Sometimes there are people in life which simply need to be recognized for their uncommon valor. They rise above the rest. They are not of the common man, but of the one who dares to be alone. Yes, this man rises above the rest!
Today, I pay my deepest respect and tribute to MR. DADDY. Mr. Daddy has stood alone many times as my one blog follower. But be assured Mr. Daddy, we are going to catch fire, and be like Linn and aplacecalledsimplicity. When we double to 2 comments we will have grown by 100%. We will then be only 1,100.000 clicks away from catching Linny.
So today, I take my hat off to you... (if I was wearing one I would). :) To others who wish to join my throng of one - join up now and beat the rush! :)
On a more serious note... i will try to start publishing several times a week! Just sayin!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Why John?
Why a Sermon Series on the Gospel of John?
Dear Church and Friends in Africa,
This Fall I am beginning a new extended series of sermons on the Gospel of John. This will be a change from our traditional topical series of sermons.
Someone may ask, “Why start a series of messages on the fourth-longest book in the New Testament? Will you every finish before you die?”
There are several reasons I am led to do this kind of sustained exposition of John’s Gospel.
1) It is the word of God. And the discipline of preaching through it will protect me from simply focusing on my favorite topics, or even on my fallible judgments about what I think the people need on any given weekend.
2) I have never preached through one of the four Gospels. That’s a void I would like to fill.
3) There is a unique majesty to this portrait of Christ. There is no higher vision of Christ in Scripture. Andreas Köstenberger has written that “John’s Gospel, together with the Book of Romans, may well be considered the enduring ‘twin towers’ of [New Testament] theology”.
4) John is an unparalleled combination of simple facts and profound doctrine.
5) John was written by one who had a uniquely intimate relationship to the Lord Jesus on the earth. He was “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (13:23; 20:2, 21:7, 20). There is a flavor of intimate depth in this book unlike any other.
6) Finally, I am hungry for more of Christ. I cannot think of anything more worthy of my time, study, and teaching than the gospel of John. This gospel more than any other will prepare us for the glory we will see of God in heaven. Yea God!
No book in the Bible has a more sustained focus on the glory of Jesus Christ than the Gospel of John. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father” (John 1:14). That alone is enough to want to dive in!
Would you pray for me? And for the greatest possible blessing of the Holy Spirit on our church and all who read for the sake of the good of the world and the glory of Jesus Christ. I am filled with expectation for the passion and love of Christ to be poured out on our congregation!
For those in Africa, pastors, teachers, evangelists I will be posting the weekly notes to help you teach your way through the gospel and so raise the discipleship level of your congregations to a whole new level. Together we will advance the Kingdom!
Full of Expectation,
Pastor Dwight
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Yo Africa!!
Greetings Africa,
My heart still remains with all of you in the great country of Uganda. It is my hearts desire that God would make a way for me to come to you again soon!
I trust you are able to use this blog as a resource for your continued growth and leadership of the Christian churches and ministries in Uganda. At the recent conference we had 192 registered pastors, leaders, teachers, apostles, evangelists and students. That pretty much covers Ephesians 4 requirements of those who are to train the family of God.
Each week I will be posting my messages, ideas, leadership principles and rambling thoughts to continue to build you up in the faith. Please feel free to send me your ideas and needs in the area of teaching or training. Operation 222 will be focused on fulfilling 2 Timothy 2:2 for Uganda. Only God can do this so let's join Him in this effort!
One of your local Bishops recently mentioned that the "Legacy Pastors Conference" teachings are now being taught in over 500 churches across Uganda. I am both humbled and challenged by this information. Humbled because God has caused this to grow beyond my greatest expectations or abilities. Challenged because it is obvious that God wants to reach the country of Uganda with the love of Christ through the balanced preaching of the word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As a result you and I get to partner with the Holy Spirit to reach Uganda. I will do my best to continue to train leaders through this blog in Africa, the US and anywhere else the Lord see fit. Your part is to be take the training to heart and then train others who will teach others. Just think what the Lord might do in just a few short years.
Are you ready? Are you willing? Together let's answer the call!
