARE YOU BELIEVING HIM, OR ARE YOU SERVING HIM?