Reaching Beyond the Walls...

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same
measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38 (KJV)

Our church recently visited the Union Gospel Mission in Dallas Texas. We enjoyed an evening of service by serving the children of God who happen to be in between their blessings. These men were "homeless" and [to me] this equates to "not having their "own" residence to call home." These men rely on the assistance of the UGM to aid them in food, shelter and education. I learned a valuable reminder that these guys could be any of us...no one is exempt from hard times. The one thing that brought me solace was, SOMEONE was there to lend a helping hand.

The UGM is there to lend a "helping" hand and not a hand out. In this lesson on today, the rewards of giving to the poor and needy can be endless.

Christian charity is wonderful to practice and we whom give liberally, will draw other liberal givers to help us when we get stuck. God will always send us some help! A person who is kind to the poor will draw others who are ready to help.

I believe that God will draw divine givers to help our church too!

Without the spirit of giving, division and discord takes over; injury develops then anger follows and laughter ceases; vengeance and dissolution runs ramped then confusion becomes the new faith....we disconnect and are often spiritually destroyed from discontentment.

God is telling us that when we give liberally, we will obtain abundance according to His good measures.... Remember He loves a cheerful giver.... 2 Corinthians 9:7 The Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not be in need....

Be blessed in this season of Christ-mas!

- Pastor D

Get To Know God...All Over Again...

My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him.
Psalm 62:5 (WEB)

The only way to know someone is to spend time with them. The only way to discern the voice of another is to hear their voice often. David understood the principle of connecting with God. He connect with God's love, renewed his trust in Him, and heard directions for his life. Shouldn't you and I do the same?

Will you wait silently on God or will you kick up dust only to find yourselves covered in soot instead of clothed in His promises? Do you expect anything from God?
Aren't you ready to know the One whom created you? Well, wait on Him and you won't miss your opportunity to really fall in love...over and over again!

- Pastor

Increase of Grace

"...But where sin increased, grace increased all the more"
Romans 5:20 (NIV)

So many people today live in guilt and condemnation over their past mistakes and wrongdoings. They have this attitude that they are too far gone or they’ve made too many mistakes. They think that if they walk into church, the roof will cave in. Friend, if that’s you, nothing could be further from the truth! It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been; God’s grace is enough. Scripture says that we are saved “by faith through grace.” Grace is His unmerited favor upon you. You can’t earn it no matter how “good” you act, but He’s offering it to you as a free gift. His grace is what empowers you to change and live the life He’s called you to.

Today, don’t live another minute in regret, condemnation, heaviness or despair. Receive His grace. It’s as easy as opening your heart and inviting Him to change your life. Remember, there’s nothing you could ever do that His grace can’t bring you through. So open your heart to Him and receive it today! "Remember, don't sin just to receive the grace but know that WHEN you sin, ask forgivness and refrain from THAT sin again. God's grace will take hold of that sin and wash it away then you'll begin again, with a clean slate of Promise."

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for Your grace upon my life. Thank You for receiving me no matter what I’ve done. I receive Your love and forgiveness. I commit life to You today and all my numbered days, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thank you Dina for today's devotion!

- Pastor D

Traps or Facts - Whose Report Will You Believe?

Romans 13:6

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

The Bible states that hostile questioners tried to trap Jesus into taking an explicit and dangerous stand on whether Jews should or should not pay taxes to the Roman occupation. They anticipated that Jesus would oppose the tax, for Luke’s Gospels explains their purpose was “to hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.”[3] The governor was Pilate, and he was the man responsible for the collecting of Rome's taxes in Judea.

At first the questioners flattered Jesus by praising his integrity, impartiality and devotion to truth. Then they asked him whether or not it is right for Jews to pay the taxes demanded by Caesar.

In the gospel of Mark, the additional, truly provocative question is asked, "Should we pay or shouldn't we?" [4] Jesus first called them hypocrites, and then asked one of them to produce a Roman coin that would be suitable for paying Caesar’s tax. One of them showed him a Roman coin, and he asked them whose name and inscription were on it. They answered, “Caesar’s,” and he responded “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.” His interrogators were flummoxed by this authoritative (though ambiguous) answer and left disappointed.

This is what happens when we [humankind] fail to place our trust and hope in God, our Father, our Creator. When something doesn't go our way, we "immediately" switch sides and go with what "sounds" good.

When in doubt about what to do or how to respond, reference these scriptures:
Psalm 24:1
Exodus 9:29
Deuteronomy 10:14
1 Samuel 2:8
Nehemiah 9:6

Romans 13:1-7 (KJV)
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Whose report will you belieive...???...God's or humankind's???

