Springtime Expressions

Springtime is here!  It's the changing of a new season and I am so grateful to be blessed to see it!  Ecclesiastes 3:1 says for everything there is a season...so, what season are you in? 

Are you giving birth to a plan or laying it to rest?  What are you planting?  Are you plucking up what you planted?  Is it a good harvest?  Are you killing a lost soul or will you help give life to what others consider to be a lost cause?   Are you in the healing process?

Who are you breaking down or are you helping to build them up?  Is it your season to weep or laugh?  Are you mourning over a lost loved?  Is your mourning in vain? 

Will you dance in this new season?

Will you cast away stones of deception or gather up stones of truth?  Will you embrace that which is productive for you or will you refrain from embracing those non-productive things?

In this springtime season, will you seek God or lose your salvation?  And what will you keep close to you?  If it's no good for you, will you cast it away?  Will you tear or sew?  Re-member or dis-member?   What does your mirror image reflect?  

Can you keep silent about non-democracy issues or will you speak up and be heard?  Will you fall in love with Christ? Do you hate what is evil?  Can you fight for a godly cause or jump on the bandwagon of foolishness?  Will you practice peace or just talk about it?  How will you spend your new season? 

I pray that in all things, you seek the Lord and that you spend your season seeking for His guidance.  Love God and others.  Appreciate the fine qualities in YOU and give something away other than your sanity.  Hug your loved ones and tell another how much you care.

I pray that this new season provides you with more clarity and purpose; and that your long-awaited blessings will unfold, as God's will is done in your lives.   Manage yourselves and your blessings carefully and watch God bless you beyond measure. Never take your favor for granted and always remember that God is love.

Be blessed and have a wonderful springtime season!!!

- Pastor Deckard

Saturday Fellowship: CRock Skate

Happy Friday and Blessings to Everyone!


Join CRock at Southern Skates Roller Rink tomorrow from 1pm-5pm for our Skate Event. Feel free to invite your family and friends to tag along.  We are looking forward to some fun and fellowship as we "ROCK", skate, roll....and bounce to the music!

Location: 2939 East Ledbetter Drive, Dallas, TX 75216 (214) 670-1190

Don't forget to wear your CRock T-shirts and receive a special discount @ the door! Admission is $3 + $3 for skate rentals (if you do not have your own skates).

Be ready to get your ROLL on...roll on...roll on....See you there...

- Pastor

Wednesday's Devotion

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9(NIV)


Have you ever tried something and got the results you wanted and then tried the same thing again and got different results? This happened to Moses in the Bible. The Israelites needed water and God told Moses to strike the rock. He struck the rock and water flowed out freely. Another time they needed water again, and God told Moses, “Speak to the rock.” Do you know what Moses did? He went over and struck the rock. He thought, “Hey, it worked last time; it’ll work this time.” But God had a different plan. Water did come from the rock but Moses struck the rock instead of spoke to the rock as God commanded. Moses never received the chance to live in the Promised Land because he tried an old way in a new season.

Have you ever tried an old method in a new season???  Did it work?...
The point is, we have to stay open and make adjustments to stay in tune with God’s plan so we can live in the promise. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to lean not unto our own understanding but seek God’s will in ALL that we do…

You can do the same thing the same way you did last time and get different results but -- is it a part of God’s plan? It may not be something major but like Moses, maybe it’s just something small.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
The steps (not leaps) but the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord...

Sometimes a small tweak or a small adjustment can make a major difference in the outcome and you will live in the promise. Today, make sure you aren’t doing things just because it’s the way you always did it before. Instead, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit of God inside. Follow His leading and stay in sync (in step) with the wonderful plan He has for you and your promises will not forfeit but flourish!!!

Today's Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I submit my mind, my will, and my heart to You. Help me to see clearly what Your plan is for me. Help me to stay close to You always; not living in the past but pressing forward to the new things You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don't Worry

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

"Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice." 

Here are 36 tips to what you CAN do to have a worry-less life...

1. Pray always...

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to [capable] help.

6. Simplify and un-clutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are sometimes too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places before time instead of arriving late.

