2nd July, 2008
Do You Have Church Growth Plans?
Just what is in your future? Has your heart or mind been looking ahead to what the future may hold for you and your dreams. The most qualified statement is always going to be: Do not stop dreaming your dream! When I was just a very young minister of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, I was the pastor of a small country church. I would pray for growth and go to every seminar and read all the books on Church Growth I could find. Yes, the little country church grew and it was quite exciting! It grew only to the capacity that it would hold though! Even though I had prayed and overcame many obstacles I wanted to grow further in the “plan” for renewal and soul discipleship application. I was not satisfied! The one thing that stopped the growth where I was came to me simply but incredibly incomprehensible for me. The “folks” of the church did not want to grow any further. I thought my dream had ended! This is all there is? This cannot be! So I contacted a pastor who had grown to about 2500 people and was highly respected in the field of Church Growth. To my ultimate surprise and highest encouragement he agreed to meet me for lunch. Well, to make a story get to the point he said these words to me: Never stop dreaming your dream, you will make it if your keep dreaming. People will always try to wake you up and bring you into there nightmare! It is a nightmare because you do not belong in their dream. Always be spiritually asleep, dreaming on what God’s future is for you. Be spiritually awake so you can take others along on the journey of your dream. Make your dream real to them and you will grow.
I have never forgot those words. One of my favorite scriptures in the Word of God is: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
So my heart has always dreamed and my dream continues as I am asleep spiritually in His great promise and I am alive (awake) in Him so I can tell others of His great love. Do not stop dreaming your dream! It will come as that which you have dreamed.
Best
Dennis
All scriptures used in this blog article are The Amplified Bible, containing the Amplified Old Testament and the Amplified New Testament. 1987. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Posted at 10:13 pm | Comment (1)
28th June, 2008
Your Destiny
Just what am I on this earth for? Is it to be part of a move of God or part of a stagnant pool of critical mass. Gideon wondered the same thing and asked this question:
“And Gideon said to him, O sir, if the Lord is with us, why is all this befallen us? And where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian. ” (Judges 6:13, AMP)
The destiny of man is crucial for the birth of greatness. To be determined to be creative and to move in a fresh anointing on a daily and momentarily basis is not some passing thought. Where are the miracles and has the Glory of the Lord moved away from our initial relationship because of a lack of attentiveness to His voice? Have the voices of leadership taken us from the promise to the wilderness? Is there death soon to be appreciated by those determined to move into the “newness” of the wineskins? Does this day that we live in have its own destiny to turn to night and utter darkness?
Just like the elections for this nation are we waiting for a “new” young leadership team to take us to a new level of anointing? Shame to all of us who have been swayed by the “promise” of promotion and fallen into the trap of shallow relations that do not have substance nor stability. The task is prayer and the hope is in the answer to what need to be prayed! Like the prayer of David:
“”The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever—forsake not the works of Your own hands.” (Psalm 138:8, AMP)
The now is upon us and destiny is at the door! Let not the spirit of apathy and procrastination proclaim this generational dilemma in the Church! Sometimes change is just what we need.
Scriptures in this posted blog are from The amplified Bible, containing the amplified Old Testament and the amplified New Testament. 1987. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Posted at 10:39 pm | Comment (0)
27th June, 2008
It’s Time To Be Radical
Have you ever thought about what is going on in this world today? Especially in America! With all the weather conditions that have broke the scales in records and continues to do so. The “great” falling away from the faith and the “lukewarm” attitude of most churches! Come on now these churches are of the Charismatic or Pentecostal persuasion. This is the summer for gatherings of church leaders to make decisions for the future of the denominations that they lead. What a time for radical faith to break out from the hearts of those leading and those being lead. What a sound opportunity is given to all those that call on the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, to move in radical faith.
