WOW! I have taken a hiatus recently from posting...SORRY! It's been crazy around here, so it's been difficult. But, I'm going to try to get back on track now! Here is the 2nd post for the study on Connect... FAMILY!
When Jesus says in the Bible that we are to be connected to vine... we are the branches, and it's to bear MUCH fruit! I believe there are 4 areas in our lives that must be connected to the vine of the Kingdom in order to see life-changing fruit. Family, Finances, Faithfulness, and Friendships - the 4 Keys to Kingdom Fruit!
FAMILY:
A lot of times in marriage, the spouse is the most obvious portion, but the most overlooked. It's easy in life to many times, underappreciate, undervalue, and even ignore our spouse during the context of marriage. In order to see marriage restored in America today, we must begin to appreciate, love, and value our spouse again. That's the reason that divorce rates are on the rise, less kids understand the context of marriage, and society downplays the longevity of marriage - because we are not producing the MUCH fruit that God promised. Why? Because we are no longer connected to the vine.
Proverbs 18:22 > our wives and even husbands must are a blessing to us! Marriage isn't supposed to be a burden, but a blessing. The reason it has become a burden is simply because we don't treat the spouse with the appreciation of a precious jewel. Our actions/reactions, our speech, our dress, and even sex all speaks volumes to your spouse about your value of them. When we connect not only our marriage but our spouse to the Kingdom Vine, we can bear GREAT fruit that people would love to taste!
Here are some other verses about marriage: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Ephesians 5:25-28, Genesis 2:24
Kids are also brought into the mix when we begin to connect our families to the Kingdom Vine. Your kids were NOT an accident, and you did not just HAPPEN to become their parents. It was all planned from the beginning. Your greatest, most important ministry doesn't happen at church or work, but at home! (1 Timothy 3:4-5) We must be able to lead our first ministry, home, before we can lead another ministry away from home. The discipline we offer our kids, the direction, and the guidance we offer them must first be connected to the Vine!
I cannot expect my son to grow up loving God, if in my home I haven't made it a priority, fun, or even respectable. Bishop Greg Amos once told me "What you allow on your platform will reproduce itself in your people." I would like to tweak that for home, what we allow in our homes, will reproduce itself in your kids. Connect your kids to the Vine... if you don't like the fruit, change the Vine!
Additional verses: Ephesians 6:1-3, Ephesians 6:4
The structure of our families must also be connected to the Kingdom Vine. If I make decisions without asking God first, I'm making a ME decision, not a HE decision. The structure must be a Kingdom structure... now I know this may not be popular but it's biblical, MEN you are the head of your house! Women, you are to submit and support the man. Men: you are held responsible for the structure and guidance of your family. You are responsible to connect your family to the Vine of the Kingdom. Ladies, it's not your biblical responsibility to overrule or override your mans decision. HE is the spiritual authority placed by God in your family. You must both work together in making the decisions, but the man is the authority. (Don't get mad at me, it's biblical... Ephesians 5:23-24 - this is not a plea to downplay women's roles in life.)
Additional verses: Proverbs 11:29, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Ephesians 5:23-24
If we, as Kingdom Seekers, want to see the fruit of family in our lives, churches, and society we must connect to the proper vine. We have connected our families to the vine of friendship, laziness, and society for too long. We must stand up and begin to connect to the vine of the Kingdom! God promises us if we connect to the Kingdom Vine we will see MUCH fruit - MUCH being abundant! Let's connect today!
What does it look like for you to connect your family to the Vine?
What do you need to change in your life to connect to the Vine?
What are some thing you can begin doing TODAY to connect to the Vine?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Connect
This is post #1 of a 5 post series called "Connect" - Connecting your life to the Vine!
John 15:5 says: "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
A verse that is taught, heard, and repeated throughout Christian circles every single day. A verse that many people can repeat by the prompting of the first 4 words of the verse. A verse that has lost the power with which it was written. A verse that has no sting, no conviction, and no life-change anymore. A verse that has simply become a statement as stale as bread that was left open for a few days. But, a verse that should become the very basis of all Christian life!
Upon studying/reading this verse recently the conviction and power of it flooded my life all over again. Like a new employee that didn't know anything of his new job is overwhelmed, as was I. Why? I had read that verse hundreds of times before, and even heard countless sermons on it...why was it just now hitting me? Because the power of God was convicting life-change within me in this scripture. The power of connecting my entire BEING to this verse. In fact, I'm currently working on my newest book on this very topic. Since this is a blog, this will not be as extensive as all the studying I have done, so I will list verses at the end and hope you will go study on your own.
I believe there are 4 areas that drive every life, control every action, and fill every thought. As we grow older we have much more to consider. I believe there are 4 areas, that we MUST connect to The Vine if we intend to lock into the promises and blessings that come from The Vine! Family, Finances, Faithfulness (ministry), and Friendships when connected to The Vine will bring a life of Fruifulness in integrity.
Here's the deal with John 15:5 - A branch not connected to the vine becomes a stick. A stick is useless. It can be used of nothing, and is often disposed of because of its useless nature. However, if it is connected to The Vine it becomes a source of fruit, blooms, and life. It becomes a source of providing consistency in life. A branch can produce many things, but one thing it cannot produce is uselessness... because it is connected to The Vine!
