15th August, 2008
The “Some Club”
When reading the the Psalms this week, I realized that Psalm 107 reached into my heart and gripped it. I sat and stared the psalm and began to thank God that I had been part of the “Some Club”. Those that literally needed God in “some” condition that was engraved in my nature. So instead of writing about the experience, I will just place it for you to read. I hope that you experience the same gratitude for being part of and delivered from the “Some Club”.
Psalm 107 (ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. 8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. 10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, 11 for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. 12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. 13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. 15 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 16 For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. 17 Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; 18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! 23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; 24 they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. 25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; 27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. 31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. 33 He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, 34 a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants. 35 He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. 36 And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; 37 they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield. 38 By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish. 39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow, 40 he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; 41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. 42 The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth. 43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
I hope that this speaks to you as it continues to speak to me!
Best
Dennis
All scripture used in this blog post are from The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Posted at 10:51 pm | Comment (1)
12th August, 2008
Waking Up!
Just a small note today on a thought I had during prayer: The thought came into my spirit after reading this verse in Luke 15
Luke 15:17 (ESV)
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
This is so true! yes, this is the famous story of the Prodigal Son. What amazes me though, is the former part of the verse: ‘But when he came to himself’. So many people are walking around in a blur to who Jesus really is. Not just that but what He came on this earth to do. So much erroneous doctrine is spreading these days that people are really confused. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God! He came to save the world from the curse of sin and bring freedom to those in bondage!
Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Just like the Prodigal son, I hope that people wake up to His love and His power to save! It is time to stop eating the food of this world, spiritually speaking, and come to yourselves and see the blessing is just a decision away! I made that decision and it is worth it!
Best
Remember Prayer Moves the Hand of God
Dennis
The Sciptures used in this blog post are from The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Posted at 8:06 pm | Comment (0)
13th July, 2008
Moving Into His Solutions
The beginning of all blessing must come by the premier activity of “belief”. I really like the fact that Hebrews 11:6 just puts it all into perspective:
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
We truly serve the God of solutions. We praise the God of possibilities. We worship the God of promise(s). We are living in a day of great turmoil and absolute doubt of a caring God who is the answer to life’s difficulties. That same God is willing through grace to abolish all doubt by activating the miraculous through those who would just believe.
Ponder for a moment that your ears would hear the solution and not problem. Ponder also, that you do not have the answer to your problem but you could find the solution through a relationship with a Holy God! Ponder now that even though life’s difficulties may arise at the most inopportune time you would have the faith to be the overcomer and have the “more than conqueror attitude”.
When you look into the Word of God you will find that every difficulty had a solution from the Creator of the heavens and the earth. From the moment of Adams and Eve’s fall in the garden to the moment that is passing you by right now God has the solution for your difficulty. He is able, yes, exceedingly abundantly more than able to take care of all that we ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20).
I really like the story of Abraham who was as dead and Sarah had a womb that was dry, yet, God spoke to him about being a father of many nations with descendants! Instead of denying that miracle he embraced the God of miracles and believed! He grew strong in faith and gave glory to God! He gave respect to the promise of God! (Romans 4:17-21).
Now activate your faith and believe right now that God will perform in you that which He has promised.
Best
Dennis
Posted at 11:40 pm | Comment (0)
10th July, 2008
Moving Forward Into Blessings
Looking into the future through the promises of God can be very exciting and refreshing. Keeping focused on what He has planned for you is deeply important for your success as you move forward! Everyone has a dream, hope, purpose and destiny. Yet, so many act as though they are never going anywhere on a road that offers destination into the Throne of Grace. The detours that some may take will, in time, cause failure and jealousy of others. Knowing what God has planned is the “key” to never taking the detour that the enemy places on the road of your destiny. How can anyone keep this from happening? The answer is simple, yet it takes a pursuant faith and trust in God. The likelihood of falling short of the promise becomes “nil” when you spend time in prayer. Asking the Lord each day to direct your steps and give wisdom to your thoughts and words. If there is a moment of question or concern: Stop! Ask, wait and be renewed in your destiny. The Lord desires only the best for you and the depth of your life’s path. I really do like the scripture in Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
Take a moment today and reflect on your path and future. Ask the Lord to make any adjustments that need to be made. Keep your eyes upon Him. Cast every care upon Him today! He cares for you and the blessed future He has for you.
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 10:06 am | Comment (0)
7th July, 2008
Anointing Grows
Today, I just sat there and felt the powerful anointing of God just grow all over me! Wow, it is great to know Him as Lord and Master! The power of the Lord is touching lives everywhere on this earth. The refreshing of my weary spirit was beyond the understanding of my mind. My will just surrendered to His presence. When the direction came to me for what He wanted, I just new to “go forward” into the future of hope and blessings. The inner vision He gave me of the demonic power that is holding people, His Church, in the past. It is an ugly demonic being with claws on both the hands and feet which have gripped the Church and the past in traditions and religious expectancies. This ugly, gross, demonic spirit won’t let the Church move into the future blessings. He told me to spiritually jump on its back and break the power by His anointing. So I did just that! I jumped and I jumped till I felt it break! Just do it! Jump on the back of the demonic power that is holding back your church from moving into what God has shown you. The devil wants to hold you in the past, but God wants you to move into the future with Him. Philippians 3:13-14; Jeremiah 29:11: Exodus 14:15; Luke 9:62
Jump on the back of that demonic power and break its back and keep jumping till the anointing falls on you and your church!
Best
Dennis
Posted at 11:53 pm | Comment (1)
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)
30th April, 2008
Considering The Past - Give It Up
When I consider my past and what God has done for me I feel really honored. With the present promises being fulfilled and the promises I have for the future I can say that the fight of faith is a good one. I am thankful for the promise in Philippians 1:6 that He will perform the work in me until the Day of Lord. Yes, that brings real confidence to me in all the struggles to bring compassion and care to the hurting.
I am glad to know that He is running the show and not me! He is the strength of all that I do and ever hope to do! When I was not serving Him it was me who was running the show, at least I thought that way. What an honor it is to be called by His Name and be able to call Jesus my Lord and my Brother. In all that I do and all that we do, He is honored to be called our God. Take today and give it up for Jesus and the rest of the heavenly family.
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 11:04 pm | Comment (0)
14th April, 2008
Looking Into The Eyes Of Hope
Throughout each day I search the eyes of individuals looking for that spark of hope! That inner part of the soul that peaks out from the eyes seemingly wishing that the moment of peace and victory would be right now. With everything that portrays itself in this world more and more people have become “bleak” in their visual connections with life. Traumatized by the media, and other sources of news that tear deep holes in the soul. Some eyes are filled with tears from pain that has gripped the base of their soul and embraces the harvest of sorrow.
Finding the eyes of hope, I have discovered, will come from the person willing to have compassion toward the hopeless and crushed individuals as just described. Eyes of hope are produced from a heart of deep conviction, which is drowning in belief that what has been promised will come.
In sharing your eyes of hope, I have discovered, also draws the deep embedded sorrow out of the soul and causes a momentum of excitement and truth to be born in each heart. As the church emerges into what must become, which is simple and compassionate along with understanding and acceptance, she must have eyes of hope! Not eyes that look at each new constituent as a help to keep the enormous financial burden floating but a look that speaks the language of Jesus! That language of hope and acceptance. So many people do not want to attend a church building. They want to attend to relation which reaches back and into the soul. I personally do not like the way most churches are organized. Actually they are so organized that they are keeping people outside. To many rules, laws and categories to follow, let alone, try to understand. Cliques and groups that build walls! No maturity in Word or surrounding growth through nurturing and discipleship. What is there are empty hearts and social cultures that have checked in their souls at the entrance and have danced the night away in conclusive remarks and foolish debates.
You won’t find the eyes of hope there! Where will you find these eyes? In people that have said, I want Jesus and Jesus only! I want to emerge from classic centralization of a man’s closet religion into the pure religion of a relationship with Jesus. One that is full of truth and not myths and dynamic intensities of precepts that lead to empty promises. When you look into the eyes of hope you see friendship and acceptance which creates a desire to know that person more. You will notice that, ‘hope does not disappoint’! (Romans 5:5)
Wouldn’t be so cool to have this created in your one place of anointing and blessings? How do you see the eyes of hope from your place of observation?
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 9:41 pm | Comment (1)
22nd January, 2008
Don’t Settle For Less
Tonight, as I sit here in front of this glaring yet inviting monitor I began to ponder or contemplate the response of so many people that I minister to. This is also a reflection on many people in the Kingdom who just settle for what comes! Anyway, my point is quite simple: Don’t settle for anything less than what God has promised!
Many of the people who I serve as pastor just get by with a little help from their friends (Joe Cocker mentioned that in one of his songs “Get By With A Little Help From My Friends”. I knew some of these people when they had more and when their families were together. But, what happened is that life started to offer them pleasures that don’t satisfy and cause short-term reactions with long term affects. They begin to settle for less. They once loved their children around them and would do anything to keep them safe. As they continued to settle for less and gain short-term amiable receptivity through bad decisions the family became less important. What we need to understand is that life can offer some short-term answers for difficulties and can be very persuasive, however, what God promises has long-term affects. He offers a connection and position in life that does not impair the short-term! I like what David testified:
Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed. (Psalm 37:24-26 AMP)
My heart is so burdened for those that settle for the less and loose the most!
Look to the Lord for the connection and position you should have in life. The problem can be solved and the result will have a inarguable, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, irrefutable affect on your life and the lives of your children. Do not settle for less, God has so much for you!
Peace
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 11:49 pm | Comment (0)
24th December, 2007
Results From Receiving
Once on his feet the one begging at the Beautiful Gate walked for the first time into the temple with Peter and John. He was now clean and prepared to enter into the fullness of the Lord. He could partake in temple worship. He was in presence of his first miracle. Notice, that he came to his feet and walked with them, but as they entered the temple he went from walking to leaping to praising! I like that progression. Walking toward you miracle, believing for it! Leaping into your miracle, receiving it! Praising the Miracle Giver, the One who brought the provision of it!
“Then he took hold of the man’s right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady, And leaping forth he stood and began to walk, and he went into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking about and praising God, And they recognized him as the man who usually sat [begging] for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement (bewilderment, consternation) over what had occurred to him. ” (Acts 3:7-10, AMP)
Everyone that saw this were amazed. So amazed that they did not recognize him at first. When you leave survival mode to blessed mode there is a change to your continence, a change to your approach and a change to your attitude. Then when they realized it was him! They witnessed the breakthrough! They were concerned not only with the miracle, but to the one it had happened to. You see there are so many people who think that something wonderful could never happen to someone else who may be stuck in survival mode. But when the anointed walk by or pass by: miracles can happen if those holding the anointing will stop and obey! Even if the shadow of the anointed touches the person a breakthrough will come! Get in the middle of what God is doing or at least get in the shadow of the anointed. God wants to bless He does not want to have a mess!
There is a man starting his day just as usual and along come the anointing, God blesses and his life is changed forever. My prayer is that you have the anointing come by! If you are the anointed, then I pray you stop and obey, because God wants to bless!
Peace
Dennis
All scripture used in this blog are The amplified Bible, containing the amplified Old Testament and the amplified New Testament. 1987. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Posted at 10:17 pm | Comment (0)