The Bible says..."Your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28).
Today I want to you to dream with me. We dream about our families, our new jobs, our vacations. In fact, sometimes the dreaming is more fun that the actual event.
Will you dream about what 'could be' for the gospel that currently is 'not yet'? This kind of dreaming requires that we talk about the one thing in life we cannot control... change. Change is the one thing that is constant in life.
Global change is happening socially, culturally and spiritually. In this world you cannot stand still and cling to old ways. The pressure to change will always continue. But change for change's sake is not always healthy. It should have an end-goal.
So before we automatically resist our journey of change, we must remember that God may be in the silver lining. In fact, the voice directing the change is often His. So we must be open. We have heard the phrase, 'different methods...same message.'
I remember hearing Franklin Graham say that the music in his "Rock the River" crusades was NOT his kind of music, but he embraced it because it will reach the youth of our day. He changed the method, but NOT the message, and he reaches thousands of youth.
As Christians, we are to actively seek heaven's vision and strategic ideas that will outsmart the devil's strategies of destructive change.
So, how do we reach our changing world?
By applying the time-worn Biblical principles that have always worked in every culture, in every age. Principles like humility, brokenness, compassion and intentional proclamation of Christ's love.
When the fearful disciples were filled with the Spirit in the book of Acts, they suddenly became agents of great change. In fact, they 'turned the then-know world of Asia minor upside down.'
Today is no different. We desperately need Spirit-led entrepreneurs to find innovative and creative ways to spread the gospel. And we also must revive time-proven, classical ways that keep reaching others with Christ's love. The goal of taking the gospel to Main Street and Wall Street must remain strong. And we should all be asking the Holy Spirit for His ideas, no matter how much sacrificial change it may require.
But here's one thing that has never changed: Christ's mandate for evangelism! Our job regarding evangelism is clear, and our vision must correspond.
C'mon Spirit-led evangelistic entrepreneurs, arise! We need you for such a time as this.
Well, that's all for today, but until next week remember, 'you have the good news that people are longing to hear. God bless you as you become 'HIS EVERYDAY WITNESS!'
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
NO FEAR!
"So they departed from the presence of the council (after being beaten), rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:41-42).
Perhaps you have seen people wear hats that model this phrase...'NO FEAR.'
I don't believe them.
Fear is ubiquitous. We all deal with it to some degree. Even the boldest people know it's always hovering in a corner trying to intimidate them. They just choose to ignore it.
And so, I was intrigued when I read of the incredible transformation of the apostles. They all fled as Jesus was arrested, but now are beaten for sharing their faith, and yet daily they still continue sharing openly.
Fear no longer ruled them. Isn't that our desire?
Remember when fear was little in your life, and faith was big?
Remember when you didn't care who knew you were a Christian?
Remember when compassion filled your heart more than fear?
Remember when you were actually excited about your friends coming to Christ?
Here's what happens to all of us.
When we don't continue to apply the truths in God's word, our heart begins to become calloused. Teaching without application hardens our hearts. It's a fact, when we ignore God's plan for us to be salt and light, our desire to be salt and light gradually diminishes.
The solution? They eagerly invited the Holy Spirit to fill them with His power. They prayed and prayed for it to happen. And when it did, they chose to not waste another day. Any suffering would now be considered a badge of honor. Any rejection they experienced would be a trophy of rejoicing.
Oh yes, the fear still hovered in a corner, but it no longer ruled them.
"God, let it be so in us... for Your glory."
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Perhaps you have seen people wear hats that model this phrase...'NO FEAR.'
I don't believe them.
Fear is ubiquitous. We all deal with it to some degree. Even the boldest people know it's always hovering in a corner trying to intimidate them. They just choose to ignore it.
And so, I was intrigued when I read of the incredible transformation of the apostles. They all fled as Jesus was arrested, but now are beaten for sharing their faith, and yet daily they still continue sharing openly.
Fear no longer ruled them. Isn't that our desire?
Remember when fear was little in your life, and faith was big?
