Monday, November 16, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Leaders: Lead.
http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/leaders-lead.html
Friday, July 24, 2015
Disciples Way Christian Coffeehouse: 90 Day Update
http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/disciples-way-christian-coffeehouse-90.html
Monday, July 6, 2015
Mission Statement: To Disciple men to have a daily Word and Prayer time, and to support the 1% world in prayer.
DANG!!! Won’t James just shut up about the rebel flag already? Yes, I will (mostly). God has released me to stop, just like He released me to go. I get it, not all of you share my views, and many of you have shared them on your personal page, just as I have shared mine on my personal page. But now at least, you are aware that we have black bros in the club, and we will and must respect their views as they respect ours. We agree to disagree, but we don’t call people uneducated because they have different doctrine than us (baptist, catholic, pentacostal), or because they have different experiences and worldview.
And finally I ask, do we as an organization support diversity of race? The answer is YES. We accept all men regardless of race. We should be proud of that, because many (but not all) so called Christian organizations are as segregated as can be.
So what are we doing to promote ethnic diversity? Such a concept must be intentional because it doesn’t happen by accident. Wrong or right, many people of color see a gnarly looking spiked and bearded brotherhood like us and assume, based on how they were treated by others who look like us, that they are not welcome here.
So lets begin by honoring Gods decision to have different pigments on people. Lets get out to some events and show we consider African Americans to be equal too. Hmm, Im preaching to myself here.
James Disciple Johnson
National President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/mission-statement-to-disciple-men-to.html
Sunday, June 28, 2015
The Ministry of Racial Reconciliation
Its probably good for you to know about me that I am aware of some of the specific things God has sent me into this world to do. One of those is the ministry of racial reconciliation. You wont see it out of me often, but when God releases me to, I am very serious and sober minded about it. Now the biker world and bikers in general are segregated and somewhat racist, so what im about to say may bother you. This message isnt for the world, its for Disciples who want to follow Christ. Read on.
It burdens my heart, and I know it grieves the Lord that churches are by and large the most segregated segments of society. Within this ministry im very happy that across the board we are beginning to be less segregated. Many of you may not know this, but I have been praying for that, and I was moved recently when a man told me that he had been watching us for a couple years, but is joining now because he saw other black dudes at the USA Run. Chew on that for a minute. People you don’t know are watching you.
Lay aside your personal prejudices and opinions for just a moment if you can. Regardless of what YOU think, what I am about to tell you is the truth. Many blacks THINK AND FEEL racism and segregation still exists, and shapes their life every day. Many blacks feel that the rebel flag has become a symbol of racism because of comments and attitudes they have personally experienced. And I 100% agree with them, because ive BEEN that guy. Ive seen blacks called the N word to their face and just take it here in SC. There is no way you will know these things unless you have a dialog with them. Unfortunately many whites are so entrenched in their ways that they wont even be able to receive what im saying right now. Just posting this on my page in the last couple days got me cussed out with the F-word, comments about how blacks are all on welfare or crack (I know a lot of blacks, but not one on welfare or crack), and even scriptural references about how right the whites were, and how wrong the blacks are (just like the KKK uses scripture).
Now I don’t care one bit how you take what im about to say. Heaven aint all one color. If you choose to ignore the opinion of your Christian brothers because they are black, you don’t belong here, or in church at all, in my opinion. You can leave the club and we wont miss you a bit. We are going to be considerate of blacks opinions and sensitive to their needs, just like we don’t argue about being catholic or Baptist, or if you choose to have a drink out of the cut in the privacy of your own home. If you think a flag is so important, fly it and not the 888. Keep it in your house all you want, build a little shrine to it. Because if waving the rebel flag in your black brothers face on your profile picture is more important to you than trying to include them and be considerate of their opinion, then that flag is an idol to you, and you may as well have a shrine for it. Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
Because damn sure there are some black bikers watching us, some black 1% clubs watching us, and YOUR ACTIONS ON YOUR PERSONAL FACEBOOK PAGES affects us. Our mission statement doesn’t say our ministry is just to white 1% clubs. When you are wearing the 888, you have chosen to be a minister, and align yourself in ministry, not personal opinion. I practice what I preach. I love the rebel flag, I grew up in the south and NOT ONE OF YOU can educate me about the issue more than I already am. But ill be damned (literally cursed by God) if I fly that flag and alienate someone who belongs here, or drive a black brother away with my insensitivity. Even if they are (in your opinion) dead wrong about what the war was about, or what the flag means blah blah blah. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Now the whining begins “but James my personal page is my personal page and I can say and do what I want”. Ive chosen ministry, and that means choosing the best for my brothers, not just saying whatever I want. Weve been telling you for years to clean up your facebook page of 1% likes, alcohol references, girly stuff and other things. Now im asking you to respect our black brothers as well. Because this is about BROTHERHOOD not doing what you want how you want. That’s how the world thinks, not Jesus.
Ive shepherded this club through a lot of divisive issues. And now im leading you on this one too. Be wise and mature. There are plenty of people pointing out racism, reverse racism, Al Sharpton and that blacks had slaves to. Grow up and let the world talk all that junk and perpetuate the constant racial tensions. You need to be a light, not perpetuating racial tension. Grow up. Seek the middle, seek consensus. Be a man of God and a leader, not a follower of the pack and mass media. Post scripture and Godly wisdom, not more crap. There are plenty of positive beautiful things you can post about. If you find yourself getting all worked up about things PRACTICE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: Phil 4: 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Romans 14:21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
1 Corinthians 10:32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God
2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-ministry-of-racial-reconciliation.html
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Disciple Financial Vision 2015
I'm taking a moment to talk about our finances, because any time we ask you to sow into something, you should know what you're sowing into! Let's first talked about DCMC as a financial organization. Disciple Christian motorcycle club is a 501 C 3 religious charitable organization. While we can pay employees who perform services, the bulk of our funds is supposed to go to charitable contributions and actions that benefit the ministry and mission, not to benefit us as members. We have a national treasurer who audits every single transaction, every bit of money that is spent, and his documentation is turned over to a third party independent auditor every year at tax time. Money disbursement is handled by our national vice president disciple retro and our national sergeant-at-arms Kenneth Keith. This way we have multiple eyes on the whole situation. I also receive reports, and any questions I ever have or immediately answered. It's important for you to know that we are carefully watching the finances of this organization both before God, and the federal government. When we spend funds, it is in line with assisting charters to gain influence, to start their charter or spread the word. This includes paying for traveling expenses when necessary, charitable donations to other organizations. Once a charter is off the ground, they have shown that they can raise funds internally, sell t shirts, donate money to a rainy day fund etc.
