Happy 2023 Salvation is Free

“Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.”Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It's a New You in 2022

Welcome to 2022. Yeah, I know it's February but -- the year is still young. 

Ever thought about what you will do next with every new year? Did you complete any tasks from the last year? Did you even make a New Year's Resolution??? I used to but not anymore. 

With every new year, there's an opportunity to either improve, change, grow, or move on from what's stopping you from advancing into that new you. 

Each year, I do a self-assessment of what I did the year before, and re-evaluate my goals + aspirations. If I see a need for a change or at least a revision or even a re-set, then I'll take those options into consideration. Sometimes you don't need to change a thing, if what you are pursuing is working well. No sleepless nights. No lamenting over what you shouda, couda, wouda, done; but just a peaceful journey and a good night's rest. 

Some things may keep you up at night, like -- the excitement of a new job, a new lover or newfound  soulmate..maybe hitting the lottery???LOL! It doesn't necessarily have to be worry or even regret that keeps you up at night so - let's not borrow that trouble.

For this year (2022), why not try a new YOU! 

I have a challenge for you: try looking at this new year as another opportunity to do ____ or to be _____ or to achieve _____ or to live your life on purpose. Safely but on purpose. A few risks; but not to the point to where you injure yourself or others. 

Try a new cuisine. A new or safer route home. Take a country drive or really explore your city. If it's safe, take the train downtown and really check it out. Don't be afraid to explore new "possibilities" and make some adjustments to your life. 

The worse thing you can do is NOT TRY. It's that "getting started" that seems to be the hardest part.

I remember the year I wanted to lose weight. I was a size _____ (a lady never shares). I lost about 40 lbs. in 1 year. HOW?? Working out in the early a.m. 3 days a week, religiously. I had to put in the work to get the results. And all I did was do something I love...walking and playing basketball. Some of the weight came back but - I called that my shelter-in-place bod 😆. Still at a good healthy size though. 

My point is, I decided to change my habits for the good, and it worked. I looked good and felt even better. I still look good and feel good too, most days. At my age, you feel your age some days. And other days, you feel 16 again. 

Yes, we have our life's challenges that can set us back BUT, we have to learn to persevere. Believe me, there have been days I wanted to quit but - I reached deep down inside to find the strength to lift my head and carry on. Of course through much prayer and grace, God helped me through.

Today, don't put off what you could have done yesterday. If you are able, start now. Right now. Right where you are. Start slow then build. Work your way up to the goal. If it's 5, 10, or 15 more pounds, go for it. If it's writing that book, start with one line at a time. Before you know it, you've written a page.

Just start (note to self) again. Just start.

Ok, that's all for now. See you back another time. Be blessed and enjoy the wonderful new you!

Pastor D

Welcome To 2021

It's been a while since I've blogged. And with life and the fullness there of, it easy to get side-tracked. 

A lot of interesting events have taken place over the past 11 months. We were hit hard with COVID-19. Many lives were lost. Jobs were lost. Families went hungry. The world was in a tailspin. The US had a rocky election that resulted in unnecessary violence and senseless deaths. Sadness all around us. I lost my younger sibling on NYE due to the deadly pandemic that shook the world. She was one of the 400,000+ lives that were lost...and that's just to the virus. We also must not forget that there were other lives lost to other diseases. Let's pause for a moment of silence to remember our lost loved ones...

Today, and every day this year, focus on self care, reaching out and caring for others both virtually and safely. Drop off a meal to someone who may be impaired in some way. Call up a friend. Send an actually greeting card to someone to let them know they are on your mind. Make amends with an ought you may have with someone. Pray and intercede for your children. Any acts of kindness will do...and mean it. Don't do it out of obligation...really mean it. Don't just say you were scrolling through your phone and stumbled upon their number. If they pop in your mind, reach out. I did and I'm glad about it. 

Every single day we have breath, make the best of it. Don't waste one moment in regret, because time is precious and life is too uncertain. Make plans but don't plan too far ahead. Remember, God took 6 days to create then on the 7th day, He rested. So, take life one day at a time. Don't borrow tomorrow because that day may never come. 

Yes labor but don't forget to rest. Before you go to sleep, ask God to send his angels to watch over you. And when you rise to face a new day, thank God for another day that was not promised. Take care, stay safe, wear your face covering, social distance, and wash your hands. 

Blessings,

Pastor 

GIVE BLACK MAN A CHANCE

 

America: Please give our Black MAN a chance. See their value. Embrace their strengths. Acknowledge their presence. Respect their freedoms. Pardon their bias. And understand their fears. But most of all, honor their worth. Allow them to get home safely. They have families too.

Americans: We come in all backgrounds and colors. We must try and get along with each other. If this feud is going to change, it's going to take more than anger and assemblies. Action is what MUST take place. That action is to vote in EVERY election not just the presidency. Not loot and destroy our cities, your towns, other people's businesses that support and provide our wants and needs. Yes, we remember Black Wall street but let US not repeat THAT behavior. 

America: Seems like our BLACK people are the only people being slaughtered and openly lynched...still. Why? Why? I understand many humans fear the unknown but we should not be in fear of each other. Love wins over hate. Love conquers the heaviest of things. Love is the ultimate Commandment.

America: Let's put our hearts and prayers on display and mean it. We have to fight the fight in prayer and keep teaching the world how to get well. We are truly in this thing together so let's stop the senseless murdering of our Black MAN! No hu"man" deserves to die by the hands or "knees" of law enforcement. They (the law) are to protect and serve the community and do justice for the city at large. NOT murder with a badge. What did George do to die? Did he commit a crime? Perhaps -- but did he do it with a weapon to create the behavior of Derek Chauvin? Was THAT force really necessary? No Taser. No handcuffs? But to cut off a man's ability to breath? No noose, this time but a knee. Shameful!

Foul Police Officer Derek Chauvin and the MN police officers who watched a man die as he could not breath.
I call them all COWARDS! Foul! Foul! Foul! 

Enjoy Life

My family and I recently had the pleasure of going on a cruise. We had an awesome time. The best part of it for me, besides the beautiful sites and food, was traveling with them, reconnecting and getting to see a different side. We laughed...A LOT! We fussed a little. We talked a lot. We appreciated one another and enjoyed each others company. Overall, we had a GRAND time.

My point is, enjoy life and ALL it has to offer. The good of it. And learn from the bad of it. Embrace the love of it. And pardon the mistakes with grace. Enjoy YOUR life because one never knows when the end will come. This way, you'll have less regrets and fonder memories.

- Pastor D

As I look back and reflect upon my journey, I can truly say that I've been blessed. I'm so looking forward to seeing ALL the good that God has in store for me and His people. 

As a blessed people of God, we still have to deal with trials and tribulations but we're still better off with God. 

I am thankful and grateful for my past lessons so now that I have been schooled and class has been dismissed [for now], I am ready for recess...so it's time to play! 

So as I play, I will pray and live high on the promises of God. My theme for 2019: Moving in Silence...until then...Y'all have a blessed in 2019!

Pastor D

Church of the Solid Rock: Celebrating 10 Years in Ministry

A non-denominational, Bible-based, Christian church. A caring Community of Believers where everyone is welcome with the love of Christ. Foundational Scripture: Matthew 16:18 Founded September 4, 2008 by Pastor Doris G. Deckard. By faith and love, our Inauguration Services were held on Oct 23, 2008, opening our doors as a 3-Day Spiritual Revival - It’s Harvest Time: What Seeds Have Your Sown? We began our weekly Wednesday night “Power Hour Worship” service then moved to a Sunday worship in January 2010. Since then, we’ve been going strong in Worship, Bible study. We’ve made many contributions in Outreach & Community Service (Sandbranch, Union Gospel Mission, Women’s Shelter, Legacy Cottage - to name a few) along with various Workshops. We look forward to ministering to anyone who is looking for Jesus. A small but POWERFUL ministry that loves to praise God. As God’s will is done, we will continue in our journey. Our worship is spirit-filled so, come and join us as we continue to add history to our story. We worship Sundays at 11 am at the GIAL/ILC located at 7500 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas TX. For more information about our church, log on to our website at www.crock4christ.org. Come on and Rock with us!

Union Gospel Mission

Sunday Worship

Sandbranch Water Drive

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2018

Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope and pray that this new year will bring us abundant love, better health, greater wealth and more favor, as we do the will of God. 

As we walk through this year, try and give more time to self examination. Look deep inside yourselves to find out what it is that you are missing from your lives.  Really think about how to work on issues that haunt you. Issues that make you sad or scared or mean or evil. Ask yourself if what you are doing; if what you are thinking; if what you are planning is worth your time and energy? Ask yourself if "it" will help you grow or gripe? Focus or fuss? Renew or regret? Engage or withdraw?

Live life to the fullest and please don't let it pass you by and land on someone else; then you watch them live the life you could, if only you'd give yourself a chance. Now, don't covet but just care enough about YO' stuff and get it together.

GYST (Get Yo Stuff Together)

As I get mine even more together, I hope and pray that we can celebrate at the end of this 2018 journey. Once the season is done and you enter into a new journey, I pray that you are more equipped and blessed than EVER before!

Let's see what God has in store for us, His kids. I know it's going to be good -- so be patient as God lays out His Master plan. 

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. NIV

Isaiah 54:17- No weapon formed against you (me) shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you (me) in judgment You (GOD) shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. NKJV

Psalm 105:15 - “Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets.” NLT (and that's what God means)...

These are my staple scriptures for 2018. God's word will always be true and is manifested by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. These scriptures are VERY true in my life today, and will remain for rest of my days. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me....all the days of my life...Hallelujah!

To end the Blog post, I wish that you seek happiness from within, and not in others; and that you ALWAYS trust God for your expected end. After all, it's already predestined - so go ahead and give God the glory for it, in advance! Glory!

Be blessed saints of the Most High God, and please stay woke!
- Pastor D

Church of the Solid Rock: A Lifeboat Station

A healthy Christian Community should attract people to Christ, not to a building. The original purpose of the church has become somewhat obsolete. Perhaps the Church has gotten away from her purpose. Maybe The Bride (The Church) has become this conditional chic on the side: I’ll go but only if I don’t have another "date" or engagement. Let me check my calendar. I’ll go when I have time?? Really?? Wow!

Too many churches have been built to house the elitist groups of society. These days, there's "special seating" that has been set up "reserved" for the rich and famous, or well to do, or large tithers...ehem! Very few churches are set up for the poor, hungry, lost, and needy. You have more shady preachers who are self appointed, than sand on beaches. Not judging any particular church we all can see who is real and who is fake. I know MY eyes are WIDE open.

Where are “the called” by God? Where are the true prophets Lord? I met and only knew of one, and she, yes she has crossed over. She WAS the real deal! The Rev. Delores P. Berry was her name.

There are thousands of church buildings yet over half of the congregation is confused about God; and they are lost without Jesus. People need to stop playing church and get back to her real purpose and that's to seek out the lost and introduce them TO Christ first, then perhaps we can get them in church and keep them in church. We can then pray for them. Teach them the true Word of God as we enjoy genuine fellowship one with another. The assembly’s purpose has been confused with networking. Some people feel...”well, if I can’t be seen and if ain’t nothing in it for me, I am not interested”

Jesus didn’t have any business cards. No fancy clothes or shoes. No stately look. He was a “plain Jane or John” (LOL) but He had MUCH power because God was truly with Him.

The Church should be a lifeboat station for anyone who is seeking for a place where like-minded Believers can come together to learn about God, find Jesus & meet the Holy Ghost; to learn how to be saved and live a Christian life by faith, not by sight. And yes, you can be saved without being baptized you know. Remember the thief on the cross…(Luke 23:43)

The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation. And God knows we have a lot of faulty interpretation going on in the church these days.

"Don’t scare the “hell out of people” just give’m a glimpse of heaven on earth"

The Church should be a lifeboat station to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.

The Church should be a lifeboat station that shows love, and where people can feel safe. 

The Church should be a lifeboat station to enjoy genuine fellowship and help others grow and get spiritually fed and grow better not bitter.

Here at Church of the Solid Rock, we can be your lifeboat station. But it's also a two-way street. We want the people to want us, and we want to help them but they have to want to be helped. Some people play too much. But they need to realize that the devil is not playing with them. It's time for people to get serious about God and stop playing games. Frankly nobody is impressed – really! We ought to aim to please God instead of always trying to impress others. God will last forever but people won’t...not in this fleshly human form anyways. Only what you do for Christ will last…

Small Testimony: At one point in the early stages of this ministry, I thought we were just too old fashion; so I tried a more modern, relaxed approach. Big mistake! I thought we needed more ministers, a diverse staff; that didn't work either. Then I thought: we need a musician; that didn't work either. So now, that chapter is closed, we are doing what we're supposed to be doing...having church. 

In many cases I have found that some people are lost because they want to be. At some point you have to realize that no one is responsible for your salvation but you. No one is responsible for your happiness but you. As God guides your steps, YOU are responsible to follow. Let God lead the dance. Let God be the head of your life; not people. Let God tell you what to do and how to do it.  Let God show you what you should be doing, not what you want to be doing. (note to self)

Once I stopped trying to “save the world” (Jesus already did that) and figure people out (only God knows) and let God deal with them, my life became more enriched and empowered. My joy improved. My outlook about my purpose was revealed and my disappointments subsided. God healed my wounded heart and my hurts finally dissipated. Just because I don’t associate with you, does not mean I hate you. Like you, I have moved on to another chapter.

Some people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. They can be a blessing or a lesson, and many of the people I have met over the years have been both. Thank you for being a blessing and the lesson!

We must let God lead and guide our every move; not people. Disallow others to play with your emotions because they will; and that can make you loco if you let them keep it up. (LOL)

Church of the Solid Rock is a lifeboat station and very much doing what God intends for us to do. We will build our church but in God's time. Until then, our doors will remain open every Sunday that God allows. Every now and again, God reminds me that we are still relevant to the Kingdom. We will increase in numbers as God’s will is done. As we remain on track and stay the course, God will continue to bless and keep us in His plan on purpose, and in position.

Here at CRock, our lifeboat station is very much alive in Christ! We may be small in numbers but we are mega in power. We are NOT dead, because God is not; He’s surely alive and on the inside of the walls of our souls!

It’s time for people to know that we at Church of the Solid Rock, are always ready for them but the question is, are they ready for us???

C’Rock will be right here when you’re ready; we ain’t going nowhere! J See you soon!

-Pastor D

Today...Inspiring you. Encouraging you. Every Day. Special Edition

 

 

GET IT ON AMAZON!!!

Celebrating Mothers

In Loving Memory of

Mrs. Doris Harrison Deckard

1925-2009

 

This weekend, as we celebrate mothers, let us not forget the many sacrifices she has made and continues to make for you.

A mother can NEVER be replaced. Her devotion is tireless. Her love is endless. Cherish EVERY moment with your mother and let her know how much she means to you. Don't wait because, when she's gone, she's gone from this life. As God promised, if you are a believer, you shall see her again. It's OK to miss her, if she's gone but don't grieve over her in a hopeless mindset. Know that ONE day, you shall see her again.

To those of you whom still have your moms, don't forget to tell her you love her. You don't have wait for Mother's Day to give her flowers either; give them to her now -- then again on her special recognition day - Mother's Day.

As a mom, I celebrate because God granted me something precious, a wonderful and blessed son. Oh how I love him so; and God knows it. Thank You Lord!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, moms, and me-maws out there. God loves you and thanks you for caring for His creation.

Be blessed,

Pastor Doris G. Deckard

Career or Calling?

"Following God is my job. He will make me what He wants me to be"

Not everyone has a clear career path.
But a calling, well that is always questionable.

A career path puts you on an ideal journey but a calling, what is that EXACTLY?!?

If you find your passion, that will oftentimes lead you to your calling. My calling keeps my passion fluid and helps me to flourish, even when the stream changes.

My calling is to help others transform their lives into something better. "To Improve. Grow. Live joyfully happy!!"

Even with flaws, God calls. He's not asking us for perfection but our faithful commitment to our purpose. Do you realize your calling? Your purpose? Where is YOUR passion? Think about it and get to it. Seek God for direction and let Him guide your steps.

Following God is my job. He will make me what He wants me to be. Will you follow He whom calls you to be what you are destined to be? Pair up with God today and move into your calling.

Be blessed!