Showing posts with label tokyo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tokyo. Show all posts
February 16, 2026
The Pokemon Cafe
April 26, 2024
Wreck It Ralph to Replace Buzz Lightyear!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company)
March 26, 2024
Opening Day at Disney's Greatest Theme Park
Could there be a more beautiful, more impressive, more incredibly designed theme park ever built by the Walt Disney Company and those ultra-talented Imagineers? Probably not. (I know, you expected me to say EPCOT Center.) This grand opening attraction poster gives just a glimpse of the wonders found within. From the monstrously huge, fire belching volcano of Mount Prometheus to the huge temple which holds Indiana Jones, the lovely Tokyo Disneysea continues to grow and amaze. The attractions of Fantasy Springs can't come soon enough! Then I can begin to plan a visit once things settle down. Now with a Tangled boat ride opening, I just can't wait much longer or keep putting off a trip. To see the lantern festival in person- wow, just wow!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company and Oriental Land Company.)
August 17, 2022
Beyond Tokyo Disney Resort
Certainly a must is a visit to the ancient city of Kyoto. Step back in time and experience what it was like to live hundreds of years ago, The gorgeous buildings, narrow streets, secluded location create a sense of being far away from the busier cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Women in traditional kimonos walk the streets as they go about their daily life. This brings it all to life in a wonderful way!
When the time comes for some java, step into the world's most unique Starbucks. That's all I will say! You'll have to discover it for yourselves. Trust me, you will be delighted by what you find.
Tranquility seems to live here. Not only are the surroundings very memorable, the people are gentle in spirit and quiet in tone, and the experience is unlike anything else you'll find in modern Japan.
(Photo copyright Getty images.)
July 5, 2021
東京ディズニーランドで一日より良い?
神は世界を愛し、彼は彼を信じる人は誰でも滅びるのではなく、永遠の命を持つべきである、彼の一人息子を与えました。 神は、世界を非難するために、世界に彼の息子を送ったのではなく、世界が彼を通して救われるように。ヨハネ3:16-17 - それはイエスのすべてです。
(写真著作権 横山レン)
February 4, 2021
Carpenters Revisited: A Fresh Look at Live in Japan
Note: Today marks the 38th anniversary of the passing of Karen Carpenter. As part of Carpenters, she and brother Richard created some of the most beloved recordings of the 1970s and 1980s. Below is a continuation of my series reviewing each album as it was released. I'm up to the 1974 album, Live in Japan. Enjoy!
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It is ironic that the very first live Carpenters album was recorded and released in a country other than their homeland where Karen and Richard first became well known. The in concert collection Live in Japan also occupies a very interesting space in their career as well as in the story of how the duo's music impacted my life. It is a snapshot in time not easily forgotten. As exciting as it was to find this two disc collection, truth be told, it is one of their albums I listen to the least. Maybe the very least.
Recorded in Osaka in 1974 during their Japanese tour, it was finally released on March 7 the following year. In contrast to most of their U.S. releases to that point in time, this is one stunning album cover! Against a crisp black background, the famed Carpenters logo in red and the title of the album in blue made for an eye catching presentation. Both Karen and Richard seem absorbed in the music each in their own unique way. He is intense and focused on the keyboard, while Karen seems in another world, conveying a story in the words sung.
The longest wait ever from purchase to first listen.
Back to the beginning of it all. Honolulu, Christmas Day in 1975. Where my parents once struggled to make ends meet, they now were flush with cash due to a change in career a few years earlier. This resulted in something I'd never have dreamt: a trip to Hawaii as a Christmas present. Not just any quick trip, however. My parents, my sister, and me for three weeks on three islands in fairly deluxe accommodations. More than enough time to fall in love with the islands, easy living, and the tiki culture. I'd been to Kona Hawaii restaurant in Garden Grove many times prior and enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Of course, Disneyland's tropical Adventureland held the Enchanted Tiki Room whose music captivated me. So, I was well primed for the vacation of a lifetime.
Landing in Honolulu on Christmas Day was only the beginning. Several days later, while visiting the Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu to do some souvenir shopping, my eye caught the local record store. I never could resist a stop at one. Straight to the Pop section, I found the divider labeled "Carpenters", unexpectedly yielding treasure. I had not seen or heard of "Live In Japan".