Remember when you didn't care who knew you were a Christian?
Remember when compassion filled your heart more than fear?
Remember when you were actually excited about your friends coming to Christ?
Here's what happens to all of us.
When we don't continue to apply the truths in God's word, our heart begins to become calloused. Teaching without application hardens our hearts. It's a fact, when we ignore God's plan for us to be salt and light, our desire to be salt and light gradually diminishes.
The solution? They eagerly invited the Holy Spirit to fill them with His power. They prayed and prayed for it to happen. And when it did, they chose to not waste another day. Any suffering would now be considered a badge of honor. Any rejection they experienced would be a trophy of rejoicing.
Oh yes, the fear still hovered in a corner, but it no longer ruled them.
"God, let it be so in us... for Your glory."
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Untapped Gold Mine of 'God Dreams'
"Listen to your servants who delight in honoring you...and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king" (Nehemiah 1:11, Message Bible).
There are 'good-dreams,' and there are 'God-dreams.'
Nehemiah knew that 'God-dreams' always gave God the glory. They were not birthed in selfishness or arrogance to build his career. They didn't have a mixed motive. 'God dreams' are conceived in God's heart, and then planted in man's heart. But man must make the decision to fertilize these 'God dreams' by faith... or not.
Nehemiah wept when he heard how the beloved city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Only a few people were left, and they were living in appalling conditions. The Jews had blown it again and had forgotten their God. They gave themselves to other gods, and the One True God lost patience with them. He allowed them to be captured and become prisoners until they came to their senses.
But Nehemiah had a 'God-dream.' He said, "I can make a difference." It's time for Jerusalem to be rebuilt. And so he prayed with humble confidence.... "make me successful today."
What would hinder you from praying that kind of prayer? Fear of failure, unbelief, and a lost first-love? Risk is a measurement of the amount of sacrifice vs. the amount of reward. In this case, Nehemiah chose to be a player, no matter what the cost. His reward was to bring glory to God. He couldn't waste another day.
In my last trip to India, the Oasis team and I trained pastors in the 'One-Minute Witness faith-sharing tool, and then we went out into the streets to share our faith stories. Afterward, a pastor said, "I used to share my faith years ago. I am sorry to see how many years I have wasted by not sharing my faith. Now I will do this... everyday."
What 'God-dreams' are within you just bursting with potential and waiting to be fulfilled? Do you have any 'God-dreams' that are still bridled and stifled within you?
TODAY God desires you to be successful in making His name famous. So, go ahead...activate the 'God-dream' within you. If it's for His glory, it's worth the risk.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
There are 'good-dreams,' and there are 'God-dreams.'
Nehemiah knew that 'God-dreams' always gave God the glory. They were not birthed in selfishness or arrogance to build his career. They didn't have a mixed motive. 'God dreams' are conceived in God's heart, and then planted in man's heart. But man must make the decision to fertilize these 'God dreams' by faith... or not.
Nehemiah wept when he heard how the beloved city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Only a few people were left, and they were living in appalling conditions. The Jews had blown it again and had forgotten their God. They gave themselves to other gods, and the One True God lost patience with them. He allowed them to be captured and become prisoners until they came to their senses.
But Nehemiah had a 'God-dream.' He said, "I can make a difference." It's time for Jerusalem to be rebuilt. And so he prayed with humble confidence.... "make me successful today."
What would hinder you from praying that kind of prayer? Fear of failure, unbelief, and a lost first-love? Risk is a measurement of the amount of sacrifice vs. the amount of reward. In this case, Nehemiah chose to be a player, no matter what the cost. His reward was to bring glory to God. He couldn't waste another day.
In my last trip to India, the Oasis team and I trained pastors in the 'One-Minute Witness faith-sharing tool, and then we went out into the streets to share our faith stories. Afterward, a pastor said, "I used to share my faith years ago. I am sorry to see how many years I have wasted by not sharing my faith. Now I will do this... everyday."
What 'God-dreams' are within you just bursting with potential and waiting to be fulfilled? Do you have any 'God-dreams' that are still bridled and stifled within you?