It is also stated in this verse that we will "Bear Much Fruit..." what a promise! What a guarantee! God promises us MUCH fruit if we connect ourselves to Him! Imagine... if we connect our FAMILY, our FINANCES, our FAITHFULNESS, and our FRIENDSHIPS to Him...what kind of fruit will He produce through the branch? I know there are many times in my life I wonder why these areas of my life are not bearing much fruit...why my integrity, my success, my life is not bearing MUCH fruit... it's bearing fruit, but not MUCH fruit. (think of the word "much" here...it's a word of abundance. God is not the God of lack!) And I've been convicted to understand, I've allowed these areas of my life to become sticks and not branches!
In the next 4 weeks I want to dissect scripture, logic, and life to understand that these areas of life can be branches and not sticks. These areas in your life do not HAVE to lack - they can prosper... and God WANTS them to prosper! YOU are a branch connected to a powerful vine. Let's journey together and watch God make a difference in our lives as we allow our driving factors become branches and we will leave the sticks on the ground!
John 15:5 says: "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
A verse that is taught, heard, and repeated throughout Christian circles every single day. A verse that many people can repeat by the prompting of the first 4 words of the verse. A verse that has lost the power with which it was written. A verse that has no sting, no conviction, and no life-change anymore. A verse that has simply become a statement as stale as bread that was left open for a few days. But, a verse that should become the very basis of all Christian life!
Upon studying/reading this verse recently the conviction and power of it flooded my life all over again. Like a new employee that didn't know anything of his new job is overwhelmed, as was I. Why? I had read that verse hundreds of times before, and even heard countless sermons on it...why was it just now hitting me? Because the power of God was convicting life-change within me in this scripture. The power of connecting my entire BEING to this verse. In fact, I'm currently working on my newest book on this very topic. Since this is a blog, this will not be as extensive as all the studying I have done, so I will list verses at the end and hope you will go study on your own.
I believe there are 4 areas that drive every life, control every action, and fill every thought. As we grow older we have much more to consider. I believe there are 4 areas, that we MUST connect to The Vine if we intend to lock into the promises and blessings that come from The Vine! Family, Finances, Faithfulness (ministry), and Friendships when connected to The Vine will bring a life of Fruifulness in integrity.
Here's the deal with John 15:5 - A branch not connected to the vine becomes a stick. A stick is useless. It can be used of nothing, and is often disposed of because of its useless nature. However, if it is connected to The Vine it becomes a source of fruit, blooms, and life. It becomes a source of providing consistency in life. A branch can produce many things, but one thing it cannot produce is uselessness... because it is connected to The Vine!
It is also stated in this verse that we will "Bear Much Fruit..." what a promise! What a guarantee! God promises us MUCH fruit if we connect ourselves to Him! Imagine... if we connect our FAMILY, our FINANCES, our FAITHFULNESS, and our FRIENDSHIPS to Him...what kind of fruit will He produce through the branch? I know there are many times in my life I wonder why these areas of my life are not bearing much fruit...why my integrity, my success, my life is not bearing MUCH fruit... it's bearing fruit, but not MUCH fruit. (think of the word "much" here...it's a word of abundance. God is not the God of lack!) And I've been convicted to understand, I've allowed these areas of my life to become sticks and not branches!
In the next 4 weeks I want to dissect scripture, logic, and life to understand that these areas of life can be branches and not sticks. These areas in your life do not HAVE to lack - they can prosper... and God WANTS them to prosper! YOU are a branch connected to a powerful vine. Let's journey together and watch God make a difference in our lives as we allow our driving factors become branches and we will leave the sticks on the ground!
Friday, September 21, 2012
The Cost of Excellence
I was going to begin a series of 5 blogs called "Connect" this week about connecting the 5 key areas of your life to the Vine of Christ, but that will have to wait until next week. Instead, today, I want to write on something I've learned through my journey - a forgotten trait in church.
Excellence. Many people scream for excellence, but don't exhibit excellence. Many people improperly label excellence and confuse it with perfection. There is a GREAT difference between the two. I define excellence as doing the absolute best you can, with what you have. In my life, my ministry, and in my staff I regularly talk of/strive for excellence. It's not just because I want people to be drawn to what we do - but primarily because I believe the God I serve deserves it!
I'm a stickler and somewhat overly anal when it comes to the topic of excellence. When I go to a restaurant, I expect good service, good food, and a good price. Why? Because I'm a paying customer, and if they really honored/appreciated my business they would roll out their best for me. Not because I'm Brandon Goff, but because without me they have no business. Therefore, I get frustrated easily when it comes to having to wait a long time for food, service, or greeting. It's not because I'm spoiled or part of the "consumer mentality" it's because I understand that I'm PAYING for their service!
That reminds me of Jesus. I believe that when we open the doors of our church to allow people to gather in our churches and our ministries to connect with God and one another, we have to understand why we are opening up the doors.
1. To glorify and show people the example of God's idea of worship, community, and teaching! When we forget this simple fact, we begin to slip from the opportunity of excellence to the complacency of regularity. If our church's should be the place that connects people the spirit of God, and the opportunity of spiritual things, if our church's are to connect Earth to Kingdom ("...thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven...") - where is the excellence? Why aren't we doing the absolute best we can with our facilities? Children's ministries? Sunday services? Guest follow up? Member relationships? Discipleship? Simple: We've forgotten the #1 reason for church!
2. To draw people into an intimate atmosphere to meet Christ, forever! The reality is this: You are NOT going to reach a new generation of people doing things from 6 generations ago. And I am NOT going to reach 3 generations older than I am doing ONLY things from this generation. Why? One word: CONNECTION. But, I'm of a different thought as well. I know we must blend things well, but come on...when you blend and it still is done with lack of excellence, NO ONE will really connect! We must be excellent in our approach to drawing people to Christ. We have a HUGE deficit in this generation of young adults that do not belong to a church...and the reason you see them going to Newspring Church, Elevation Church and such is because they are doing a great job, but because they are intentionally EXCELLENT at what they do! Don't complain that they don't come to your church when you aren't even putting forth an excellent effort!