I quickly grabbed the one copy in the bin. Flipping over the album to the back, the song lineup was fairly expected aside from the different song list for the Oldies Medley and the fact there were no songs from Horizon which had been released earlier in the year. It took me awhile to figure out that the album was older than I thought and not a recent release. Anyway, being this album was discovered during week one of our trip, it would be two whole weeks more before I would listen to it. Pure torture, but I had Hawaii to explore, so I think I was happily distracted.
An album poster inside.
Both Karen and Richard looked relaxed and rather comfortable
in their traditional Japanese kimonos.
I was in love with the island life and didn't want to go home and back to school even if it was my senior year, but I did have a consolation prize waiting for me. The first of two discs was finally on the family stereo. At first I thought something was wrong with the vinyl. There were electrical sounds, a bit of a sound check, and finally the audience stirring. Then, at last- "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Carpenters". The opening notes of "Superstar" burst forth. As I said earlier, this was the real moment of truth: Would the one and only Karen Carpenter sound as wonderful live as she did on record or was their sound just Richard's genius and pure studio wizardry?
I was not disappointed.
An almost full song trio of Superstar, Rainy Days and Mondays, and Goodbye to Love came to life, revealing I had not been wrong. It all seemed so easy for her, so effortless. The band's expertise was, honestly, solid but secondary to The Voice. Karen in control of her gift, fully confident and relaxed, and it showed. A sweet sounding Top of the World was followed by an ambitious take on Help, closing Side One of four. With barely 15 minutes or so on one side, I was rather surprised by its brevity. Intended as solely a release for the Japanese market, I'm sure the time limitations of the highest quality vinyl to ensure the best sound possible came into play.
Mr. Guder opened the flip side of the first disc. In later years, I'd come to appreciate the artistry of the song, but at 17 years old, I was expecting something very different. After five well received if not chart topping albums, playing songs from their early days seemed a bit odd. Maybe even - gasp- self-important. This songs rather blunt and unflattering lyrics unveil youthful arrogance, but performing it did give the Carpenters band a chance to show off their gifts, particularly Bob Messenger and his brilliant flute solo. I'll contrast my earlier thoughts to say I have always appreciated the time Richard and Karen took to publicly acknowledge the men behind them. Like most things of value, it is usually a team effort. Pride and humility coexist in the best of us, yours truly included.
Cover of the 4 track Jambalaya EP.
The question lingered. Where was A Song for You, This Masquerade, or Baby It's You? The possibility of songs I wanted to hear seemed endless, and it was a surprisingly strong but not tender sounding version of Close to You that came next. It's the same song but not nearly as effective as what was accomplished in the studio. There's a lightness and angelic sound that must have been difficult to capture live. Still, Karen and Richard sound great, and the band does a more than credible job at the impossible to duplicate background vocals.
Jambalaya was also enthusiastically received by those in attendance, this time with instant hand clapping to the beat. (I now know the single was a big hit in Japan and the U.K., but it isn't a favorite of mine- even after all this time. See my Now & Then review.) To make things even worse, Karen's "C'mon!" encouraging the audience to greater response is awkward at best. I find audience participation songs rather strange, but it is what it is. Tony Peluso's guitar is strong as usual and a bit different than the single. So is Doug Strawn's saxophone work, making the live version worth the listen. Letting the band stretch and play some different notes and variances was a wise move by Richard for the sake of the listeners. I already had the definitive studio recordings, and I wasn't expecting sonic duplicates of what I'd already come to know and love. Regardless, this popular country tune was followed by a very nicely done Yesterday Once More and a faithful but mesmerizing Hurting Each Other. The second side of the first album was complete. Again, short in the number of minutes, but at least, it was good.
Photographer unknown.
On to the second record. A ten song Oldies medley with Tony again playing the disc jockey comprises the entire side here. Beginning with Little Honda, the band rocks it- and Richard's vocals are energetic and spot on. It's a good if not perfect match of song, arrangement, and vocalist. Interestingly, during this particular live medley, Karen is one of several vocalists and almost equal to everyone else in representation. This doesn't mean I was left wanting, though.
Karen's deep, warm, rich tones and vocal perfection are in the spotlight on End of the World and on the charming, (Could there be a better word for this song? I think not.), Johnny Angel. This particular song loses a bit when compared to the studio as she logistically can't duplicate her own light as air layered backing vocals. In contrast, Da Doo Ron Ron lets Karen play and rock at a whole new level. The band certainly had fun with this tune, and you can tell the audience did as well. Leader of the Pack is very awkward with its spoken word approach. This should have been replaced with something better, but at least it was a fresh listen.
