Dare to Dream Big in 2007

Dare to Dream Big
By Pam Perry

Life is too short to be too little. Dream big in 2007. Expect more in 2007. The one thing that separates those who make things happen and those who don’t – is action.

Step out of the boat. Leap – and the net will appear! Believe and trust God. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

Dreams can come true. Nothing is impossible with God. You’ve seen it happen for others. You’re read their stories. Saw their movies. Heard about those who have gone from “rags to riches.” Think about Fantasia (American Idol winner), Chris Gardener (author of Pursuit of HappYness), Teresa Hairston (founder/publisher of Gospel Today magazine) and Ken Brown (author of From Welfare to Faring Well). All these folk worked hard and believed God.

What else did they have in common that made their dreams come true? Consistent persistence! Great things happen for people who let their dreams be the springboard for great actions.

It’s a spiritual principle: Faith without works is dead. It’s not enough to have a dream – you have to have plan and work your plan!

This year dare to chart your course. Reignite your vision and be consistent in your persistence in your pursuit. 2007 incorporate these 7 steps to get your dreams fulfilled:

Commit. Make a decision to follow your dreams that the Lord put in your heart no matter what others say. Know with absolute certainty that you will see the vision come to pass because you’re determined and God showed you. Psalm 37:5
Be Prudent. Don’t make decisions before knowing all the facts. Work smart and you won’t have to work hard. Prov. 27:12
Be Prepared. Don’t wait until there is an emergency or a deadline before you get moving on project. Successful people plan ahead. Haste makes waste. Prov. 21:31
Be focused. Get clear on what you want and don’t get distracted. If something doesn’t put you closer to your goal, drop it. Clarity is power. Prov. 29:18
Be diligent. Finish what you start. Remember the end of thing is better than the beginning. If it worth starting – don’t’ be lazy – finish it! Prov. 13:4
Be Teachable. Don’t refuse good advice and accept instruction. Get all the help you can. All successful people had mentors and role models. Prov. 13:18
Be persistent. Be relentless. Tackle every task that God puts before you and expect a blessing. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Press toward the mark. Prov. 24:10

The number one reason most people don’t achieve their dreams is that they don’t have a clarity. There is power in focus and visualizing what you want, confessing what you want and doing what you know to do! As Teresa Hairston of Gospel Today magazine says, “Make your vision vivid.” Write your vision, make it plan and keep the momentum no matter how hard it gets – with God, all things are possible.

Keep Christ in Christmas!

Don't X out the Christ in CHRISTmas!


“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)


In our society today there is a need to be politically correct. But there is one event that changed the course of history – that’s the birth of Jesus Christ. So, to meld it down to “Happy Holidays” just won’t cut it. And to just write “Xmas” instead of Christmas is even more absurd.

Christmas is about Jesus Christ. That’s the point. Jesus is the reason for the season. It doesn’t matter what you believe or what opinions you may have, the whole point is that Jesus’ birth changed the world. Thousands of years later, we are stilling celebrating the season with Jesus’ entrance into the world in mind. Or are we?

Just like prayer was taken out of public schools – will we see the day where Christ will be taken out of Christmas?

Why is it we can pass along fables, fairy tales and honor other “heroes” from history like Christopher Columbus or Dr. Martin Luther King but we water down the mention of Christ in Christmas?

It’s all about Jesus. Yes, it’s all about him. His death, burial and resurrection changed the world. We divide time based on Him: “B.C” (before Christ) or “A.D.” (after death). If he is that important that time is referenced in terms of his birth and death, then certainly we can keep the holiday all about Jesus Christ.

Saying Happy Holidays is nice…we throw in New Year’s too and all the other religious holidays – but there in nothing more significant for than saying “Merry Christmas.” We must realize that if it wasn’t for his birth, we wouldn’t have eternal life. He came to give life – and give it more abundantly. Jesus is the reason for every season. He came to rescue us (save us) from our selfish selves.

Jesus Christ. Anointed by God to bring salvation to a dying world. He is still on the job today. Santa is nice. But Jesus is the truth, the way and the life – eternal.

When you hang up your Christmas lights this year, think about this: who was really the light of the world? If you believe in Jesus, are you letting your light shine also? Let the world know it is “Merry Christmas AND Happy Holidays.” Holidays are holy days when God is in the center – and that’s worth celebrating anytime.