Lack of excellence honestly frustrates me greatly! Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (NASB) In your journey of leadership, Christian living, pastoring, whatever it may be... don't let excellence be an option, make it a priority. Everything you do, every action you make, and every word you speak will represent Jesus to someone...what kind of representation do you want them to have? Your excellence in ministry may be on point or it may need some work. I know I need work in some areas of my life for excellence...either way let's move forward and make our lives and our ministries great examples of Kingdom!
I'm praying for you!
Excellence. Many people scream for excellence, but don't exhibit excellence. Many people improperly label excellence and confuse it with perfection. There is a GREAT difference between the two. I define excellence as doing the absolute best you can, with what you have. In my life, my ministry, and in my staff I regularly talk of/strive for excellence. It's not just because I want people to be drawn to what we do - but primarily because I believe the God I serve deserves it!
I'm a stickler and somewhat overly anal when it comes to the topic of excellence. When I go to a restaurant, I expect good service, good food, and a good price. Why? Because I'm a paying customer, and if they really honored/appreciated my business they would roll out their best for me. Not because I'm Brandon Goff, but because without me they have no business. Therefore, I get frustrated easily when it comes to having to wait a long time for food, service, or greeting. It's not because I'm spoiled or part of the "consumer mentality" it's because I understand that I'm PAYING for their service!
That reminds me of Jesus. I believe that when we open the doors of our church to allow people to gather in our churches and our ministries to connect with God and one another, we have to understand why we are opening up the doors.
1. To glorify and show people the example of God's idea of worship, community, and teaching! When we forget this simple fact, we begin to slip from the opportunity of excellence to the complacency of regularity. If our church's should be the place that connects people the spirit of God, and the opportunity of spiritual things, if our church's are to connect Earth to Kingdom ("...thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven...") - where is the excellence? Why aren't we doing the absolute best we can with our facilities? Children's ministries? Sunday services? Guest follow up? Member relationships? Discipleship? Simple: We've forgotten the #1 reason for church!
2. To draw people into an intimate atmosphere to meet Christ, forever! The reality is this: You are NOT going to reach a new generation of people doing things from 6 generations ago. And I am NOT going to reach 3 generations older than I am doing ONLY things from this generation. Why? One word: CONNECTION. But, I'm of a different thought as well. I know we must blend things well, but come on...when you blend and it still is done with lack of excellence, NO ONE will really connect! We must be excellent in our approach to drawing people to Christ. We have a HUGE deficit in this generation of young adults that do not belong to a church...and the reason you see them going to Newspring Church, Elevation Church and such is because they are doing a great job, but because they are intentionally EXCELLENT at what they do! Don't complain that they don't come to your church when you aren't even putting forth an excellent effort!
Lack of excellence honestly frustrates me greatly! Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (NASB) In your journey of leadership, Christian living, pastoring, whatever it may be... don't let excellence be an option, make it a priority. Everything you do, every action you make, and every word you speak will represent Jesus to someone...what kind of representation do you want them to have? Your excellence in ministry may be on point or it may need some work. I know I need work in some areas of my life for excellence...either way let's move forward and make our lives and our ministries great examples of Kingdom!
I'm praying for you!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Taming Your Response
Sometimes I'll blog once a week, sometimes more. This week it will be more, obviously! Thanks for checking in.
I'm not the most emotionally respectful person in the world. What do I mean by that? I can't read emotions very well, therefore, someone could be upset about something and I don't seem to be very sympathetic. It's not on purpose, and often I'll go back and apologize if my response came off a different way...I'm just a pretty cut and dry, straightforward person. That's just me. Often my wife will ask me a question, and my response will be with an "attitude" or with "defense". And that may not be how I mean it, but that's how it's taken - and how it's taken is how it effects someone else.
I've come to learn through my journey in ministry and life, as I get better at this emotion and sympathetic thing that Reaction determines destination. They way you react to something determines your destination, destination being that final place that you arrive to. Your destination is your final response, the way the other person feels, the way the other person walks away seeing you. And I'll be honest, there have been times in my life where I have reacted in such a way that my final destination wasn't my original destination.
There will be a time in your journey, whether it be life, ministry, relationship, etc., that your reaction will take you to a destination you didn't originally desire - either for the better or the worse. I've learned a valuable lesson, that I had better be careful with my reactions - and whom my reactions are directed to. My reaction could change someone else's perception of someone/something, which would then cause dishonor. And we all know the power of honor. Jesus was the ultimate example of reaction.
When Jesus was being accused by Pilate in front of everyone, Pilate asked Him if He had any response. The Bible says Jesus did not say a word! The perfect man, that was there simply to save souls and make a difference in this wretched and sick world, was being accused falsely of all kinds of indescribable sins - yet He did not say a word! He remained eerily silent. Why? Because He did not want His response to take Him to any destination other than His original.
I love Facebook, Twitter, and all social media. Sometimes, I admit, I'm on them a little too much. But, one common theme I see today that bothers me is this: People don't use those forums as opportunities to communicate with friends, or a chance to learn (Twitter is the ultimate leadership conference!), they are being used as sounding boards of frustration and irritation instead. I don't want to log onto my site and see negativity and frustration flooding my sight simply because you had a bad day, or someone approached you about something you didn't like. Newsflash: You won't always agree!
