Wednesday, May 21, 2008

BIG IDEAS!


"And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding,
and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore." (I Kings 4:29)


Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now by using the events of this day to help me maximize my potential in God. I will practice effective time management by refusing to waste my day by spending it in worry, fear, strife, unforgiveness, bitterness, pettiness, or human reasoning. My time is precious because I am important to God and have important things to do (". . . Redeeming the time, because the days are evil . . . " – Ephesians 5:14)!

Today I will move toward my goal by displaying a winning attitude. I will behave myself in a mature, positive manner, turning every negative situation around for good by my thought processes (". . . Run in such a way that you may win . . ." – 1 Corinthians 9:24), because attitude is everything!

Today I will maintain a manner that is proactive and upbeat, regardless of the day's events, by my ability to stay focused on the big picture. "For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal . . ." (2Corinthians 4:18). I know that things are not always as they appear to be, so I will expect everything to work out just fine for me today.

Today I will proceed toward prosperity by the process of a progressive vision. I am growing in my ability to believe for big things every day, so I will be able to believe for more tomorrow, as I see the manifestations of God's vision for my life unfold today. "Where there is no revelation [prophetic vision], the people cast off restraint . . . ." (Proverbs 29:18).

Today I will overcome by my own "come-back power" because I have resurrection life working in me. "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me" (Micah 7:8). ". . . For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again . . . " (Proverbs 24:16). I know that being knocked down does not mean that I am out of the race or that the fight is over!

Today I will prevail through positive networking (". . . two are better than one . . ." – Ecclesiastes 4:9), because I know that I am affected by the company that I keep. I will not "walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners" (Psalm 1:1), but will connect with those who are capable of creating covenant with me. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).

Today I will win simply by my determination to stay on top! I am destined for greatness, so I will not settle for anything less today, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me dream big dreams today. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Hey CITN/cyber-CITN...I'll tell you about my trip tonight...see yesterday's article for website info for video clip of Dottie's service...

bloggers, click on the pictures to enlarge them if the copy is too small to read...

What's your BIG IDEA?

27 comments:

Cliff Hancock said...

How funny! My big idea has me up a 3:30!

So here goes nothing….

Two-year goal:

I want to reroute 1 billion dollars of scheduled interest from banks to families, and back to the Kingdom of God.

Whew…. I almost choked on that

Unknown said...

cool, Pastor Cliff.
I don't know if I can put into words exactly what I was groaning about yesterday but "what is the DEAL?!!! and "lending institution interest" were the parenthesis to it. You have my agreement for your success!!

Y,ALL. I'm grateful for today's word, but I cannot yet say that I've gotten it into my spirit. I've been up "investing time" in being really sad about an error in judgment/forgetfulness thing yesterday. Y'ALL know how it just hurts to remember something like that. I know I'm supposed to learn and move on, but I already learned this one once--shoot, probably more than once! I know all the things in today's word. I didn't remember them all, but I remembered a few of them. But it still just hurts that I failed someone. I know nobody's perfect but I didn't want to fail in THAT! I'll get there. But right now I'm just "acting like a girl" and I don't care. It hurts.

Anonymous said...

All you gotta do is put your mind to it, knuckle down, buckle down and do it, do it, do it!


Soil tester

Anonymous said...

Thanks Bishop for activating/re-activating some of the BIG IDEAS God has poured into me.

I say Yes and Amen to every one.

Amazingly, Pastor Cliff, we share a dream/idea. I am passionately in agreement! I believe! I Believe!! I BELIEVE!!!

avatar...
I feel you...we all do...but every failure offers an opportunity for rebirth - a new start.

Rest easy,
mayam

Donald said...