How to Prepare for a Conference as a Host

How to Prepare for a Conference as a Host

It’s no secret that the Christian Conference is increasingly becoming the popular setting in which to educate believers about matters of ministry.
Seminary may not be cost effective for lay leaders and aspiring evangelists and/or those individuals looking to live out God’s purpose for their lives.
Conference planners say there are some basic things to consider in the planning process.
You can begin the process in your planning by Zeroing In On Your Vision, said Dr. Stacia Pierce co-pastor of Lansing,Mich.-based Life Changers.
"When planning a special event, have a target or purpose in mind for the event. Identify the audience you want to reach and the tone of your conference," she said. "Establish clear goals for your conference to help keep you and your team focused.
1. Create an Atmosphere: "The conference theme, décor, music and guest service all create an atmosphere that will either enhance or diminish the experience of your conference attendees.
2. Count up the Cost: "Determine the budget, advertising, personnel, training needed to make your event a success."
3. Seek Sponsorship: Conference and event planner Robin Ware of the Atlanta-based The Ware Agency said don’t be reluctant to ask for help.
"Commercial vendors and sponsors are approachable and supportive of religious (faith-based) events/conferences because they understand that church people are viable consumers," Ware said.
5. Location: "If you aren’t using your own church, begin to narrow down host cities. This is where it is wise to employ a Conference Planner. They will be able to give you wise counsel and guidance," she said.
Research: "Find out what other conferences and events are being hosted during your desired dates. Make sure you aren’t competing with any other major events in your city, in your church and within the gospel community."


6. Guest speakers and artists: "Obtain their Riders and Hospitality Forms. Riders are provided by artists and Hospitality Forms by preachers and workshop presenters. These will state their honorariums and travel requirements. Preachers and Speakers don’t typically quote prices but they have an amount they normally are paid and will communicate it to you verbally through their offices if its not located on the Hospitality Form," said Ware and to be sure to purchase event insurance."

Also see: www.thewareagency.com and www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com

ChristianBookPublicity

ChristianBookPublicity

PROPAGATING PROSPERITY
In the church is the buzzword, "prosperity." We hear about it, we talk about it and we name and claim it. It is all a faith walk - mirrored by our talk.
Yet, in the industry of ministry, those who are in business providing goods and services to those in the church community - there is a gap. A big gap.
It seems that only those in ministry are allowed to prosper and those that they do business with are asked to "sow."
From personal experience, I have seen ministers, preachers and Christian business people, continue to ask for reduced prices and services for FREE. They have said in so many words that if you provide "favor" to me then God would bless my business.
As a Christian in business and wanting to be a blessing, time and time again we have given way a lot. We have sowed a lot. We have changed rules to fit client situations. We have done this for years…and now I ask, "isn't it time for favor to come to us?" The favor is when we quote a fair price and the bill is paid - on time.
I know that the Word of God says, "give unto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1)." In other words, don't take advantage of those who are doing work for you - just because you're in "full time ministry." Truthfully, we're all in full-time ministry. And money is needed to run every ministry.
Is today's Christian becoming so carnal that all they care about is material gain - at the expense of someone else? If a person works hard, provides good service, is genuinely concerned about your mission/vision and welfare, shouldn't you reward them handsomely? Even worldly businesses do that.
Why is it that ministries seem to think it is OK to pay "secular" business - helping them achieve wealth - but when it comes to paying those who are dedicated to servicing ministry, there is a mindset that says, "pay less" or "pay later."
If we truly want to propagate prosperity among God's people - we must learn the Golden Rule. Bottom line: Treat (pay) others the way you want to treated (paid). We would see prosperity multiplied through out the Kingdom when this mentality becomes a revelation.

MinistryMarketingSolutions

MinistryMarketingSolutions

God Wants to be the Hero
By Marc Perry (mperry@ministrymarketingsolutions.com) 2003
(1,178 words)