Leader, pastor, friend...make sure your responses are correct, in line with the Word, and are taking you to your ultimate destination. Because if they aren't, you're getting off course. Your destination determines your directions. Let your reactions/responses glorify God, honor others, and love yourself!
I'm praying over you today!
I'm not the most emotionally respectful person in the world. What do I mean by that? I can't read emotions very well, therefore, someone could be upset about something and I don't seem to be very sympathetic. It's not on purpose, and often I'll go back and apologize if my response came off a different way...I'm just a pretty cut and dry, straightforward person. That's just me. Often my wife will ask me a question, and my response will be with an "attitude" or with "defense". And that may not be how I mean it, but that's how it's taken - and how it's taken is how it effects someone else.
I've come to learn through my journey in ministry and life, as I get better at this emotion and sympathetic thing that Reaction determines destination. They way you react to something determines your destination, destination being that final place that you arrive to. Your destination is your final response, the way the other person feels, the way the other person walks away seeing you. And I'll be honest, there have been times in my life where I have reacted in such a way that my final destination wasn't my original destination.
There will be a time in your journey, whether it be life, ministry, relationship, etc., that your reaction will take you to a destination you didn't originally desire - either for the better or the worse. I've learned a valuable lesson, that I had better be careful with my reactions - and whom my reactions are directed to. My reaction could change someone else's perception of someone/something, which would then cause dishonor. And we all know the power of honor. Jesus was the ultimate example of reaction.
When Jesus was being accused by Pilate in front of everyone, Pilate asked Him if He had any response. The Bible says Jesus did not say a word! The perfect man, that was there simply to save souls and make a difference in this wretched and sick world, was being accused falsely of all kinds of indescribable sins - yet He did not say a word! He remained eerily silent. Why? Because He did not want His response to take Him to any destination other than His original.
I love Facebook, Twitter, and all social media. Sometimes, I admit, I'm on them a little too much. But, one common theme I see today that bothers me is this: People don't use those forums as opportunities to communicate with friends, or a chance to learn (Twitter is the ultimate leadership conference!), they are being used as sounding boards of frustration and irritation instead. I don't want to log onto my site and see negativity and frustration flooding my sight simply because you had a bad day, or someone approached you about something you didn't like. Newsflash: You won't always agree!
Leader, pastor, friend...make sure your responses are correct, in line with the Word, and are taking you to your ultimate destination. Because if they aren't, you're getting off course. Your destination determines your directions. Let your reactions/responses glorify God, honor others, and love yourself!
I'm praying over you today!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Journey
For a few weeks, I have had an issue with our website here. As you know by now, I'm sure... we have moved from brandondgoff.com to explosivedestiny.com - I believe this better suits our purpose!
As I think back on my journey as a planter, as short as it may be, I've noticed a common theme. I seem to try to get ahead of God sometimes. I'm not a very patient person. I don't like to wait for much, I don't like to let things "run their course"... I'm just a NOW kind of person. Maybe you're a lot like that yourself. From what I can tell - most dreamers/visionary's seem to be this way. We see it and want it!
But, in the process of being angry about waiting, unhappy about delayed results, and frustrated with the journey, I've learned a powerful lesson - If I can do it myself, I'm not doing enough!
The reason I need to wait sometimes is because I'm personally not ready for the supernatural things God can bring. I must wait, because I must grow. Without growth, I cannot hold the fruit of God with ease. I have a tree out by my back porch. It has many flowers and blooms on it. Some of the branches are falling to the ground right now, simply because of the weight of the blooms. The branches are not strong enough to hold the weight of the fruit.
God doesn't desire for us to lay on the ground, and struggle to hold the fruit and blessing - He wants us to be able to hold it, flaunt it, and appreciate it! If I could create the results I wanted, I'm not doing enough! It's the journey where the destination is appreciated. If you don't take the journey, you can't learn the road.
A wise man once said to me, "Don't despise small beginnings." Now, I'm a big thinker, a dreamer, a visionary. Small beginnings are almost insulting to me. But, as I've walked this road - I've begun to see where he was right. Dave Ramsey says "Most big things start with a simple story." The more I walk this lonely, frustrating, exciting, and fulfilling road of church planting - the more I understand... small beginnings can happen to create within us a foundation for bigger things.
Don't get ahead of God. Don't try to speed up the process. Your rate of growth will determine your rate of GROWTH! The journey takes you to your destination - if you despise the journey, you'll never appreciate the destination.
I'm praying over you today!
As I think back on my journey as a planter, as short as it may be, I've noticed a common theme. I seem to try to get ahead of God sometimes. I'm not a very patient person. I don't like to wait for much, I don't like to let things "run their course"... I'm just a NOW kind of person. Maybe you're a lot like that yourself. From what I can tell - most dreamers/visionary's seem to be this way. We see it and want it!
But, in the process of being angry about waiting, unhappy about delayed results, and frustrated with the journey, I've learned a powerful lesson - If I can do it myself, I'm not doing enough!
The reason I need to wait sometimes is because I'm personally not ready for the supernatural things God can bring. I must wait, because I must grow. Without growth, I cannot hold the fruit of God with ease. I have a tree out by my back porch. It has many flowers and blooms on it. Some of the branches are falling to the ground right now, simply because of the weight of the blooms. The branches are not strong enough to hold the weight of the fruit.
God doesn't desire for us to lay on the ground, and struggle to hold the fruit and blessing - He wants us to be able to hold it, flaunt it, and appreciate it! If I could create the results I wanted, I'm not doing enough! It's the journey where the destination is appreciated. If you don't take the journey, you can't learn the road.