Comedian Pete Henderson was also on the tour and on the medley, providing a different set of vocals to more fondly remembered songs. Runaway is his standout performance and features a searing guitar solo by Tony "the Bone" Peluso, his best of several found on the album. That said, it should have been Richard singing lead here instead of Pete. Why? One of the best numbers on this side of vinyl features his singing front and center. Daddy's Home is just great any way you dissect it.
By his own admission, Richard is merely a passable vocalist, yet given the right song and arrangement, he's pretty darned good and can create a solid, enjoyable record. Post Now & Then, Richard's never again the lead singer on Carpenters records (Christmas albums aside) and rarely prominent in the background vocals. Was this decision a mistake? Perhaps. On the other hand, it seems Richard used later albums to showcase Karen as the incredible once-in-a-lifetime talent that she was as well as focus on his production skills. It's certainly a tradeoff, leaving fans of the first several albums disappointed but perhaps those of Horizon and the Music, Music, Music selections pleased.
Shuboom and Book of Love with their vocal stylings by the band keep the mood upbeat and light-hearted, showcasing the variety of styles found in early rock and roll. The final cut, Johnny B. Good features neither Karen or Richard but another lead by Pete with guitar by Tony. For a few minutes, it's easy to forget this was the concert of a band labeled "Easy Listening" by their critics. Still, I find the song an odd choice as I think Karen and Richard should have been the focus of the last song. Upon first listen, I was honestly shocked by how the medley was all put together. A mix of good and bad. Pete's a fine vocalist but he's not Richard, and this is a Carpenters album after all.
Looking good!
This promo shot formed the basis for the new
Carpenters silhouette first seen on the
Only Yesterday single.
Three fan favorites comprise the end of the show. Sometimes is simple and lovely. Certainly even more so poignant since Karen's passing and the end of the duo. Richard's playing is elegant and understated. Karen matches the style with the maturity of those singers twice her age. It may have only been her interpretation of the lyrics, but part of the skill she possessed in executing her craft was conveying she fully believed if not lived the content. This seemingly effortless ability endeared her to me and to generations of listeners all over the world.
We've Only Just Begun was next and the one to make me a fan. I love the version here, but it seems to me that Karen may even have shown a slight side of being self-impressed as she plays with the phrasing of the lyrics. Certainly, by this point in her career she was used to hoards of adoring fans, records selling by the millions, and industry accolades. Maybe she was becoming aware of just how good she was. I could be playing arm chair psychiatrist here. Perhaps she just tried something new.
The encore choice of For All We Know ends it all. Another lovely and sensitive performance. After a little over an hour, it was over. The culturally reserved crowd was as appreciative as I was. The album came off the record player and back into the sleeve, leaving me deep in thought.
I found myself realizing I now had to see them live for myself. Little did I know, that was coming sooner than I expected... along with a chance to meet Richard and Karen backstage.
Front and center where she belonged.
For a season, I played these discs quite a bit and even purchased them on other formats. Eventually, I grew rather tired of performances that seemed lesser copycats of what could be found on the studio versions. Even the innovative Oldies Medley wore out its welcome, leaving me to select Now & Then when I wanted to hear it. It wasn't live albums in general. It was this particular live album.
In chronological order, the Live in Japan disc caps off the end of an incredible era. Unbeknownst to all, behind them would be the golden years of success never to be seen again. The events of 1975 and 1976 would uncover how stressful their career had been and the toll it took on their personal lives. One inopportune choice by the duo further exacerbated the downhill slide of their sales and popularity in the States.
This isn't to say the quality of their art would decline, but the change in their success levels would alter Karen and Richard's confidence. The next album would be one considered a fan favorite and artistic triumph for decades to come- even if the months after its release brought some controversy: Horizon.
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This is part of a continuing series of posts on the albums of Karen and Richard Carpenter. There are also numerous stand alone posts highlights different aspects of their career, recordings, and life.
Below is the list of my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews and then those initial reviews from a decade earlier.
My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:
My Initial Reviews of the albums:
July 13, 2020
What Epcot's Japan Showcase Needs
It's late at night at Epcot. The nighttime show has ended, and the crowds are thinning out, making it the perfect time for a leisurely stroll. Ever wander into the small hidden gardens and find Katsura Grill? It's a gem! A lovely place for a snack or quiet meal or even just a perfect spot to stop and reflect on life.