Today I will prevail through positive networking (". . . two are better than one . . ." – Ecclesiastes 4:9), because I know that I am affected by the company that I keep. I will not "walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners" (Psalm 1:1), but will connect with those who are capable of creating covenant with me. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).
This may sound weird and may not jive 100% with the above point, but a couple of weeks ago we had to go to a wedding in Texas. It was held at "The Brown Center" which is a home owned by the Brown family (whoever they were). They donated the property to one of the colleges years ago and the home is allowed to be used for social functions such as weddings and other events.
I walked the property and toured the home and it would be considered extravagant by today's standards, not to mention how it must have been viewed in its heyday.
While walking through what would have probably been considered the livingroom I noticed a portrait of some of the prominent family members who once owned the property. I noticed that the portrait was actually done in the room in which it was now hanging. The people in the portrait were sitting on the sofa that was still in the room. I thought to myself that the guys in that portrait were probably filthy rich and they had sat on the very sofa that was positioned directly behind me. I sat down on that sofa with the intent that I was in some way hanging out with those guys and putting myself in the same position that they had once been. In my mind I was employing that act as a sort of connection with successful people.
I believe that we should hang around people that will lift us up and cause us to find the better qualities that are within us rather than those who will head us in the other direction. If we find ourselves around the less fortunate group then we need to be the ones that are doing the lifting up rather than being the ones lifted up at that time.
Just as I was getting deeply into the meditation of the moment the proprietors came in and told me that this area was strictly off limits and that if I did not leave immediately that they would summon the high sheriff and the chief deputy. Not really.
And Cliff, I can give you my address if necessary and I solemnly promise that if you route that billion dollars to me that I will tithe on ten percent of it.

Anonymous said...

He asked...what do you have in your hands?....

He said...you have everything you need...

Anonymous said...

What if God actually did know all humanity before we came into this present realm of existence? What if we were intended to be conformed to the very image of God’s own direct lineage? What if we are God’s own direct lineage? It would seem that if this is the case then a way would have been made for us to understand it is a natural process of progression regardless of what our perceived mistakes may be.

Perhaps the only mistakes are either in the thought that we have made one or in the lack of effort for fear that we will make one. The old saying ‘Those who make no mistake are the same as those who do not try’ is precisely correct. Any effort to show love is born of the spirit of love that is resident within all humanity.

I will not address the actions of those whose efforts seem to run counter to love here because there is not enough ink and paper in a thousand cartridges and reams to express my feelings about them and even then the thought would be incomplete. It is best that I exercise my Son mandate from God and say to them you are forgiven; your sin is in the sea of forgetfulness where it can not be remembered to hinder the progress of my growth.

Now I can move forward and if the occasional site of a scar reminds me of some person’s past sins, including my own, it will only serve to renew my mind in the Christ that I am as justified and glorified by God.

God is in the work of supporting the cause of humanities recognition that we are intended to completely be conscious of perfect Love as it was from the beginning. There is not anything that can be done to prevent that from occurring. The only thing that delays the revelation of our likeness to God is our own feeling that is a mistake to reach that high or our fear that if we make that attempt it will be a mistake.

In the world I have observed thus far there are countless examples of humans overcoming apparent adversity and improving the quality of life for others around them. For this I give all glory, honor and praise to the One that is at work in all to bring perfect Love into a reality in this present realm of consciousness.

The One who does this is the same as the ‘Great Spirit’ to me in remembrance of the natives who walked the geographical area I now walk. Their connection to God was so real that it amazed missionaries at how easily they converted to Christianity when they were told that the Spirit would dwell with them upon their acceptance of Jesus.

The One who does this is the same as the God above all gods to those of polytheistic religions past and present. The difference between calling God by various names that identify different aspects of benevolence and actually calling those aspects gods is truly not worth the time and effort to argue the point.

There is no difference among those who love God and answer the call to show the same to God’s beloved world. There is only the mistake of not trying to convey the Love we have known from before the beginning.

Lisa said...

