Only God Book: Interview and Giveaway with Author Dwight Mason

This is an interview with Dwight Mason. Dwight is the author of the new book, Only God; Change Your Story, Change the World.

For over 25 years Dwight has served as the lead pastor of the multisite, NewPointe Community Church in Northeast Ohio.

Giveaway expired.  Winners have already received their books.  At the end of the interview, I’ll share how you could win one of two autographed copies of Dwight’s book…just in time for the February 7th launch event at NewPointe Community Church.  To learn more about that event and the book, visit www.EperienceOnlyGod.com

Here’s my interview with Dwight Mason.

In the area of Personal Development: 
How can a person tell if the story they are living is the story God wants for them?

When considering if your story is the one God wants for you, I think you first have to understand the difference between a good idea and a God idea. A good idea is one where you have it all figured out. A God idea is one where you don’t have it figured out. A question I like to ask is this: “What are you doing that if God would die, which is theologically impossible, you would have to stop doing?” An Only God story will always lead you to a greater dependence on God. Is my story causing me to honor and glorify God, and does it enhance my relationship with Him?

…the difference between a good idea and a God idea. (Tweet That)

What advice do you have for someone who knows they are currently living a life that is telling the wrong story?

First, acknowledge that your life is telling the wrong story. This takes humility. Humility and repentance (which means a change in the way you think) are keys to getting God to work in your life. AW Tozer said, “Your view of God is the most important thing about you.” Most of us have a wrong view of God. It has been shaped by authoritative figures and life experiences instead of God’s Word.

Second, be intentional and deliberate in getting to know God in a personal way. Not “about” Him, which many people tend to do – but know Him. You will never trust someone you don’t know. The key to any significant relationship is trust. You will never be able to fully live out the epic adventure God has planned for you without completely trusting Him with all your heart. Again, you won’t trust someone you don’t know.

For most, money is our god. We trust in money more than God. The quickest way to build trust with God is by honoring Him with our finances. Malachi 3:10-11 is the only place where God says test me:

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LordAlmighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty.

Get to know God in a personal way not just about him.  (Tweet That)

In the area of Family Leadership:
What do you think the story of a husband and wife looks like? Is it two separate stories happening at the some time in the same space, two separate stories that should compliment each other or two stories that become one story that the couple is now living?

I believe they are different and yet can be one. I believe God has gifted each in different ways, as well as with different passions, but I believe this can fit an overarching vision that can pull the whole family together. But it will take humility and mutual submission on both parts. Whether it is a marriage, a family, church, or a company, God’s story is always big enough for each to have a role. I think this is huge because your children are watching and learning. One of the things that George Barna says is that a child’s moral foundations are generally in place by the time they are 9 years old. And in most cases, a child’s spiritual beliefs are irrevocably formed by about age 13. Scripture tells us that the hand cannot say to the foot I have no need of you. So just as we are one body with different parts and functions, I believe it works that way with marriages and families also. It is the way God develops us, so we are able to continue to write our story.

In the area of Workplace Leadership.

One of my greatest concerns is that the plot line of career and purpose in my own story becomes the plot line for the story of the organization I currently lead. I don’t want the story of the organization to die when this storyteller leaves. So, how does a leader keep from projecting and intertwining too deeply his or her story as the story of the organization they are leading? Is it even possible for the stories to be “too” intertwined?

I would say that you need to share your story. All of us have a unique story, and it needs to be shared on a personal level, as well as through a corporation where God can use your story in even bigger ways. So I believe that the two are intertwined and yet separate. It is a lot like a marriage. I am married, but I am still an individual. I lead NewPointe, and it has a story – but I am not NewPointe; I am Dwight Mason. I don’t want my personal identity to get lost in NewPointe. I have my own story. It would be dangerous for me just to live off NewPointe’s story, because I could be living off what people think of NewPointe, rather than who I really am.

Bonus Questions:

What was your favorite story to share in the book?

I really don’t have a personal favorite story. Here is why – they are all Only God stories. They are all about what happens when someone begins to trust God and live out this truth: that He is who He says He is, and He will do what He has promised to do. But, if you really pushed and forced me to tell you which one is my favorite story, I would have to choose my own. I know that most people might say, “Wow, I can’t believe you said that,” but I believe God desires every single person to say that. I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone. It hasn’t been a perfect life, but once you begin to experience and live out God’s story, you have no desire to live someone else’s story. Other people’s stories excite you and you celebrate them, but I believe your own story should always be your favorite, because that’s the way God designed it.

I want to personally say thank you Dwight for doing this interview, writing this book and allowing your story, God’s story and my story to intersect through the ministries of New Pointe Community Church. The impact for my entire family is beyond measure. And, the impact to be seen in the stories my children are going to grow up to live will be stronger because of Dwight’s leadership at our church, our church and the Only God message.

Want a copy of ONLY GOD?

All you have to do is:

1. Share this post on Twitter or Facebook.
2. Comment on this post. Any comment will do, but hearing an Only God story from your life would be awesome.
3. Sign up for my email newsletter to ensure I have a valid email address…you can unsubscribe later, this is just to ensure I can contact you if you win.

We will select two random winners in one week.

Can’t wait that long to see if you win?  I don’t blame you.  You can find the book at all major book sellers.  Here’s an affiliate link to the book on Amazon, my favorite book place…  CLICK HERE FOR ONLY GOD ON AMAZON

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”