Years ago I used to dream a lot about how successful I would be in ministry and business.  The only thing I found out is that dreams are good but not good enough to produce an income.  I would dream I would be this famous person who made lots of money and helped people all over the world.  Again I only found out that fame doesn't necessarily bring money and helping people doesn't take being famous.

In the last seven years I have learned more than I would have ever thought I could ever learn.  As a pastor and business owner I have never had the liberty to just coast.  My livelihood is completely supported by my ability to serve the people in my congregation and my business.  Dreams are nice but I have found that people don't want to hear about my dreams.  They want to find out how to fulfill their dreams.  I have found this true in church and in business.  The similarity has been quite amazing.

People in my congregation are looking for ways to be better Christians and business owners are looking for better ways to serve their clients.  In both situations it takes some heavenly resources to accommodate both of their desires.  In the life of a Christian it takes having an open heart to learn what God has put in His word.  In the life of a business owner it takes having an open heart to learn what it takes to serve people better (learning the word of God).

In reality it doesn't make a difference rather a person is a member of a church or a business owner who isn't a member of a church, there has to be a parting of the "dreaming mentality" to some degree.  Now don't get me wrong, dreaming isn't all bad.  My point is that it takes more than a dream to get the outcomes we're looking for.  

Just what exactly does it take to see the outcomes we desire?

* Knowledge - know what you want and learn everything you need to know...

* Wisdom - know how to get what you want and how to get others to help you... 

* Resources - know how to use the resources you have and the resources of others...

* Passion - know your heart and follow it until you see the manifestation...

When I stopped dreaming and following the above principles, I began to see a major difference in my ministry and business.  I still dream of things I want to see but I also realize that when I acquire the knowledge, wisdom, resources and act passionately my dreams become reality.

Are you ready to stop dreaming and seeing the fruit of true riches?

Stay blessed,

Ced