Hey everyone I am back in freezing cold Indiana after a few days in Ga. I so enjoyed service sunday and felt the rain supernaturally. Congrats to the newly ordained pastors. It was an honor to be sitting right behind you and watching you take your place in the ministry.
I caught the vision over the weekend and caught a glimpse of what God wants me to do. Met strangers wanting to help me on our journey and found the house of my dreams. My father became so real to me there. I really didn't want to come home, but KC had to cancel and my husband said I should come home. So home I am for a short time until God works his magic and put into fruition what he has shown me while I was there. Now to go catch up on what I missed while away!

dgm2007 said...

Lovely post everyone. I really needed to read this. I took a break from my start up idea and I have a partner who just decided to get back on the project. I was listening to an old tape of yours that was talking about how you need other people. I am so used to being in charge and trying to get others to see the vision that it almost becomes hard to really work with anyone effectively. In other news I know that two are waaaaaaaaaay betta than one and God orders my steps so I shouldnt really have so many fear. Everything will work out and I know God is saying work now with this guy... so thats what im going to do. Im so amped its weds see you soon.
ps thanks teezy for the help

Anonymous said...

Here's a few of my big ideas in the now...

To really into a true dialogue with people about wellness and health and see God's healing for His people through information which is power by attracting people to my website for the purpose of building the kingdom.

To truly explore financial streams of income such as alkaline water and supplements which will empower the kingdom in regards to our health and empower anyone who is looking for a ground floor opportunity in the wellness and health
industry to potentially make a really good income.

Thereby, with money issues no longer a distraction to be able to bless my local ministry, fund mission projects, and collaborate with other ministries to develop a healthy food pantry where we can bless the poor, homeless or anyone trying to make ends meet with wholesome and healthy food and water in accordance to kingdom principles.

And to agree with others to fund a commercial kitchen so we can receive as a 501(c)(3) a building and equipment in order to receive the tons of donated food from the non-profits in place to give the food.

To truly see God's kingdom come in the lives of the people around me as well as my own life...

To do greater works that Jesus prophesied to his disciples...

To see the Holy Spirit always welcome and head of every circumstance and situation in my life...

To continue to be blessed to be a blessings...

To see intercession taken to a whole 'nother level for CITN...and the manifestation of...

To be a part of the mission's effort for Pastor Ben's vision in Uganda...in some way

To stand, after having done all to stand...then having the anointing to do that one more thing..leaving nothing undone

In the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost...in Jesus name!

Peace and blessings,
Yvonne

Anonymous said...

Crawl, hold onto something and standup, take a step holding onto something, take a step not holding onto anything, fall down, get back up, fall down, get up stand for a bit holding onto nothing, fall down, get back up stand a little longer and take a step, fall down, do it again and again until finally you are on your way.

Anonymous said...

See The Real Jesus
Nuff Said

Anonymous said...

Bishop JES,

It takes a man of great divine insight to love the way you love. It was in the simplicistic way of life of Jesus that marvelled many including his own desciples.You're not different from the way you conduct the kingdom business.

We who are discovering this mystery in you are blessed and we will continue to entreat unto God to grant more of Himself to you and into you

Thanks and God bless you,
Pr. Ben Nadiope-404-843-6543

Anonymous said...

Blessed Bloggers,
To continue the thought of my last post on my ordination and titles; I am so greatfull for AYITN yesterday and today even added to it. So I continue from where I left off yesterday and add how it ties into today’s post.

I have changed my name to include the “title prefix” Rev. so graciously given me through ordination by Bishop Jim Swilley more in honor respect of God who thought it good to call me into the ministry; and Bishop Swilley who was obedient to the voice of the Spirit that put it in his heart and hands to carry it out; than in any promotion of myself as one who deserves it.

Also as much of a reminder for myself to as best I can commit to and live up to such an honorary calling as the servant of all. In the service of this office there will be times of trial and fatigue that I will also need to be reminded that “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable”. Just as I do not doubt in any way that God has called me to the ministry; I must never grow weary in doing good to the point of forgetting who called me to be.