Radically Devoted to Jesus, Pastor Dwight
My heart still remains with all of you in the great country of Uganda. It is my hearts desire that God would make a way for me to come to you again soon!
I trust you are able to use this blog as a resource for your continued growth and leadership of the Christian churches and ministries in Uganda. At the recent conference we had 192 registered pastors, leaders, teachers, apostles, evangelists and students. That pretty much covers Ephesians 4 requirements of those who are to train the family of God.
Each week I will be posting my messages, ideas, leadership principles and rambling thoughts to continue to build you up in the faith. Please feel free to send me your ideas and needs in the area of teaching or training. Operation 222 will be focused on fulfilling 2 Timothy 2:2 for Uganda. Only God can do this so let's join Him in this effort!
- And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2
in the presence of many witnessesOne of your local Bishops recently mentioned that the "Legacy Pastors Conference" teachings are now being taught in over 500 churches across Uganda. I am both humbled and challenged by this information. Humbled because God has caused this to grow beyond my greatest expectations or abilities. Challenged because it is obvious that God wants to reach the country of Uganda with the love of Christ through the balanced preaching of the word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As a result you and I get to partner with the Holy Spirit to reach Uganda. I will do my best to continue to train leaders through this blog in Africa, the US and anywhere else the Lord see fit. Your part is to be take the training to heart and then train others who will teach others. Just think what the Lord might do in just a few short years.
Are you ready? Are you willing? Together let's answer the call!
Radically Devoted to Jesus, Pastor Dwight
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Don't Quit
Don't quit!?? Who me? Never! Well maybe?
This certainly ia an unusual title for someone who has not written on their blog for over a year. Last year I made a promise to the Pastors and Leaders in Uganda that I would continue to teach them from America through the blog. At the time I wasn't expecting to get home and have a huge physical battle being sick with Hep. A. I lost 30 pounds and just didn't have it in me for months to write. Add to that the rebuilding year of the house after the fire and I failed to keep my promise.
Because I have been embarrassed at my failure to write I wanted to quit! Just throw in the towel. Who knows - maybe I could just start something new. Pure and simple I wanted to quit and was rationalizing myself toward that decision.
Recently while in Africa I was again sick for most of the trip. While in my room I kept hearing the enemy of my soul whisper, "you are too old for this stuff - maybe it's time to quit." "Let someone else younger handle this - you need to be well not sick." "You can't do this anymore."
Yes, quitting seemed like the best option. The enemy's persistent whispers began to wear me down. "Just quit" sounded peaceful - restful - enjoyable - healthy!! I wish I could tell you I was triumphant in one moment but the battle wore on for a few days.
A verse came to mind... a powerful word from God.... "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Phil. 4:13 Every time the whispers came - I repeated the verse over and over. His word began to drown out the whispers and soon I was walking in victory and not defeat.
Then I began to survey the results from our mission trip to Uganda: people were saved at the crusade - including a former Muslim; Emma and the VBS crew led 30 kids to Christ; African Hearts boys home in Sengee had many improvements including floors for the kitchen, the boys were loved on and played with at Sengee; healings were manifested; street kids loved, "football" played, the community lot picked up, kids fed; orphans held & loved; several of the team's hearts were moved to adopt, all of the team was moved to do something for the orphans and so much more. Quit - unthinkable - this is exactly why I won't quit!
God's word again makes it clear, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galations 6:9 We have reaped, the kingdom has advanced and people have been set free. No, I won't quit - and yes my African Pastors you can count on many more posts to work with you to reach your wonderful country of Uganda.
If you feel like quitting right now, think again. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Ask the Lord to strengthen you to help you see His hand. I have never preached with as much anointing as I did on this trip.
Also, you will reap and reaping may just be around the next curve in the road! Keep going!
Radically Devoted, Pastor Dwight
This certainly ia an unusual title for someone who has not written on their blog for over a year. Last year I made a promise to the Pastors and Leaders in Uganda that I would continue to teach them from America through the blog. At the time I wasn't expecting to get home and have a huge physical battle being sick with Hep. A. I lost 30 pounds and just didn't have it in me for months to write. Add to that the rebuilding year of the house after the fire and I failed to keep my promise.
Because I have been embarrassed at my failure to write I wanted to quit! Just throw in the towel. Who knows - maybe I could just start something new. Pure and simple I wanted to quit and was rationalizing myself toward that decision.
Recently while in Africa I was again sick for most of the trip. While in my room I kept hearing the enemy of my soul whisper, "you are too old for this stuff - maybe it's time to quit." "Let someone else younger handle this - you need to be well not sick." "You can't do this anymore."
Yes, quitting seemed like the best option. The enemy's persistent whispers began to wear me down. "Just quit" sounded peaceful - restful - enjoyable - healthy!! I wish I could tell you I was triumphant in one moment but the battle wore on for a few days.
A verse came to mind... a powerful word from God.... "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Phil. 4:13 Every time the whispers came - I repeated the verse over and over. His word began to drown out the whispers and soon I was walking in victory and not defeat.
Then I began to survey the results from our mission trip to Uganda: people were saved at the crusade - including a former Muslim; Emma and the VBS crew led 30 kids to Christ; African Hearts boys home in Sengee had many improvements including floors for the kitchen, the boys were loved on and played with at Sengee; healings were manifested; street kids loved, "football" played, the community lot picked up, kids fed; orphans held & loved; several of the team's hearts were moved to adopt, all of the team was moved to do something for the orphans and so much more. Quit - unthinkable - this is exactly why I won't quit!
God's word again makes it clear, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galations 6:9 We have reaped, the kingdom has advanced and people have been set free. No, I won't quit - and yes my African Pastors you can count on many more posts to work with you to reach your wonderful country of Uganda.
If you feel like quitting right now, think again. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Ask the Lord to strengthen you to help you see His hand. I have never preached with as much anointing as I did on this trip.
Also, you will reap and reaping may just be around the next curve in the road! Keep going!
Radically Devoted, Pastor Dwight
Friday, February 20, 2009
Prepare for the Valley
Valleys happen! Contrary to what a cheapened Christianity would like to sell you and I, even committed Christ followers will encounter valleys. It does not mean you are less faith filled - in fact it might mean just the opposite. James tells us... "when you encounter various trials..." J. 1:3. Note, valleys will happen to the weak & the strong, the rich & the poor, valleys happen to all of us. So the second lesson I've learned in the "Valley of Fire" is that I must prepare for the valley's ahead of time. Preparation is key for survival in the valley. When I prepare before I enter the valley I remember - God's word is a lamp unto my feet. When I prepare - I recognize that although I can not see him or hear him in the valley, I know He will never leave me. When I prepare, the Holy Spirit brings back to my mind His promises - "I will supply all your need" or "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". When I prepare I run to God not away from God. In the valley is where your legacy is tested and refined. Prepare my friends for we will encounter valleys. I will make it out of the valley - and so will you! Remember we have one life to live and one legacy to leave behind. Prepare so you can handle the valley!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Why To What
In walking through the aftermath of the fire to our home and the loss of so much I have come to learn some very specific lessons. First and foremost I have had to leave the why behind and move to the what. The whys leave me open to confusion and to an inability to move forward.
When I ask God, "why did this happen", why did it happen to my family, why now, or why would you allow this in my life, I make life about me. I somehow suppose that God owes me an answer. He does not and the theology of suffering teaches me that there is not always an answer to "why" we suffer on earth.
The Bible does teach me there are plenty of answers to the what. What are you doing God? What do you want me to learn? What can I do to advance the Kingdom while I am in the valley? What is your will for me through the valley? So I seek the what.
It is true, the sooner I move from why to what the sooner the healing takes place. Right now it takes an act of my will to move from why to what. Therefore, I choose what over why - bring on the healing Lord.
When I ask God, "why did this happen", why did it happen to my family, why now, or why would you allow this in my life, I make life about me. I somehow suppose that God owes me an answer. He does not and the theology of suffering teaches me that there is not always an answer to "why" we suffer on earth.
The Bible does teach me there are plenty of answers to the what. What are you doing God? What do you want me to learn? What can I do to advance the Kingdom while I am in the valley? What is your will for me through the valley? So I seek the what.
