Pressing On To Maturity

It's been 41.5 years since the Lord found me, July 23rd, 1979 @ 3:10 AM. I say that "the Lord found me," because I was lost, not Him. I hear many talk of how they found the Lord. NEWS FLASH ... He's the great shepherd. He's seeking us. We are born again by HIS doing. Our part is simply accepting His invitation, His revelation, His finished work.

From that point, we grow. Just as a natural child grows by learning to eat, crawl, walk, talk, etc ... as a spiritual child, we grow. We grow from basics to maturity. We grow from milk to meat.

What has saddened me over the 40+ years of my walk with the Lord is how so many refuse, or fight, growth. For many, they've proclaimed Jesus as Lord ... they've repented, been baptized, and believe in the resurrection from the dead ... what the Bible calls "elementary teachings." (Hebrews 6:1-2)

We should by all means, understand the elementary teachings ... it's foundational. However, it's a foundation which is to be built upon. "We are," as it continues in Hebrews, "convinced of better things regarding you, and things that 'accompany salvation.'" (Hebrews 6:9)

It's time to walk in those things (promises) that accompany salvation. He has good things in store for us. We have "a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

It's time for us, as Christians, to walk in the promises that have been given us. Let's see 2021 be a year of fulfillment. May we rise above the schemes of the evil one, and walk in the victory that Jesus has established for us. May we study to show ourselves approved, a workman who needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15)

May 2021 be a year of fulfilled promises, as no other year!

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis

Let Your Light Shine!

What I've noticed over recent years is how Christmas seems less and less about Jesus. I can say that I've noticed it across my lifespan, but I must say how much more noticeable it has been recently.

Now with the rise of a more socialistic view from the left, I believe it's time to sound the alarm. It's time for Christians to rise up across the country and let their light shine. No more hiding it under a bushel ... no!

The answer is (and always has been) Jesus! Not religion ... JESUS! The person of Jesus ... an actual knowledge of ... an actual relationship with ... the living Jesus! He is alive, if you've not heard ... He rose from the dead! 

Romans 10:9  

"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;"

Believing that He is alive is foundational to our Christian faith.

The world today is faced with some serious issues. I can't say that it's "new," because persecution has been around in various forms since time began. Today, we just see it in ways, and in forms, that we've not seen before, and ... hadn't even conceived possible ... especially in the United States.

It's time to truly seek the Lord for His guidance for such a time as this. Be strong and courageous! Realize that He's not left us, nor forsaken us!

Good News is ... we WIN! I've read the end of the book ... we WIN! Do not be dismayed, seek the Lord, and follow His guidance ... and know that as we do, He always leads us in triumph in Christ (2Cor 2:14). We, as Christians, are the light of the world. We are the answer to the issues the world faces. It's time to stand strong, and boldly proclaim the truth. Commit now to being the light in "your world."

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis

Favor ... with God & man!

God favors us ... it's unmerited ... and it's unexpected.

May God bless you, and make you a blessing to others!

Bishop Dennis

The Importance of Now

The PAST is gone. The FUTURE isn't here yet. We live in the NOW. It's important to make the right decisions NOW. We need to focus on the NOW, in order to make our FUTURE the best it can be.

May God bless you, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis

One Word from God

I've been reading a lot of books in the last year, possibly more than any 5 years in my life. Recently, I've come across a chapter that has just "stopped me." What I mean by that is this chapter has challenged my way of looking at things. It's been the catalyst for an epiphany in my life.

This chapter I'm referring to is about having courage to face current reality. So many times people walk in denial of their surroundings. Understanding current reality, and seeing it clearly, is as important as having a clear vision.

Too often people want to believe things are good. Then these people put a positive spin on the results. Finally, over a period of time, people lose sight of what is actually happening around them.

Then I read the following:

The church is a prime example. Every year denominational leaders gather at conventions to compare statistics, hand out awards, and listen to speeches. Over the course of a year, hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on programming and weekly services. All of this is done under the banner of "making disciples," or "transforming lives." But the truth is that there is very little to show for all the meetings, messages, and mothers' mornings out. The church is making far more dinners than disciples. And while there is a general awareness that things are not going well, the average church attendee is content to show up once a week, do his time, and pretend that all is fine. (excerpt from "Next Generation Leader" by Andy Stanley)

WOW!

This has just really affected ME, and the way I think. Add to this, the services that Cindy & I were in on Sunday (7/24/16) with Tim Storey, and the life-changing messages we received ... then that excerpt above takes on an even stronger meaning.

