To Give is to Receive

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38 NIV)

What have you given today??? Ask yourself: "Have I given enough to reap a harvest in return??" When you give unconditionally, you also make room to receive. How you give will determine the outcome of your harvest. It's like making deposits into a bank account, people, or even a career - you get out of it, what you put into it.

When you make deposits of sustenance, it is safe to expect a generous return and when you need to make a withdrawal, [hopefully and prayerfully], you'll withdraw only what you need so there's enough left over for another day.

Today, try giving more love to those whom may be difficult to love and see what happens…..

Sharing the Promise,
- Rev

REAL MOTHERS - REAL WOMEN

Real Mothers don't eat quiche - they don't have time to make it
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, soiled ovens, and very happy kids
Real Mothers know that dried play dough DOES NOT come out of carpets
Real Mothers don't want to know WHAT that vacuum just sucked up
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me ... and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I know you'll love and take care of me best'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade, but marked by their progression of Ma-Ma to Mommy to Mom to Mother

The Images of Mother:

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65-100 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where her love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole but true beauty is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman's passing years as she grows!

Chosen to Set the Captives Free

Every one of you are called to be and do so much more than you are walking in. What did the devil try to steal from you?

Genesis 50:20 - But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

I have an awesome revelation for you this week. Do you know that whatever the devil tried to steal in your life, whether it was your health, finances, your mind, your peace or your family, is the exact area that the Lord wants to use you in? Jesus not only wants to bring total restoration, healing and deliverance to you in every area of your life (which is His perfect will), but He wants to use you to liberate others from the same things that He has released you from.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Some of you may feel like you were thrown in a pit like Joseph. The Lord raised you up out of that pit so that you can rescue others out of their pit. For those of you whom have been bound by depression or tormented with fear, God wants to make you bold as a lion. He will release the oil of gladness to you so that you can also dispense it to others. For those of you who were healed of various sicknesses and diseases, God will use you to lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. Even those of you that were delivered from drugs & alcohol or may have been in prison, Jesus has unshackled you to set other captives free. He is a righteous God who desires to use those whom are available. To God be the Glory!

For those of you whom have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and were involved in occult practices such as psychics, tarot card reading or things of the new age, God has awesome plans for you to be used in His Kingdom of light in a ministry of miracles, signs and wonders.

1 Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Isaiah 47:13 - Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.

Daniel 4:7 - Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

Luke 22:31-32 - Simon, Simon - Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
Jesus told Simon Peter that He prayed for him because the devil wanted to take him out and then He said to Peter – After you are converted, go and strengthen your brethren. He wants to use you to rescue and deliver others after you are restored and your mind is renewed.

Go out and lend a helping hand. Do what God has called YOU to do. We all have a role in this Play called Life!

Every one of you are called to so much more than you are walking in. What ever the devil tried to steal from you, God wants to reverse what was meant for evil against you, to save many others from the same calamities.

Genesis 50:20 - But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Rev and Dina D

Money or Mission

Some statistics have shown that a great number of individuals and organizations are more concerned with how much money can "I" or "we" raise to promote a mission or quest. The focus is more on the potential money that can be raised vs. how much of the mission should be accomplished. We keep raising money for causes and cures but the gap expands further and further from society's reach. We have conclusions but still not very many solutions.

We argue and bicker over matters that do not concern God. What should matter is our relationship with Him (our Creator) and love for one another. Sure it's good to seek for cures of all kinds of diseases, promote justice and embrace diversity, pray for world peace, security and long for true diversity but will the money take the place of the mission before the mission is accomplished? Is it all about the money? Mission accomplished or just monies raised to promote an idea? Yes, it takes money to live and to offer aide to others but when do we finally accomplish the goals we seek to resolve?

Men (humankind) who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6:5-9) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many griefs. But you, man (child) of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
(1 Timothy 6:10-12)

Can God trust you with the money to complete the mission? Or, will you take what is not yours and use that for your own person gain?

Now my advice to you is to use money [tainted as it is] to make yourselves friends, so that when it comes to an end, they may welcome you into the houses of eternity. The man who is faithful in the little things will be faithful in the big things. So that if you are not fit to be trusted to deal with the wicked wealth of this world, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:9-11)

Dear individuals and organizations, I pray that your works reflect that of the mission and the money will follow. What God has ordained, no human being will put asunder.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had... There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
(Acts 4:32,34-35)

There's enough resources to go around so when individuals and organizations go on these missions (quests), make sure the money is used in the light it was given. Accomplish the mission with the money and not misuse the money promoting the mission.

- Rev

Self Defense

"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:6

As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. One of these tests is being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father.

And that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn't save with sword and spear: for the battle is Yahweh's, and he will give you into our hand."
1 Samuel 17:47

Jesus lived the commandment He gave to the disciples: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).

How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program.

The workplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. The church (in some cases) gives us many opportunities to be falsely accused and misused by “church folk”. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if that person truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our egos. (I've been there)

When God allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows Satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.

Shine on!!! Shine on!!! Shine on!!!

- Rev

Happy Resurrection Sunday

HE IS RISEN!!! HE IS RISEN!!!

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Matthew 28:7 (KJV)

Christ arose for you and me! Hallelujah! Hosanna! Hallelujah!

Qualified But Not Authorized

How many people do you know are a qualified candidate for a title but for some reason was not chosen?

How many of US are qualified for a title, selected for a position but really not authorized to carry that position? In a lot of situations and circumstances, I find this to be the case.

Just because a person has all the right credentials and degrees, the eloquent speech and words that seem to sound true; have all the right moves and does everything that seems to be in line with God's will, does not authorize them for that position.

Let's take preaching the Gospel & prophecy for example:
The words tells us this: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

Are you really sent or did you appoint yourself to preach the Gospel and rightly divide the Word of Truth??? Check out Matthew 10:1

Let's take it a step further...

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are (the) called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing (righteousness) with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

Are you qualified and not authorized?

Let's go deeper...

He (God) is against these false prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from God. Yes, He is against these smooth-tongued prophets who say this prophecy is from the Lord. Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams and spew flagrant lies that lead God's people into sin. I did not send them nor authorize them and they have no message at all for My people. False prophets leading God's people astray with their reckless lies. God did not appoint them and as a result, God's people do not benefit from their false prophecy. Jeremiah 23:30-32

If any prophet, priest, or anyone else says they have a prophecy from the Lord, God will punish that person along with their entire family. Jeremiah 23:34

Check out the lives of these prophets that profess to live for God. These "so called" prophets prophecy over others and can't prophecy over themselves effectively??? The word tells us that we will know them by their fruits...

Are you producing any fruit? If so, what kind?

Not all of us with prosper at the same time but we should prosper in some way. God's people will suffer such as Christ suffered but as we share in His sufferings we also share in His blessings. That's God's promise.

I have often asked God why the children of God who attend worship every week, touch and agree with other Believers and still live in bondage. Well, it's the "under-shepherd that covers the sheep. I know it is the responsibility of individuall to seek God for themselves but when you join a Body of Christ and connect to the real "men and women of God", you should be able to witness God's blessing upon the under-shepherd and the sheep. NO we are not to covet but enjoy our own blessings - be it big or small. As I grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God's word, I can see clearly now why there is no real spiritual growth and delayed blessings with God's people when dealing with some churches because they house 'prophets' whom have NOT been called (sent) by God. The best kept secret is to try the spirit by the spirit0- then you will know for sure, who's real and who's faking it.

If what a prophet proclaims, in the name of the Lord, does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Does that prophet call for repentance; for holiness and loyalty to Christ? Or is he/she scratching some itching ears?

So, I ask again...are you just qualified or are you really authorized to speak on behalf of God???

Deuteronomy 13:1-3 "If a prophet who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he/she has spoken takes place, and he/she says, 'Let's follow gods you have not known and let us worship them,' you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love HIM with all your heart and with all your soul" or if you are completely relying on what has been proven by your finite eye-sight?

Now, let's bring it on home: Matthew 24:3-5,10-11 Jesus is questioned: when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? Jesus answered, "Watch out that no one deceives you, for many will come in my name; at that time many will turn away from the faith and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people."

Ephesians 5:6 - Do not let anyone deceive you with empty arguments: it is for this loose living that God's wrath comes down on those who rebel against him. Make sure you are not included with them. Check out Ephesians 5:11!!!

My advice is to get away from these fakers and shakers and connect with the authorized prophets - those called by God Himself. I know "they" seem real...the strange tongues...the sincere and humble looking & walk...the jerking and crying...the testa-lies and propha-lies...all looks and sounds convincing but it's all SMOKE! Once the smoke dissipates, you will clearly see that it was mimicked and copied replicas of real prophets. And, please refrain from arguments and proving your declaration; just keep on living, watching, fighting and praying that God will protect the innocent, the seekers; that they find Jesus and quickly and put all of their faith and trust in God and God alone.

Qualified but not authorized??? Be sure to connect with an "authorized agent" of God. Yes, the quality of a prophet may be there but it's the authorized prophet that has access to the heavenly realm as we dwell on earth. The real prophets, the called by God for God's purpose, the one's appointed by the Giver of Gifts to the church and to humankind are the sons and daughters of Him whom sent us. God is sending us out amongst wolves - Luke 10:3 "Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."

Acts 20: 29-31 "I know quite well that when I have gone, fierce wolves will invade you and have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks their will be men & women coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard!!!

Be blessed today and remember to seek the Holy Spirit to test 'the spirit' that comes in the name of the Lord. May God's blessings rest upon you and may God's peace dwell in your soul!
It is in Jesus' name, the Messiah...Amen...Amen...and Amen.

- Rev.

The Real Power is in God's Love

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10 (NIV)

We live in such a confusing world and it's easy to miss how beautiful we are to God and how much He really does love us. Let's learn to long for the love of God. His love for us is unconditional and free.

God's love came as the ultimate Gift because He is the ultimate Giver of every good and perfect gift. All we need to do is open up our hearts and say, "Yes" to the Lord. That simple word to our Creator will yield you to God’s love.

Evil hates the fact that you and I are loved by God. All hell is probably trying to get you to believe that God does not care about you or does not love you. The Enemy wants us to believe that we mean nothing to our Father. Not so!! The truth is, God created us and chose us to love with a Love that will last forever. If we accept the Love, the Gift of Love then we will receive that unconditional love as our own personal Gift!

Beloved, fight off your fears and claim God’s love in your lives. Reach up and open your heart to Him. Ask God to tangibly show YOU His love...for you. Let Him fill you with His endless and abounding love. You can rest with the assurance of God’s love; it's an essential element of handling whatever comes your way. Now, that's POWER!!!

Prayer for today: Dear Creator God, help me to stand firm against the evil one (Satan) who tries to make me doubt your love. Dispel any fears and doubts that creep into my spirit and fill me with your love. Help me to enjoy the love you have for me, in Jesus name, Amen.

- Rev & Dina D

When Sin (in the Church) Becomes Popular

And He (Christ) Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect human, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

Are you one of these gifts that Christ gave to the church? Is your ministry consistent with God’s purpose for the church? If your ministry is contrary to God's purpose for these gifts, you will be exposed!!! As church leaders, our motivations must be from the spiritual heart of God and not of the carnal mind and sinful nature of humankind. Church leaders must live righteously before God and humankind. Our lives should remain purified from habitual sin. Our lives should reflect the blessings and promises of God not that of tragedy & lack.

If you have sinned against God's church, have you repented? Are you sorry for your misdoings as they really DO displease our Creator? My definition of sin is anything that exalts itself above God and causes spiritual separation from God and His will for our lives. Do God's will and allow the Spirit to lead and guide you with a level-head and uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Repent and be sorry for displeasing God and cease to habitually sin again. Now is the season for repentance as God is calling the church to repent or be exposed openly. As church leaders, God is holding us responsible for the lives we live. Those who engage in below-standards of living should cease making this a popular way of life. Yield your will to God's perfect will and fully live for Christ. Stop deceiving the children of God with your fancy words and false display of holiness. Stop acting humble then resume a low-life position behind the scenes when you THINK no one is watching. Do the right thing even when no one is watching. Really live up to God's standards for wholesome and healthy Christian living. Practice what you preach and not just preach what YOU yourself have no intentions of practicing.

But all things having their true character exposed by the light are made manifest; for that which makes everything manifest is light. Ephesians 5:13

If light is taught in the church, how can a church leader live in darkness. How can a church leader teach light if that leader has chosen to live in darkness??? Some church leaders do not live up to the standards of God. Some church leaders engage in "loose living" only because grace is being used as a parameter to live like 'dogs in heat.'

Just because God gives us grace to live our lives does not mean we take that grace for granted. Paul tell us in Romans 6:14-15

The sad truth about the wayward church leaders is, the communities which these leaders represent, have accepted this way of living as popular. It's popular to live an unrighteous life! Sin has become a sad and trendy popularity contest...the latest but not the greatest fashion. How many bed-partners do you need? How many ways can you steal from the church? How often do you change your character to fit the custom? Since when does perfection becomes abnormal? Are your ethics too low? Do you really love the church or just what the church can give you? How can you lead when you do not follow God's instructions for the church?

News flash…habitual sin is NOT acceptable and pleasing to God.

As spiritual leaders, we must continue to strive to be like Christ and continue to stand for righteousness; even if we stand alone. I'm going to make it personal... " even if I stand alone, I will stand firm."

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…Ephesians 6:13-14

No, I am not judging anyone but making a clear observation of what I have seen in God's house for many years and frankly, it is time for that foolishness to cease. Sure we all make mistakes but should we continue to make the same mistake over and over again? We all have our own crosses to bear and must carry them until the end of our days. Yes - we all stumble and fall but we do not have to stay fallen. Yes - we all make mistakes but we should learn from them and not repeat them. Christ was the only perfect person that walked the face of the earth…..and we are not Him but we should strive to be like Him.

Do I love everyone – YES! Do I like everyone – NO! I do not like the unrighteous. I do not like liars. I do not like thieves. I do not like deceivers. I do not like those who do wrong and know they are doing wrong but somehow justify it with a convincing excuse. I do not like messy folks. I do not like folks who cause confusion. I do not like jealous people. I do not like anything that causes destruction and strife.

Yes, Christ died for all sin for by Christ, our sins were covered by the blood, the ultimate sacrificial lamb who loves us all. We are all sinners saved by GRACE but that does not give us the right to practice sin. Romans 6:14-15

Church leaders must rise to the righteous occasion and cease to live for unrighteousness. Stop lying to the sheep. No more self-titles to impress the church folk. Stop hiding behind the royal looking robes and step up to the Royal Faith in Christ. Stop spiritually cheating the sheep of their freedom to do real work for Christ. God's people are not human puppets but are people with real souls and minds, and with real issues. If you're going to preach, declare the Gospel Message. Stop preaching other people’s tragedies in the pulpit. (That’s not cool) No more robbing the church of its resources for ministry to live extravagant lives. No more shedding of innocent blood for your own self-righteousness and edification. After all, the mature Christians really see who you are and really see the real YOU.

Why do you continue to make a mockery out of God's church??? The House of the Lord is a sacred Temple of worship and not a place to hang out with your buddies when you do not have anything else to do. The church if NOT a venue for the latest ‘trash’ disco show! It's NOT a place to go and be entertained when you're bored. It's a gathering place for Believers. Church is a sacred ground to pray and commune corporately with God, touching and agreeing with followers of Christ on righteous things, and not a place to pick up a "hot date" or find a person to impress. God's Church is NOT a place for public folly of worldly engagements. Stop "playing church" and really be God’s Church. Your title or office in the church should not make you look down on others but calls for teaching and serving one another in love. Worship God but serve one another. Honor God and love each other. Love God with all of who you are. Be the leader, the Christian Leader that God has called you to live.

The gifts that Christ gave to the church is a serious charge and should not be taken lightly. If God has called you to lead at a higher capacity, then lead with high ethics, high morals and high standards. Not to be so far removed or so far ahead that you create a bubble over yourselves and get too far ahead of the people but being the leader you’d want to follow. Would you follow yourself by the ways you live???

As apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers, we are held accountable by God (the only Judge) for the souls we lead to Christ and the one's we cause to stumble and fall...and remain fallen (lost; ungodly living). The bloodshed will be on the hands of those spiritual leaders that aid in the cause of unfortunate yet preventable confusion.

When wrong is made ‘right’ in the church – we have a SERIOUS problem! When habitually practicing wrong becomes your platform of praise, LOOK OUT because God is watching! Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning. 1 Timothy 5:20

God speaks of false prophets in the last days. If there is a continuation of these “false agents" and if the shoe fits -- YOU WILL BE EXPOSED!!! The New Covenant tells us to be beware of false prophets who come disguised [look and act like] harmless sheep but are really vicious [deadly] wolves. We can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act [publicly/privately]. We do not pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles do we??? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions [things they do]. Matthew 7:15-20

God is not going to tolerate [forever] the lack of productivity!!! Ephesians 5:10-11 tells us to carefully determine what pleases the Lord and have nothing to do with fruitless acts of evil but expose them. Verse 13 goes on to state that the evil intentions will be exposed when light is shed on the evil because the light shows everything!

