Remembering My Dad

As I sit here today in celebration of my dad, Leroy Deckard Sr., I am celebrating his life in my heart because dad has crossed over the Jordan and into the Promised Land. I know he lives with God now, because dad accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and for that I’m forever grateful!! Dad lived a full and fruitful life. He was a great man of honor; a respected resident and proud US citizen. I celebrate his life because dad was a giver who loved his family so dearly. His wife and children came first then everything else afterward. Leroy Deckard Sr., better known as “Bud” was a great man, a devoted brother, a loving husband, a super father and an awesome friend. Dad always took care of home; his family never wanted for anything. He was dedicated to everything he did and never complained about much except for when it was necessary. He never judged nor had anything negative to speak about anyone [that I knew of] but always gave constructive & sound advise. He was always positive and upbeat. Not that I am implying that dad was a perfect man [only Jesus was] but he was an honest & fair man.

Dad loved to sing. Anytime Dad was feeling his best he would hum a little ditty or two while walking up and down the halls at home -- just singing and clapping his hands. (what a sight!) Mom would often shake her head and say, "uh, that's a shame" then chuckle.

My dad was a hard working man. Dad began working at the ripe age of 10 years old. He took care of his younger brother during their childhood, after both sets of parents had passed on. He worked while his younger sibling and only brother attended grade school. Dad chose to give up his childhood & primary education to ensure that his brother would complete school. As time progressed, dad's brother graduated from high school then attended barber college. Dad and his brother were able to purchase some property to build a barber shop. I believe this was the first African-American owned and operated barber shop in Dalworth [Grand Prairie TX]. It took nothing but pure love [agape love] for dad to give up their dreams and goals to see another’s dreams and goals become a reality; takes a real man with a big heart to do that.

In the early 1950’s, dad moved from Ennis to Dallas TX. Shortly afterward, he met & married mom in 1953. He was a devoted husband for nearly 55 years, until his death. Wow, what a long time to be in love with one person...and like them at the same time. As much as I remember about dad while growing up, he never missed an opportunity to show love for his wife and his children. Dad would often greeting mom with a morning kiss on the cheek after working all night.

Dad worked the grave yard shift (6pm – 6 am). Every morning he would arrive home, eat breakfast with his family then off to bed to prepare for another day of work. As his children grew older and moved out, it was just me and my younger sibling left at home. Still, dad kept his routine -- get off work, eat breakfast then off to bed. Dad was an unselfish man. He was always thinking of others and giving more of himself than most do in a lifetime. During the early stages of grade school, my younger sibling and I were required to ride the bus to school. I really didn’t care for riding the bus because the children were too loud and some were a bit out of control. One day, I asked mom if she would drive us to school but dad stepped in and volunteered and told us "if you don’t like riding the bus to school, I’ll take you myself."

Dad, being so loving and kind, after we'd all have breakfast, he would drive me and my sister to school [after working all night]. Thank God he found the strength to stay alert enough to drive us safely to school then back home safely to get in bed, only to prepare for another day of work. As my younger sibling and I grew up, dad still drove us to school every single morning without complaining then would pick us up after school. (What a DAD!)

I remember the day that I passed my driving test to obtain my license. That day, I came home excited!! I ran in the house and showed dad my driver’s license. Dad was so proud and very happy for me. Now, I’m not sure if that was a celebration of relief to get HIM off the hook from driving me and my sister to school every morning but, that didn’t matter, all I remember is that huge grin on dad's face that said, thank God – now YOU can drive yourself and your sister to school from now on!! Dad wanted to test my driving skills so he asked me to drive him to the store. Now, being a person of always wanting to please my parents, I was so nervous but I said to myself, “I can do it!” So, we drove to the store then took the long route back home. After that, he was convinced that I was ready to take on the major responsibility of driving without a chaperon. Dad now entrusted me enough to drive his personal vehicle to school [at 16 ½ years old].

Back in the early 80’s most kids, especially in my neighborhood, were driven to school or took the bus -- even walked to a local school in our neighborhood. I felt like a privileged driver and was proud that dad trusted me to be responsible enough to drive myself and a passenger to and from our destinations each week. He always knew that I was a responsible person so, he allowed me certain privileges that some kids in my "hood" didn't receive. I drove myself and my younger siblin to school until we graduated.