Now, to switch gears a bit: I typically try to remain neutral when it comes to politics but sometimes you have to express conerns and step into "another realm of ministry." Americans: We need to respect our current President a little better. This is downright embarassing! The man is only human - he is NOT God!

Bad-mouthing and riduculing him only adds to the many challenges that he already has to face. Do I agree with EVERY decision that any politician concludes? Absolutely NOT! No one agrees with EVERYTHING! If that were the case, we wouldn't need lawyers,right!

If we fail to offer solutions, then consider yourselves to be a part of the problem. I have found that it's best to be quiet about certain matters in order to reduce the flames. Excercise your right to VOTE and clearly express your convictions instead of blasting the President of the US-A. If you didn't VOTE - then please be QUIET!!! Don't complain if you fail to excercise your freedom to vote. Find a way to make positive change! VOTE!

Sure we are all in this struggle together but we did not get into this mess overnight; and it's not going to be resolved overnight either. It's just like anything else...it takes TIME! Everthing is made beautiful in its time so, let's take the time and make that happen. But, it's going to take ALL of US-A to make that happen and not just ONE man - but all of Ameri-humi-cans.

Will we ever all agree - NO --but, we can all agree on one thing - this economy could use some improvement. But, everyone is NOT struggling because WE (Americans) are steady building, spending, inventing, shopping, attending championship games (Super Bowl, World Series...etc). The sports stadiums are full on Sundays and Monday nights, etc. - so are we really that bad off??? I don't think so...

Let's give ALL of our gov't a chance to change (Dems, Reps and Inds) but give it time. Patience IS truly a virtue. We can't always believe everything we see or hear BUT we can trust that our Creator God, will only allow so much foolishness to go on - then He steps in and corrects, rebukes, reproves then He RESTORES!

Having a strong gov't is good. We need certain laws that help to better govern us. My thought has always been -- "the laws are really made for the law-less" and God is allowing some law-less folks to be in a power but God allows them a certain level of power to get our attention. Does God have YOUR attention yet? God's people need to WAKE UP! We have been asleep for TOO long. We've forgotten about God because now we've arrived. We have NOT arrived because we are still divided!

God is trying to tell us that HE is STILL in control - regardless of what "OTHERS" may think and regardless of who is in charge. Our days [here on earth] are numbered; our earthly lives are finite but eternal lives will live with God [if you have accepted His Son].

No one man or woman controls everything - only what GOD allows.
Some of us are too focused on temporal matters instead of eternal interests. Build Your Hopes on Things Eternal! Philippeans 3:21


- Pastor

Stop the Hate!

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

Bashing our leaders does not solve the problem. When you pray against or speak ill of someone you dislike or disagree with, just look closer in the mirror and ask??...am I reaping or sowing??? What am I sowing and what will I reap??? Good or evil? I pray the former for all of us.

As long as I've followed politics, the 'game' has not changed; only the players. Each person is responsible for making sure their part is done and aid in amending the internal affairs of this great nation. We each must be responsible enough to make the best choice for the good of ALL people and not just a "poli-party" or group. And eventhough we most often agree to disagree, we can still seek for change in this country, which makes it a whole lot easier to help each other.

We are ALL Americans - regardless of race, creed or need. We ALL need to play a role in making this country a greater nation in which we live. When we do, we can some-what heal from "learned hurts" of the past, and are able to heed our earthly callings.

Remember, the REAL change begins with Y-O-U! Without U, there is no US-A!

"We can't stand as a nation unless we unite as a people." Will YOU be willing to unite and stand (strong) or remain divided and fall with a mighty crash!?!?!?

God bless all of God's Children!!!

- Pastor

Monday Morning Humor

"Jesus Knows You're Here"

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said, 'Jesus knows you're here.'

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard 'Jesus is watching you.'

Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking
for the source of the voice.
.....................................................................................
Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to
rest on a parrot.

'Did you say that?' he hissed at the parrot. 'Yep', the parrot confessed, then squawked, 'I'm just trying to warn you that he is watching you.'
The burglar relaxed. 'Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you ?' 'Moses,' replied the bird. 'Moses?' the burglar laughed. 'What kind of people would name a bird Moses?' 'The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus.'

Don't mess with God's kids...cause Jesus the Rottweiler will get you!!!!!

Touch ye not my anointed: and do no evil to my prophets. Ps. 105:15 (DRB)

Tired of Church Folks....but Hungry for God???

Join Church of the Solid Rock for its 3rd Annual Fall Revival!

