01/19/2024 In the last few weeks, I’ve gotten behind on noting some things I felt like the Lord was trying to teach me. I observe different people in the body of Christ sometimes, in what I would call their “office”. I have come to believe and consider when I think of the word “office”, that its a role that a body member (Christian of the faith in Jesus Christ). I have not only thought of this as “deacon, elder, minister”, but rather as all the “offices” like from the passage in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31:

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

This passage thrills me, because I have seen some of the these offices in glances, that other members of the body of Christ probably have not seen. I’ve seen miracles worked, genuine ones. I’ve experience them, too. I’ve spoken tongues, and though I don’t understand much, I know God has helped me w angels! I have seen real apostles like the ones in the bible suffering, and prophets and accurate prophetesses who are like the ones in the bible, also, often found alienated and alone. I’ve seen teachers and love that idea of a teacher of the gospel spreading the good news!

Lately, I have pondered and thought upon the ideas of people having different strengths. I know some people that are so strong in preaching, that they give themselves to it relentlessly, and in all settings. I have also seen others who “experientally” give so much of themselves to the Lord in earnest and daily relationships, that they are surpassed most people in faith in a short time, because they seem to be relentless in relational, REALLY relational in Jesus situations. Additionally, some people are noted and observed as being so fiery in the gift or prophecy, that they seem like flames of fire walking around, at least to me. These strengths in preaching are needed, nobled, and vary in differences from the person whose quality in their spiritual gifts is seen as giving a “word aptly spoken” as they often prophesy and don’t even realize it. People that are constantly telling others about God’s works in their lives accellerate so fast, because God ignites them w more of the Holy Spirit, every time they open their mouths about Him. In the book of Acts, this is widely seen as the church is growing rampant, and is occasionally seen today as (for example) “good Ol Joe, who is always “on fire for God”; or Jim “known as a man who loves His God” or Susie “She is one powerful prayer warrior”, or “Wow, did you hear Mr. Bob give his testimony of the financial miracle, supernaturally occuring for him to go to Africa?” or “Whoaaaa, that black prophetess lady just “read my mail”, as in read the thoughts, history, or future prophetically of a soul in Christ.

There is often emphasis in Christianity placed on the good preacher and these other gifts, seems to swim down the stream of indifference, often being not taught, and sometimes not even supported. The truth is, though, that we need all the flavors of Christ we can get. If a sister has a strength in telling others about Jesus working in her life that very day, you can rest assured she is stronger in God, than brother Larry who testified in church 30 years ago. But Larry is needed as the layman who you can depend on to serve the body of Christ in “Helps”; and not one member is to be discounted, if they are loving the Lord w all their heart and soul and mind” (Matthew 22:37). These are some thoughts, and I could not help but be excited about the idea of relaying; because when I really feel God has given me a word to share, it brings joy to my face, health to my countenance, and life to my body! May this joy be found for all today, in Jesus’ name :). I will testify, praise, and prophesy in Jesus’ name, too! 🙂