I do not expect or desire anyone to address me as Reverend or any other title. My name is Dennis D. Caldwell and whatever title anyone feels led to or comfortable with attaching to that name is fine with me. As long as it is meant to be used as a “noun” not an “adjective” as I do not believe anyone deserves to be revered; whereas only God deserves that honor.

In the majority of churches ordained ministers are titled Reverend and for that reason I will use this prefix to identify myself within those circles of ministerial administration. If there is one division or denomination or individual that would rather us a title such as “pastor” that is fine with me; I actually am more comfortable myself with that title.

And as the topic today is what is your “big idea” or dream. Mine has for most of my life to serve the Lord in the work of the ministry to the fullest extent of my ability. These titles keep this vision, and idea before my eyes as a reminder of the goal for which I strive.

My big idea……. Is to have a “mega church” in this Jonesboro – Paragould Arkansas area that will send out the message of reconciliation and salvation of the world loud and clear. To be able to tell the world that God really does love and forgive them and sent His son into the world to save them; not to condemn them. And that he did this while we were still in our messed up sinful state; but he has a plan for a process of purification that is Good News and not bad.

This may seem wild, unachievable and unreasonable to some; but I serve a God that is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and all sovereign; and nothing shall be impossible with Him. I am 51 years old, so what’s your point? That would take millions of dollars; OK? You have never pastored a mega church; right? This is a very traditional bible belt area; yes? Read the first sentence in this paragraph for the answers to all these questions.

Besides even in the natural this is one of the fastest growing progressive areas in the state, some studies show in the country. There is not a mega church in this area. There is about a hundred thousand population in this area and growing very fast. The economic state in this area is far above the average in the country; and has been for quite some time and doesn’t look like its going to slow down anytime soon. Arkansas State University is here – which brings in “thinking people” from all over the state, nation, and world. There is quite a diversity of people in the Jonesboro area of many different religions from around the world.

In the first church I served in here the senior pastor Troy Gramling started the church in rented clubhouse metal building with a handfull of willing people and within three years we were running over 800 in a new facility. Troy was a very open minded man with a lot of “new ideas” and he could see the potential for a mega church in this area. This is one reason he was able to lead a ministry to grow so fast in this area. But the common thinkers overruled him in the end. And he went on to pastor Flamingo Road Church in Cooper City, southwest of Ft. Lauderdale and north of Miami, Florida. http://www.flamingoroadchurch.com/ . I think the dream of this mega church in this area is still to be achieved. But I think that one reason it failed at the first was that it is supposed to present the Gospel of Reconciliation, Restoration, and Salvation of the World! There were “hints” in some conversations that God was leading in this direction then. Perhaps the time was not right I don’t know.

Sorry so long-winded.

Peace,
Dennis

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

My big idea is simply to know God more deeply and to make Him known to others. There is much that is percolating within me but that has as yet to become clear.
I am amazed to see all the ideas that you folks have as far as concrete plans, very dream-riddled!
I will enjoy helping Pastor Ben from Uganda in any way I can with the work he is doing there...much to be done, the Lord will provide.
For now though, the Lord seems to be pleased using me for my big mouth, that will not be silenced when talking about the things of the Kingdom of God, and in doing so He seems to just keep showing up in the center of it all! Ha!
Thank you Lord for helping us all to count the stars and enlarge our borders!!!

Amen,

Larry

Anonymous said...

GOD SAVE THE WORLD!!!

Ebony said...

Ebony's big ideas are:

1. To get my Doctorate Degree between ages 35-40 (I had planned to stop with my Education Specialist, but every time I mentioned I was going back for the specialist the next question was "you're going to get your doctrate too right?" or "why don't you just get the doctorate instead?", so maybe they see something I don't)

2. National Board Teaching Certification

3. Become teacher of the year

4. Be the wife and mother described in Proverbs 31

Unknown said...

Thanks, SoilTester. I buckled down, got and getting things done--#3FOCUS!! But mostly, thanks for your name. It brought up the possibility that I have some soil that could be being tilled.

