As seasons change, people change. I’d like to believe that people get better, because things become different in our lives. Whether you have been serving the Lord with a desire to strive or you are re-engaging yourself because you have slipped away. It is your time for a new dimension.
Today I want to reveal some things that are in my mind about this new dimension that I believe that we are in.
1. People criticize what they do not understand. Here is the point. Our lives are going to challenge others when we grow. People who do not grow do not like people who are growing, because growth causes the average to take an evaluation. Disappointment sets in and then they start to attack. They say things like: I do not like their style. They do not have the vision. Wow, things have really changed. Is it that they really don’t like you? Well maybe in some cases, but in most cases it is because they are not happy with themselves.
2. Prepare for greater expectation. Sometimes life can be like a merry-go-round. The greatest expectation falls to those who are doing well. If you are having a great season, you can be sure that some responsibility is going to fall your way. Embrace it. People have a tendency to attach themselves to success, Nobody wants to connect with a person in a losing season. People want to be with winners. So what are we supposed to do? Here are a few things to consider:
- People can’t hurt your progress unless you allow them to. It’s your choice.
- Position yourself to help others in need. Be ready when they ask. Because they are going to ask.
- Prepare your mind for disappointment. Do not expect people to meet all of your expectations.
3. Partner with other winners. Relationships are so crucial to our life. A partner is someone who has a few important characteristics:
- People who get you. These are people who don’t give you the blank, “I don’t get it stare.” when you talk to them about your ideas. Sign that a person is not a partner: They are too busy texting or tweeting to give you their total attention.
- People who give back to you. I’m all for helping people, but hey sometimes people should give back. Seriously.
- People who pray for you. You can feel it. You will know when people are with you on something. I have found that sometimes God will allow people to walk out of your life, so that new people can walk in.
Elevate.
To be perfectly honest, I am constantly asking God, “What is the next dimension for VOSD?” I am a firm believer that a growing church is a searching church. I am a firm believer that a growing church is a divinely dissatisfied church. The things that satisfy us, never satisfy God and it is our task to constantly keep our finger on the pulse of what God wants to do through our church. To me, prayer is the gateway. This week VOSD has cancelled it’s normally weekly program for a a time of corporate prayer & fasting. We have entitled this week, “REACH”. Our goal is to reach God’s heart for our lives. To reach God’s heart for our city. To reach our full-potential. I believe that this week will be a time of re-fueling, re-focus, re-fining & re-ignition. As a church we are accepting an invitation to a new dimension, all while saying goodbye to the old. If you are in the San Diego area, please feel free to join us any night this week from 7-9pm. One exciting event this week will be the recording of our very first worship album featuring the VOSD Music Ministry. You can join us on Wednesday night. Admission is free!
Lately I have been getting a lot of questions about team ministry. I have been personally involved in team ministry for over 15 years. I have been on different types of teams, good teams, bad teams, productive teams & unproductive teams. I am still convinced that the team concept prevails in regards to raising an effective church or organization. Here is what I have learned.