newsletter
Servant Ministries, Inc.
Issue No. 103 Ira & Judy Milligan Dec 1, 2006


Important Changes for Servant Ministries in 2007
 
Except for continuing my overseas ministry and holding our annual conferences in Branson, Missouri and Joshua, Texas, God has told us our traveling days are over. Our long time friends and fellow laborers, Kenneth and Matha Skinner, are taking our place on the road. You can contact them and arrange for them to come to your place and minister by calling 830-935-4714 or 830-237-2038. We would also like to recommend Rex and Shirley Bryant. Call them at 251-380-2010 or 251-767-4779.
 
Advanced Dates for
2007 Conferences
 
We have two United Ministers’ Fellowship conferences planned for 2007. The dates for our annual Branson, Missouri Conference are easy to remember this time. They are the last three days of March. (29th – 31st). As always, it will be at the Honeysuckle Inn and Conference Center. The number to call to make your reservation is 1-800-942-3553.
Lord willing, we will be repeating the Joshua, Texas conference in 2007 also. The dates for it are September, 20th – 22nd. I will list several motel telephone numbers to help you get accommodations there when we get closer to that time. Start making your plans now to attend one or both of them. God has done some wonderful things in the past and we are expecting even greater things as we get closer to Christ’s Return.
 
The Prophet’s Perspective 
The Church in Transition
 
Everything and everyone I know of is in the process of change – and change is never easy – regardless of whether it is initialed by a choice of our own or one that is imposed upon us by unwanted circumstances. For example, some of our change simply comes from getting older. I know that I can’t do some of the things that I used to do! Some change is good, like getting a new house or car, and some, like the afore mentioned getting older, may not be so good. Regardless, change, both natural and spiritual, is an inevitable fact of life.

The Church is not excepted. Although we’ve grown accustomed to worshiping in a particular way and most of us would like to keep it that way, God doesn’t want it so. He requires each of us, individually, to grow spiritually – and the Church as a whole to grow numerically – and both types of growth require change. To oppose change is to oppose God and many, without realizing it, are doing jut that. When we choose to follow tradition instead of believing and obeying God’s fresh revelation we inadvertently take a stand against Him and grieve the Holy Spirit.

God doesn’t appear to be very fond of tradition. In fact, religious tradition is, and always has been, the Holy Spirit’s greatest enemy. For instance, Jesus’ ministry was heavily anointed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit but since He wouldn’t conform to the Jews’ religious traditions they refused to acknowledge Him as their Messiah.

They chose to keep their bondage instead of accepting His promised liberty. Another example is the mediaeval Church. They refused to accept Luther’s simple revelation of justification by faith and in doing so chose to continue walking in darkness instead of coming into the light.
The Church is in transition at this present time. God is changing the Church’s government and revising the way we worship Him but many of the Saints are resisting His will. Some things never change!

Although in the beginning the first century Church walked in truth and righteousness, by the time the twelve apostles died it was already sliding into error. In John’s letters to the seven churches Jesus commended it for hating, “the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which [He said] I also hate” (Rev. 2:6). Nicolaitanes is a compound word derived from two Greek words. Nico means to conquer and laitanes means the common people (laity comes from laitanes). It is obvious from this passage of scripture that God hates for Church leaders to exercise undue restraint or excessive control over His people. He wants each of His children to grow up in Him and learn to hear His voice for themselves and walk in His ways. He wants them to learn to obey the Holy Spirit. When His people depend too much upon others to hear God instead of hearing Him for themselves, they put man in God’s stead and fell into a deceptive snare. Wake up Saints; Jesus wants His Church back!

“Helping Hands”
 
An old gospel song goes like this: “When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He has done for me; my soul cries out Hallelujah; praise God for saving me!” Amen! And praise God for all those He has used to influence and impact my life with their godly examples and fervent prayers. None of us are an island unto ourselves. We truly need one another, perhaps even more than more of us are willing to admit! We dare not fight alone. I thank God every day for my friends. You guys are wonderful. God bless everyone of you!
 
       Prayer Partners’ Update
 
Most of you know that one of the missionaries we help support in Central America is Mitch Clay (Proclamation Ministries). Mitch and his interpreter, Roger Euceda, along with their families, have recently moved to Nicaragua to work closer with the needy people there. Please pray for their success in ministering the Gospel as well as God’s protection over them and their families. Conditions in Nicaragua are not as safe as in Costa Rica. Also, Judy and I are both in need of God’s healing touch. Thanks, friends!
 
                Just Thinking
 
The True Source of Happiness
 
Regardless of how careful we may be, sooner or later everyone of us makes mistakes. At best, our mistakes may simply inconvenience us – or worst, they may be quite costly – some even fatal! Most mistakes are embarrassing and serve to humble us and remind us of who we really are – earthly creatures made of clay, redeemed by a merciful and loving God.

Although poor judgment is no doubt the source of many of our mistakes, more often they occur from distractions brought on by the busyness of our hurried lifestyle. An even more common, but far less obvious source of error is the subtle deception marketed by the modern capitalistic system adopted by most Americans.

Although capitalism is good in that it gives everyone an equal opportunity to prosper, prosperity isn’t happiness. One of the worst mistakes we can make is equating wealth and material “things” with happiness. Although acquiring something that we want may make us happy for a moment, lasting happiness only comes from harmonious relationships with God, family and friends. Material things simply cannot take their place.
As we approach the holiday season ahead, we should keep this truth in mind. Things of this world quickly grow old and pass away, but the relationship we have with God and the wonderful spiritual family we have in Christ will be a lasting, continual source of happiness – forever!
 
     Merry Christmas and
        Happy New Year !