One Word from God can change your life. The Word of God is life! When that "seed" of life (God's Word) is planted within your heart, then it will produce the life of God within you.

There's more to this epiphany ... to this revelation. God is doing a work in me. I sense it. I'm experiencing it. It's mostly still on the inside yet. However, those who truly know me, can probably see something, even though it may be a small transformation, at this time. It's just the beginning. Despise not the day of small beginnings. The small beginnings have the capabilities of growing into something great. Wait on the Lord ... He knows the plans that He has for you, plans for good and not for evil, so that you might have a future and a hope!

So, I'm waiting on Him to complete the work that He has begun in me. I appreciate your prayers. I'm excited about what He has in store for Cindy & I.

May God bless you, and make you a blessing to others.

Bishop Dennis

God Has Spoken

There have been several times in my life when God has spoken to me in "dramatic fashion." Understand that he continually talks with me, about purpose, direction, and also just in a fellowship manner. He desires to have continual communication with us.

When I say "dramatic fashion," I'm talking a "life-changing" or "life-transforming" manner. Consider conversations that you've had with your parents, children, or spouse. You have communication regularly. However, a few of those conversations have been "life-changing" or "life-transforming" for one party or the other, or both.

Well, I've had several of those conversations with the Lord, that I can go back and say, "This communication transformed my life." On Sunday, 7/24/2016, I experienced one of those moments. God sent Tim Storey to South Plains Church in Levelland, TX, with a message for me. (The message was for Cindy, as well, and I'll allow her to share that message when, where, and how, she sees fit.)

What a powerful message. I will not elaborate on it in this post, because I'm still processing all that took place, and all that was spoken and communicated.

At this point, I want to thank God for His faithfulness, His mercy, and His grace. We'll see the effects of today, in the days, months, and years to come.

To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

God Has Spoken

There have been several times in my life when God has spoken to me in "dramatic fashion." Understand that he continually talks with me, about purpose, direction, and also just in a fellowship manner. He desires to have continual communication with us.

When I say "dramatic fashion," I'm talking a "life-changing" or "life-transforming" manner. Consider conversations that you've had with your parents, children, or spouse. You have communication regularly. However, a few of those conversations have been "life-changing" or "life-transforming" for one party or the other, or both.

Well, I've had several of those conversations with the Lord, that I can go back and say, "This communication transformed my life." On Sunday, 7/24/2016, I experienced one of those moments. God sent Tim Storey to South Plains Church in Levelland, TX, with a message for me. (The message was for Cindy, as well, and I'll allow her to share that message when, where, and how, she sees fit.)

What a powerful message. I will not elaborate on it in this post, because I'm still processing all that took place, and all that was spoken and communicated.

At this point, I want to thank God for His faithfulness, His mercy, and His grace. We'll see the effects of today, in the days, months, and years to come.

To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

Stand Firm in the Lord

Evil abounds, but it doesn't prevail. The Lord is our fortress, our shield, our high tower, and our rear guard. Though it may appear that darkness surrounds you, stand firm in the Lord. His light will shine through you into the darkness, and your path will be made clear. To God be all glory, honor, & praise!

He Knows Your Fears

The Lord would say He knows your thoughts ... He knows your fears.

"Put your trust in Me," says the Lord. "Incline your ear to My sayings. As you believe in, trust in, walk in My Word, you will see fear flee from you."

"Any thought that would come against My promises to you, are birthed of evil. Neither receive such thoughts, nor give place to them. Stand firm in My Word, and I will show forth in you, and through you, great and mighty things," says the Lord.

The following was posted August 1, 2010. As I was going through my admin, I noticed that it had this blog as a "draft." Why would it be a "draft?" It's already posted. I believe this is a divine appointment for someone, and the Lord wanted me to post it again for someone. So here it is, unedited after this paragraph.

I believe that this prophetic word is for many people, but I believe that there's a pastor that needs to hear this ... "My child, I love you and I'm with you. Regardless of what you see around you, regardless of situations and circumstances, regardless of the turmoil, I'm with you. I'm with you to bring you through. You know me, you know what I've told you. I am not a man that I should lie. Because I have spoken, I have purposed, and I will not change My mind, nor will I turn from it. Stand firm. Guard your heart, for from it flow the issues of life. Do not allow the situations and circumstances that surround you dictate your actions. Follow my word, which I sent to heal you and deliver you. Stand firm. Why have the schemes of the devil, the activities of the rulers and powers, the world forces of this darkness, and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places come so strongly against you at this time? It's because your breakthrough is at hand. Stand firm. I am with you, says the Lord."