TODAY God desires you to be successful in making His name famous. So, go ahead...activate the 'God-dream' within you. If it's for His glory, it's worth the risk.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Friday, May 21, 2010
Sinner Friends
"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).
I am intrigued by the responses I have received whenever I have shared my faith with sinners:
But Jesus went out of His way to make a point about who He esteems. He shares three stories: the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). It's as if Jesus cares more about the lost than the found.
Why? Because His mission is clear: seek and save the lost (Luke19:10).
Why? Because Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance (Mark 2:17).
Why? Because God is love (1 John 4:7-8).
That's right... Jesus loves sinners. He can't help Himself... it's part of His holy DNA. After all, He saved you and me, and He loves us enough to having left His holy heaven to demonstrate His great love. Each and every day God's Holy Spirit is drawing sinners of all kinds: liars, cursers, sex addicts, homosexuals, robbers and cheats to His love. These He esteems!
Here's our challenge. Are we mature and complete enough in our faith to befriend sinners on His behalf? Having received God's magnificent love, do we love enough to share Him with sinners? OR, will we stay in our holy huddles, our churches and our small groups praying for God to send someone else?
Go ahead... ask Jesus for more 'sinner-friends.' It's why He rose again.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
I am intrigued by the responses I have received whenever I have shared my faith with sinners:
- Businessman: "You are right; I need to give my spiritual life more attention."
- Man who had sex change: "Would you pray for me?"
- Carpenter: "I realize God is trying to get my attention."
- Airline agent: "I would rather not talk about it."
- Another airline agent: "I can't thank you enough for sharing with me today."
- Restaurant hostess: "Dear Jesus, please forgive me of my sin."
But Jesus went out of His way to make a point about who He esteems. He shares three stories: the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). It's as if Jesus cares more about the lost than the found.
Why? Because His mission is clear: seek and save the lost (Luke19:10).
Why? Because Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance (Mark 2:17).
Why? Because God is love (1 John 4:7-8).
That's right... Jesus loves sinners. He can't help Himself... it's part of His holy DNA. After all, He saved you and me, and He loves us enough to having left His holy heaven to demonstrate His great love. Each and every day God's Holy Spirit is drawing sinners of all kinds: liars, cursers, sex addicts, homosexuals, robbers and cheats to His love. These He esteems!
Here's our challenge. Are we mature and complete enough in our faith to befriend sinners on His behalf? Having received God's magnificent love, do we love enough to share Him with sinners? OR, will we stay in our holy huddles, our churches and our small groups praying for God to send someone else?
Go ahead... ask Jesus for more 'sinner-friends.' It's why He rose again.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
7,000 decisions for Christ in two weeks!
May 18, 2010
As I write this, I am on a seven-hour train ride in India on my way home. I wish you could have been here and have seen the desperate and passionate spiritual hunger of the people in these remote areas of India. As soon as I return to the office, I'll unpack the videos and photos of this tremendous hunger and provide links for you to see it for yourselves.
THANK YOU for your faithful prayers. Pastor Darrell Dobbelmann and myself just finished two five-day Gospel and Healing Festivals. Around 7,000 people made decisions to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! We praise God for this fruit! In addition, 23 fresh-water wells were drilled at villages that did not have clean drinking water, and we held dedication services for four newly built churches.
These churches mark the first Christian worship facilities in these villages. We also conducted two Ignite the Fire Training Seminars where over 400 pastors and Christian leaders received encouragement and equipping over the course of each three-day seminar.
Darrell felt that the Lord had showed him that someone would testify of a tumor dissolving that night. Sure enough, after we prayed for the sick, a bubbling and smiling woman came to the platform and told us about a tumor that she had for two years. After prayer that night, the tumor disappeared! Many others testified of having years of chronic body pain that had instantly vanished.
As Darrell and I return home, we are both tired from a busy schedule in 110-125 degree heat, and grateful for the spiritual satisfaction of taking part in this mission for God's glory! Thanks again for your prayers and financial support. Together, we are making a difference!