A wise man once said to me, "Don't despise small beginnings." Now, I'm a big thinker, a dreamer, a visionary. Small beginnings are almost insulting to me. But, as I've walked this road - I've begun to see where he was right. Dave Ramsey says "Most big things start with a simple story." The more I walk this lonely, frustrating, exciting, and fulfilling road of church planting - the more I understand... small beginnings can happen to create within us a foundation for bigger things.
Don't get ahead of God. Don't try to speed up the process. Your rate of growth will determine your rate of GROWTH! The journey takes you to your destination - if you despise the journey, you'll never appreciate the destination.
I'm praying over you today!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Ordered Steps
So, as I continue on the journey of planting/founding Radiate Church in Columbia, SC I want to share with you some advice and thoughts that may help you on your journey of ministry or church planting. Here is the beginning of our Journey Together.
As my journey began, I ran through a myriad of emotions and thoughts. Where? When? How? Why? I was going to leave a church/youth group I loved dearly. I had invested more in that group of teens and church than I had anywhere else, and I loved them. I didn't WANT to leave, but I was facing frustration (not with people, within me), confusion, and at some points burnout - for no reason at all. What was the deal? Why was I doing that?
I began to feel a tug and call to leave and plant a church. Something I had considered and prayed about before, but it was more fun to entertain the THOUGHT than it was to actually act on the CALL! As I was praying and feeling this tug, I began to understand something - ACTION is what brings a thought to your call! See, I believe that we think about a lot of things, that are actually our call - and we think on them so much because it's part of our belonging and becoming. And through the thought of planting, and through the burnout, frustration, confusion and tugging I learned something - God NEVER stops ordering the steps of those that follow Him.
Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 - "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." - There are a TON of messages/thoughts on this passage, but for me in this time, this is what that scripture meant. As I take up my cross, as I choose to follow Him - there may be bumps, there may be hurts, there may be confusions... but as long as I'm following Him, while carrying my cross - I'm following in His footsteps and He will never stop ordering them. He carried a cross, I carry a cross. He hurt, I will hurt. He cried, I will cry. He was attacked, I will be attacked. His steps were ordered, my steps are ordered.
If I were to tell you that this was something I never struggled with during this journey I would be blatantly lying to you. Because truth be told, I do struggle with it. I struggle with financially hurting, I struggle with decisions, I struggle with confidence...why? Because I'm me! But, at the end of it all, I may struggle with those things, I can be still in His rest, peace, and love.
He ordered the steps of the Israelites as they walked the wilderness with a pillar of fire and a cloud. Why? Because he wanted them to feel, see, and encounter His true provision and guidance. In this step, your faith will be stretched, your ability will be tested, and your love will be tried... but in the end - YOUR STEPS ARE ORDERED! Rest in that - and only that.
Father, I pray over the pastor, leader, and/or church planter reading this today...I pray peace, comfort, strength, and understand over them. Order their steps toward the dynamic destiny you have set for them in such a way that they will rely and lean on You and only You. Today, Lord, we lift it all up to You and declare that we are simply your work and vessel - nothing else. Use us greatly!
As my journey began, I ran through a myriad of emotions and thoughts. Where? When? How? Why? I was going to leave a church/youth group I loved dearly. I had invested more in that group of teens and church than I had anywhere else, and I loved them. I didn't WANT to leave, but I was facing frustration (not with people, within me), confusion, and at some points burnout - for no reason at all. What was the deal? Why was I doing that?
I began to feel a tug and call to leave and plant a church. Something I had considered and prayed about before, but it was more fun to entertain the THOUGHT than it was to actually act on the CALL! As I was praying and feeling this tug, I began to understand something - ACTION is what brings a thought to your call! See, I believe that we think about a lot of things, that are actually our call - and we think on them so much because it's part of our belonging and becoming. And through the thought of planting, and through the burnout, frustration, confusion and tugging I learned something - God NEVER stops ordering the steps of those that follow Him.
Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 - "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." - There are a TON of messages/thoughts on this passage, but for me in this time, this is what that scripture meant. As I take up my cross, as I choose to follow Him - there may be bumps, there may be hurts, there may be confusions... but as long as I'm following Him, while carrying my cross - I'm following in His footsteps and He will never stop ordering them. He carried a cross, I carry a cross. He hurt, I will hurt. He cried, I will cry. He was attacked, I will be attacked. His steps were ordered, my steps are ordered.
If I were to tell you that this was something I never struggled with during this journey I would be blatantly lying to you. Because truth be told, I do struggle with it. I struggle with financially hurting, I struggle with decisions, I struggle with confidence...why? Because I'm me! But, at the end of it all, I may struggle with those things, I can be still in His rest, peace, and love.
He ordered the steps of the Israelites as they walked the wilderness with a pillar of fire and a cloud. Why? Because he wanted them to feel, see, and encounter His true provision and guidance. In this step, your faith will be stretched, your ability will be tested, and your love will be tried... but in the end - YOUR STEPS ARE ORDERED! Rest in that - and only that.
Father, I pray over the pastor, leader, and/or church planter reading this today...I pray peace, comfort, strength, and understand over them. Order their steps toward the dynamic destiny you have set for them in such a way that they will rely and lean on You and only You. Today, Lord, we lift it all up to You and declare that we are simply your work and vessel - nothing else. Use us greatly!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Something new...
Hey guys. Ok, so after some prayer and thought I have a big announcement to make:
Starting this week this is turning from my personal blog to a "Journey" type blog. Here's the vision for this.