Over the last year we've made a financial gift of $1000 to each charter to spend how they wish. Charters have wisely invested their funds and many still have their thousand dollars. Also in this last year for The USA Run we spent around $100 per person for food and lodging so that everyone would be able to have a great weekend and invest into each other spiritually. It was a huge success!
Another large expenditure this year was thousands of dollars to buy airline tickets for the entire slate of national officers and state presidents to fly up to the Canada run and sow into the bros up there. The value of this cross-border influence can't be counted in dollars! What an incredible blessing to be able to take the influential Disciples who have shaped the USA, and bring them to teach the newer Canadian charters!
When Disciple Orale died, we were able to make a donation to the family, and pay for some national officers to attend the funeral and pay our respects. We were able to sow some cool patches and tee shirts into them. Because you sowed into these things, you play a part in all of them, so thank you! So what's with the next year?
We are now beginning to save up for international travel, which is significantly more expensive than domestic travel. Examples include Brazil where airline tickets run in the thousands of dollars per person. And there's no way I'm going there alone! I'm not going to be handcuffed to a cot wishing that I had brought the Warhammer and DJ long! That upcoming trip alone by itself will cost over 10 grand. We had interest from Australia, South Africa and the UK. Now we're talking about six or seven thousand dollar flights for one person. What I want you to understand, is that the Disciple vision is global, and that's no small vision, and it takes no small amount of money to implement.
If God has truly brought you here, he's brought you here to help implement that vision. That includes financially, time busting your butt in your own state to make things happen and get to runs, and includes with prayer, covering the spiritual attack that comes against you, your family, your officers, and your national officers.
We believe the $10 a week donation is a minimum, so many of us have given above and beyond that into this club. Some have doubled their $10 a week donation. Many charters raise money within their own charter, for instance $20 a month per guy into a charter rainy day fund to use as they vote. Some tithe into the club. No matter what you give, do it with a cheerful heart, so that God can continue to bless you for your faithfulness! I'm amazed to see what happened in the last year, I'm excited to see what will happen in the next! God bless you all!
http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/disciple-financial-vision-2015.html
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
What do Do When You're Depressed
6. Finally, get your family to do the same thing. Intercessory prayer for YOURSELF!7. Enjoy watching the enemy flee! Its like nails on a chalkboard for him!
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian MC
Monday, June 15, 2015
Mentoring the Motivators
Our full patches need to get moving, and we need to continue to motivate them periodically going forward. Full patches often get lazy once they earn it, and forget to mentor the new generation. We must reach out. We must SHOW brotherhood. We must make sure the new charters are not rotting from the inside out with complaining, political infighting, patching up guys who don't deserve it etc. We need to build support and respect for national, for leadership, and for our process. I need each of us to take responsibility for periodically pushing these calls.
When you call a bro to check in on him spiritually here are some things to discuss.
1. How are you doing on the Four Legs Blog? Have you read it and followed all the links? Do you know how to find it? (google: Disciple CMC four legs)
2. What are you reading in the Word? What is God saying to you out of it? If they don't understand it, what translation are they using? Are they asking the Spirit to open the Word to them during reading? Did they confess hidden sin before reading?
3. Are they listening to worship music? Not secular, not Christian rock, not praise and worship, but worship music? Do they understand what worship music is? Do they understand the destructive power of the lyrics and spirits behind secular music? Do they take some time to center themselves, meditate and worship daily?
4. What is their fasting schedule? Do they understand fasting? Have they read the blogs and watched the videos linked to the Four Legs post? Do they know that fasting is scriptural, and for today? Are they fasting daily or weekly, even if it's just a meal? Do they know of other kinds of fasting like skipping media etc? Do they understand how fasting crucified the flesh, and ties into overcoming addiction, depression and unforgiveness?
5. Are they sowing their time, talent and treasure into the kingdom of God? Are they serving in their church? Do they tithe 10% (Mal 3), give offerings (Cor 9), gifts to the man of God (Phil 4) or alms/gifts to the poor?
6. What is God trying to change about them right now through the Four Questions?
7. Who in the club is mentoring them on a regular basis? What six guys are they mentoring using the questions above? How are they working to build brotherhood across state lines, across the country?
8. What process are they working, to get approved in their area? Have they already built the brotherhood with guys in their area?
9. Do they have a page, MA, and conference call?
10. What issues, concerns are comments or political issues do they have within their charter?
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Sunday, May 31, 2015
How Can a Christian MC Have Prospects?
How Can a Christian MC Have Prospects?
It's simple: Prospecting is all throughout the Bible!
1 Timothy 3:10 NASB These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
The church is an inclusive place for everyone. Ministry is for those who are called to a higher level. In Judges 7 God gave Gideon an unusual prospecting process that left him with just 1% of his army. Jesus didn't just throw 12 dudes to the wolves. He prospected them for three years. He trained them, he tested them, he sent them out the first time and they came back with questions, so he trained them some more before sending them out again. He selected them from a group of hundreds of men, first three, then twelve, then hundreds were called disciples. He was hard on them, spoke harshly, even sarcastic at times (Matt 16:23, John 21:15-17). John 6:66-67 NASB As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?"