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
As I write this, I am on a seven-hour train ride in India on my way home. I wish you could have been here and have seen the desperate and passionate spiritual hunger of the people in these remote areas of India. As soon as I return to the office, I'll unpack the videos and photos of this tremendous hunger and provide links for you to see it for yourselves.
THANK YOU for your faithful prayers. Pastor Darrell Dobbelmann and myself just finished two five-day Gospel and Healing Festivals. Around 7,000 people made decisions to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! We praise God for this fruit! In addition, 23 fresh-water wells were drilled at villages that did not have clean drinking water, and we held dedication services for four newly built churches.
These churches mark the first Christian worship facilities in these villages. We also conducted two Ignite the Fire Training Seminars where over 400 pastors and Christian leaders received encouragement and equipping over the course of each three-day seminar.
Darrell felt that the Lord had showed him that someone would testify of a tumor dissolving that night. Sure enough, after we prayed for the sick, a bubbling and smiling woman came to the platform and told us about a tumor that she had for two years. After prayer that night, the tumor disappeared! Many others testified of having years of chronic body pain that had instantly vanished.
As Darrell and I return home, we are both tired from a busy schedule in 110-125 degree heat, and grateful for the spiritual satisfaction of taking part in this mission for God's glory! Thanks again for your prayers and financial support. Together, we are making a difference!
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Monday, May 10, 2010
Hell, yes!
"but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 1:23, NKJ).
OK, it's time for some serious talk. Remember the compulsory talk you had with your kids about the 'birds and the bees'? It was a killer, but it had to be done. So here's another 'hot' topic... hell.
Watch this video The Bible makes over 150 references to a real hell; Jesus often talked about it. Our doctrinal statements validate it, but do we really believe in it? After all, talking about an eternal place of separation from God is a very uncomfortable subject.
When you hear about the reality of hell, do you discount the messenger and label the message as radical or imbalanced? Or are you challenged to be more intentional about sharing your faith with those who do not know Jesus? We tend to avoid that which makes us uncomfortable: writing our own wills, getting regular physical check-ups, talking about death, or sharing our faith. But thinking about hell is something we should never avoid, because souls are at stake.
Thinking about hell actually motivates us to share our faith with more urgency. In fact, General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was quoted as wishing that everyone could dangle over hell for one hour, held only by a single thread, for then we would live differently.
Statistics tell us that around 87.5% of Americans believe in heaven, but only 74.6% believe in hell (Word Press poll). But I'm guessing that the people who believe in the existence of a real Biblical hell are a lot less. Why? It's simple. Our actions sometimes defy our doctrine. For instance, what if our neighbor's house were on fire and we knew we should save them, but we didn't. Every second someone dies and a soul goes into eternity. And every month that we live without sharing our faith reinforces our denial of an eternity that includes both heaven and hell.
If you knew your unsaved friend would certainly die in 24 hours, wouldn't you at least try to lead them to the cross of Christ? (Hint: Our answer to this question helps us know what we really believe.) Wouldn't a doctor be held liable if he knew you had cancer and didn't tell you? How would you feel? Questions like these help us know what we confess to believe.
Here's the point. Jesus told us that our world is suffering from a terminal disease... sin. He has entrusted us as His followers with an assignment to lovingly warn the world about the effects of its sin. But His command goes unfulfilled when we choose to be silent. I, myself, am ashamed to know how many opportunities I have intentionally missed. Thank God for His grace in helping me become a more effective and intentional witness.
It's time we begin to take action on our beliefs.
It's time to cherish each of our days as a gift best lived for God and for others.
It's time to celebrate Easter everyday by telling others how Jesus has changed our lives.
It's time to make hell mad ...and heaven glad!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
P.S. General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was quoted as wishing that everyone could dangle over hell for one hour, held only by a single thread, for then we would live differently. Perhaps this powerful video on a man's journey to hell and back will have a similar effect. It's called "23 minutes in Hell"
OK, it's time for some serious talk. Remember the compulsory talk you had with your kids about the 'birds and the bees'? It was a killer, but it had to be done. So here's another 'hot' topic... hell.
