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

You have a Voice!

For evil to prevail, all it takes is for good men (women) to do nothing. You have a voice! Use it! Make a difference! Be the difference!

May God bless you, 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

Working on a Video Blog Format

Some things I've been thinking about lately.

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

Bishop Dennis

Seek FIRST

In Matthew 6:25-34 ...

25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This passage has been with me since I met the Lord almost 40 years ago. It was one of the first passages of scripture that took hold within me, and really meant something to me.

The Key is, the Lord will take care of us. There's no need to "worry." If He takes care of everything else, won't He much more take care of us? Yes, He will.

After almost 40 years of walking with the Lord, He recently revealed something to me for the first time. "But seek FIRST." It took on new meaning. He didn't say, "But seek ONLY." He said, "But seek FIRST." Which would imply that there are other things we will seek.

We seek food & clothing, for sure. I submit that we also seek employment, a spouse, and many other things. However, there is something we are to seek FIRST ... His kingdom and His righteousness. We're also told that when we seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added.

So, it's time to have a "check up." Ask yourself, "Am I seeking FIRST His kingdom & His righteousness?" Simple questions, but what awesome results are promised when we do.

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

Bishop Dennis

Are You a Believer?

Are you a believer? Don't you believe then that signs should "follow us." We're not to "follow signs," signs are to "follow us."

Mark 16:17-18 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: ... they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Please understand, Jesus didn't say that we would lay hands on the sick "and pray a long 'King James' prayer." He said that we would simply "lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

How many believe we should lay hands on the sick, as if Jesus actually meant what He said? He didn't ask us to do anything hard or difficult. Healing the sick might be hard, but that's what God does. Laying hands on the sick is easy, and that's what we do. He does the hard part, we do the easy part.

I can hear the thoughts in some of your minds, as I sit here and type. "What if it doesn't work?" To which I ask, "What if it does?"

In 2Cor 6, we're told that we are "workers with Him." He does His part, as we are obedient to do our part. He has chosen to utilize each of us in His plan. As we do our part, "lay hands on the sick," He does His part, "and they will recover."

What kind of testimony of God's love, mercy, and grace would it be if we allowed Him to do His part, by doing our part?

If we profess to be believers, don't you agree that we should dare to believe that He meant what He said, and dare to follow His instructions?

To God be all glory, honor, and praise, as we are faithful to do our part, which releases Him to do His part.

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!

True Humility

Humility is many times misunderstood. To most it means to put themselves down, and to be the lowest of the low, or to be selfless. Isn't that amazing?

The key is to understand how the Bible defines humility. God states through the Bible that Moses was the most humble man. I'd say that Moses was very bold, and powerful. Yet the Bible states he was humble. So Moses would be an example of humility.

The BEST definition I've ever heard for true humility is, "total dependence on God." That's humility. It's not being puffed up in fleshly pride. It has nothing to do with with your ability, but everything to do with God's ability and willingness to use His ability on our behalf. It's all about being dependent on Him.

Pastor Jackie (Church on the Rock, Lubbock, TX) states that humility is not being selfless, but thinking of oneself less.

Humility is being totally dependent on God, and thinking of others. How can you, with your dependence on God, help others? How can you be a blessing to others? He blesses you for he purpose of you being a blessing to others.

This week, pray for understanding of how God desires to bless you, and how you can then, with total dependence on Him, be a blessing to others. Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness!

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

Bishop Dennis

God's Favor

You need to know, and understand, that you are favored. God's grace brings favor for you ... before God AND man.

Have you seen situations in your life when you were favored in a situation, and it left you bewildered as to why? That's God's favor.

I used to tease Cindy about us having the "front row anointing." We'll be looking for a parking place at Walmart, or the mall, and *BOOM* we have a spot in the front. Now she's saying it. It happens too often to be a "coincidence." It's the favor of God!

Some may say, "that never happens to me." To which I would reply, "you're probably right."