October 21-23, 2010 @ 7pm nightly

October 24 @ 11am

The "Shepherd's Dream Team"

will be bringing down the HOUSE!!!!

This is an AWEsome group of preachers but....

you have to peek in, check us out, and see

who's coming to the STAGE for Christ!

Meet us at the Resource Center Dallas (Rainbow Room)

for some Powerful....

Spirit-filled....

Foot-tapping....

Hand-clapping....

Joyful-noise-shouting....

and....

Get-your-run-on worship!!!

Don't miss a single moment....

Show up and DARE to be blessed!!!

Happy Friday!

Enjoy your Friday and have a safe weekend!

Morning Prayer

Good morning Lord, Maker of the heavens and earth,

Thank you for this day. Thank You for a restful night and for my rising this morning, clothed in my Right mind! Thank you for the replenished favor! Thank You for the love You've shown me and Your children here on earth. Thank You Jesus for teaching us how to prayer - "Our Father." Thank You God for dwelling in the Holy Seat and capturing the very essence of our prayers. How can there be any other Name above Yours to call on? Your name is above ALL names; we honor and we call on Yahweh this day! This IS the day that You have made. This is a day we've never seen this one before and we Thank You for allowing us to see it! Thank You for protecting us [Your children] Lord, and may Your shield continue to surround us with that protection until we depart from this earth-world and enter into Your dwelling in Heaven.

Lord today, I ask nothing too difficult of You because You CAN do all things BUT fail! And so today Lord, I ask Your continued blessings upon us, Your children. I ask that You keep Your Mighty Hands on us! I ask that You continue to cover us with the Blood of Jesus! I ask that Your Blood will cover our door posts. I pray that Your Spirit will remain with us. I pray that Your Promises will continue in us!

Lord, help us to recognize that none are perfect and that as humans we will err; Lord, help us to refrain from those subtle sins that can creep in and slowly poison our souls and spirits; our heart and minds. Our lives are in constant danger but as long as we have You in our corner, why should we fear any human- for in Your Word You have taught us that You are our Helper so what can any human do to us, Your children??? Hebrews 13:6 I know that NOTHING happens out of Your will so I ask Lord that what-ever YOUR will is for our lives, let that be done in Jesus' name!

Help us to avoid subtle idolatry that creep in and become entrainment for Your children. Help us Lord to avoid embracing anything that might give Your children false hope. Jer 14:14

Lord, teach those who might not have much hope, to hope in You Lord.

You have taught us in Your Word not to be impressed by witchcraft and sorcery. 2 Chr 33:6

The Enemy has repackaged sin to make those evil things appealing to the carnal eye as well as keep us entertained when we're bored with the monotony of life. Help us Lord to know that ALL supernatural powers come from YOU and You alone. Help us Lord God to know that YOUR Power is made perfect during our times of weakness and that YOU along can revive a dying soul and save one too! YOU alone are Holy and Righteous enough to do good at all times. You along, oh God is Sovereign and we have NO power without You - so we ask You to give us POWER over a powerless situation. We ask You Lord to give us courage when we have been discouraged. We ask You Lord to help Christians stand their ground in a sinful world, not giving in to temptation but yielding to Your will for our lives. We ask you Lord to help us keep our lives pure and to keep us from stumbling around in the dark.

Yahweh, help us to walk in Your will. Help us to walk in Your way. Show us The Way. Teach us how to understand Your Word more clearer so that we may follow it, finding NO excuses for not knowing it.

Lord, help us to know that no human being can do anything successful unless You ordain it. And if You do not ordain it, it will not be so. Lord God, help us to understand that real success is knowing who Jesus is, in the pardoning of sin. Our greatest victory is in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. And our ultimate goal should be to one day be with YOU in Paradise. Not to impress our families, friends or foes. Not to chase our tails or be chased by false dreams. Not to live like the Devil during the week then have the nerve to praise God on Sundays. Help us Lord to REAL with one another. Help us Lord to be true to one another. Keep us from selfish gain! Keep us from hurting others that need HELP! Keep people from bath-mouthing Your children Lord! Keep us from all evil and strife. Keep it away from us too, in Jesus name.

As children of the Cross, we seek and search for direction from You Lord. Guide our steps. Direct our paths to GREATNESS! As children of the Cross, we want to be more like You Lord. As faithful servants, we want to receive our reward in Heaven Lord; so we ask You to help us stay on the right track and remain in YOUR will; not our own will but Thine will be done! Help us to lean and depend MORE on YOU God.