Everyone loves heroes. We admire them and look to them for help during our times of distress. If you ever watched “Batman,” you know that when Gotham needed him, the commissioner turned on the bat light, which lit up the sky and sent out a signal to the caped crusader. When Batman got the signal, he would jump in the Batmobile and speed off to defend the helpless and needy from the evil villains.
On a recent business trip, I read Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. I enjoyed the quality time with God and thought about my role as a man and child of the King. Something Eldridge wrote left an indelible impression on my heart: “God wants to be the hero.” What does this mean, I wondered. I soon found out.
On the day of my departure, I arrived at LaGuardia Airport three hours before my flight was scheduled to leave. It was beginning to snow; two hours later, snow covered the ground, and an attendant announced that my flight was cancelled. I arranged to take the next flight home and called my wife Pam to let her know I would be a day late. Because I only had $10 and no credit card, I told her I would spend the night at the airport. She advised me to try to catch another fight, find out if the airline would provide accommodations, or call somebody from the office. The airline would not pay for overnight arrangements because the flight was cancelled because of the weather. The office was closed, but I was able to reach Linda, the proprietor, by phone; she suggested that I stay close to the airport and offered to pay for my room.
On my way to find a listing of hotels, I spotted some friends from Detroit. Walter and Portia Lockett and two of their children were on their way home from an overnight trip to New York. They had participated in an interview with CNN about a trip to Peru that they had taken for a National Geographic program and were waiting for a driver to transport them to their hotel in Long Island. I shared my circumstances with them and called Pam, who laughed and talked with Portia about our “divine meeting.” They offered to let me share their accommodations, but I wanted to find out about nearby hotels before I accepted their invitation. Linda called to find out which hotel I had chosen. I told her that I was considering staying with some friends in Long Island, and she recommended that I locate a hotel nearby because of my early flight.
While I was looking at the board, I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to stay with the Locketts. Then, a woman standing nearby announced that the all hotels near the airport were booked. My decision made, I got my bags and told the Locketts I was coming with them.
We all went outside, and when the driver saw us, he said he could only take four people. “It’s against the law for me to have more than four passengers,” he said. I told Portia and Walter I would take a cab and meet them at the hotel. They agreed, and Walter, who remembered that all I had was $10, gave me $50 for my cab fare.
I got in line with the other 75 people waiting for a cab. It was cold, and I was not dressed for it, but I waited patiently until it was my turn. By now, six inches of snow covered the ground.
I told the cab driver I wanted to go to Long Island, and he looked at me like I had asked him to do the impossible.(I had no idea how far Long Island was from the airport, but I soon learned that it takes 45 minutes to get there on a good day.) A transportation coordinator asked if I would mind sharing the cab; I said no, and she yelled, “Anybody want to go to Long Island?”
A young lady in her 30’s ran to the cab. She told the cab driver she was only 15 minutes from the airport and knew a short cut. Noticeably upset, the driver looked in his price book and announced that the ride would cost about $220.
We spent the next two hours talking about the weather, our families, and our careers. As we got close to her destination, she told me that she only had $100 and asked how much I would charge her. Although I needed the entire $100, I told her to pay whatever she felt was fair, and she gave me $90.
As we pulled away from her condominium, the cab driver told me how close he got to throwing her out of his cab because he didn’t like bossy people. We laughed, but inwardly, I was glad he hadn’t thrown her out.
Because we were getting close to the hotel, he suggested that we “settle up.” I agreed and asked how much I owed him. When he said $250, I was shocked—and worried. I was $100 short. I called Portia to confirm the location of the hotel and request an additional $100. She told me they had given me all the cash they had. I began praying immediately; I turned the situation over to God and promised to follow His lead.
When we arrived at the hotel, Portia was waiting out front. She walked over to the cab and handed me $100! I paid the cab driver and went inside the hotel, anxious to learn what had happened.
After she had spoken to me on the phone, Portia tried to get cash from an ATM machine, but was unsuccessful. Distraught, she began pacing in lobby of the hotel, trying to figure out what we were going to do. A man walked up to her and asked her what was wrong. She told him her brother would be arriving at the hotel any minute, but did not have enough money for cab fare. He asked how much we needed. When she told him $100, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, and gave it to her.
And that’s when it hit me: “God wants to be the hero.” When we have trials, tribulations, or troubles, or when we feel disillusioned, defeated, or discouraged, we must lean on the Lord. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will direct thy path” (Proverbs 3:5). When we give Him control and truly trust Him to provide our every need, He will always deliver. All we have to do is surrender and submit. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:6-8).
The next time you are in need—of strength, patience, love, direction, hope, or something else—“humble [yourself] and pray” (II Chronicles 7:14). Your request will light up heaven like a beacon and send a “signal” to the Divine Defender, and He will come to your rescue.

Christian Books in the African American Market

The Ministry Marketing Solutions AACM (American African Christian Market) best sellers:
1. The Walk at Work by Andria Hall (www.TheWalkatWork.com)
2. Longing For Daddy by Monique Robinson (www.MoniqueRobinson.com)
3. It's Not About You by Rebecca Osaigbovo (www.Cvmi.org)
4. Things My Mama Told by Olga Samples Davis (www.olgasamplesdavis.com)
5. It All Starts at Home by Dr. Larry Davis (www.ItallStartsatHome.com)
6. Passion for Kingdom Purpose by Dr. Sir Walter Mack (www.sirwaltermackministries.com)
7. 40 Days to a Life of G.O.L.D. by Ed Gray (www.edgrayspeaks.com)
8. Sapphires and Other Precious Gems by Terri McFaddin (www.TerriMcFaddin.org)
9. Enjoy Life by Stacia Pierce (www.Ministry4women.com)
10. Give it to me Straight by Lyle Dukes (www.harvestlifechangers.com)