Contrary to what the world says, Respect is given, disrespect is earned. Our default is to be polite and nice and take people at their word. But sometimes people show their true colors, and aren't what they say. Sometimes people earn disrespect. Wouldn't it be a shame if we patched them up to early and they brought shame on the cross of Christ and caused a bad taste in the mouth of the MC community by not knowing protocol. Prov 18:6 By talking, a fool gets into an argument, and his mouth invites a beating.
As Disciple, we aren't just Christian bikers but ministers on motorcycles. We ordain many of our men, we can't do that without knowing who they are. 1 Timothy 5:21 I solemnly call on you in the sight of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels to be impartial when you follow what I've told you. Never play favorites. 22Don't be in a hurry to place your hands on anyone [to ordain him]. Don't participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself morally pure.
Now this is not an attempt to speak about what any other ministry does. This is only an attempt to talk about what we do. A lot of people show up here because we look cool in pictures, or they saw the patch and want to wear it. Forcing them through a consistent process that is the same in every charter is the only way to separate the wheat from the chaff. That way we know whether they're in Canada, California, Brazil or Carolina, they have been through a process that tests them, both in front of other organizations, in front of us, and in front of God.
While we accept men the way they are, we immediately begin to mold them and shape them into being more serious about their faith. We help them break addiction, get in the word, begin a life of fasting and prayer, and push them in all areas of their spiritual walk. It's quite frankly a very difficult process. I hear from men all the time that they came to us looking for people that believe the same as them, and quickly found they needed to step up their spiritual walk.
We dont intend to leave men where they are spiritually, if you ain't growing you're shrinking. We teach men that there's freedom from addiction, that their marriage and their children are the important ministry, and it's time to step up from being a weak pew bound Christian.
Prospecting ain't about hazing. It's about learning. Learning protocol, the Disciple mission, the Word of God, and who you are. Because honestly, most of us here showed up thinking our poop smelled like roses and we were God's gift to bikerdom, and found out we had a lot to learn from our brothers. And if you're not ready to learn from your brothers, then you're not ready to teach anyone. If you're not a humble servant able to submit to biblical authority then you're not ready to lead anyone.
But for sure I know, by the time we patch men up, they have learned a thing or two along the way, taught us a thing or two along the way, and dealt with some of their issues along the way. And after they've learned a servants heart, they learn that they are still a prospect, just now their brothers are serving them too, cuz brotherhood is about a servants heart being a two way street.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
How Can a Christian MC Have Prospects? http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-can-christian-mc-have-prospects.html
Monday, April 27, 2015
Guidance for Presidents
As I was riding back from Disciple Orale’s Memorial Run yesterday, I was asking the Lord to continue to guide me in his light and to make Him proud of what I give back. This morning as I went to the Word for my morning devotion time, the bible fell open to 1 Peter 5.
1 Peter 5: 1-4; 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Men, through James, the Holy Spirit have chosen us to be Presidents (shepherds) of charters. In the above passage, Paul is fulfilling his charge from Jesus in the early days of His walk. I asked myself what exactly are we suppose to be doing as shepherd of our flock? First I reread DCMC by-laws looking for some kind of “job description”, and then I remembered back to what I was told when appointed this position. That’s when I began to realize that we have all been given different guidance.
This drove me to continue to research some and came up with these thoughts. As a flock leader, it is a three-fold duty. 1. To feed the flock, by leading them in direction and discipline according to God’s written Word. 2. Shepherds must take oversight as leader of the charter, by personnel care and vigilance over the flock committed to their charge. 3. We must be examples to the charter, and practice the holiness, self-denial, humility, and all other duties directed. These duties must be performed with constraint; not because we must do them, not from compulsion of power, or the constraint of fear or shame, but from a willing mind that takes pleasure in the work, with a sincerely and cheerfully endeavoring soul to serve God’s people.
Paul also wrote in Acts 20:28-30; 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Each shepherd has a spiritual gift, either be it prophetically as a translator of the Word, or an individual with strong leadership skills that can motivate the masses. As flock leaders, we ought to be feeding and shepherding the flock given under our charge as role model examples.
As stated in 1 Timothy 4:1-2; there will be individuals who fall away from the flock. We need to pay particular attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons that are hypocrisy liars from within our own flocks. These will need to be seared with a hot branding iron.
As shepherds I believe we need each other. We need to be a unified front to continue to build from within, but also to the masses from outside. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that numerous other Christian MC/MM/RCs are looking at DCMC as an example to follow. I heard it this weekend from a MC President, that he wishes his MC was a “real” as DCMC is, and he is praying for guidance to see if stays with his MC or ours.
I love each of you. GOD IS GREAT
Gary Hippy Glover
Florida Boss
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Vision 2015
Men I want to raise $50k over the next year to launch seven brothers into full time ministry. That's seven thousand dollars for seven men over the next year. That may sound like a lot, but if each man on the black and gray world donated $200, we'd be done. So why?
We are starting in Cottontown with an old building that needs some upfit. Carpet, paint, sound system, ceiling repairs, bathroom repairs, adding a shower. There are other things, trademark, 501c3, separate books, advertising in the community. We have spent the entire $2k men have already put into this vision. Another $5k is needed now to compete it. In each of these locations, SC, FL, SK, TN, NC, CA, OH, the process will be different, the costs will vary. But if $7 is a fair estimate here, it's fair elsewhere too.
These monies are not all needed today. Some is, but most of it is over the course of the next year. We may launch FL and SK this year, so call it $21 this year and the rest by May 2016. In each case we will be distributing it the same way we do in Disciple, with care and prayer, as needed.
Why should you care? Well first it's a clubhouse for you to bunk in when you are there. And trust me, you men on this page will be traveling more often in the near future as we continue to grow. Second, God has spoken into the lives of these men and given them an urgency to enter full time ministry. That's awesome. Even if God Hasn't called you to that, these are your brothers, and having the financial resources to help them gives you a part in their destiny.
But I saved the most important reason for last: God wants to see those in the MC community saved, and we are going to make a great impact there. Our impact will be much greater than just the biker community, but I have no doubt 1%ers, other club members and independent bikers will find salvation and be rescued from eternal hell fire in DWC.