This also declares that all should have radical expectancy. Yes, to be expectant of all that the Lord has promised. Men’s plans are good but they fail! God’s plans are awesome and they never fail! This is the time in present prayer to listen to what is being spoken by the Holy Spirit and act upon it immediately. It really is not radical to have a committee meeting about what the Lord has declared to be done. It is not time to send in a reconnaissance to see if the land is good or not! The promise of deliverance, success, healing, prosperity, empowerment, salvation is spoken from the heart of God. Listen to Him, move in faith, be radical in action!
Do not just sit in front of a computer screen and blog but move out into the supernatural and miraculous. There are souls in and out of the Church that need to see the real Jesus not the one who is often times taught with the myths and metaphysical philosophies of todays minsters. Go ahead move out there where faith is waiting to meet you!
Best
Dennis
Posted at 10:11 pm | Comment (0)
25th June, 2008
The Twist That May Break
Here we go into the summer and all is to be told about the “new” way and “how” it should be in the Church of God. So much for all that, yawn! There is so much going on in the “spiritual” level of the Church that the General Assembly will be nothing but a “Who’s Who” in some “Who’s Who book but I do not know whose. Do you?
Great revival has broken out again in Florida and all eyes and ears are open to the critics but not the Lord and just maybe He is doing something there that is new and refreshing! Oh well, just let the critics work it out as God does His thing and everyone that should be there will be there. The “arm chair” revivalist’ will have fun running it from their living room televisions! Why not, it is a “media” revival is it not?
The shrinking of the Church of God is still going on but as usual everyone has their head in the sand looking out from their butt. Come on we are shrinking! Oh, yes, that is right your not but it not just about you! There is always growth, in spotty areas, in a denomination when it shrinks as a whole. That happens because some pastors don’t even realize that they belong to something! Keep going guys, ignorance is bliss when you can get away with it!
So what is going to happen in the Fall of 2008? Probably there will be meetings and plans made with the hope that the former things will not rise back up! The funny thing is that they never have ever been pushed down. It is a gimmick of some sort when we think that the “new” leadership team at “headquarters” is really different. Same stuff, new faces (maybe), all the promises of help and hope but the pockets keep getting bigger and who knows what really happens on that mighty fourth floor? It must be really incredible though! I would suspect that it changes good men into pleasing men and some where along the line integrity looses its intense road to holiness.
Till next time when the morning brings news of a whispering of spiritual truth that just may open the eyes of the concerned. Oh, don’t forget that the mouse will show up in August in San Antonio, TX and the elephant will turn and run!
Best
Dennis
Posted at 10:07 pm | Comment (0)
23rd June, 2008
A Very Spiritual Time
I have some thoughts that I would like to share in the next few weeks. The vein of thought relates to where we are as the Church today! Denominational death, the rise of the questionable techniques being used in evangelism today, the inference of the style of revival used today, the shrinkage of the faith from the Church or is it the shrinkage from denominational control and laws. Is there really freedom of worship in the Church today or is it orchestrated for the furtherance of individual ministries? The actual truth being spoken in the open or behind the doors of “planners” desiring to become “kings” and “queens” as the Church grows weary fighting amongst the “climbers” of political hoopla! We are in a very deep spiritual time or a time of great reckoning!
Best
Dennis
Posted at 9:55 pm | Comment (0)
19th June, 2008
Evolution vs. Revolution
What do we have here? A real revolution that may change the face and the direction, diction and distinctiveness of the Church of God or an evolution that is bringing the same results? The question presents some depth and internal searching for reference to a revolutionary stage at General Assembly or a evolution that will be embraced. If a revolution then so be it and it should be respected and heard. It is really only a revolution of words and ideals and maybe some ideas that can turn the tide of that which resembles a monument about to become a mausoleum. Could this deeply be the birthing of a “new” church within the “old” guard assuming the posture of submission to the Holy Spirit. New wine being poured out into new wine skins? Evolution would be a better approach and a great way to shed the “old” wine skin! It is the natural flow of things you understand? The thought of a penned revolution ticketed for discussion that may change the pages of a book entitled ”The Minutes” to a reference book of spirituality. This mentioned “bible” of political aspirations and controls that empowers men to run ahead of the finger print of God! How wonderful this would be! Men and women able to say what they feel and be heard without being “closed” by the “chair” whom just may not agree with the revolution or even the evolution. Can such things happen in this 21st Century when “change” is being shouted from the board rooms and Starbucks! If we cannot evolve past this insensible deterioration of spirituality and gravitate to a level of a spiritual church then the revolution must start now and be penned in passion, deeply engraved into the hearts of those willing to “fight” for truth and spirituality.