These two photos of Katsura Grill
are official Disney shots.
Although Japan's showcase seems close to perfect with its great dining options and extensive shopping and entertainment, there's so much more that could be done- even going beyond what will be the inevitable Big Hero 6 attraction. Here's a few things- several attractions- that never saw the light of day:
We all know about the cancelled projects like the Mount Fuji bobsled run, Meet the World carousel theater project, and perhaps even the bullet train attraction seen above.
Imagineering's Joe Warren produced
this piece for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration
and how it would be celebrated at Epcot.
But have you heard about Collin Campbell's omnimover attraction? In this piece of concept art below, we can see the Imagineers created a visually stunning conclusion to the ride- ready with sponsorship symbols for Japan Airlines (JAL). Eventually, grand ideas gave way to more shopping and dining, but with a different focus than what is already there.
How about something classic and feudal in look? Here's the plan to add an old world shopping district to the existing pavilion:
This was one of many proposed ideas to spruce up and refresh the World Showcase pavilions for the park's Millennium Celebration. Doesn't this look like something you'd find in the ancient city of Kyoto. The very top photograph of this post shows the real Kyoto, a place I had the opportunity to visit as a very young man. The country is stunning, but this ancient city is the place everyone has to go if they visit Japan!
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Top photo of Kyoto by Oscar Boyd.)
April 5, 2019
Alternative Layout for Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure
As with most guests to Disneyland or those visiting Tokyo DisneySea, I am a big fan of the Indiana Jones Adventure. I was actually blessed to be at the opening of the California attraction due to receiving a significant award with my employer at the time, AT&T.
This blog has been a place to find rare concept art for the attraction, and I now present to you another piece found above. Imagineering's John Stone created this as a look at what could be built at Disneyland's lush Adventureland. There's clearly a coaster, the railroad working its way around the complex, and a big chunk of Jungle Cruise land used to set up the base camp. While impressive when considering the additional attractions that might have been built, his design was ultimately not chosen to represent the interpretation of a hectic exploration of the iconic film series.
Never fear, though. There's much more art to be found. Art for Disneyland Paris' coaster based adventure as well. Take a look at this, and this and this. And then search around these parts for even more!
One day soon, I'd expect the suits to agree to build a full on "Indy Land" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It would certainly add some greenery to a toy and stone focused atmosphere and perhaps even hold some watery elements to it. Stay tuned for more...
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
June 28, 2018
The Country Bears Introduce the Critter Country 500
Every once in awhile, someone suggests ripping out the Country Bear Jamboree from the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. I hate that idea! It's a Florida Kingdom original, and it's one of the few musical Audio-Animatronic shows left. (Will they ever go back in style?) The other American version of the show got pulled out for Winnie the Pooh, leaving just a version of this humorous attraction in Tokyo Disneyland.
The Country Bears were to begin life here.
Many ideas were tossed about as they tried to come up with something fresh for those Hillbilly Bruins. A small flume type attraction was considered as well as a silly road race, shown above. (You can see more concept art for the race here.)
The great sounding "Critter Country 500", a fun road race for all ages was one of the ones with the best chance of making the cut. But it wasn't to be. Even this rending by Christopher Merritt couldn't convince the suits. Pooh won out, taking his place at Disneyland.
(Oh yeah. Come back tomorrow for my trip report on Disney World After a Decade- Day Three at Epcot... then, the Magic Kingdom.)
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
January 12, 2018
When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Tokyo DisneySea's Mermaid Lagoon
Although gorgeous, this is nothing compared to what they really built. Here's a photograph to prove it is possible for the marketeers to deliver what is promised:
Tokyo DisneySea continues to be the summit of what can be accomplished by Imagineering when Imagineers are supported by the suits and accountants with the appropriate funding.
Unfortunately, Ariel doesn't have as spectacular a home in California or Florida. Ariel's Undersea Adventure is a "D" Ticket at best, with an "E" Ticket exterior in a prime location, giving guests the expectation of an attraction on par with Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean but delivering an experience that is a hybrid of these with Peter Pan's Flight.
Yes, concept art can be wishful thinking or even intentionally deceiving. When it comes to Tokyo DisneySea, however, brick and mortar is more beautiful than the artistic vision!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
December 13, 2017
November 24, 2017
With Love From Japan
We're getting even closer! Just a teaser shot from Japan from our very good friend Len Yokoyama. I cannot wait to see what stories and photos he has to share from all over Japan, including the Tokyo Disney Resort!