My goal is to eventually train/equip/empower leaders, pastors, and church planters as they journey to making a big impact in life. As I'm in the midst of planting Radiate Church - I have felt a large draw to begin some kind of initiative to begin that even now. In fact, a portion of the vision of Radiate (Draw.Disciple.Dispatch) we want to empower and equip other church leaders/pastors. So...
This blog/domain is now going to become the catalyst for our journey and leadership lessons we are learning. I hope to have many leaders/pastors/church planters begin to follow our posts. I do not wish to become "known" through this - I simply wish to encourage and equip greater effectiveness by sharing what God is placing in our hearts.
We will have guest posts from other staff members as well. So please, go and share this information with whomever you would like, follow what we are learning and let's grow together!
I can't wait for the new journey and following of this online portal for growth!
Starting this week this is turning from my personal blog to a "Journey" type blog. Here's the vision for this.
My goal is to eventually train/equip/empower leaders, pastors, and church planters as they journey to making a big impact in life. As I'm in the midst of planting Radiate Church - I have felt a large draw to begin some kind of initiative to begin that even now. In fact, a portion of the vision of Radiate (Draw.Disciple.Dispatch) we want to empower and equip other church leaders/pastors. So...
This blog/domain is now going to become the catalyst for our journey and leadership lessons we are learning. I hope to have many leaders/pastors/church planters begin to follow our posts. I do not wish to become "known" through this - I simply wish to encourage and equip greater effectiveness by sharing what God is placing in our hearts.
We will have guest posts from other staff members as well. So please, go and share this information with whomever you would like, follow what we are learning and let's grow together!
I can't wait for the new journey and following of this online portal for growth!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Preparation = Possession
So, I've been on quite the leadership and pastorship journey recently. It's fun... but challenging in the area of growth. I want to simply share with you a small portion of this journey.
Not too long ago, while praying/studying our vision and the great things I feel God wants Radiate Church to do. I was reading Joshua, as I was reading Joshua 1 I ran across a very challenging portion of scripture - Joshua 1:11
"Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within 3 days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it." (emphasis added)
This portion of scripture led me to begin our Vision Preparation Initiative: Project 1:11 ($111,111 in 11 months). Where will that money go? I don't know, I just know I was to begin it to prepare for vision. Anyway, this verse jumped out at me and screamed in my face this: "You know why so many, including you, aren't seeing the promised land and results? You're NOT PREPARING FOR IT!" Challenging right? Painful huh? I knew, when I heard those words, it was time to redefine some things.
As I was reading recently 2 Corinthians I also read this: "But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:11-12, NASB)
Here's what I believe is the case...I believe every believer, every pastor, and every church wants to effectively proclaim the glory, grace, and goodness of God and the Kingdom in a bold way. So why is it so difficult to do? Sure, it's easy to blame it on media/society/and lack of morals. But the real reason may be a little more difficult and challenging than we expect. What if it's because our READINESS isn't present (2 Corin. 8:12) and we haven't fully prepared ourselves to possess the land God promised? (Joshua 1:11)
We are at a cultural divide currently over the issue of homosexuality and other seemingly obvious sins. Maybe people won't listen to our thoughts because we haven't been ready to listen and love people and we haven't prepared ourselves with the provision of love and grace. I'm tired of doing CHURCH and expecting great results, when I'm doing my work at the last minute. Joshua defeated a great land, and did great works that are still notably incredible today. And he had to get his people PREPARED to do the work. Sure, God did it - and God provided the miracle and dropped the walls...but would He have done this if Joshua hadn't prepared his people?
Stop waiting on things to happen. Stop living on ability, and begin preparing for anointing! It's not a matter of giving God "room to work"- it's honestly a matter that at times, I've been too lazy to do what needed to be done to prepare to possess the promise for my life, my church, and my family! According to the miracles and possessions I study in the Word, without proper preparation, possession is only an idea!
Pastor, leader, friend... can we decide today that no longer will we do things last minute? We will see the promise possessed in every way by preparing spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and figuratively for it? If you aren't prepared, possession isn't a reality for you!
Let's journey together.
Not too long ago, while praying/studying our vision and the great things I feel God wants Radiate Church to do. I was reading Joshua, as I was reading Joshua 1 I ran across a very challenging portion of scripture - Joshua 1:11
"Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within 3 days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it." (emphasis added)
This portion of scripture led me to begin our Vision Preparation Initiative: Project 1:11 ($111,111 in 11 months). Where will that money go? I don't know, I just know I was to begin it to prepare for vision. Anyway, this verse jumped out at me and screamed in my face this: "You know why so many, including you, aren't seeing the promised land and results? You're NOT PREPARING FOR IT!" Challenging right? Painful huh? I knew, when I heard those words, it was time to redefine some things.
As I was reading recently 2 Corinthians I also read this: "But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:11-12, NASB)
Here's what I believe is the case...I believe every believer, every pastor, and every church wants to effectively proclaim the glory, grace, and goodness of God and the Kingdom in a bold way. So why is it so difficult to do? Sure, it's easy to blame it on media/society/and lack of morals. But the real reason may be a little more difficult and challenging than we expect. What if it's because our READINESS isn't present (2 Corin. 8:12) and we haven't fully prepared ourselves to possess the land God promised? (Joshua 1:11)
We are at a cultural divide currently over the issue of homosexuality and other seemingly obvious sins. Maybe people won't listen to our thoughts because we haven't been ready to listen and love people and we haven't prepared ourselves with the provision of love and grace. I'm tired of doing CHURCH and expecting great results, when I'm doing my work at the last minute. Joshua defeated a great land, and did great works that are still notably incredible today. And he had to get his people PREPARED to do the work. Sure, God did it - and God provided the miracle and dropped the walls...but would He have done this if Joshua hadn't prepared his people?