Grace & Nothing More

By grace we are saved through faith ...

Jesus is Lord! He's supreme in authority. His desire is YOUR best. His love for you drives His grace upon you. The key to deliverance, healing, salvation, and safety is understanding and knowing His love for you.

Let's understand the meaning of these words. Grace is simply His favor toward you. The Greek word for saved, is the same Greek word in Romans 10:9, which means salvation, healing, deliverance, and safety. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ, and ... faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Let's break it down just a bit more. Since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ, one can understand that the word of Christ is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Once you've heard the word of Christ on a matter, you have subtance of the things you've hoped for. His word is all the evidence you need ... more sure than seeing it.

So, we understand that it is by God's favor we are saved, delivered, healed, and put into safety through hearing the word of Christ. The righteous shall live by faith (hearing and hearing by the word of Christ).

God's word is vital for your daily walk. Be sure to get your daily bread for your spiritual strength.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis Davis
Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI
BishopDennisDavis.com
ChristianFellowshipInternational.net

Hear What God Is Saying And Walk In It

We need to know what God is saying to us, and then we need to walk in it. This, and much more, is covered in this video.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others!
Bishop Dennis Davis
Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

I celebrated another birthday, Saturday, May 7. I won't say how old I am because everyone usually thinks I'm 5-10 years younger than I truly am ... so, at my age, I'll allow them to think what they will. :-)

While the day my mother gave birth to me is an important date, there is one day that is even greater, yet few celebrate it at all. That day would be the day we are "born again." Why most not celebrate it? I'd say because many have NO idea when they were born again ... which could be a problem.

On the one hand, there are those who KNOW that they were born again. They can tell you the moment or event, but they can't tell you the date. They can tell you specifics about that day, they just don't recall the month or day, and sometimes don't even recall the year. However, they do KNOW of a moment that they were born again, and their life changed.

On the other hand, there are those who have no idea of when they were born again. They can't point to a specific moment, event, season, or anything. They just "grew up" a Christian. These I am concerned about.

I understand that many churches don't keep the records, nor do they highlight the special day representing when they were born again. Thus, many don't know the date. But when someone can't point back to a time they made a decision to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, then we must encourage them to truly question ... have I truly made Jesus Christ Lord of my life? It's a decision one makes.

If you know the day you were born again ... cherish it. Make it special. Celebrate it. If you know the month, but not a specific day ... pick a day and celebrate it. My point is this ... we celebrate our fleshly birth, yet our spiritual birth is far more important. Which should we treasure more?

Those who may read this who don't know of any time that they could say, "I was born again," I challenge you ... make THIS day that day. Decide, and declare, that Jesus is Lord of your life from this day forth. Thank Him for the salvation that He has given to you, and rejoice!

My very special day was July 23, 1979 at 3:10 AM.

Proclaim the good news to others and invite them to accept the Lordship of Jesus for themselves.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,
Bishop Dennis Davis

Radical Change

I've known the Lord for over 31.5 years, and I've been in ministry nearly as long. I've studied His Word extensively. I've been exposed to many varied moves of God over those years ... some good, some questionable as to if it truly was a move of God ... some long term moves, some short term, and some as quick as one service only. I've also been exposed to many varied doctrines, with the same conclusions as the moves of God ... some good, some questionable.

I've made several observations over the years concerning the kingdom of God, the church, ministries, authority in the kingdom, authority in the church, the world, scripture, interpretation of scripture, and much more. As you read this, you may think that authority in the kingdom and authority in the church would be the same. Now, although it should be the same, upon research and study, you'll conclude that it is NOT ... well, it hasn't been ... but ... the times, they are a changing.

It's hard to explain, but in the last few months I've gained a clearer understanding of things that in years past have been "cloudy." I truly believe we are in the midsts of the most radical change in the way of "doing church" since the Protestant Reformation.

Isn't it interesting that most people who call themselves Christians, have very little understanding of what they should truly believe? What do you think about the fact that most "believers" have no, or very little, understanding of what happened in the Protestant Reformation? How many today know where the various denominations came from, and who knows the differences between them? Now most would say all that is not important. To which I'd say, it is important if one wants a true understanding of the ways of God.