God desires to bless you in such small ways, as well as in major situations. He favors you! You need to begin to look for His favor. Recognize it, be aware of it, so you can give Him thanks for His favor.

Please share some comments, give testimony of His goodness and His favor in you life.

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

Bishop Dennis

Paradigm Shift

God is for you, not against you!

Paradigm

"A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a scientific community."

A "paradigm shift" is a shift in a certain way of thinking. Meaning the way you would normally view something ... shifts ... and when you view it again, you see it differently.

Spiritual paradigm shifts take place as a result of revelation. It's not due to "mental assent" but rather spiritual conviction! God is the author of revelation. By His Spirit, He reveals something to you. ... Spirit to spirit. There comes a "knowing" in your spirit that was not there previously. When this takes place, things are different. Truth is, things are not so much different, but rather that the way you now look at things is different.

Many Christians today need a paradigm shift concerning the truth about God being for them. God is for us, not against us. He's good! All the time! If we ever look upon a situation thinking that God is NOT good, it's us who are in error, not God.

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows the plans that He has for us ... plans for good, and not evil ... so that we might have a future, and a hope!

Begin today, understanding and believing that God is for you. He has a purpose for you! Just know that you are not alone, and God Himself, the creator of the heavens and the earth, is for you!

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

Bishop Dennis

The Miracle is in You!!!

I'm going to allow you to look up, and read the following verses:
   1Kings 17:12
   John 2:3
   Joshua 10:12
   2Kings 6:6
   Ephesians 2:1
   Ephesians 3:20
   Philippians 2:13
   Colossians 1:29
   Romans 8:11

Miracle:

• extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention into human affairs; can only take place when there is a crisis that requires divine intervention and human efforts have failed.

Examples:

• disciples fished and caught nothing (until the miracle);
• loaves and fishes;
• water into wine;
• Elijah, the widow and her son;
• Elisha and the woman with the little jar of oil;
• Lazarus from the grave;
• birth of virgin - became the hope of all the world;
• (all came to the end of themselves, thus creating the environment for a miracle)

God will overpower natural law when there is need for a miracle.

Examples:

• Joshua, in battle, needed the sun to remain. God put the universe on hold;
• prophets borrowed an axe for building a school, axe head flew off into water, man of God spoke, axe head began to swim;
• money in fish's mouth;
• Peter walks on water;
• miracle of the resurrection

Miracles break through the limitations that we have.

• While the source of miracles is God, the power to release them is in YOU.
• The reason many don't receive their miracles is because they don't know how to release or ignite it.
• "All things are possible to him who believes (has the substance of a miracle working in him)."         -Mark 9:23

Where do I start?

• Define what power is at work in you.

1. Ephesians 2:1-12 ... No miracle can take place in the sons of disobedience.
2. Ephesians 3:20 ... There IS a "... spirit (power) ... working in the sons of obedience."
3. Sanctify yourself so the miracle in you can be released. Before there can be individual miracles, there must be a corporate miracle. (i.e.: In the Promised Land were individual miracles.)
4. Before the individual miracles, there had to be a miracle at Jericho, where they all came into agreement as one.
5. God had to get them ready as a corporate body (everybody). If you don't "walk around the walls," we don't get the corporate miracle.

• Be specific about your miracle.

1. An egg within a woman, which holds the potential for a miracle, lies dormant until it is fertilized.
2. In every seed is a miracle, but it must be planted in good soil and watered, and that seed comes alive!

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

Bishop Dennis Davis

Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

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

Sin Is Not Imputed When There Is No Law

Today's Bible Study:

Just as through one man sin entered into the world ... and death through sin ... and so death spread to all men, because all sinned — for until the Law sin was in the world ...

but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

If you've made it this far ... please comment and give your definition of "sin."

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

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

Equipping Leaders

Here's a video for this blog. Says more than what I can write, and probably says it quicker than most can read. :-)

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

Bishop Dennis Davis

Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI