My wife LaVerne and I have had the privilege of leading three different kinds of churches over the past 45 years; the community church, the megachurch, and the micro church. In 1980, when the first DOVE church started, we built teams to start the first two small groups in this new church plant and we [...]
One of the chief obstacles to surrendering to the Lord is our fear of losing control. A few years ago, a squad of police in our county entered a home to confiscate a computer that was being used for illegal activity. One of the men living in the home, in a state of fear and [...]
Most of life’s battles are in our mind. The devil is constantly lying to us. The Scriptures tell is to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (II Cor. 10:5). “Taking every thought captive” means to actively filter our mental chatter—which includes fear, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, insecurity and negativity—and align it to the truth [...]
God knows your name. You are so important to Him! And you have a God-given ministry from the Lord that only you can fulfill. Paul the apostle said, “Tell Archippus: See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” (Col. 4:17). Most Bible scholars believe Archippus was the son of [...]
The story is told of a man, who in utter frustration, asked his pastor why God had not been giving him answers. Unable to hear the pastor’s mumbled reply, the man moved closer, asking the pastor to repeat what he had said. Still unable to hear the reply, he moved closer and closer until finally [...]
Someone once told me there are two types of ministries before the throne of God: Jesus’ ministry of intercession (Rom. 8:34), and Satan’s “ministry” of accusation (Rev. 12:10). As believers, we must extend Jesus’ ministry of intercession to others and know how to handle accusations that may come against us. I have learned that when [...]
I have learned over the years that God often closes a door in our lives in preparation to opening a new door. But the problem we often encounter is knowing what to do in the hallway as we wait for a new door to open. Here are a few things I have learned over many [...]
I love the American holiday of Thanksgiving! The bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:18 NIV). Expressing gratitude to God in every circumstance is powerful! This act of thanksgiving, even during difficult times, is God's will for every believer. The emphasis is [...]
I have learned over many years that is much more important to be Christ-like than to be right. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not [...]
I turn 75 next month. Since I am now in another season of life, I am often asked this question: “What are the most important lessons you have learned over the years?” And although there are many important lessons learned, I usually say this: “Stay offense proof. Forgive quickly. Follow the model of Jesus when [...]