Watch this video The Bible makes over 150 references to a real hell; Jesus often talked about it. Our doctrinal statements validate it, but do we really believe in it? After all, talking about an eternal place of separation from God is a very uncomfortable subject.
When you hear about the reality of hell, do you discount the messenger and label the message as radical or imbalanced? Or are you challenged to be more intentional about sharing your faith with those who do not know Jesus? We tend to avoid that which makes us uncomfortable: writing our own wills, getting regular physical check-ups, talking about death, or sharing our faith. But thinking about hell is something we should never avoid, because souls are at stake.
Thinking about hell actually motivates us to share our faith with more urgency. In fact, General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was quoted as wishing that everyone could dangle over hell for one hour, held only by a single thread, for then we would live differently.
Statistics tell us that around 87.5% of Americans believe in heaven, but only 74.6% believe in hell (Word Press poll). But I'm guessing that the people who believe in the existence of a real Biblical hell are a lot less. Why? It's simple. Our actions sometimes defy our doctrine. For instance, what if our neighbor's house were on fire and we knew we should save them, but we didn't. Every second someone dies and a soul goes into eternity. And every month that we live without sharing our faith reinforces our denial of an eternity that includes both heaven and hell.
If you knew your unsaved friend would certainly die in 24 hours, wouldn't you at least try to lead them to the cross of Christ? (Hint: Our answer to this question helps us know what we really believe.) Wouldn't a doctor be held liable if he knew you had cancer and didn't tell you? How would you feel? Questions like these help us know what we confess to believe.
Here's the point. Jesus told us that our world is suffering from a terminal disease... sin. He has entrusted us as His followers with an assignment to lovingly warn the world about the effects of its sin. But His command goes unfulfilled when we choose to be silent. I, myself, am ashamed to know how many opportunities I have intentionally missed. Thank God for His grace in helping me become a more effective and intentional witness.
It's time we begin to take action on our beliefs.
It's time to cherish each of our days as a gift best lived for God and for others.
It's time to celebrate Easter everyday by telling others how Jesus has changed our lives.
It's time to make hell mad ...and heaven glad!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
P.S. General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was quoted as wishing that everyone could dangle over hell for one hour, held only by a single thread, for then we would live differently. Perhaps this powerful video on a man's journey to hell and back will have a similar effect. It's called "23 minutes in Hell"
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Returning to the Great Harvest
Once again I'm leaving for the great harvest field of India. My heart is filled with great anticipation for thousands of people to be saved and healed by the power of the one true God, Jesus Christ.
Will you please pray daily for the Oasis team as we travel May 4-18?
Prayer is the best investment you can make. We desperately need prayer to cover us, our families, our health, our protection, and our spirits. Pray that the strong anointing of the Holy Spirit will rest on Darrell Dobbelmann, myself, and the Oasis team as we minister with the people of India.
In this two-week trip, we will...
Thanks for your prayers. For specific prayer requests, visit oasisworldministries.org/prayerrequests.
As we pray for others, God begins to send His favor back to us!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Will you please pray daily for the Oasis team as we travel May 4-18?
Prayer is the best investment you can make. We desperately need prayer to cover us, our families, our health, our protection, and our spirits. Pray that the strong anointing of the Holy Spirit will rest on Darrell Dobbelmann, myself, and the Oasis team as we minister with the people of India.
In this two-week trip, we will...
- Conduct two 5-day open-air Gospel and Healing Festivals
- Facilitate two 3-day Ignite the Fire Training Seminars for Pastors and Christian Leaders
- Dedicate four newly constructed church buildings
- Dedicate 20 fresh-water wells that have been drilled in villages without clean running water
- And interview three more national evangelists, for a total of 30
Thanks for your prayers. For specific prayer requests, visit oasisworldministries.org/prayerrequests.
As we pray for others, God begins to send His favor back to us!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
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