Thanks Mayam, maybe its mourning a death, too. It certainly seems to be more than just one "mistake". #1--using the events of this day to help me maximize my potential. Would be cool if its even part of a "largeness of heart".

No sureness in anything, But--

I KNOW that I know God is in control and I trust Him, whether this fire is of my own making or His, He's got it in His hands and its all good.

I KNOW y'ALL are iron and I am sharpened by you.

I KNOW for sure I was the world to one person yesterday.

I KNOW I love the gift of this blog--definitely being affected by the company I keep--big smile! big dreams!

I KNOW the real love of the people who've touched me today.

The rest? [y'all are not going to believe what the playlist is playing!!!] "The answer is blowing in the wind!" Got it! anon@929&1136, I'm trusting the process.

cool question reminder, Mayam.
This sadness isn't going to last forever. Will start asking them now.

Kettly said...

Hey, Eveveryone!


What’s My Good Idea?

It may sound crazy, but my big ideas are very simple and somewhat hard to accomplish.
First In my big ideas: Is for us to learn to pray God’s will into our lives. (1John 5:14-15) Now is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Second big ideas: For us to ask God, to give us a forgiving heart, so we can learn to forgive one another. (Col.3:13) Paul wrote, “Forbearing one another, and forgive one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Third big ideas: Not only forgiving. But, we learn to get along with ourselves and others. When we realized how we’ve needed forgiveness in our own life (due to fallen humanity and its propensity for mistakes), we can quickly understand the importance of forgiving others. (Matt.5:44 NKJV). When we forgive others, it releases them, and it also releases us to pray more effectively.

Fourth big ideas: Let’s meet each other half way, for the Kingdom’s sake. (Let’s Be Reconciled to Each Other). First things first: Christianity is a bundle of relationship rolled into one neat package. Our relationship with God must always come first. On Matt.6:33 NKJV, Jesus said, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Fifth big ideas: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Our purpose on this earth is to not leave this world, without at least LOVE one person. Or make that one person.
And walk in LOVE, as Christ also has LOVED us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:2, 19, 30) 19: Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. 30: For we are members of His body, of His flesh and His bones.(Col.2:2) That our hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in LOVE, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the Mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ. (Psalm.55: 14) We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Like I said, MY BIG IDEAS Sound very simple, but also can be very hard to accomplish without the Holy Spirit. So My GREAT BIG IDEAS PRAYERS TO OUR FATHER WILL BE: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow LOVE; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to be understand; to be LOVED as to LOVE; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to ETERNAL LIFE.

MY BIG IDEA’S ALSO A BIG DREAM: It is time for us CHRISTIANS to reject this fragile Christian ego business; we use this ego to cover up our failures to be what God has called us to be. Come on, Christian people! Let us at least try to struggle honestly with one another. We need to be confronted by our actions, messages and shortcomings if we expect to learn and grow with the Holy Spirit as our guidance. No more hiding behind excuses. No more blaming others. No hiding behind phrases like “This is just the way I am.” Let us have a look of who we are, for that is the best indication of who our Sons and Daughters will become.

Again that’s MY BIG IDEAS!

PEACE, FORGIVENESS, AND LOVE
KETTLY

Anonymous said...

Good after-church evening,

What Bishop said tonight about actually being in the building together with one another is so true. I mean I really get a blessing from streaming as you have heard me say before. But last Sunday and when I was there ITB last time I mean I really got a dose of the Holy Ghost like you cant get streaming and as Bishop said there is nothing to replace the physical fellowship when you are all gathered together in one accord. What a blessing to company with your brothers and sisters in Christ. I wish I could be there every Sunday and Wednesday. You that live close enough to be there are truly blessed. If I lived close enough to drive to church; outside of extreme circumstances, gas could not get high enough to keep me away, the Lord would make a way and I would find it. If you haven’t noticed yet I really am jealous of all of you that I see in the building on streaming.