Dad saw greatness in me and knew that I had a heart of gold such as his. Dad saw ME and always knew I was a little different from my other siblings. Always so happy, goofy, and making others laugh and feel good about themselves. Not that my siblings were not special too but Dad saw something extra special in me. He saw that I was one of God’s greatest exhorters and gifts to humankind and knew that I would accomplish great things in his lifetime. I will miss dad's physical presence but his spirit lives within me.

As I look in the mirror and see a reflection of my dad every day, I am reminded of how special he was to me. My dad always encouraged me to do my best and I will never forget how special he made me feel. I can still remember the sound of his voice that said, "GO 'HEAD ON KID!" Dad never missed an opportunity to help me with any one of my numerous adventures. He set the example for me as well as all of his children to follow. Dad was admired and loved by many but not as much as me.

I was very proud to call him dad and he was proud to have a beautiful daughter like me. I was his special light and he was mine. Dad always showed me how special I was because every time I would come into his presence, he would give off this luminous smile as bright as a 100 watt light bulb. That smile would light up any dark room!! He was always supportive of me and never judged nor said anything negative about my precious life. He loved ME just as Jesus loves his brothers and sister who belonged to the Family of Believers -- for who we are and not who society thinks we should be.

I thank God for my dad and for the final moments we spent together. I was able to anoint dad with blessed oil, recite the 23 Psalm and pray with him before he crossed over. I whispered to Dad, "if your desire is to live then fight but if your will is to go home and be with the Lord, then go home. Either way, I’m OK." I assured dad that mom would be taken care of and not to worry. I asked dad to go on home and rest in peace. He was still my dad so I couldn't demand him to do anything -- so I asked nicely.

I will miss my dad but I know God was ready for him to come home. I don’t blame God for wanting his son back because he was someone very special. So dad, this is not a good-bye but a see you later. I love you and will always cherish our time together. See you on the other side!

Your loving daughter,

Doris Gale

10-3-07

Devotion

Be Devoted
By Glynnis Whitwer
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Devotion:
She walked into church on a dreary Sunday morning, her heart as dark as the gathering storm. She'd gotten into a fight with her husband just before leaving home, and in an angry, regrettable moment, stormed off without him. She found herself sitting alone, thinking she didn't belong there.

He'd gotten laid off at work on Friday. No notice. No final paycheck. Just a "get your things and get going" announcement. He hadn't told anyone yet; it was just too embarrassing. What was he going to do? How would he pay his rent? Were his employers right? Maybe he just couldn't cut it. He'd come to church that day because there was nowhere else to go.

Look around you at any church service and you'll see normal looking people. Their lives must be great, you think. They walk in with a smile and out with a smile. All the while, many of them are dying by increments on the inside. Despair, fear, anger, questions. Is this all there is? Does anybody care? Will someone love ME?

Our churches are filled with hurting people, carelessly tossed aside by someone during the week. Their hearts and minds reverberate with echoes of angry; words spoken to them and unkind actions done to them. They walk into our churches and small groups with a filament of hope and a last-ditch prayer. What will they find?

Jesus saw beneath the surface of the plastic smiles, and stopped what He was doing to show people honor and respect. It wasn't Jesus' well-manicured conversations that did it; He didn't seem to be a master of small talk. Reading about Jesus' interactions with people, we find He got to the heart of the matter very quickly. Jesus' compassion must have radiated from Him because it didn't take long for people to open their pain-filled hearts. When they did, Jesus introduced God's healing love.

What does this mean for us? Can we really love others like Jesus did? Can our churches and small groups reflect the life-altering community of God's intent? Can we really make a difference to the "walking wounded" sitting next to us in church every week?

I think one of the ways we can get past surface relationships with others is found in Paul's letter to the Romans, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." This passage calls us past the neighbor level, past the acquaintance level, past the "just friends" level, and up to familial devotion. It calls us to look at those around us and consider how we can honor them with our time and attention, as we would our brother or sister.

This isn't easy in our busy lives. Yet this Scripture holds the promise of the creation of a loving family of believers here on earth - a family that values and honors each other. That sounds like a place I want to spend the rest of my life creating. I guess I'll need to spend a little more time with the woman or man sitting next to me this Sunday. What will YOU do? We already know what Jesus did.....

Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for loving me just as I am. But I need help to love my Christian brothers and sisters just like they are. Help me to love like You love. Examine me and show me areas that need Your attention. I long to have the heart of Christ for others. In Jesus name, Amen.

I Have Moved!

I have moved and wanted to give you my new address. You see, I have moved from Beggars' Alley located on Poverty Lane, at the corner of Bleak and Busted Circle . As of today, I have a brand new home. My new address is: Living Well Drive, in the Abundance Subdivision, located at the corner of Blessings Street and thankful Peak.

You get there by taking the Praising Him Interstate, which runs North, South, East and West. No Longer will I allow myself to travel on Begging Peter to pay off Paul Route, because it's located at a dead-end intersection called: I Don't Have, which crosses Borrowers' Junction.

I no longer hang out at Failures' Place near Excuses Avenue, next to Procrastination Mall. I've moved on to an upscale community called Higher Heights with unlimited potential and opportunities for me to Succeed...look at me!!

Please know that each day that HE awakens me, I am thankful to be a product of my new environment. All of my clothes are MASTER TAILOR-MADE. I am dressed in life's finest. Let me introduce you to all of my new neighbors: CONCEIVE IT & BELIEVE IT, ACT ON IT, HAVE FAITH, BE PERSISTENT, AND ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO ACHIEVE.

Life is good because GOD IS GOOD!!!!! HAVE YOU MOVED TOO????? If not, I pray that you will be moving soon!!!!!!!!

BE BLESSED & HAVE A PROSPEROUS DAY!!!

Diversity: What's Our Excuse??

Jesus came to save the world, not to condemn it. If Jesus can embrace diversity, what’s our excuse???

As SGL people and Believers of Christ, how often have we been condemned? Far too often, I declare! We have been omitted from mainstream society, looked over, disregarded and treated like non-Americans. We've been summonsed to court under false accusations and sentenced to hell without a fair trial. As SGL people, we’ve averred, promoted and preached diversity but how many of us actually live diversity? Talk about a hypocritical mix-up????.....a ball of confusion???....

Here we are, roaming around town parading our so called freedom, then, we prostitute our faith leaders according to our own personal agendas, just to satisfy our fleshly desires only to feel we've "arrived." As a community, we have been beaten down by the ‘straight’ world; declared to be no earthly good; an abomination; hell bound because of our sexuality. I say -- not so because Jesus died for all.

ALL sin has been paid by the blood that Jesus shed over 2,000 years ago so…what are we arguing about??? Why are WE at odds???

Let’s take a closer look at this word [we so loosely use] called diversity. Webster’s New College Dictionary has several definitions; (1) a point or respect in which things differ; (2) variety or multiformity. Here are three key words that really stand out: differ, variety and multiformity. Ever heard the song; “Jesus Loves the Little Children?”.....all the children of the world…..every color every race, all are covered by His grace.....???

I don't hear or see much of a display of that song much, especially in some of the hearts of our SGL community. Talk about a culture shock! Here ‘we’ are, going through discrimination in every sense of the word and in every aspect of our lives but ‘we’ [the offended] are promoting the same practices as the fundamentalist. Go figure!!

If we’re going to talk the talk, then let’s walk the walk. Prove to the evil forces that plot against us and show the bible-belt universe that we can truly stand as one nation, under God, indivisible….with liberty and justice for all, not just for the elite, selected or elected but for all humankind.

Truly love thy neighbor as thy self and not just when the media is watching or when we’re in corporate worship. We should cease to promote the bigotry & separation, pride and prejudice that is so deeply hidden within the SGL subculture. Stop perpetrating a fraud and be who you really are -- show your TRUE shade of color.

Galatians 6:10 states, therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. We are children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

So, why do we exclude certain groups from our subculture? Are we that paranoid about who we are in Christ???...to the point when we have to make others feel less than....? My bible teaches me that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

All are one in Christ! No barriers or road blocks; no excuses or only if you "fit in." Let's show pure, agape love and acceptance of all people regardless of our flaws. The Enemy (Satan) would love to have God’s family limping along life’s road, pretending to love each other. As Believers and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can stop these evil practices by showing love towards our neighbor, regardless of color, gender, creed, class etc.

Yes, this life is filled with choices and changes but the best choice is Jesus. Find the Jesus in everyone [if you can] where ever you go. See Jesus in all there is to see. Try Jesus before all else fails. Then know that Jesus will see you through what ever trials and tribulations you experience. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Jesus has an open table and that table is open for all to experience and claim the victory. Let's open our hearts to one another and embrace the diversity such as Jesus did. Some ask the question: what would Jesus do???? Well, what ever he did, it was out of pure love. May we all experience that love, one for another? I pray that we do in this lifetime. Amen.

"Light Duty"

Are people depending on you? Are you very responsible? Do you need to complete a task? Will you fulfill the need based on the matter or based on YOU getting the glory and recognition?

In the same way, let your light shine before humanity, that they may see your good deeds and praise your FATHER in heaven. Matthew 5:16

In this day and age, we often witness persons in distress? Seems as though everyone is struggling with matters and concerns of life; having a bad day, grumpy and just not in the mood to face life’s challenges. Somehow, you experience a close encounter with these very individuals. You smile or maybe greet them with enthusiasm and for the most part; the individual may reciprocate the smile or an upbeat response. If not -- this could very well be your day for “light duty”.

Now, this light duty does not mean that you have little or no work to do; or that you've returned from workman's comp...not at all. This day could be your opportunity to add some light to a very dark situation.

Luke 8:16 tells us that no one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, it’s placed on a stand so that those who come in can see the light. Do you realize that you are a very important source of light to someone? There's a person in this world who is dependant upon you for “light duty.”

As believers in Christ, we face many dark encounters. Jesus is the source of our light and we should walk in that light and allow the cleansing of Christ’s holiness to destroy every evil yoke darkness, fear, the lack of confidence and little or no faith. If we say we are God's heir, then our lights should never go out; even if our light gets dim -- it should never go out.

'Evil does not drive out darkness, light does.'

As followers of Christ, we should continue to let our lights shine before others to drive out the unknown evils that surrounds us. So what, if a person feels you’re 'faking the funk'-- doesn’t matter; God knows if your heart is true and sincere. Basically, all that matters is what's pleasing to God. We all can make this world a brighter place; all we have to do is take on some "light duties."

In the Old Testament, God provided special light for the Israelites during their expedition to the promised land. Moses was not totally responsible for leading God’s people alone; God was with them all the way. By day, the Israelites traveled by a pillar of cloud and during the night, they traveled by a pillar of fire. Moses trusted God’s instructions and the Israelites trusted that Moses was their God-appointed leader.

How often do we look to our leaders, especially our church leaders, as God’s chosen -- not humanity’s selection but God’s royal elect? Do we entrust the leaders to follow God’s instructions? What about the followers? Do we trust that we are lead by God and the Holy Spirit or an illusion of us leading ourselves??? Test the spirits!

Today, we are living in a world filled with misery and strife. People are searching for something or someone to bring light into their dark situations. There’s evil everywhere. Very few people wish to live in the light, for darkness is their motivation. God has entrusted us [children of light]with being that light representing Jesus Christ. Now, God does not place all the light in the same location to shine. Some may be called to shine at home; some in the workplace; others in he church or parachurch and to different ministries; to our families or in remote places. However, the glory of the Lord gives us that light. It is our responsibility to share the light with the lost, confused, less fortunate, the excluded, the mistreated, the misunderstood and the lovers of the darkness. Then, God gets the glory. It's not about you!!

"Jesus’ light is more powerful than the deepest darkness."

In Ephesians, we are instructed to live as children of light. Sometimes our lamps are on and we are not fully aware of the magnitude in that light. Have you ever noticed that when you walk into a room full of people, the room just lights up? Me too. People are happy to see you. They feed off of your illumination of radiance. Your positive spirit ministers to them. That pep in your step encourages them that everything is going to be alright. Keep it up!

For those who are living in a world of darkness and are not the least bit affected by your light, God has a place for them too. If they are too busy allowing self-hate and pitty to control their lives, you need to remove yourself from that space.

Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you!

Are you sleeping on the job instead of taking on some light duty?" Is your light running low on energy? Are you tired, fatigued and stressed out? Here's a suggestion....

Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you!

When are you going to turn on YOUR lamp; get out of that dark hole; take off the sunglasses and let in some light? Stop allowing others to create a world of darkness; dump their load on you and leave or deposit negative energy in your spirit! Embrace your light and place it on a stand to give life to a dead situation!

Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you!

Don’t hide your light under a bushel or in a closet. You can't hide from God! Walk in your own light and get out of someone else's shadow. Let YOUR light shine for the entire world to see that Jesus is the light of your life.

Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you!

Stop living in the gutters and rise to the occasion. Live for Christ because only what you do for Him will last. Stop dwelling in darkness and seek the light of hope! Stop believing that God does not love you because....?????

God can use anyone available for his kingdom and glory; just try him! Use your light for the glory of God; not to impress humans but to please God. The Lord is MY light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you!

Let it be so in your life today, Amen!

Taking Inventory

Don't you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
1 Corinthians 3:18

All believers have God in their hearts. But not all believers have given their whole heart to God. Remember, the question is not, how can I have more of the Spirit? but rather, how can the Spirit have more of me?

Take inventory.

As you look around your life, do you see any resistant pockets?..
Go down the list....

Your tongue. Do you tend to stretch the truth? Puff up the facts? Your language? Is your language a sewer of profanities and foul talk? And grudges? Do you keep resentment parked in your garudge?
( "I did until most recently") Are you unproductive and lazy? Do you live off the system, assuming that the church or the country should take care of you?...

Do your actions interrupt the flow of the Spirit in you life? "If so, take inventory."

Come Thirsty
"Grace For The Moment"
by Max Lucado

I Am A Christian

I Am A Christian by Maya Angelou

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting, "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost",
Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say..."I'm am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I am admitting I have failed
And need god to clean my mess.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches!
So I call upon His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, through CHRIST JESUS!!!

Hopeful Heart

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3

How is it that the wicked prosper? Do you ever wonder why evil seems to exceed good? Me too. If you read the entire chapter of Psalm 37, you will cease to ponder these questions. The ungodly will wither away and righteousness will take charge and rule over evil.

This week, I had a major melt down due to the injustices of life. I thought to myself, how can people continue to be so cruel and uncaring? How can these people sleep at night? Psalm 37:12-13 says the wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

After all, I'm walking in the will of God yet still, I have to go through. How can someone who's so strong just loose control of their emotions???
....because I'm human. (I too have my moments)

Where was MY outlet? Who was I to vent to? After I found my outlet and was able to vent, my focus was replenished. I thanked God for seeing me through the storm.

Once I had some time to chill, I realized that I had lost my focus. I began to focus on my small problem instead of God's promises. My problem became my focus and I felt myself slipping into this black hole! Before my mind could say Stop!..Enough!..No more!.. Get a grip!..God's got it!.. My future is in His hands not mine!...I typed up my "I quit letter" and marched in my bosses office and said, I'm done! I knew in my spirit that God would worked it out because He knew I was justified in my actions. God IS my source for everything and strength in all things.

NO WEAPON formed against me will EVER prosper!!!! My God IS God and I am His daughter. I have been set apart to do the will of Him who sent me and to complete the work.

In studying Psalm 37 this morning, my spirit realized that God was speaking to me; then, I get to work and more from God. Wow; what an awesome God we serve!! Yes, the favor & blessings of the Lord are on my side. My major melt down was the end of a new beginning. Praise God that storm is over now!

I have been justified by faith and vindicated by salvation! I will continue to do good, as this is God's will for my life. I have heaven business to conduct and I am not about to stop now!!

Never give up hope!

How To Handle Haters

A hater can be defined as someone that is jealous and envious, and spends all or most of their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. When you begin to walk in your purpose, you will always attract some haters. This is why you have to be careful who you share your blessings and your dreams with because - some folk can't handle seeing you blessed. It's dangerous to wish you were somebody else. If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what he gave them. "You can only walk in your own blessings." No one can beat YOU being YOU. Love yourself enough to appreciate yourself.

If you only knew what people have gone through to obtain what they have maybe - you would appreciate their success. The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but don’t know my story. If my grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assure that the water bill is much higher. (to much is given, much is required)

We all have some haters among us; how do we recognize them?

* Haters don't want to see you happy
* Haters don't want to see you succeed
* Haters don't want you to get the victory
* Haters try to mimic everything you do
* Haters like to see you sweat
* Haters will not celebrate your purpose

Most of our haters are people that are supposed to be on our side. Be careful when people want to get close to you. (they smile in your face when all the time they want to take your place, those backstabbers) How do you handle the haters who you at least expect to have your guard up against?

* Know who YOU are in Christ
* Recognize that haters will NOT help you fulfill your purpose
* What you have is by divine purpose and not by human manipulation

Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still not fulfill your purpose. You can be a "good" person and still not walk in the will of God.

Having a clear sense of what God has called you to be is a great way to appreciate your purpose. What others think about you or what you have accomplished does NOT define your purpose. You will find yourself chasing dreams, goals and material possessions for false purposes. The more "stuff" you obtain, the more others will think about you??? The best way to expose your haters is to get sick or go broke then notice their behavior and enthusiasm towards you. If your only purpose in life is to tell someone that Jesus loves them - then you have fulfilled your purpose and will take your rightful place with God.

...remember, only what you do for Christ will last...

When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, "Don't look at me, look at who is in charge of me." Therefore, stop the hating and appreciate me because God has raised me up. What you may see today does not mean that I have not gone through some tough trials to get here. Never judge a book by its cover! "The glass may be half full or half empty; only you get to decide who can deposit and debit your glass." Be blessed today and appreciate the blessings and favor in all of God's creation.

Now, go and get YOUR blessings .........

Where Did God Go?

Where is God during tragic times? Why does it seem like God has gone into a hidden place when evil rears it's ugly head? I wonder how many people wake up each morning and think that their lives would come to a bitter end?

I was deeply saddened by the tragic event that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech University last Monday morning. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families as well as the entire nation that may have been affected by this horrific act of confusion. The young man was deeply disconnected from reality; decided that he had no hope and ended many lives along with his own. We ask ourselves; WHERE WAS GOD???

Well, God was present but not welcomed. We have constantly excluded God from many areas of the U.S. and our world. Some cultures believe that humankind simply evolved and that no Higher Power dictates our lives and believe the humankind will judge one another. Therefore, what CAN we expect from God in Satan's domain? Psalms 91:1 reads..He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadows of the Almight. If we trust God, he will be our refuge and we may seek his protection in times of spiritual and physical danger. There are some things we must go through in order to increase our faith, growth and trust in The One who created everything.

Anything that can happen, is bound to happen and we are too often caught by surprise and ill-prepared. My question is; if God is not welcomed, what can we as believers and non-believers expect when tragic hits? We've pushed God out of our schools and government, our homes and places we frequent. Instead of Merry Christmas, we use Happy Holidays. God has been excluded or disenfranchised numerous ways but we expect for God to act immediately to our needs.

We constantly and continuously tell God no, you are not welcomed here; no God, we don't need You unless it's convenient for our welfare??? Go away God, I'm doing just fine for now. So, what is God to do when humankind is given free-will to serve him but elects not??? We tie up God's hands then ask God to open them and help when tragedy comes. It is not right nor is it fair to place God on this yo-yo of life then jerk his chain when we need help. It doesn't work that way. God is a just God and a jealous God; and wants us to serve Him and only Him! You can't serve two masters...can't straddle the fence...this day I want God but tomorrow I want the world. No, no, no!

God is the Ultimate Power. No other source can beat or match the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God of all humankind. Genesis 1:1 says in the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. "Well, if God is the beginning then who do you think will have the last Word?"

The Enemy may tempt us to think that he has great power but that power will not be able to withstand the ultimate power of our Father.
As Jesus taught us to pray, let us pray to Our Father, our Heavenly Parent who dwells in the heavens and on earth. God is real! He lives for evermore! Whether some choose to believe or not, God IS God.

If you say to God, leave me alone, then God will leave you alone but he will never let you go. He will simply wait until you decide to live fully and completely for him. When you are ready to come home with God, he will open his arms and say, welcome back my child I've been waiting for you.

God is not a spirit without compassion, grace and love. God IS love and love allowed God to send Jesus to take the place of ALL sin. The One who gives life - takes life as HE sees fit. We may not always agree with the method but in the end, the purpose will speak for itself.