I want you to give. If you haven't read 2 Corinthians 9 you need to. Some of us our ministry is to preach and plant the seed. Some to water the seed with time spent in prayer and discussions with men. Some reap the fruit of seeing men saved. But all of us can fertilize the seed with cash. If you are hurting financially then you just pray. But if God has given to you, if God has been good to you, if God has blessed you, then now is the time to bless your brothers and see them launched forward.
I want you to get this down inside you and take it back to your men, and talk about giving. Yall can come up with your own idea for giving. Maybe you raise money together as a state and donate that together. Maybe you have a bake sale, bike wash, a run for the pastors we are birthing. If we can have a run for these other causes, why not one to benefit our own brothers?
Some of you may not be able to give but $20, and that's OK. Others might be able to give $2k and make up the difference. I'm waiting to see the largest gift myself, and I will match it. I've discovered I can't out give God, and I'm not willing to ask anyone to do anything I won't. So make me pay!
It's worth it to see your brothers reach their destiny. It's worth it to see souls saved in seven cities every month. After all, what's it worth to you to see a man go to heaven?
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Remember that the person who sows few seeds will have a small crop; the one who sows many seeds will have a large crop. You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.
Philippians 4:17-19 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Monday, April 20, 2015
Follow Me as I Follow Christ
Follow Me as I Follow Christ
Nobody in this club follows me. There are no robots in this club, there are no fawning acolytes, minions, henchmen, underlings, fanclubs or lackeys. No one in this club blindly serves me, no one in this club is trying to be my favorite, no one is going around kissing my ass all the time.
If there has occasionally been such a person, I straighten them out right quick, because i cant stand such people. I dont respect such things so instead we teach them how to keep it real. Usually they quit when we disillusion them of such thoughts. I want men around me that can be respected.
Occasionally some person comes along and foolishly suggests that there are such people in the club. Allow me to take a stab at explaining why from a biblical stance.
1 Cor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Anyone who knows me, has spent a lot of time with me, not just followed me on the internet and met me a couple times, anyone who really knows me, knows that I am a failure. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Rom 7:18.
These are the men who have seen me fall seven times, and stand up eight, still praising God. These are the men who make no judgement about such things because they are looking at their own failings and they cant bring themselves to look down on me. These men understand Gal 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
These men see the same failings in me that they see in themselves. They also see the Power of Christ in my walk. The constant repentance, the constant crucifiction of the flesh, my broken heart toward my sin, the operation of the power of God in my life. And they see en example. A man who realizes how jacked up he is, who nails that to the cross, and follows Gods calling in his life. And THAT is something they can respect, THAT is something they can follow, THAT is something they want.
When I stand up from prayer and say God showed me this or that, or God says we need to do thus and so, these men recognize Gods voice because they have been cultivating listening to it through gentleness, mercy patience and kindness. And they go to the Throne of Grace and independently double check what im saying, and find we have our ears to the same throne. They hear what I say and see how I live and evaluate it from the biblical perspective. When Im off, they correct my course, they teach me. 1 Peter 4:11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.
Those outside this perspective are looking in. They dont understand why any man would look up to another fallible man. They dont get it at all, because they dont have all the information, or they are ignoring it. So correct them gently, lest you too be tempted. Moses, David, Joshua, Paul, all these men had people following them, and had people telling others not to follow them. Im not at that level, and Im not saying I am. However I am providing a biblical example for following a flawed man, who follows God.
We arent Jim Jones, Im not David Koresh, this isnt Waco. This is a serious group of godly men, who consider things from a biblical perspective, following a serious and strong godly leader. Dont get it mixed, thats the way the Bible does it too. Don't believe me? Read the book of Judges. One flawed man after another, sacrificing everything, given control of a rebellious nation, blessed by God.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Follow Me as I Follow Christ http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/follow-me-as-i-follow-christ.html
Mouth Exposes Heart
As I was completing my nightly read in the Word, I came across a verse that God spoke to me on.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
What is a Set Man
The biblical position of a set man is outlined below. Although this article is from a church's point of view, you can see the cross meaning of its implementation in the club. Our National Leaders are the Set Men for this club. So when you see James post things like if you don't respect the leadership of this club, you go against Christ, you know what is meant by that.
As a local church/club adopts a concept of church/ club government, its destiny is being shaped. Church/Club government is the channel through which vision flows. God always selects His leaders carefully, equips them, and releases them to accomplish a vision He ordains. Every local church has a destiny to fulfill.
The senior (or lead) pastor is the key leader in God’s leadership structure. His office and ministry may be described as general overseer, presiding elder, first among equals, senior minister, or as Set Man. This last term comes from Numbers 27:16, where the Lord is invited to “set a man” over a congregation. If this leader is truly chosen by God to set vision, make decisions (in partnership with elders), and motivate the congregation, and if the leader faithfully seeks God, then the church’s destiny will be wonderfully realized.
Let’s examine this idea of a “set man” in more detail. Here are some words that describe the set man.
Helmsman. The set man stands as a helmsman in his leadership position to direct and manage the church/club in all areas of spiritual life and vision. He steers the ship according to his God-given gift to lead, his biblical knowledge of the God-given vision, and his proven character. The spiritual advancement of the church/club depends on spiritual leaders who are capable of breaking through obstacles at hand. The set man is key to moving the people of God forward.
Trainer. He has the ability to raise up leaders and work in a team-like manner in order to equip the church/club for its God-given task. When leadership ministries are harnessed by the Holy Spirit to work in cooperation, their effectiveness is multiplied. Recognizing and submitting to each other, they work toward a common goal and truly become a leadership team (see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). A one-man operation destroys leadership in others. The successful set man finds emerging leaders, trains them, and then works with them in a team.
