18th April, 2008
Taking Elephant Steps
For several months I have been listening and reading all sorts of blogs and material about what is going on in the “Church” world. It seems to me that we are all over the map on what would be called a “theme” for change. This really makes my spiritual DNA shake and quake a bunch.
What I am concerned about though is put into this scenario: When the mouse shows up the elephant “freaks out” and starts taking huge steps to get out of the way of the mouse, crushing everything in its way. I am wondering if all this is the elephant stage and some how the mouse is going to enter in uninvited and catch the “elephant” unaware.
In other words, everything is in the elephant stage of progress: big, and rough looking and not ready for quick movement or ability to rest in a small simple place. In turn the mouse has this uncanny power over this infancy of application and can really cause a trampling of hearts and perspectives. Seems to be a moment of reflection for the “Church of God” ministry and constituency.
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 8:13 pm | Comments (5)
8th April, 2008
Be Certain Of Your Convictions
After years of leadership and teaching, I find myself so convinced of my convictions about life it is almost scary! Truly, the right way to put this is when wisdom is in your speech and prayer has under girded your processes in life there is safety in your walk.
When I was young I wanted to have gray hair and desired so deeply to be accepted by my piers that I almost was consumed in my approach to life as a “climber” of sorts. My wife, would always tell me that what I was looking for was not what she believed what God had for me to become. Well, she was right! As I grew in my relationship with the Lord in prayer and meditation, surprisingly, I became more wise and not a “church guy”! This determination to become what I was not supposed to become has been removed. Now I desire to become more like I used to be but not what I thought I should be. Yes, wisdom is definitely worth waiting for and it has defined just who I am now. Looking ahead now, I see that there is so much in front of me that I would have missed, if I would have rejected wisdom and just moved in knowledge. That is why I can truly say, the “church guys” are looking for approval so they can continue to be “church guys”. I want to be who I am in Him and take what I know to the people that are seeking to receive. Jesus brought to the known region in His time, the wisdom of the Father. He did this by visiting homes and hanging around people out and about. He spoke His message in a simple manner to reach people who were certainly just wanting to know the language of God! He did not hang out at the “church” doing the “church guy” thing. He went from place to place and served the the people with compassion and simple love along with understanding. He always broke bread and never failed to answer a question that would draw a solution from the Lord God.
What is necessary, is for this simplistic yet almost, ironically, complex character to be implanted in the hearts of the people of this “now” time we live in. Take what you know and share it in the homes, restaurants, offices, break rooms, street corners, coffee shops, and family gatherings. Share Christ with a little rock n’ roll and certainly some soul!
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 9:38 pm | Comment (0)
7th April, 2008
Delighting In Change
Can change really come to the Church in this most crucial time we live in? Can the image of the Church be desired again by a generation that is not concerned about denominations? The real question is will the Church of God be applicable to this generation in the next ten years? The turn that is taking place throughout the churches in America is quite simply a change to bring about change. The in depth institutionalized rhetoric that grips so many has to be loosened and changed first before the movement of a revolutionary emergent church will be fully embraced. Simplicity in the worship of a Holy God and the trust of leadership must be embraced as the Church changes to what God is purposing for her in the hour we live.
A harvest is not defined by what we perceive it to be but what God has perceived it to be. From the standpoint of many today, the harvest is the “who do we want to attend”. The Lord, and I am not speaking for Him because it quite apparent what He is trying to do on this earth, wants the doors blown off the buildings.
The harvest today is ready to be presented the Gospel of Christ in love and grace. The ears are open to hear what the Lord is saying not what influential people with great communications skills can say. The eyes are open to see the miraculous and comforting of the Holy Spirit. What about acceptance? God accepts anyone and certainly He will bring the change into that person’s life as they commit to Him.
The Church is made up of people who once were not what they should be but now they are what God has made them to be. My prayer is that the Church will accept the harvest that God has defined and love that harvest as God has loved them. Hey, it a new time for His bride and how exciting is that?
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 8:54 pm | Comments (3)
6th April, 2008
Each Word Speaks Volumes
Have you ever wondered who is listening to your words as you speak? Not the one that you may be speaking to but those that may hear you as you speak. Words are so powerful that they have the power to encourage or disillusion someone or a group. Your words can be negative or actually very positive in the midst of a trial. The importance of each word that proceeds out of your mouth must be thought about and realized, that the words that may be spoken, can change a life.
There is a term that I use “Church Talk”. Yes, that is a simple term that has determined whether a person or persons would continue to grow in a local church or fellowship. “Church Talk” has caused to many people hurt and pain. It has split denominations and caused schisms in the most improbable places.
I really desire to apply deeply into the hearts of people to stop the “Church Talk” and begin the “Faith Talk” that can bring the promised blessing into the fellowship of believers. Church growth brings maturity and awareness to each fellowship. Speaking what you know to be true according to the Word will bring blessing into your life and those around you. You hold the opportunity in your speech to bring people into renewal and restoration just by how you talk your talk.
I truly beleive that one great reason that churches begin to diminish in size both physically and spiritually is because there is to much “Church Talk” and not enough “Faith Talk”. I am of a sincere hope that the emergent church of this 21st Century will never talk the complacent negative church language but will speak what God places in their hearts. Speaking blessing into peoples lives and the truth of the love of God for this generation and those that will follow!
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 10:18 pm | Comment (0)