How does the time of the Protestant Reformation compare with today? If we think we are so much "better off" than they were, we should do some more study. In the time of the Protestant Reformation, people were misled because most could not read the Bible, due to the language barrier. Today, many are misled because they don't find it important enough to read and study the Bible.

When one takes a close look at the church today, there is much to be excited about, with also some things that sound an alarm. There are changes that can be seen when one looks with an observant eye. Changes in style, appearance, methods, training, and authority, to name just a few.

Is it possible, as a few scholars and theologians have stated, that there has been a period of 1800 years when the biblical government of the Church was not explicitly in its proper place? Think of the time between Malachi and the New Testament. Over 400 years of silence, where we know of no record of any visitation of God ... no prophets, no miracles, no word from God. Then comes John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. One representing the old covenant, the other being the manifestation of the new covenant ... old wineskin and new wineskin. So, why would it be said that the biblical government of the Church has not been explicitly in its proper place?

While there has been a "government of the Church" in place, when one understands the truth of God's word, and the ways of God, one would have to admit that it has not been a "biblical government." Why would some disagree with that statement? Let me ask another question ... why was there such controversy over the Protestant Reformation? People get accustomed to the "status quo." Most never study to show themselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15)

Radical change is upon us. Look at the signs of the times. Look at the number of nations that are having demonstrations and upheavals. It is necessary to gain a better understanding of the truth of God's word. It is vital that we understand that we, as christians, may be in the world, but we are not of it. We have a King, and His name is Jesus! We are to be about the advancement of the kingdom of God.

The world needs solutions, and we as the children of God, should be the ones with the solutions. In their day, Daniel, Nehemiah, and Joseph (to name only a few) were given the solutions to their generations. Who are the ones in this day and age who will come forth with the solutions?

Again, radical change is upon us. Stand up, step out, and make a difference. Seek the Lord, like you've never sought Him before. Allow Him to lead you, as you've never allowed Him before. You will fall into one of the following categories.

1) Those who make things happen.

2) Those who watch what's happening.

3) Those who don't know what's happening.

Decide to be in group number one.

To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis Davis

Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

See the UNseen

"Why do you think you need that which you do not already possess? Why look at what you CAN see? Have I not told you that FAITH is the EVIDENCE of things NOT SEEN? So, again, why look at only that which you can see? I am the God who calls into being that which does NOT exist. I will speak to you of those things that you cannot see, until you look through the eyes of FAITH. To see with the eyes of FAITH, you must first receive the word I speak to you. Have I not told you that FAITH comes by hearing, and hearing by My word? When I speak to you, FAITH comes ... and when you receive it, you then see into the realm of the UNSEEN. Do not follow after the way of those who when faith comes they reject it, and thus, they never see the UNSEEN. They accept that path, and that attitude. Do not follow their example. Stand up! Stand firm! Believe Me. I only have good for you. I will not disappoint you. As you receive My word, you receive Me. I will hold you, protect you, and show you great and mighty things that you've not seen before. Look not at the way things HAVE BEEN ... expect NEW things ... things that have never been before. Do not be bound by the past ... behold I'm doing a new thing. Step out in the faith which I have given you. Be ready for great things to overtake you. Rejoice! For I am with you," says the Lord.

Bishop Dennis Davis

You ARE Forgiven!

Oh, how vital it is that we understand that we have been forgiven. Not that we "will be" forgiven, but we must understand that we "have been" forgiven. 2000 years ago, Jesus redeemed us, and forgave us. It is accomplished. Once for all He paid the price, and forgiveness has been bestowed upon us. Forgiveness has been established. It's not something we must "achieve," it is something we must "walk in."

Let me declare to you, by the authority given to me by God, through our Lord Jesus Christ ... You ARE forgiven!!! Forgiveness is not something we attain by our own efforts, it's something we receive through the finished work of Jesus Christ! It's not by our merits, but His! It's not by our efforts, but His!

Our boasting is not of our efforts, our worthiness, or our righteousness ... our boasting is in the Lord! We give Him praise, and thanks, for His mercy and grace!

Cease from your efforts of justification, and receive the justification that comes from His grace! His grace and forgiveness has been bestowed upon you, receive it, and walk in it! Mercy and truth will purge sin! Walk in the truth of God's Word. Walk in the forgiveness that has been poured out upon you!

Give God praise and thanks, and walk in His victory, and His grace!

May God bless you, and make you a blessing to others,
Bishop Dennis