It is true, the sooner I move from why to what the sooner the healing takes place. Right now it takes an act of my will to move from why to what. Therefore, I choose what over why - bring on the healing Lord.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
When it's all gone!
When life is over and everything is gone what will have mattered most in creating your legacy?
I've probably asked similar questions dozens of times in my life - thinking I really had a handle on what mattered most. Three days ago we lost most of our earthly treasures in a fire that burned our wonderful log home. Lost is my Grandma's hope chest that my Grandpa made her for a wedding present. Lost are the shoes my father and his family before him wore for years dating from the 1700's. Lost are so many things that are irreplaceable. I wish I could say that I am doing great because I had cut all my ties to earthly things a long time ago. But my heart reflects a deep sadness beyond my ability to communicate.
There are things I wish I could have passed down to my children from their grandfather, my dad, who is one of my hero's but I will not be able to do so. As I told my mother about these losses she quoted an old familiar hymn, "The things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of his presence and grace." It has become my 93 year old mother's mantra. She's ready - she wants to go to heaven... there is really nothing to hold her back any more. She has let go of all her earthly ties. I've learned I am not there yet. But I am well on my way.
My awesome wife, Linny, saved all 6 kids. I have my wife & all of my children. I am a blessed man. I will invest my life making sure they are my true legacy. I can not take the things with me to heaven, I can lead them all to Jesus and we will spend eternity together.
I will also invest in others - to help them become all that God has created to them to be.
Love God, love others, give my life away! That's how I wish to live that is how I wish to be remembered. I'm not there yet - but I am so keenly aware - when it's all gone, "The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his presence and grace."
I've probably asked similar questions dozens of times in my life - thinking I really had a handle on what mattered most. Three days ago we lost most of our earthly treasures in a fire that burned our wonderful log home. Lost is my Grandma's hope chest that my Grandpa made her for a wedding present. Lost are the shoes my father and his family before him wore for years dating from the 1700's. Lost are so many things that are irreplaceable. I wish I could say that I am doing great because I had cut all my ties to earthly things a long time ago. But my heart reflects a deep sadness beyond my ability to communicate.
There are things I wish I could have passed down to my children from their grandfather, my dad, who is one of my hero's but I will not be able to do so. As I told my mother about these losses she quoted an old familiar hymn, "The things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of his presence and grace." It has become my 93 year old mother's mantra. She's ready - she wants to go to heaven... there is really nothing to hold her back any more. She has let go of all her earthly ties. I've learned I am not there yet. But I am well on my way.
My awesome wife, Linny, saved all 6 kids. I have my wife & all of my children. I am a blessed man. I will invest my life making sure they are my true legacy. I can not take the things with me to heaven, I can lead them all to Jesus and we will spend eternity together.
I will also invest in others - to help them become all that God has created to them to be.
Love God, love others, give my life away! That's how I wish to live that is how I wish to be remembered. I'm not there yet - but I am so keenly aware - when it's all gone, "The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his presence and grace."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Blogging Truth
For those of you coming over for a visit from Linn's blog - let me just say - she knows what she is doing, she will post often & she will encourage you with her great stories. I... well I don't have a clue what I am doing. Those of you who thought it would be fun to hear from me more often - well I have one creative thought every month or so... that's when I sneak onto Linn's blog.
To hear about our family and what God is doing in many amazing ways keep watching Linn's blog. She's a great story teller of God's faithfulness and unbelievably great wife and role model.
My blog will be more about training those already committed to Christ to become all they can be for him. Also, i am not consistent at this point at posting though I hope to be. I do not take much time to correct - my grammar is spotty and my spelling atrocious. If you are still up for the journey, then welcome aboard. I will be praying that as you pray God will open the door of your heart to the legacy He already has planned for your life. dw
To hear about our family and what God is doing in many amazing ways keep watching Linn's blog. She's a great story teller of God's faithfulness and unbelievably great wife and role model.
My blog will be more about training those already committed to Christ to become all they can be for him. Also, i am not consistent at this point at posting though I hope to be. I do not take much time to correct - my grammar is spotty and my spelling atrocious. If you are still up for the journey, then welcome aboard. I will be praying that as you pray God will open the door of your heart to the legacy He already has planned for your life. dw
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Pray First
Pray First!