This could become two churches with similar distinctive pentecostal beliefs!
One being young and full of “new” vision and flowing in what has been created as new and pertinent to His “now” call! The other existing on foundations built from “old” bricks, such as, the walls lining farms and plantations, still keeping out what may be able to bring life?
What do you want it to be? Revolution or Evolution in the Church of God?
Best
Dennis
Posted at 10:58 pm | Comment (0)
16th June, 2008
It Is Time To Break Silence
It seems that blogging in some spheres has come to a “silence” on issues that were “hot” topics in the past six months. Such as, where the Church of God is heading in future and who would be the catalyst of change or should I say what group would that be? I wrote a blog some time ago about the Elephant and Mouse myth (which really is not a myth) reflecting on these well discussed changes and hoped for turn of events for the Church of God. Well, as I had explained to some of the pursuers of such “fantasy” that the silence would come because the mouse has begun to roar. The event coordinators have become an intranet in themselves and also inward in their thoughts and private invitations to blog. Yes, I once was young and thought I could change the mouse with the heftiness of words and an over developed confidence. So I truly do understand the outcome of all this and quite frankly wisdom always speaks louder than short sided opinions and shallow aspirations. You cannot stop the mouse with an elephant but you can set an awesome mouse trap to study the habits of the creature before you learn to train it to your own maze. Yes, the mouse has begun to roar and everyone that used the blog-o-sphere to gain information has run back to the place and are waiting for promotion of some sort. You just cannot become public and then start your own social blog for the purpose of having a “by invitation only” fan club. That is how “weak” characters can feel strong by pulling on those who agree with marshmallow success. Popularity becomes unfamiliarity with reality when the world grows so small in a “club” of internal ”wanna be’s”
Best
Dennis
Posted at 9:52 pm | Comment (1)
13th June, 2008
Living Above Your Circumstances
The ‘new” millennium is nearly eight years old and time keeps marching by as though there is an end in site. The different experiences that each one faces daily have become extenuated by the fast paced lifestyles that are emerging. The cost of living is at its highest ever and change is all around us. The one and most valuable part of life has not changed and that is the Word of God. His Word has been the bulwark of stability and the foundation of all truth throughout the ages. Throughout His Word we read testimony after testimony of men and women alike who had circumstances that were unbearable. As these circumstances grew worse, the Word of the Lord became the delivering power in each life. Weapons that were formed against them could not prosper. Words that were spoken to tear down characters were stopped by the power of the Word of God.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn… Isaiah 54:17
Problems occur at the worst possible moment of time, when you least expect them, they enter into your life like a flood!
But the Word of the Lord declares that…When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19
Everyone should be living their life above their circumstances and with the knowledge that God will deliver them out of all their trouble. The Lord will never allow you to be crushed and He will always make a way for you to escape your troubles.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. 10:13
Each individual that truly will commit to the will of the Lord and pray can be and will always be able to confess that they are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus and that they are over-comers by the Blood of the Lamb.
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Being an over-comer means that you must trust in and rely on the Lord and His love for your life. You must love the Lord with all your heart! Live above your circumstances and live a life that is full of joy and be confident He will complete the work.