9. Pace yourself and spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.  After all, God made the world at the same pace...

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, let God handle it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13.. Have back-ups for extra car keys, house keys, stamps, clothes in case of emergency.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the “Kid-In-You” every day. (play, run, jump, swing, slide, hop-scotch)

16. Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in long lines.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat well-balanced meals.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a motivational CD while driving; that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone with God.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray about them.

24. Make lasting friendships with godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures handy.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus!'

27. Laugh often; even if it’s at yourself.

28. Laugh some more…even if it’s at yourself!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself so much. You are forever evolving and subject to     change so don't be surprised or disappointed if you don't turn out the way you planned...

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego or leave it at home.

33. Talk less; listen more. God gave us 2 ears and one mouth. Must be a good reason for that…

34. Slow down, you’ll get there at God’s appointed time.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe; God is…

36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

Remember: GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Now, enjoy this life that God has given us.  Don't worry yourself to death...

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

I know that sometimes we get impatient and frustrated because we can’t see the purpose of our trials.  We don’t always understand the cause of the chaos that is present around us but we know that YOU are in control.  You will never leave Your children nor forsake us.  You are our rock!!!

I pray for peace through the storms because we know that they are short-lived.  We are Victorious in You Lord God, because Your Word said it and we believe it!  Your People will experience a mighty harvest soon.  A harvest in spirit, peace, joy, gladness, and richness in YOU.  The seeds we've planted have been purposed by YOU and we will soon have all that we need, according to YOUR riches, in Jesus name, Amen!

Saturday Afternoon Prayer: Thanks Dad!

Father God, thank You for this day; a day that was not promised.  Thank You for waking me up this morning, clothed in my RIGHT mind.  Thank You for seeing my through another week.  Thank you for continued safety and for keeping Your promises to protect me from dangers seen and unseen.

Lord, I appreciate You for all you've done to spare me from what could have been a fatal accident this week.  I could have been badly hurt; even lost my life but you saw fit to keep me from harm.  The only thing banged up is my car and my nerves but -- you are taking care of those too. 

Abba Father, thank You for sparing my life and thank You for giving me another chance to be with my family and loved ones.  Thanks Dad!

Love your daughter,

Doris

Thursday's Devotion: Humility and Favor

Esther 2:15 (NLT)
Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai's uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther's turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.

“Incompetent and lazy, vain as a peacock, arrogant.” This is how writer William Shirer described Joachim von Ribbentrop, Nazi Germany’s foreign minister from 1938-1945. Another person spoke for many when she wrote, “I detest him. He terrifies me. He could walk over dead bodies.”

Ribbentrop spent his life ruthlessly pursuing his goals. Driven to impress others, he never hesitated to use people to advance his career. For example, one Jewish couple had been helpful in his career,
but when they faced trouble, he did nothing. Although his natural parents were reasonably well off, he convinced his aunt to “adopt” him so he could add “von” to his name, just to gain added prestige and influence. In the end it might be said that he was “successful,” for he held important positions and became famous and wealthy. But his life ended wretchedly when he was executed for war crimes.

Today, we see all too clearly the tragedy of a life spent pursuing the wrong goals. Many in the world are following the same patterns—focused on their careers, driven to impress, willing to compromise, lie and deceive,  and ready to take advantage of others.  Of course careers are good and being self-driven is fine but at what cost and to whose expense? 

God offers a better way to success; a way exemplified by Esther. She lived a life characterized by selfless humility. She listened to advice and honored her superiors. She let God direct her path. She was willing to put her faith into action. As a result, God blessed her with favor…from everyone!

Would you like favor in your life?
Favor from God?
Favor in business?
Favor in relationships?
Favor in finances?

Then follow the example of Esther. Seek to be humble. Listen. Seek to serve God with your whole life, not only when others are watching. 

Today's Inspirational Prayer
Father, I humble myself before You. Direct my life. I seek first Your Kingdom. Use me to impact others for the Gospel, in Jesus’ name. Amen

Devotion inspired by Evangelist D. Dean

Happy New Year: The Christian Challenge

Welcome to 2012 Saints! 