Key Leader. The set man is a person who should hear from God and give overall direction to the church. While he works in conjunction with a leadership team who gives input on buying property, building programs, choosing staff, or disciplining someone, he is still the leader God has positioned at the front of the pack. God placed Moses at the front of the Israelites, along with a team of prophets, priests, and other wise counselors, but Moses was still the set man. This does not mean that one man can single handedly meet the needs of an entire flock. That is impossible! Nor does ministry reside in one person. Still, God usually speaks to a leader of a congregation to move that church/club or the church’s/ clubs leadership group toward His vision.
The set man position is a crucial one that should be embraced with excitement, enthusiasm, and the confidence that God has set him in that position to lead His people into a new land.
Although there are different levels of Set Men within this club. The National Leadership have been set in place, to guide the overall direction of this club. The state level set man, is a point of contact for his state, because he has shown the knowledge, and reliability, and faithfulness to warrant that respect.
So when we teach to respect our leadership, it's not a tyrannical, dictatorship, way of teaching. It is because they have earned their positions, and have been placed in them by God himself. Disrespecting them, is disrespectful to God.
For His Glory
Disciple Big Beard
West Coast Boss
DFFD
What is a Set Man http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/what-is-set-man.html
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Respect Leadership, Respect Christ
If you don't respect the leadership of this club, you don't respect Christ, I posted the Scripture below. Christ kept us from growing outside SC till all of us stepped up our walk. You're here because of our relentless pursuit of the cross, and our daily sacrifices to serve you men and the thousands who will be touched by this ministry. Are we perfect? Nope. Just set in place by God to serve you. So don't make serving you a headache, for that is not profitable to you.
Ephesians 5:21 Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
1 Peter 2:13-19 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
Romans 13:1-8 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Prayer Scriptures
Matthew 5:43-45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Y ou shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Job 8:20 "Lo, God will not reject a man of integrity, Nor will He support the evildoers.
Proverbs 10:3 The L ord will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will reject the craving of the wicked.
Luke 18:1-8 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Luke 11:1-13 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." And He said to them, "When you pray, say: ' Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. 'Give us each day our daily bread. 'And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'" Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything. ' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
Mark 11:20-26 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, "Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered." And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that whoat he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. [ But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions." ]
James 1:5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Prayer Scriptures http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/prayer-scriptures.html
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Renewal
Many received freedom at Daytona from bondages caused by suppressed emotions. These included anger, rage, bitterness, unforgiveness, and depression. This work isn't done. In fact we are just beginning to set people free.
That's the work of the Holy Spirit, to set you free. Listen to Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn.
God wants to heal the broken places in your heart. He wants to release you from the victimization and abuse that happened to you. He wants to see you have liberty from loneliness, feelings of isolation and frustration. Fear, distress, doubt and confusion isn't His plan for you. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
God wants to create a new clean heart in you. He wants to set you free so you can serve Him wholeheartedly. Love, joy, peace, patience and kindness aren't just random ideas, they are God's plan for you.
Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit.
So the next two rallies, the Battle Scar, and the USA Run will be about Renewal. Letting go of old junk, and letting God flood us with fresh fire and the anointing of His Holy Ghost.
Renewal http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/renewal.html
Friday, April 10, 2015
Tithing
Tithing is a wisdom principal commonly accepted practice in the Christian Church. A wisdom principle is something clearly laid out throughout the entire scripture. Tithe means tenth. Literally tithing means giving 10 percent of your income to God. Tithes are first found 600 years before the Mosaic law was given. In Genesis 14 Abraham tithes 10 percent of all he has to Melchizedek (a foreshadowing of Jesus Heb 6:10). His grandson Jacob does the same in Genesis 28, promising a tenth of all he has to God. Tithing is mentioned all throughout the Scripture, even in the New Testament where Jesus talks about it, and in Heb 7 where Paul writes that tithes are given into human hands, but that they are received by Him who lives forever.
So why would anyone try to argue against the established Christian practice of tithing so clearly laid out in the Word? Simple: We don't want to open the old billfold. My money is mine, and I'll spend it how I feel like. The devil certainly doesn't want anyone tithing directly into the hands of Christ! He's standing by to whisper all sorts of reasons for you not to tithe, or frankly give anything at all whatsoever.
But tithing was important enough that it was listed in the Old Testament law as a requirement, as much as 23% of your income. We don't live under the OT law praise God, but we don't throw everything in the law away either. The OT law says not to kill, not to commit adultery, surely we don't say now we can because Christ has come? Christ didn't come so we can start selfishly keeping everything for ourselves! In fact, Christ says in Matt 6 that we should be storing up treasure in heaven, because where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also. So lets look at what the Bible says about tithing, how you do it, where you do it, and what the result is.
Malachi 3:8-12 "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, 'How have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. (Whoa! Strong words from God!)
You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! (Yup, he's saying there is a consequence to not giving. Jesus came to break the curse of sin and death, but walking in disobedience still has consequences)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house (This is the first of the mechanics of tithing: bring the WHOLE tithe into the store house. The food referred to is like Matt 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. So we are tithing to the place where we get spiritually fed.)
(now we get into what God says the Biblical results of tithing are)
And test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, (the only place in the Bible where God says to test him) "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; (Ever feel like some unnecessary bill or expense comes just when you thought you were going to get ahead? I've seen my car need a repair that cost exactly what my missed tithe for the week would have been. Are you willing to let the devourer continue destroy your finances?)
Nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes," (supernatural timimg: ie you lose your job just to find that a better one has just opened up and you get a pay increase) says the Lord of hosts.
"All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land," says the Lord of hosts. (The blessing God lays on you will be such that it's obvious, public, others will see it)
Now I don't know about you, but that seems pretty clear to me. Seems like God doesn't have any problem clearly getting His point across. Tithing is just one of the four specific kinds of giving listed in the Word, next we will get into offerings, gifts to the man of God, and gifts to the poor or alms. God bless you today!
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Tithing http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/tithing.html
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Giving at the Next Level
For years I've been pushing you men to the next level in your spiritual walk. Sometimes dragging you kicking, screaming and arguing with me lol. I've taught you the value of a daily word and prayer time, and youve seen to pay off in your life.