Does your your silence approve of wrongdoings! Do you approve of sin? Is sin popular in your community? In your church? In your workplace? Will you become a "whistle blower", breaking your silence???

Those of us being light ourselves (Ephesians 5:8), by bringing light through reprove of those who are in darkness, will convert them to light. Our consistent lives and faithful reproofs will be our "armor of light" (Romans 13:12) in making an inroad [invasion] on the kingdom of darkness (evil; the Enemy).

When sin becomes popular, who will stand against the evilness that sin promotes??? Perhaps YOU have been chosen for the task….??? Repent or perish...the kingdom of God is near!

-Rev

How's Your Vision

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18

Robert Fritz wrote, “It is not what a vision is; it’s what a vision does.” What does a vision do?

Vision is the ability to see. Helen Keller was asked, “Is there anything worse than being blind?” “Yes,” she replied, “having eyesight but no vision!” Leaders imagine a preferred future. Vision is a major key of the future. Vision is the vivid image of the compelling future God wants to create through us.

Leaders can stand up and say this is where we are going….

Mike Vance tells of being at Walt Disney World soon after its completion when someone said, “It’s too bad Walt Disney didn’t live to see this.” Vance replied, “He DID see it—that’s why it’s here.”

What kind of vision do you have?

Myopic vision: Leaders with myopic vision are so terribly nearsighted that they live only for today. Their vision of the future is fuzzy. They can barely see beyond their noses.

Peripheral vision: Leaders with peripheral vision are blindsided by side issues. These visionaries are hampered in moving forward because they catch the threatening images of people lurking on the sidelines who will defeat their efforts. These folks are easily distracted.

Tunnel vision: Leaders with tunnel vision see only what’s dead ahead of them and assume that their slender view of reality reflects the whole world. They don’t see other persons or other issues.

Panoramic vision: Leaders with panoramic vision see the big picture. They see beyond today. They see what is ahead of them. They see what is to their sides. They have a basic understanding of the key ingredients of a healthy organization and know the steps that it will take to get them there.

How’s your vision? Without it your organization will be like an unbridled horse. With it the organization will be focused, moving toward the fulfillment of the dream lurking problems in the corners of their eyes. They are fearful of shadowy difficulties and people lurking on the sidelines who will defeat their efforts. These folks are easily distracted.

Vision is perhaps the greatest need of leadership today. As someone said regarding the church but it pertains to any organization, “Our preachers aren’t dreaming. That’s why the church and is such a nightmare.”

Are Your Prayers Effective or Affective?

What is prayer? A devout petition to God or an object of worship? A spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession? The act or practice of praying to God? All the above. To find out if your prayers are effective or affective, join Church of the Solid Rock tomorrow night at 7pm and find out!!! Details of worship location are below. Hope to see you there!!!

POWER HOUR WORSHIP

Church of the Solid Rock
7PM – 8PM
2735 Villa Creek Dr. #290
Dallas TX 75234

Only 15 minutes from downtown Dallas
Two Metro Square-Building C - Suite 290
Enter via the west side of Atrium
Sanctuary is on the 2nd floor

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You Shall Not Be Moved

"A snake will keep twitching even after you kill it. Does not matter how terrible the snake looks twitching....it's still dead."

Do not be moved or afraid of a dead snake. After all, it's dead. I know it may look weird twitching after it has been killed but....it's still dead. You shall not be moved! I'm sure the snake may startle you upon your approach but...it's still dead. You shall not be moved! Yes the scary motives and loud rattle or noise may try to get you off track and cause you to walk on the other side of the road for a little while but...it's still dead. You shall not be moved! Sure the implications of danger and fake gestures may look real but....it's all fake. You shall not be moved! Many replicas of authenticity will be displayed but....it's all fake. You shall not be moved! Here are some passages of scripture to encourage you to stand still in faith...

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

For she shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be anxious in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:8

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.

In this passage, Moses was speaking to the children of Israel. He encouraged them to follow Joshua's leadership as he would not complete the journey with them to the Promised Land. Moses always knew that God would be with them even though they faced many obstacles and danger. Once again, God's revelation gave the Israelites another glimpse of hope and promise and they were able to keep moving forward.

If we, as children of God, would keep our minds focused on heavenly promises instead of earthly problems, we'd all have less worries, sleepless nights and restless days. God IS the source for everything we need. If God promised it, He will deliver therefore, when you see a dead snake twitching, don't be afraid -- YOU shall not be moved!!!

- Rev