(Photograph copyright Len Yokoyama.)
February 25, 2017
Awaken the Spirit
The Haunted Mansion. Be it Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, Paris or a version of it in Hong Kong, there's an incredible draw to this classic Disney attraction that brings humans via those big black doombuggies into this foreboding attraction. What is it about the unknown, the ethereal, mysterious, that draws us to it?
The truth is we are created to be eternal beings, and we are fully designed by God to be sensitive to His Spirit. Even more so, we have the opportunity to harness his power when we make Him our God, our Savior, the One to Worship. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to the very same power that raised him from the dead! Imagine that. The very same power. The bigger question is "Why did God make His power available to me?" and "What's its purpose?"
It all begins with the character of God.
Who is He? He is loving, good, powerful, generous, forgiving, righteous, and holy. There is none like him. Even a quick reading through the Biblical book of songs, the Psalms, reveals a god who bends down from earth to love us and care for us. A god who pays the price we should have paid for all the things we've done wrong and all the ways we have fallen short of His standards. That means me, and that means you.
This is why as believers in Jesus, we have access to what is commonly referred to as "The Armor of God", described in Paul's book to the church in Ephesus, Ephesians 6:10-17:
“ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, and against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with your belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. “
Take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Think of the armor of God as mostly defensive weapons in the war on evil. Then, what do we have for offensive weapons? What weapons do we have at our disposal that advance God's kingdom proclaiming freedom to people that are captive to the enemy? We need spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual battle. This is why dependance on human logic and methods do not work in the war against our souls. We must rely on God and on the tools He gives us.
In His great love and because of His immense goodness, Our Father does not leave us empty handed. Just as in the world, we are given weapons to defeat the enemy. What Wise General would send armies to battle without them? And any good experienced soldier would tell you that you need both to win in battle. These weapons are referred to as Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Even within Christianity, some dismiss what God has graciously supplied His children because of misunderstanding. Some people and some pastors avoid the discussion of spiritual gifts because they are controversial. But I say, the Gospel message itself (Jesus is the only way to God) is controversial! Besides, when have true believers in Jesus ever been told by God to do the easy thing?
This battle is no video game!
Romans 12:3-6
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying (speaking the word of God as it is brought to mind- the written Word as well as a vocal word as the prophets did- never a contradiction to Scripture), then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-31
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith (NOT THE SAME AS SAVING FAITH) by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
“27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (on into the "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13.)
Ephesians 4:11-15
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
(This last list involves roles in the church. Just as each army has specified leaders and specialists, so does the church.)
There are also the gifts briefly described. I Corinthians 7:7 lists the gifts of Marriage and celibacy. I Peter 4:11 gives us a more general description: "One who speaks, one who serves". That's fairly open ended.
All these gifts are to be used for God's glory until our life on earth is over. In other words, His gifts are given to the believers for His work until the day Jesus returns to earth for final judgment.
Evil is real, and the Devil, Satan, is often shown as a dragon.
1- God Gives the Gifts as He Chooses
The Holy Spirit gives the gifts as He chooses (I Corinthians 12:11)
Jesus gives gifts (Ephesians 4:11). Even “natural gifts” are given by the Lord and they are no less “spiritual”. (Matthew 7:11- God the Father gives good things to his children.) Not all gifts can be used “at will” (Healing for example)
2- Everyone Does Not Have All the Gifts
“27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (I Corinthians 12:27-31)
3- Spiritual Gifts Do Not Equal Spiritual Maturity
The church in Corinth was one of the most immature, but also one in which the gifts were very active. (I Corinthians 3:2)
4- The Gifts are Given to Build Up the Church
I Corinthians 14:12 “ So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Ephesians 4:11-15 “11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Not only does every believer need to make access of both the defensive and offensive weapons, a church without the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation is limited in its effectiveness because it is dependent on the strength and strategies of men. All too often, a church like this will assume a defensive posture in the community. When the gifts are in use, it keeps the church from becoming a group of spectators where only the worship team and teaching pastor or the “professionals” get to use their gifts!
So, how do we discover which Spiritual Gifts God has given us?
Every believer in Jesus receives at least one gift. Often more.
I Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Ask yourself what types of faith related activities are you naturally drawn to? Examples:
Lead a Sunday School class? Could be the gift of Teaching.
Love to share your faith? Could be the gift of Evangelism.