I've been called names, accused of being judgmental, or a cult leader for convincing you to break addictions in your life, but when you have, youve seen the payoff. Men have left prescription pills, drugs, and nicotine behind just because I laid it out there that you could through the power of Christ, and that it would please God.
I've had to battle you to get you to do fasting and prayer, dealing with arguments that it's some kind of weird Old Testament thing that people shouldn't be doing. Then after you started, the testimonies started coming about what God did in your life, how your walk has been elevated, how you've overcome in areas of your life, because of fasting and prayer!
And let's face it, when you read the Word and operate the principles in it, you achieve new breakthroughs in your spiritual walk! You produce fruit, some 30 some 60 some hundred fold.
Now I'm going to be teaching you a new principal. Give, it's more blessed to give than receive, God loves a cheerful giver, it's a fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
I hope I've earned some credibility with you now. Don't make me push you begging kicking and screaming into this, don't let me be called names, like cult leader, you need to stop people who say its some kind of weird Old Testament thing. The Bible is the Bible, and the Word of God is the Word of God, and I'm not going to stop bringing it to you because Satan is telling you not to open up your billfold. It's okay if you didn't hear it before, some churches don't preach the word about giving for fear the people won't come back next Sunday. After all there's something selfish inate in all of us that the devil can harp on, that our money is our money and we'll spend it how we want.
Its not your money anyway, it's the blessing of God. And He expects you to be a good steward of it.
In the coming weeks and months I'm going to open up the scripture for you and show you in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, that there are four kinds of giving: tithing, offerings, gifts to the man of God, and gifts to the poor or alms. The scripture lays out mechanics for how each of these should be given, to whom, and what the results are when God sees you doing it.
So hang on to your Bibles, and get ready for a wild ride. Be prepared for people who don't want to give, who think they'd rather spend their money themselves, and that it's wrong to give to the work of the Lord, to say so. Be prepared for them to say all manner of evil about us, because we are teaching you some next level principals. Be ready for them to call us evil and greedy because we want to see you ha e success in your walk with God.
And be prepared. Work the principals in the Word about giving, because you're gonna see results! And God might just blow you away.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Giving at the Next Level http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/giving-at-next-level.html
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Should Pastors Be Paid a Salary?
"Should pastors be paid a salary?"
A church should definitely provide for the financial needs of its pastor(s) and any other full-time ministers.
First Corinthians 9:14 gives the church clear instruction: “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” We pay people to prepare and serve our physical food; shouldn't we also be willing to pay those who see to our spiritual food? And, honestly, which is more important—physical food or spiritual food—based on Matthew 4:4?
1Timothy 5:17–18 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’” There are several points made in this passage. Church elders should be honored, and this honor includes wages. Those elders who serve the church well—especially teachers and preachers—should receive double honor. They have earned it. It would be cruel to work an ox while denying it grain, and we should take care not to treat our pastors cruelly. Let them share in the material blessings of the congregation they serve. Our pastors are worth more than many oxen.
There is nothing spiritual about making a pastor “suffer for the Lord.” Yes, a pastor has been divinely called to his ministry, but it does not follow that a congregation should say, “Let God take care of him.” God says the local church is responsible to take care of him and his family. Caring for the spiritual needs of a congregation is an important work—probably more important than other things we normally spend money on, such as meeting our physical needs, maintaining our vehicles, and entertaining ourselves. 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not [a]use the milk of the flock?
It is true that the apostle Paul supported himself as he ministered in Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:12). He drew no salary from the Corinthians. But he made it clear that he did this as a voluntary sacrifice on their behalf, “that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel” (verse 18). Paul did take wages from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:8). His arrangement in Corinth was the exception, not the rule.
Sometimes a church is just not able to provide sufficient finances for a pastor. The pastor in such cases is forced to be bi-vocational, having no choice but to work outside the church to support his family. This is regrettable but sometimes necessary. It is usually better for a pastor to be paid full-time so he can fully dedicate himself to the Lord’s work of ministering to and shepherding the congregation God has entrusted to him.
For His Glory
Disciple Big Beard
West Coast Boss
DFFD
Should Pastors Be Paid a Salary? http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/should-pastors-be-paid-salary.html
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The Shoes God Has Given You to Walk In
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1 Timothy 1:17-19 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6, 39-40 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
There are invisible things in the spirit realm, on the spiritual time line, seeds of which have been planted in you, abilities God has placed in you, prophetic words that have been spoken over you, that you must find, germinate, fertilize, water, and prune to bear fruit. Or they stay invisible and you go through life feeling unfulfilled.
The only way to find these things is to spend so much time in the invisible realm that the invisible becomes visible. So much time sowing to the Spirit, fasting, in your prayer closet, meditating the Word, communing with God, facedown on the floor, soaking in the Spirit, sitting down the flesh, so He can reveal His will.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
The Shoes God Has Given You to Walk In http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-shoes-god-has-given-you-to-walk-in.html
Vision 2015 Sowing Seeds
Vision 2015: The Mother Charter is remodeling a church to use as DCMC’s home, bunkhouse for runs, and weekly Disciples Way Christian Coffehouse services. As well, we are already in the process of launching these in several more cities this year. This project includes thousands of dollars worth of paint, carpet, ceiling repairs, bunks, and more.
This first series of projects is one that I want all of you to be a part of, no matter what part of the country you call home. I want everyone to have an opportunity to be able to come to Mother Charter’s Club House and see their name on the wall and know that they had a major part in sowing into God's plan. This is your opportunity to leave a legacy for everyone to see for generations of Disciples to come.
I have beautiful plaques being made with the following headings and they will also have the names of the sponsors who donated. The plaques will be hung very prominently in the Mother Charter.
Black & Gray Sower Level: $1500.00 may be split into 3 payments
Platinum Sower Level: $1000.00 May be Split into 2 payments
Gold Sower Level: $500.00
Silver Sower Level: $250.00
Iron Donor Level: $100.00
All Sowers who contribute at one of the above levels of contribution, will receive a Commemorative Patch for their Rag, and also a Plaque for their home. All donations may be made through the DCMC store. If you have any questions or need special payment arrangements, please text Zach Siokos the project coordinator on this. You may sow into this project using the tabs provided at: http://disciplecmc.storenvy.com
Zach Siokos, Cottontown Hangaround 803-348-0046
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Leadership: Dispensing Correction
Leadership: Dispensing Correction. A great question can be raised, how do you handle when you know people are out of line.
The first answer is always to pray for that person out of love. God may reveal to that person how they need to change. I remember a young lady who is working on my youth ministry team who had an issue with how she dressed, showing an awful lot of cleavage every Sunday. I prayed about it, the very next Monday she showed up wearing a pantsuit that was completely modest.
The second answer is always to pray and ask God to change you first. If you go into confrontation as your freshly self, your flesh might get involved. Before we correct someone, we need to make sure that its not just our issues getting in the way. Cultural differences, gender differences, all these things can cause an offense. An example might be in black church showing up on time does not necessarily value as much as it is and white church. Collecting someone on a cultural issue like this may just be in sensitivity on your part.
The third answer is to pray, how does God want you to handle the situation? Do you need to do some research on how to deal with this issue? Is there a word of knowledge God has for you on what's going on with this person? Are they struggling with an issue, and the bad behavior you're seeing is just a symptom? Can you be there to heal them and help them, and behavior will correct itself because the root cause was dealt with?
The fourth answer is to pray about if this is spiritual warfare? Is this a person carrying out an assignment of the enemy to get under your skin or distract you from your purpose? Is there a spiritual force it was that you need to discern and take authority over? Is this something that is assaulting you in your faith or temper? Praying that God will help you to discern the spiritual root of the issue will always make you more effective at binding it, kickin it out, or dealing with it.
The fifth answer is to be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in dealing with the issue. It may be while preaching that He releases you too comment broadly on the issue and teach the resolution without specifically calling that person out, rather than going directly to the person. Recently while preaching as a guest speaker in another church the Holy Spirit had me to stop and treat the issue of spousal abuse very thoroughly, even though it wasn't in my notes. The spirit was telling me there was someone in the audience who needed to hear it. The pastor took me aside later and was laughing because he had not been released to deal with a man in the church who he knew was abusing his wife, but I as a stranger not knowing the situation I was able to preach on it without condemnation. I'm sure that man was particularly uncomfortable well I was dealing with the subject for about 5 minutes!
The last step is to follow the biblical order for confrontation in Matt 18. Be gentle, be loving, be understanding, but be firm. Don't allow the issue to wander into other issues, stay on focus. Don't do it out of your flash, if you're losing your temper, the issue is with you not with them. Remember your own faults and shortcomings, and the grace that God has given you. Give them that same grace.
Prov 27:5 better is an open rebuke the love that is concealed. Prov 17:10 a rebuke impresses a discerning person more than 100 lashes for a fool. Prov 9:8 do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you, rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Some people are fools, and you will not get through to them. They will laugh, or rage, and there will be no peace. Just realize you're dealing with a fool, I didn't say that, the Bible did! But if things go badly, you have to check yourself, learn what you could have done better, and realize that you may not have been the right. Let God work in your heart so the next time you do better.
Just like 1st Corinthians 13 says, everything has to be done out of love. Check yourself closely, that there's not some contentious spirit in you, a desire to just be right, or show how much you know. Truth and kindness. God is love.
Leadership: Dispensing Correction http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/leadership-dispensing-correction.html
Fasting for the Family
Fasting for the Family
Marriages and families are under attack in the club. No wonder, the marriage is the key building block of the church. Without our families believing in our ministry there is no ministry. If we aren't men of God at home we can't go out pretending to be men of God. So after a suggestion from my wife, and prayer about what the ground rules are, to combat this oppression we are calling a fast for the Family.
1. Three day fast, starting 6am Thursday April 2, the fast ends easter Sunday morning at 6am.
2. The fast is for husband and wife.
3. No food from 12pm noon until 6am, water only.
4. No media during that time, TV, Internet, Facebook, phone, iPad, club calls etc.
5. No sex. 1 Cor 7:5 specifically
6. Devote yourself to family quality time during these hours. Do a family Bible study.
7. Kids old enough to participate may be encouraged to skip an evening meal. Everyone in the household skips media (unless required for work/school but strictly limited).
8. If you are participating in another fasting schedule, you may continue it, or choose this fast instead for these three days.
Isa 58 describes fasting as not only giving something up, but also doing godly things during that time. This fast is aimed at the evening hours where you will be with your family. Pour into them. Be kind, sweet, caring, be an awesome parent or spouse. Be thoughtful. Become the parent and spouse you are supposed to be. If your spouse will not fast with you, do it anyway.
Isa 58 also describes the benefits of fasting. This fast will break the enemies bonds in your marriage and family. It will undo yokes of oppression that bind your family. Forgiveness will spring forth speedily in your family. Righteousness will rise like the dawn of day in your family. The glory of the Lord will guard your family. A renewed fire and passion will be felt. God is going to restore the joy you once had. God will make all things new.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Fasting for the Family http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/fasting-for-family.html
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Disciples Way Christian Coffehouse
We are about to be hit with significant growth across the country and the globe. God is speakin to me that to be prepared for this, our discipling of men needs to become more focused and purposeful, and that our support of men in 1% clubs needs not only to be entering into their environment where the evil spirits rule, but also bringing them into a safe and friendly environment full of the Holy Spirit where they can have an encounter with Father. Specifically God is speaking that he is raising up men and training some men in this club so they can begin pouring into other men at a new and powerful level.