Stop waiting on things to happen. Stop living on ability, and begin preparing for anointing! It's not a matter of giving God "room to work"- it's honestly a matter that at times, I've been too lazy to do what needed to be done to prepare to possess the promise for my life, my church, and my family! According to the miracles and possessions I study in the Word, without proper preparation, possession is only an idea!
Pastor, leader, friend... can we decide today that no longer will we do things last minute? We will see the promise possessed in every way by preparing spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and figuratively for it? If you aren't prepared, possession isn't a reality for you!
Let's journey together.
Monday, July 30, 2012
God's Moving
Hey Radiators! I just wanted to let you know what God is doing. I received a text last night before going to bed from a girl that's been attending Radiate. As you know we've going through the Doors of Access series - that's all about God's promises, and closing doors that keeps the enemy out, and God's promises in. And throughout this series, God has been transforming people, and taking us all to new levels.
She proceeded to let me know about some relationships that have been dragging her down, and holding her back, and how she wanted to close the door on some of them...but the enemy has been in her ear telling her she couldn't do that, and that it was a mistake. Sometime during yesterday's Word, God spoke sweetly into her spirit and encouraged her that she COULD close the door, and she COULD make the separation - in order to move forward with God's promises in her life. But, just to be sure she opened up God's Word and found strength, comfort, and Biblical Promises to help her through! She ended her text with a declaration that the enemy couldn't win anymore!
THIS is what Radiate is all about. THIS is what Kingdom is all about! THIS is what God is all about! This is not the first, last, or most random text I have received since pastoring Radiate... in fact, texts/conversations like this are fairly regular... and it's showing me one very important thing: GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING BIG! God NEVER separates you from something, or changes something in you and fails to replace it with something better. Actually, anytime there is separation or change in your life - prompted by the voice/love of God - there is always something greater coming!
I'm so excited about what God is doing in me, through me, and WITH RADIATE! Now... get out there and bring someone with you to Radiate this week! Don't hold this to yourself, get out there and bring someone!!!
If you'd like to attend:
Sundays - 10:45am
Killian Elementary School (2621 Clemson Road)
She proceeded to let me know about some relationships that have been dragging her down, and holding her back, and how she wanted to close the door on some of them...but the enemy has been in her ear telling her she couldn't do that, and that it was a mistake. Sometime during yesterday's Word, God spoke sweetly into her spirit and encouraged her that she COULD close the door, and she COULD make the separation - in order to move forward with God's promises in her life. But, just to be sure she opened up God's Word and found strength, comfort, and Biblical Promises to help her through! She ended her text with a declaration that the enemy couldn't win anymore!
THIS is what Radiate is all about. THIS is what Kingdom is all about! THIS is what God is all about! This is not the first, last, or most random text I have received since pastoring Radiate... in fact, texts/conversations like this are fairly regular... and it's showing me one very important thing: GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING BIG! God NEVER separates you from something, or changes something in you and fails to replace it with something better. Actually, anytime there is separation or change in your life - prompted by the voice/love of God - there is always something greater coming!
I'm so excited about what God is doing in me, through me, and WITH RADIATE! Now... get out there and bring someone with you to Radiate this week! Don't hold this to yourself, get out there and bring someone!!!
If you'd like to attend:
Sundays - 10:45am
Killian Elementary School (2621 Clemson Road)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Mediocrity is Stupid
Mediocrity makes me angry, and I don't mean the subtle, nice, sweet angry...I mean the legitimate, name calling, angry. As in the fact that if mediocrity were an actual object I would throw it against a way and punch it in the mouth. Why you ask? Anger is bad, unholy, ungodly. Oh really? Then why was Jesus so mad in the temple? Sure, it was because of the selling going on in the temple, but it was because the temple was being used for things never intended. It was because the temple was designed for GREATNESS, and was being utilized for much less - and it made Him angry.
Mediocrity is the very enemy of excellence. Excellence is what we are called to...notice I said excellence, NOT perfection. How do I know? I was made in the image of an excellent God, I was created out of His very creativity and hands, so how is excellence NOT in my DNA? Is it because I've forgotten of His excellence? Is it because excellence costs? Is it because excellence causes me to honor people, even if I don't know how? I don't know why excellence isn't in the DNA of so many... but I do know this - excellence precedes greatness!
If I cannot pursue excellence, then I'm not really pursuing Him! In God's very nature - He is excellent. Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Here's what is being said by Paul - who was in jail by the way...he was persecuted for this yet teaching it...THAT is excellence - do EVERYTHING in the name of Jesus. Or in the name of excellence and greatness. What I do is not just for me or others, it's to proclaim the very nature and name of Jesus!
Earlier in Colossians 3 it gives us instructions on things to cut out of our lives, if we are pursuing God. Here's why... NOT for religious duty, but for an excellent relationship! As Christians, pastors, husbands, wives, sons/daughters, and lovers of God... EXCELLENCE will take you places. Excellence is:
Mediocrity is the very enemy of excellence. Excellence is what we are called to...notice I said excellence, NOT perfection. How do I know? I was made in the image of an excellent God, I was created out of His very creativity and hands, so how is excellence NOT in my DNA? Is it because I've forgotten of His excellence? Is it because excellence costs? Is it because excellence causes me to honor people, even if I don't know how? I don't know why excellence isn't in the DNA of so many... but I do know this - excellence precedes greatness!