Lord, there is so much chaos and confusion going on in today's world but it's just a SIGN of the times. Lord, I can only imagine how tired You are of all the foolishness that people love to engage in. Lord, You must be tired of the HATE that people love to practice - when You Lord have taught us to LOVE one another such as Jesus loved us. You've taught us to hate what is evil and love what is good but today's earth-world hate was is good and love what is evil. Help us to detox and cleanse our spirits from all the gunk build-up. We have been constipated with so many worldly things until we can seem to find room for Spiritual things. Lord, help us to get back to The Good Book and follow the healthy, hopeful and faithful guidelines. Help us to love the sinner but hate the the sinful nature of them that practice sin. We know that everything is permissible but not everything edifies. 1 Cor 10:23 We want to do everything for the good of others not for selfish and empty motives to please ourselves. Help us Lord. Help us Lord to please and serve YOU!!!

Thank You Lord for showing me who is real about You and who is NOT real about You. Thank You for me true and faithful family and friends. Thank You for pruning me. Thank You for manicuring my temple. Thank You for allowing me to blossom in love and faith.

Thank you for teaching and training me to recognize the false prophets [thus far] that are in this earth-world. Mat 7:22-23

Thank You Lord for teaching me how to test "every spirit" 1 Jn 4:1

I ask you Lord, in the name of Jesus, that You continue to cover me and my Christian families in these days of evil; and to continue Your protection and blessings in, over and through our lives. Thank You Lord for Church of the Solid Rock and its members. Thank You Lord for shielding me and my faith family from the wiles of the Enemy! Thank You for spiritual growth. Thank You for the Word and Praise that goes forth each week in love and dunamis power! We thank You Lord [in advance] for what you're getting ready to do in us. Thank You for increase. Thank You for Divine favor! Thank You for Divine connections! Thank You for Divine Help! Thank You [in advance] for a dedicated, sold-out-for-Jesus, "called", divinely connected, Minister of Music!

Thank You Lord! Thank You Lord! Thank You Lord!!!

We thank You Lord on "credit" that You will do what You've promised in Your Word. We thank You for answering our petitions, according to Your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord God, Maker of Heaven and earth; Creator of ALL things, take captive this complete prayer and cover it, shield it, honor it, attend to it as it reaches YOU, standing firm on the authority of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Gospel Legends - You Can't Beat God Giving

Good Morning Prayer

Good Morning Lord,

Thank you for waking us up this morning, to face a new day of hope and promise. Thank you for allowing us another chance to live life for You. Thank you for being God and Lord over our lives and in our homes. Thank you for every perfect gift that you have given to us, to use for Your glory. I pray that we use our gifts responsibly and willingly for YOU!

Thank you for seeing us through another Monday because we know that Monday's can be challenging, especially with all the traffic and careless drivers on the road. Thank you for keeping us safe on the freeway, tolls, highways, roads and streets. Thank you for getting us safely to our destinations each day. Thank you for protecting our homes each day. Thank you for providing those of us with a place of employment; and for those who are without employment God, I pray that you supply all their needs as you have promised in Your Word. Philippians 4:19 Help them to hold on because Help is on the way....be it a new place of employment or a new business venture that you have called forth in this season.

Lord, be with the families this week. Keep us on one accord in Christ. Help us to be kind and understanding to each other. Help us to not get so angry and lose our tempers or harm one another by thought, word or deed. Keep the families safe this week Lord. Cover our households with the blood of Christ so that the angel of confusion (Satan) will pass on by because he'll see the blood of Christ that covers us. WE know that the Enemy can't go through The Blood!

Lord, as we move through this week, help us to be and do our best; to show love for one another as you have loved us; to pardon one another as you have pardoned us; to give grace to one another as you have given to us and to correct one another in righteousness if we see another Christian going astray; or a lost sheep that's been put out to pasture, only to be slaughtered by the Enemy; Lord help us introduce them to Christ so that they can be saved like us. Lord, help us to be the best Christians we can be and to serve one another in the spirit of excellence and truth.

Lord, be with us this day; and as we enter our workplace, help us to be more helpful and be a better team player than we were yesterday. Help us to display extra-ordinary patience toward our co-workers, especially those that may be obstinate in nature or appear to be less friendlier than us. Help US to smile so we can pass it on to someone with a frown. Lord, as we enter the buildings where we work, help us to greet one another in the elevator, even if we work on different floors or for different companies. Be with us Lord, as we do our best, with the skills we've been given, and to complete our tasks as we operate in the Light of Christ. This prayer we lift up to You, as we ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

- Pastor

GOD DID IT

God will do it -- Oh yes He will! Just try him and see won't He do it! Praise God! Praise Him!

- Pastor