It is my prayer that each one will reach one then teach one about the truth, which resides with the Living God. Amen!

Deceptive Hearts of Worship

If God were your father [said Jesus] you would love me, for I came from God and arrived here. I didn't come on my own. He sent me. Why can't you understand one word I say? Here's why: You can't handle it. You're from your father, the Devil, and all you want to do is please him. He was a killer from the very start. He couldn't stand the truth because there wasn't a shred of truth in him. When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies. I arrive on the scene, tell you the plain truth, and you refuse to have a thing to do with me. Can any one of you convict me of a single misleading word, a single sinful act? But if I'm telling the truth, why don't you believe me? Anyone on God's side listens to God's words. This is why you're not listening—because you're not on God's side." John 8:43-47

ARE YOU TRULY WORSHIPPNG GOD? WHEN YOU HAVE A HEART FOR GOD, YOU HAVE A HEART FOR WORSHIP. DURING YOUR WORSHIP, IF YOU ARE USING GOD FOR FALSE ACTS OF WORSHIP TO WOW THE PEOPLE, THEN YOU ARE ENGAGING IN DECEPTIVE WORSHIP. IF YOUR LIFE TRULY RESEMBLES YOUR LOVE FOR GOD, THEN YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CONVINCE ANYONE THAT YOU ARE A WORSHIPPER OR EVEN SAVED; THEY WILL SEE IT THROUGH YOUR DAILY LIVING.

THE WORD TELLS US THAT THEY WILL KNOW US BY OUR FRUITS.
MATTHEW 7:15-23

TRUE PRAISE SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIPS AND NOT FALSE TESTIMONIES AND FALSE SPEECHES OF PROPHECY TO PULL PEOPLE INTO YOUR DECEPTIVE CIRCLE. DECEPTION IS NOT OF GOD IT IS OF THE DEVIL!

THE WORD TELLS US THAT SATAN IS THE FATHER OF ALL LIES.
JOHN 8:44

OUR SPIRITS WILL AGREE WHEN WE HEAR SOUND DOCTRINE AND NOT DOCTRINE THAT SOUNDS GOOD. OUR WORSHIP SHOULD BE GOD FOCUSED AND SHOULD BE DISPLAYED IN THE HIGHEST REGARDS OF REVERENCE TO GOD. IF WE ARE AFTER GOD’S HEART, THEN WE NEED TO WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH. DECEPTION IS EVIL AND GOD WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO CONTINUE TO DECEIVE HIS PEOPLE.

WHAT YOU LIE ABOUT TODAY WILL BE EXPOSED ‘TOMORROW’.

DECEPTION IS AN EVIL ELEMENT AND VERY DISABLING. FALSEHOODS, MISREPRESENTATION, FABRICATION, DISHONESTY AND FRAUD ARE ALL SYNONYMOUS WITH DECEPTION. TRUE SEEKERS OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS WILL DISCERN GOD’S TRUE WORSHIPPERS AND WILL KNOW WHEN ONE IS PUTTING ON A SHOW FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD. WE SHOULD NOT PRACTICE FALSE DECEPTIONS OF WORSHIP BUT ENGAGE IN SACRED WORSHIP WITH GOD.

IF YOUR HEART IS NOT ENGAGING IN TRUE WORSHIP, GOD WILL KNOW SO AND EVENTUALLY EXPOSE YOU!

Intimate Gatherings

Intimate Gatherings ®


¨ Mission

Our mission is to bring back wholesome, healthy and honest conversation between persons who are seeking for an intellectual and fun experience.

¨ Purpose
Intimate Gatherings are conversational meetings designed to assist in bridging the gap between families, neighborhoods and communities. Every gathering will be organized, informative and educational.

¨ Vision
Our vision is to create open and sacred conversation; as well as, teach humankind to engage in open dialog and build trust. These gatherings are not designed to counsel, but seek resolution and provide an objective opinion during meaningful conversation amongst consenting participants.


Are you looking for a different social scene? What about intellectual, honest and intimate conversation? Well, Intimate Gatherings may be the dialog scene for you! To book your next intimate gathering, please contact:

Doris G. Deckard
dorisgdeckard@yahoo.com.