If I cannot pursue excellence, then I'm not really pursuing Him! In God's very nature - He is excellent. Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Here's what is being said by Paul - who was in jail by the way...he was persecuted for this yet teaching it...THAT is excellence - do EVERYTHING in the name of Jesus. Or in the name of excellence and greatness. What I do is not just for me or others, it's to proclaim the very nature and name of Jesus!
Earlier in Colossians 3 it gives us instructions on things to cut out of our lives, if we are pursuing God. Here's why... NOT for religious duty, but for an excellent relationship! As Christians, pastors, husbands, wives, sons/daughters, and lovers of God... EXCELLENCE will take you places. Excellence is:
honoring your boss/man of God
pursuing God
finishing responsibilities
working on your projects/job despite emotions
honoring God!
Church, STOP with mediocrity...mediocrity will keep you in your pit, excellence will propel you to your palace! Mediocrity kills dreams, excellence resurrects them. Mediocrity discourages others, excellence encourages others. Excellence comes at a cost - but the reward is worth it! Today - live the life you were called...a life of excellence!
Excellence will change your life... mediocrity will steal it!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Dreamers
Dreams
Dreams are probably one of the most forgotten things in our lives. Many times they are due to lack of sleep, what we have eaten recently, or thoughts going through your head. But, many times they are also words from God - a time of revelation, explanation, and warning. Dreams may be the very opportunity to hear from God, and receive the passion He has for your future! But there are 2 types of dreams: 1- sleep dreams, 2- promise dreams, both of which can be coincided.
When God places a dream in someone He wants to help see it through. It's usually big, unattainable by human standards, and full of amazing potential - because that's what God is all about. I found a scripture recently that rocked my world with this kind of thing.
"By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations who designer and builder is God." (Hebrew 11:9-10, ESV)
Wow. Get this: Abraham went to a FOREIGN LAND or a land he had never been to before. He wasn't accustomed to the land - he was new there. Didn't yet belong, but he knew something that others didn't. He knew things that no one else knew... it was his land of PROMISE! And as he squatted on the land, pitched tents, and began to live there he looked around and saw things. He saw buildings, foundations, cities, and great things that GOD would build there. Why? Because he was having a DREAMING moment with God. God was pushing Abraham into the future of his promise. He was allowing the dream to push through into his heart.
One thing Abraham realized that a lot of dreamers don't - God was the builder! The originator of the dream, and the builder of the dream was God. The dream and building of it doesn't come FROM you - it comes THROUGH you! God uses you to accomplish something good, great, and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Dream - dream big! See big things, Accomplish great promises. Let your dreams decide your decisions and you're actions/reaction. But remember: GOD originated the dream, and builds the dream... you are the honored vessel He is using. Love it. Enjoy it. Receive it. DREAM IT!
Friday, February 17, 2012
I Refuse
God,
I refuse to quit. I refuse to stop. I refuse to give up. I refuse to let down. I refuse to question. I refuse to dream small. I refuse to settle. I refuse to slow up. I refuse to not see people turn to you. I refuse to focus on anything but you. I REFUSE!
I believe you save. I believe you provide. I believe you help. I believe you forgive. I believe you give. I believe you love. I believe you won't let me down. I believe you are always with me. I believe you have gone before me. I believe you see my future, forget my past, and delight in my present. I BELIEVE YOU!
I'm sorry I've sinned. I'm sorry I've dishonored. I'm sorry I've disrespected. I'm sorry I've hated. I'm sorry I've ignored. I'm sorry I've gotten angry. I'm sorry I've doubted. I'm sorry I've been a hypocrite. I'm sorry I've relied on myself more than you. I'M SORRY!
I love your love. I love your honor. I love your providence. I love your lesson. I love your Word. I love your Son. I love your presence. I love your anointing. I love your dominion. I love your grace. I love your forgiveness. I LOVE YOU!
I will see real revival. I will see real salvation. I will see real deliverance. I will see real freedom. I will see real spirit moves. I will see real love. I will see real ministry. I will see real promises. I will see real Christianity. I will see real greatness. I WILL SEE!
Sincerely,
Broken For You
I refuse to quit. I refuse to stop. I refuse to give up. I refuse to let down. I refuse to question. I refuse to dream small. I refuse to settle. I refuse to slow up. I refuse to not see people turn to you. I refuse to focus on anything but you. I REFUSE!
I believe you save. I believe you provide. I believe you help. I believe you forgive. I believe you give. I believe you love. I believe you won't let me down. I believe you are always with me. I believe you have gone before me. I believe you see my future, forget my past, and delight in my present. I BELIEVE YOU!
I'm sorry I've sinned. I'm sorry I've dishonored. I'm sorry I've disrespected. I'm sorry I've hated. I'm sorry I've ignored. I'm sorry I've gotten angry. I'm sorry I've doubted. I'm sorry I've been a hypocrite. I'm sorry I've relied on myself more than you. I'M SORRY!
I love your love. I love your honor. I love your providence. I love your lesson. I love your Word. I love your Son. I love your presence. I love your anointing. I love your dominion. I love your grace. I love your forgiveness. I LOVE YOU!
I will see real revival. I will see real salvation. I will see real deliverance. I will see real freedom. I will see real spirit moves. I will see real love. I will see real ministry. I will see real promises. I will see real Christianity. I will see real greatness. I WILL SEE!
Sincerely,
Broken For You
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