There are three cities specifically where I feel God is giving us an open door this year, and leading us to provide something that doesn't currently exist, filling a gap in the MC community. This year I believe obedience to His leading includes creating a basic handbook, and releasing men to minister in the following way:
Disciples Way Christian Coffehouse
Columbia, SC Knoxville, TN Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
MISSION STATEMENT
A place for those rejected by religion, worshipping the Father
PURPOSE
Some people don't go to church because they feel like if they walk into church they might get struck by lightning. Sometimes these people have been rejected by religion because of the way they look, the way they talk, or the way they dress. Sometimes judgemental Christians have driven them out of church, sometimes what's being preached doesn't speak to their situation. Sometimes they're under so much attack that the average pew warmer would never understand them.
Very often these people suffer from addiction, unforgiveness, depression, and generational curses. Often they have such a tough exterior because they're trying to protect themselves. Protect them selves from the hurt that happened to them when they were young, the rejection they suffered, the lack of parental figures.
Isaiah 61 says the Lord has anointed us to heal the brokenhearted, and release prisoners. He's giving us a chance to break these bonds through teaching what the Word of God has to say about freedom, forgiveness and love.
STRUCTURE
The goal is to structure these meetings to start with a 30-45 minutes of recorded worship music. Encourage people physically engage and abandon themselves in worship, not sit back and watch. Standing, moving with the music, following the scripture about lifting holy hands in prayer, these should be encouraged. Encourage people to release the weights they walked into the room with, to release forgiveness, to allow God to work in them. An area should be provided for positions of submission, whether it's face down, a bended knee, and people should be encouraged and taught why we take positions of submission before the Father. Dancing before the Lord should be encouraged, dancing like David danced, engaging whole being in worshiping God, leaving everything at the altar. During this time a designated prayer warrior should move through the group praying for people and anointing them with oil as the Spirit leads, as indicated in James 5.
The church fails when it makes worship a spectator event with people sitting watching the musicians perform. The goal is to say the words themselves, to enter into worshipping the Father.
WORD TIME
Word time should also be about 30-45 minutes. The goal of this fellowship is to teach people practical tools to use in order to overcome the things they are struggling with. This can be accomplished through teaching the Four Legs, forgiveness, and a focus on a life that pleases God through sowing to the Spirit and overcoming the flesh. A weekly blog will be provided with bullet points for teachers to study.
CROSS POLINATION OF SPEAKERS
At least once a month through careful prayer and consideration another ministry should be encouraged to send a speaker.
PRAYER TIME
Afterwards the moderator should offer prayer for those who feel they have burdens to leave at the altar. Worship time should be continued while this happens, until everyone who feels they need prayer has received it.
HANG-OUT TIME
Finally 30-45 minutes of hang out time should be announced, where refreshments are provided. People should be encouraged to talk about the Word for the week, what God was saying to them, and the Four Questions.
Disciples Way Christian Coffehouse http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/disciples-way-christian-coffehouse.html
Words of Correction
I want to talk to you guys for a moment about discipline within the club. If you had any idea how much flak we take, how many people insult us, how many people disagree with everything we do, how many people whine complain fight and argue when they're corrected, you'd probably give your national leadership a lot less trouble.
Please, give us less trouble. Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
For that would be of no advantage to you.
If you think I come down hard, or you think I'm too sensitive, or you think the punishments we hand down are harsh, consider this: because of our experience as leaders in an international organization, we know the early signs, and we step on problems early. Before they become big fire, we firmly stamp out the little embers.
We are now truly an international organization, with dozens of charters and hundreds of men, and we are about to double in size. Pay close attention to how we administer discipline, because when its thousands of guys it's going to be even harder. The same discipline that was meted out to you, you'll need to be able to hand out, with love and careful correction. The only way an organization like ours can be kept from becoming weak is to firmly carry out our guiding principles.
If we give you correction, from myself down to the regional and the state leaders, don't argue. Before you try to explain how you see it and what you think of it, take time and pray on it. Like 24 hours. I don't expect to see you jump right back in and start telling us your opinion before you taking time to prayerfully consider what we're trying to tell you. That will just tell me what kind of man you are. The fact of the matter is that you're probably wrong, you probably need to learn, and rather than making us tell you twice more firmly, go figure it out before the Lord and then come back and apologize. There's no need to waste your brothers time by not considering what they told you, and coming back to argue about it.
Sometimes we are going to correct you in writing on a page so not just you but others too can learn. The "no text conflict" part is YOU not arguing back, and taking time to consider the word of correction you've received. A phone call to your ma might be in order so you can get it straight.
Most people are not used to proper biblical authority and leadership. In the Old Testament God didn't have a problem opening up the earth and swallowing those who argued with their leaders. If you don't believe me check out the rebellion of Koran in Numbers 16..on Here in this club I don't have any problem exercising spiritual authority, but I'd really rather exercise readership. So please don't make me take the daddy tone. And don't make the rest of your leaders do it either.
Even if you've been in a three piece patch outlaw club, you still have to learn the Disciple Way. The Lord has spoken to me some things that I have very set in my mind about how we're going to run this organization. Coming in as a new prospect, a new probationary full patch, or even a seasoned national officer, there are at times going to be things that you may not understand, that the Lord is clearly speaking to me, that we're going to do. If you feel like you have some difference of vision, it's time to be on the phone with me trying to understand what God is speaking to me so that you can get on board with it or tell me specifically where I'm wrong. Anything less and I'm going to get in your business about it. It's my job to oversee an unruly lot of free thinking high-spirited Type A personality men, and the best way to do that is be real up front about what I'm thinking and what the Lord is putting on my heart.
Finally, I personally am not always going to have the time to personally call everyone that isn't on board with the vision. I'm just go to a national or state leader and talk through what I want done, and they are going to straighten out the brothers who were out of line. Yes I'm your brother, no I'm not any better than you are, but the state and national leadership also have to know how to mentor mem in the Disciple way. Your goal should be to be teachable, ready for correction, open to learning the vision.
God has ordained what we do. There is a natl leadership structure, we have a direction, at times you might not get it, but it will be revealed to you. Stay on mission, don't get all upset, it's not all about you, it's about the mission. God bless yall.
James Disciple Johnson
Natl President and Founder
Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club
Words of Correction http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/words-of-correction.html