Best
Dennis
Scriptures used in this blog post are from The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Posted at 9:14 pm | Comment (0)
12th June, 2008
His Mercy
Mercy is defined as: Compassion and in other words “ Mercy” is a form of love determined by the state or condition of its objects. Their state is one of suffering and need, while they may be unworthy or ill deserving. Mercy is at once the disposition of love respecting such, and the kindly ministry of love for their relief. One once said ‘that Mercy is a distinctive Bible word characterizing God as revealed to men.’ Another followed with words that were quite descriptive to humanity ‘compassion for the miserable.’ There is a wonderful scripture, as all scriptures are, which states: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chron. 16:34 The word “Mercy” is well defined and is definitely needed in the world. As Christian believers we need to show mercy to those around us and also to those that are not of the community. Being an example of Christ and living, as a Christian is very gratifying and also rewarding when we show mercy and reach out to the hurting and lost. God has chosen us as His very own, and we have been called to represent him to others. What we need to understand is that mercy and truth meet together in Christ. Mercy is a Christian grace and so that brings to the lifestyle we live the promotion of compassion at all times. Shakespeare’s question, “How canst thou hope for mercy rendering none?” is fully warranted by our Lord’s teaching and by Scripture. Mercy is God’s attitude toward man and we are the vessels that God uses to promote this posture. The Lord is not without mercy ever, the Word states: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, Ephes. 2:4 Thank God for His great love towards us. We receive mercy from God by the removing our sins and clothing us with the righteousness of Christ. He establishes us in “Kingdom” living and positions us in His Kingdom as “royalty” (1 Peter 2:9) When we walk humbly and push pride aside we receive mercy from the Lord also. He desires to show all mankind mercy and to pour upon them the blessings of His presence. The Lord showed mercy to all that came to Him. They would cry out to Him “Lord have mercy on us” (Luke 17:13) and He would do just that! He would heal them, He would forgive them and He would feed them. When anyone takes the time to seek the Lord they will find Him full of mercy and willing to listen and respond. As we bless others let mercy be part of the blessing and always remember to thank Him for His mercy toward you.
Best
Dennis
Scriptures used in this blog post are from The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Posted at 10:26 pm | Comment (0)
11th June, 2008
Waging War Against Apathy
The greatest enemy of the church today is not lack of provision or a falling and weakened stock market; it is the age-old deception of the enemy – APATHY. The ability to know what must be done and just not doing it is the best definition of “apathy”. The apathetic spirit that invades the atmosphere of a church must have war declared against it. This spirit has a crippling effect not only on the believer but also on the corporate body of believers. How can war be waged against such a deceiving spirit? The Word of God declares: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephes. 6:12 Our weapons of warfare are not carnal but spiritual. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 2 Cor. 10:4 First things first, you must recognize your enemy. There must be knowledge of what you are fighting against. The Word defines this for us. We must not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices. Secondly we must be able to know what our weapons are. The weaponry that we have at our side is made mighty through God. Having indifference toward the things of God is actually rebellion against His Will and His purpose for your life. The Lord desires for you to have the best and He will always provide for your every need. We miss what God has for us when we live indifferent from His commands. The best way to gauge your appearance of application toward the commands of God is through your prayer life. Prayer is the strongest weapon that anyone can have in his or her spiritual arsenal. Prayer will always tear down the enemy’s power and the Holy Spirit will show you through His wisdom just what the Lord wants you to do. When one communicates with the Father there is an ability that comes. The Word tells us that we can do “all” things through Him who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13) When one does not pray there is the possibility of becoming “lukewarm” to the Word. This is always the result of the indifferent spirit. The Lord does not want anyone of His children lukewarm but He desires them to be “on fire” with His Word. To have compassion for the lost and have a real burden for prayer. If you are feeling like you do not want to be involved or you have done enough – watch out, this spirit of apathy will deceive you into believing that you are all right. Seek the Lord and find “newness” in life and take pleasure in His presence. The war is raging but we are winning for prayer has given us the edge – the Sword of the Spirit!
Best
Dennis
Scriptures used in this blog post are from The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thoma Nelson.
Posted at 10:09 pm | Comment (0)