My sermon notes:

GOD IS NOT BEING CONFORMED TO YOUR IMAGE BUT WE ARE BEING CONFORMED TO HIS IMAGE (concerning how we say his name Jesus Yeshua Christos no one knows faithful true) knowing GOD IS BIGGER THAN HEAVEN. Still trying to figure it all out there are parts of God that we do not know yet. There is bigger picture. I could take away the thorn but there is a bigger picture I want you to see. I want you to see that you can do the impossible YOU ARE “FORCED” TO DEAL WITH IT. DREAM BIG, NOW YOU ARE GOING TO LIVE UP TO THE DREAM YOU HAVE COME INTO; that is what it was al about. It’s all to get you into Gd. Many times you are abasing and abounding at the same time. Album in-crashed your car. To let you see that ITS ALL GOD AND ITS ALL GOOD I CAN FLOW IN IT AND WITH IT THIS IS WERE WE ARE BEING GROWN INTO in God where God wants us to get to. “I KNOW GOD” IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT not what is happening they are just things and just life. There is a place higher that fighting with the devil all the time. Don’t be passive but realize it’s all in God somehow. That you may or may not understand. He who dwells in THE SECRET PLACE of the most high shall abide under shelter of his wings. What do you call God? Does he know you are talking to him will he answer you if he knows you are sincere OR WILL HE MAKE YOU LEARN ENGLISH AND READ THE BIBLE, AND DEVELOP A SOUTHERN DRAWL.

Peace,
Dennis

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Pastor Cliff, glad to have you here…I read what you wrote on 5/19 night about Dr. Rutland (who is now the President of my Alma Mater, and was the guest speaker on the first service in our new building)…it’s amazing how connected we all are…I’m curious as to why people thought that the purple sign was the end of the world?

Interesting comments, everyone…thanks Avatar, Soil Tester (cool name), Mayam, Donald, Lisa, DGM, Yvonne, Laura, Rev. Dennis, Larry, Ebony, Kettly, and all bloggers Anonymous (especially @ 9:29 AM)…

And welcome Pastor Ben…we’ll have some time together when I get back from Israel…

Miss some of the regulars…I know Peacemaker is on a road trip…

Which remind me, CITN, I forgot to mention tonight that Steve Webb’s mother went to be with the Lord…please keep him and his family in your prayers…

Teezy313 said...

dgm2007...

Nice meeting you in person tonight! It's always fun figuring and finfding out who's who on BITN that attend CITN especially those who aren't as obvious or don't have pics.....

So...

Tonight was my first Wednesday night service with Bishop and i must say it certainly won't be my last!!! I usually hang around at the Mix but I think it's time that I see what's goin on up at "BIG CHURCH" hehe....in essence tonight was AWESOME beyond words right now!!!

Praying for all,

TEEZY

Searched all over there's NO ONE like HIM!!!!

dgm2007 said...

so I think its super cool that p.Debye gets to wear a Burka.. I always wanted to try that.. I put on a hijjab when i was in Morocco but no Burka.. lol ...in the service it really stuck out when u talked about evidence for and against when there equal. i was taught in philosophy that when such an event occurs you are to suspend Judgement. and it just made me this of how God is so infinite and infallible that since we are accepted by him there is no evidence against us that could possible outweigh his goodness and wholeness, restoration all those words.. Really good message and great kick off to service.. I think the reason Muslims may get so much done together is that they pray together without fail. I mean they shut down shop just to say the same thing together in one direction.. Religions are so cool.. there is so much to learn our family is so beautiful. I cant wait for ur sermon from the M.E. peace out

Anonymous said...