(But we are all called to share our faith)
Do you quickly envision systems to make a job easier? It could be the gift of Administration. Even gifts that seem "natural" or can be taught are given by God- and they are no less spiritual.
You may love to pray for the sick (but we’re all called to pray)? This could be the gift of Healing. Often it shows itself as the need arises, but there are instances where God seems to use a particular person with this gift constantly. Usually gifts are used in an ongoing basis, but there are times gifts are given situationally.
See Peter in Acts 9 (He raises Tabitha from the dead.) Or it could be you. I've seen this happen when people serve inlaces out of their comfort zone.
Here's an important question: Where you have felt used from God in the past? Ask others what they see in you. Prayerfully consider what is said. Other ideas include:
Asking God for wisdom (James 1:5-6) This is always a good thing!
Prayer- If you notice something is wrong in the church, God has revealed it to you for the purpose of praying. BUT He could also be revealing it so that you step in and serve, thereby having a chance to develop a new gift.
Be obedient- If the Lord leads you to serve in a particular capacity, He will equip you to do so! Practice! – Under most circumstances, the gifts are not given to us fully developed.
Don't make the mistake of not serving because it isn't your gift or interest. The issue is obedience- and often God will bless others as well as reveal new gifts and new purposes in our lives when we choose to do as He asks. Boy, is that my story!
There's a big difference between gifts and roles. An Example: You may have the gift of pastoring, but that doesn’t mean you will have the role within the church. Maybe your gift will be used in caring for the youth or elderly in your church. The goal is that God is brought glory, His story of love is told, and people are served. The goal is not the gift. The goal is love in action. Words and deeds working together.
How do we receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? We must first go back to the character of God.
HE IS GOOD- Will you accept what He gives as a good gift?
He will distribute the gifts He knows you need to do the work He has called you to.
HE IS LOVING- He knows what you need before you even ask (Matthew 6:8).
Will you be faithful to use what He has already given you? (Parable of the Talents)
1 Timothy 4:14: Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (Here referencing Timothy's pastoral gift- not saying he did not have others.)
We must use our gifts in the way they were designed to be used.
First, in an orderly manner (I Corinthians 14:40) “ But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. “ And with grace and humility- with thankfulness that God would use you.
(Romans 12:3-5) “3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
We are all called to “Test the spirits”. (I John 4:1). We are reminded to “Be patient and Kind” (I Corinthians 13). When you are practicing the gifts and when you are “practiced on”.
Most importantly, we are called to use them In His Love! This is far more important than I can effectively communicate here. But read I Corinthians 13 to see what God intends.
Paul tell us “8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
We must also use them in obedience to His Voice. A perfectly used gift used out of time is not perfectly used. It's effective and even can be harmful. We must be sensitive to God's leading. Jesus says “ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Lastly, we must use the gifts given us as God directs for the benefit of the body, His church.
I Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
In conclusion, we are designed to be drawn to the Spiritual- God Himself. We often settle for imitation or evil versions of what Gd provides appropriately, but we can have so much more if we lean into Him, and if we trust Him with our lives. Not only does our Good and Loving God give us work to do, He empowers us to do it. But even better, he goes before us, preparing the way:
The Holy Spirit (John 16:8)
o Will convict the world of sin
o Convict it of righteousness
o Judgment
All this is setting the stage in their hearts to prepare them to receive the message of the Gospel! Go forth confidently brothers and sisters!
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Here are additional Bible references for your study time:
REFERENCES
Old Testament:
Moses – “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his spirit upon them.” Numbers 11:29
Joel 2:28-29 – “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”
New Testament:
John the Baptist – Someone will come after him to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
(Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33)
Jesus - “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”
(Matthew 10:7-8, to the Twelve until His Ascension)
Jesus -
“4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
(Acts 1:4-8, right before His Ascension)
Paul – “Does God give you his spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law or because you believe what you heard?”
(Galatians 3:5, discussing observance of the law vs. faith, legalism vs. freedom)
Paul – “You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the returning of our LORD Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 1:7)
Paul – “8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (I COR 13)
• Paul is talking about when Jesus returns to the earth. If he were talking about Jesus’ coming as a baby, he would be saying Jesus was not perfect.
• Has prophecy passed? Paul just said he was prophesying. (vs. 9)
• Has knowledge passed?
The Holy Spirit is a Down Payment
“20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)
“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”
(2 Corinthians 5:5)
“13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
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