25th August, 2008
Some Folks: Get A Grip!
You know what? I have spent literally thousands of hours on computer. Yep, that is right learning and programing, designing, and surfing. In last few years with all the blogging and bandwidth sharing through email and such, I can only say that some people need to get a grip! With the latest OMG stuff about if women should be ordained and how the COG is going to get through this last assembly without back-pedaling is absolutely ludicrous!
Some of these bloggers and email’s have finally got there soapbox and should I add a mic “on the GA floor” and guess what you should have been more courageous then. Your words of old “traditional” hoopla isn’t being held up anymore. You type like you are an aristocrat with long fingernails. Just tapping away on keys because you think you have something that will float in this 21st Century! Give it up! Heaven and earth are rejoicing in the formal outbreak of a radical generation who will not put up with the “false food” of bureaucracy that has choked the COG for years. If there is a dry taste in your mouth with some “crunchy” sensations that is just the dust you getting as you are being left behind to find that your salt has lost its savor.
I have read some blogs lately and I thought out loud: Why are these good, honest, and truly radical people reacting to some of the “literary chunk” that is being type and sent out on important bandwidth? Keep positive and don’t be getting into foolish disputes. Let those who live by the law get saved by the law! That is not possible! So let those who live by love get saved by love! Now that is possible, because God is love!
The “shift” spiritually is begun and there is no words nor mumblings that one can write or orate that will change what God has set forth before the foundations of the earth.
It is so interesting to draw from the history of the Internet and see how far we have come. Again, the bandwidth slows down with the “carnal” but thought to be ’spiritual” weight of words that are but a ripple in a vast ocean of real truth.
I will keep watching and reading, shaking my head, wondering from what planet these people come from!
Best
Dennis
Posted at 8:27 pm | Comments (3)
21st August, 2008
The Truth Does Matter
Wondering and wandering through life you often find yourself in a world full of lies and deceptions. This really sounds like a line from a book or something but it really is the matter at hand. Maybe it could be a great new movie or something because it sounds like that is where it fits the most.
Where I se it more often that I wold like to confess is in the world of the “church”. No, this is not a blog post to crank up the interest of a “new” item to send out across the blog-o-sphere. It is simply the reality that we face in this modern time. It has crept up and through the generations recently. Climbers, socializers, unpredictable relationship builders, those looking for central camera on a stage of who’s who!
Simply we must get back to the fundamentals of the Word of God! I like what Jesus stated:
John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (ESV)
- The Truth is: I love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
- The Truth is: I love my family
- The Truth is: I love to preach
- The Truth is: I love to pray
- The Truth is: I love to praise
- The Truth is: I love people
- The Truth is: I love to hear the Truth
There are seven “Truths” that I love! I love many more truths but these are the foundation for the rest.
Best
Dennis
All scripture used in this blog post are from The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Posted at 11:01 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)
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)
25th April, 2008
A Comparative To Ponder
For a moment I would ask that the two stories in the Bible, The Good Samaritan and the The Prodigal Son be compared. There is an essence in the comparative that is deeply spiritual and rich in truth. There is a decent from character to a healing in character. There is a moment of decision in mind that affects the heart of many. There is an approach from a distance that entails the embrace of the moment.
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 9:25 pm | Comment (0)
11th March, 2008
Looking For An Answer In Church?
Positively, there are some new and upcoming young pastors that are recently retooling the way the “Church” locally should be presented to the community where it serves. Last month when I was in Maryland, a pastor contacted me and wanted to know how to take the church he is pastoring outside the walls. I have certainly taken it to heart to explain that process to him. Actually, throughout the United States there is a move to “change” the approach and methodology of application in presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so enthused to see this come about. For years I personally have been praying for this “moving” outside the walls of the church and bringing Christ’s love in real application and with a life-giving force of care and compassion. Pastors and teachers must approach this modern generation with a “word”, “teaching” and “message” that has action to it and brings relational building blocks to the person listening. I mean one can stare at the television and see nothing and hear nothing. I wonder how many people in church today just stare and see nothing and listen and hear nothing? The utterances must be applicable to the situation of the times and render an answer that will bring comfort to the hurting heart. People are disillusioned by what they have seen and heard in church for the past several years. Pastors and teachers should be bold in their communication skills and presentations using media and education. It is about truth not clouded and translucent verbiage that has pride and fear at its roots. God’s plan is rich with integrity whose foundation is secure for everyone to walk upon in equality of love and service. Lets keep praying for these young warriors, who will take the Church to the level of true religion in today’s 21st century. Lets pray for them to be adopted by spiritual “Fathers” that will guide and teach them truth along the way.
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 12:11 am | Comment (0)
9th March, 2008
My Religious System Is Upset
What is the reaction of your own heart when religionists negate true religion ? When I look at the different physical and psychological aspects of churches today I really wonder if they know that the reason they exist is to bring healing and restoration. True religion has and adds sweetness to life and it has emotion attached to it. That emotion is joy! It is not asleep nor is it lying in some void waiting to be discovered. Religion is in Christ Jesus and He brings that religion (truth and relationship) to each of our lives on a daily basis. I truly believe that many churches today, especially in the Church of God, need to renew their commitment to Christ and stop the ambitious, prideful application for position. Just love people as they are and He will do the rest. It really upsets my religious system when I here that some people want to attend a church because some “name” brand preacher/teacher is the pastor. I also really believe that partnering with power-driven men who deem that their only place in history is to lead a denomination is cancerous to the soul. Truthfully partnering with people of prayer is the avenue of success and eternal reward. Lastly, even if this does seem scattered, I often wonder if people really get discipled and nourished anymore in church? Because what I notice is that people get prideful and power “heavy” so that it really turns the real seeking person off. True religion is at the door of the church and I have a feeling that if not let in it will just be another anti-religious day on the constituencies part.
Peace
Dennis
Posted at 12:58 am | Comments (2)
21st February, 2008
Nurturing Not Spoiling
Each day I wake up with a great hope that the Church world would change its approach and method to reach the beyond the “walls”. These “walls” I refer to here are those that have been built to hold the growth and to sustain that growth. Yes, growth comes from planting, sowing and watering. The soul or heart contains the soil for the seed and the water helps nourish and feed the seed. As it grows it needs to continue to be nurtured and strengthened into maturity. This all makes complete and total sense to me and that is why I again, look for some sign of change. That is right, change, so this post modern society can be nurtured into purpose for His Name sake. The “walls” have become iron and the doors have a way stating that you must be part of this club to come in. I read all sorts of material and get really frustrated on how men can brag about their success and hide their failure to be humble! I remember once that I was asked how my church was doing about ten times by the same person at a seminar (all in the same day). I mean I should have said it is sick and it refuses to grow because of power-political elders and contagiously mean people.
My point being, change is necessary for the appropriation of the lost in the 21st century. I am so burned out about the “way we do it” scenario! The approach is simply love and truth. The method for delivery in these days in a conduit that can be simple, like a hand shake or it can be through bandwidth, like the internet. But please bring Christ along on your ride to success. Stop spoiling the people with dynamic personalities and proposed growth plans. Stop extending budgets that cripple and contain! Break out of the “walls” and sing and dance for the Lord is at hand! The truth is, when your church cannot invite nor welcome every person from every walk of life, your church has stopped nurturing and has become spoiled!
Peace
Dennis
Posted at 12:44 am | Comment (1)