HELLO BLOGGERS, TOO BUSY AT WORK BUT I WILL DROP A FEW LINE TO SHARE MY BIG IDEAS WHICH WILL COME TO PAST SO WATCH OUT.
MY BIG IDEA IS TO FORM POWERFUL NON DENOMINATIONAL RAYER RAIN MINISTY WHERE INTERCESSION WILL BE GOING UP TO GOD ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONS, SICK, BODY OF CHRIST, LEADERS, SPIRITUAL LEADERS, YOUTH ETC. AND TO THE GLORY OF GOD FOUDATION HAS BEEN LAID. SO KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS. THIS IS MY OWN CALLING TO THE BODY OF CHRIST. WHAT EVER IS BORN OF GOD OVER COMES THE WORLD AND MY FAITH WILL SURELY GIVE ME THE VICTORY.
LET US STICK TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER ACHIEVE OUR DREAMS/ BIG IDEAS WITHOUT STRIFE, COMPETITION, JEALOUSY, INSECURITY AND SLANDER FOR THESE WORKS OF THE FLESH PROFIT NOTHING. LET US ALL WORK IN OUR OWN IDEAS AND AVOID IMITATION OF SOMEONE'S CALLING OR ANNOITING BEACUSE WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT WITH DIFFERENT GIFTS AND YOUR OWN UNIQUE GIFT WILL MAKE A WAY FOR YOU. MAY THE LORD BLESS OUR IDEAS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. LOVE, MERCY.

vaughn said...

Hey Kettly, as per your comments on love and forgiveness, Amen! They are spirit and they are life and God (Jesus) spoke these words as did Paul throughout the New Testament. I second those words.

Interestingly enough, I had a very intense conversation on much of that topic yesterday. The whole topic of forgiving other people who have wronged you, walking in love, meeting others half way and the like. And the person said to me that God is requiring me to forgive, and my response is that the person is already forgiven, because I am commanded to forgive and my relationship with God compells me to forgive.

I was reminded of one of your sermon's Bishop, that happened right after that man deliberately ran a little girl over at McDonald's in Covington approximately 2 years ago. The child's father (I believe a pastor) said he forgave the man, although there tire marks on this little toddler's face.

In that sermon, Bishop you spoke to us extensively about the difference between forgiving and forgetting. I bought that example and sermon to this conversation because that was a spiritual nugget I needed to know, the difference between the two.

I believe we should love extravangantly and bear all things but I believe in order for us to be balanced and stable in this life we need to remember our history and be teachable and learn the lessons the Lord is teaching us through events, circumstances and other people. I also believe we should build one lesson on top of the other so that we are wiser and smarter and more equipped for our next lessons in this life. That is my humble definition of wisdom. God is requiring us to be both a snake and a dove in this world.

I believe that God is always instructing, navigating, directing, teaching his children but we mis-take amnesia for forgiveness. It is God himself who throws our sins into the sea of forgetness. We are not Him, but we are the Sons and Daughters of the most high God.

I personally don't believe we can love too much and I believe as long as the earth remains we will have to wear forgiveness clothes on this earth suit. And that people are at different places in their love walk but as He is in the earth, I prophecy to myself as well as BITN, that we exemplify God's love to world who so desperately needs to see us as His hands and feet in the earth!

eternal love...

Anonymous said...

I wrote a song 6 years ago called "Follow Your Dream", and I'd like to share the lyrics with you in hopes to bless someone. I was driving one day and simply was thinking about how I'd like to put more time into songwriting and guitar playing but my time was involved in so many other things and work. It is basically a desire to keep following your dreams and not giving up. Here goes;

Every day has got you runnin'
You never seem to find the time,
To pursue what you really want to,
You're feelin' life passing you by.

...but don't look down if you're losing ground,
find something to hold on to...

...and Follow Your Dream,
Don't let it go by,
You'll never know until you try,
Just find your wings, find your wings and fly.
Follow Your Dream,
Don't let it go by,
Drifting away like a cloud in the sky,
No you'll never know, you'll never know until you try.

If the road ever fades from view,
And the day should turn to night,
Follow the footprints beckoning you,
They'll lead you back into the light,

...so if that road takes a turn to the right, you know everything's gonna be alright...

repeat chorus: so Follow Your Dream...

Some may say you're crazy,
Believin' in your own fairy tale,
But no one has the right to rain on your dream,
It's a gift you give to yourself...

...so Follow Your Dream...