A core value each leader should adopt is "Prayer must initiate and cover everything I do!" To lead without prayer is to lead down a bumpy road at best and tragedy at worst. Let's learn from today's teaching how to be a person of prayer!
"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (1:11)
• Stop looking back - Look forward! (As a leader I should never try to reinvent the past but pursue the heart of God for the future!)
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (1:12-14)
• Pray in preparation for the filling of the Holy Spirit.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
• Be devoted to prayer.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Acts 3:1
• Spirit filled leaders have personal disciplines of prayer.
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.... And now, O lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power, may miraculous signs and wonders be done though the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:24, 29-30
- Courage is the fruit of a praying leader.
“and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Acts 6:4
• Leaders lead by prioritizing prayer over other things.
“and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.” Acts 10:31
• Spirit filled prayers grab God's attention!
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23
- Leaders are commissioned through prayer and fasting.
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. Acts 16:16
- Spirit filled leaders will encounter spiritual opposition.
His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8
- Spirit filled people are open to spirit led opportunity
Application: Choose today to "Pray First" as you lead!
Since The First Day
Since the First Day
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come." Daniel 10:12-14
These are truly exciting words, “ Since the first day…..” God is watching, God is listening, God is responding, since the first day. Daniel had taken initiative to be right before God. Daniel had set his mind to gain understanding and to humble himself before God. These must be clear objectives in my life. The understanding that I seek must be from God’s vantage point, when I humble myself I admit I can’t – He can. Then God responds…. From the first day!!
Prayer: Lord I desire to be like Daniel, with a mind that seeks to understand – through much prayer and a humble attitude that admits I can’t – You can!
Application Questions: Is my mind set on gaining God's understanding or on my own? What do I need to change?
Prophecy
A person with a Godly legacy must be open to the filling of the Spirit. I wonder, what would happen if a group of people became humbly open to the out pouring of the Spirit and prophecy. A nation could be changed! Maybe the US. Maybe Uganda! Below is my daily devotional on this most important topic. Where is the gift of prophecy, have you been holding back the gift God gave you?
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17,18
It is time to prophecy. The Lord promised he would pour out his Spirit in the last days. There is no doubt that we live in the last days. So it is certainly time to be open to the prophetic and to see many operate in the prophetic ministry. This is not for a select few but for all. How am I doing? Do I prophecy on a regular basis, am I open to that? I must be, and I must be open to all that the Lord puts in me. I choose to be open today to the prophetic in my life.
Immediately I sense a call of God to heal our land, we are in trouble, give us mercy oh God.
Prayer! Let me hear your voice today to speak on your behalf and to call people to righteousness. God heal our land.
Application Questions: Keep it simple, are you open to the gift of prophecy? Am i willing to make the commitment to keep myself pure and humble before God?
Prophecy
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17,18
It is time to prophecy. The Lord promised he would pour out his Spirit in the last days. There is no doubt that we live in the last days. So it is certainly time to be open to the prophetic and to see many operate in the prophetic ministry. This is not for a select few but for all. How am I doing? Do I prophecy on a regular basis, am I open to that? I must be, and I must be open to all that the Lord puts in me. I choose to be open today to the prophetic in my life.
Immediately I sense a call of God to heal our land, we are in trouble, give us mercy oh God.
Prayer! Let me hear your voice today to speak on your behalf and to call people to righteousness. God heal our land.
Application Questions: Keep it simple, are you open to the gift of prophecy? Am i willing to make the commitment to keep myself pure and humble before God?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
One Life - One Legacy
We only have one life - one legacy that we can leave behind. We will live one life and by our actions provide the written material for our legacy. However, it will truly be written and interpreted by others after we have left this world. So I ask myself, and I ask you, what is the legacy which you desire to leave behind. What did you write today in the chapter entitled today? Did you advance toward your desired legacy, or did you retreat? What you will be you are becoming today. As I write this blog I will be simultaneously challenging myself, and i trust challenging my readers to leave a legacy that matters. One that challenges and changes those you encounter daily and on your journey in life. You have one life one legacy - make it count!
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