Truly we are blessed to have made it thus far.  This is a new season for many and I pray that this year will bring you much peace.  So many people are on edge and living without much peace.  Always worried about something: the economy, jobs, food, shelter, able to meet monthly obligations, church, family, etc, etc, etc.  Well, this year, seek to live in as much peace as possible.  In the past, I have come to know peace very well -- especially on THIS side of heaven.   This new year, I will purposely seek out peace in my life and help others do the same. 

I am so excited about 2012 for many reasons but one of the main reasons [for me] is KNOWING that the God of ALL creation  has a MASTER plan for me!!!  It's time for me to step up my game and become a key player in God's Kingdom.  My question for you is: will you become a key player for Christ or will you continue to warm the bench?  Will you practice Christianity daily or throw caution to the wind, chasing after the finite worldly things?  Do you want to be a headliner for Christ or remain an unknown bench-warmer for the enemy?

When I played the competitive game of basketball, I was a starter and key player.  As a Freshman, and being elected to the Varsity Team, I faced many, many challenges from the "upper class" team players but I didn't let that stop me from achieving my goals.  I started out on the bench but eventually became a starter.  By the time I reached my Sophomore year of high school, I became a headliner.  I practiced as often as I was breathing; totally dedicated a portion of my life to being the BEST team player that I could be! I was very skilled in my abilities.  By the time I reached my Senior year, I earned my rank as one of the 4th leading scorers in my district.  My position in rank was due to an injury that had me out of the game for about 4 weeks.  Who knows, I could have possibly been ranked as #1; either way, I was still ahead of most who never missed a game...

Why was I so successful at the game?  Because I put in the WORK and practiced all the time!  When I wasn't sleeping, eating and studying, I was practicing on perfecting my skills.  Back then, I was dedicated to a physical game but now I am dedicated to a spiritual game called Christianity.  If you play the game righteously, you'll win in Christ.

Are you suited and ready to take the Christian challenge in 2012?

Now is the time to suit up (Ephesians 6:10-18), practice (Romans 12:13), do well (Titus 3:14) and get ready to WIN!!! (1 Corinthians 9:24)  I'll meet you on the practice court @ church!  Whose got next???

Be blessed in 2012!

- Pastor D

'Tis The Season

Christmas time is here!  The season for giving, sharing, caring, cooking and eating -- too much at times.  It's a time where family and close friends share gifts of love and heart-felt fellowship.  I pray that we all remember the reason for the season -- that reason is because we celebrate Jesus Christ our Lord.  Our Lord came to save us from eternal sin and death and I am grateful to God for coming down to save ME!

Christmas time is also a time to reflect on our lives and the type of relationship we truly have with the One we celebrate.  Is our relationship intimate?  Do we pray to our God in Jesus' name? Do we reflect on the significance of His birth or is it just another children's story?

As we move into the season of giving and before we go out and spend enormous amounts of money, only to find ourselves counterfeiting the real reason for the season, let us remember to celebrate the true meaning of Christ-mas then our gift giving will have much more significance. 

So, be of good cheer during this season of celebrating Jesus the Christ -- not because of the material gifts but due to the Gift of eternal life.

Merry Christmas to all and may God bless you according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!

- Pastor Deckard

Have You Enjoyed Your Vitamin F?

Why do I have a variety of friends who are all so different in character? How can I get along with them all? I think that [each] one helps to bring out a "different" part of my character.

• With all of them I am polite.
• I joke with some of them.
• I sit down and talk about serious matters with a few of them.
• With another I laugh waaay too much until my stomach hurts!
• To another, I listen to problems.
• Then I seek wise counsel from another.

My friends are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. When completed, they form a treasure box. A treasure of friends!

They are my friends who understand me (for the most part); who support me through good days and bad days. We pray together and for each other.

Real Age doctors tell us that friends are good for our health. Dr. Oz calls them Vitamin F (for Friends) and counts the benefits of friends as essential to our well being.

Research shows that people [in strong social circles] have less risk of depression and terminal strokes. If you enjoy Vitamin F constantly, you can be up to 30 years younger than your real age.

The warmth of friendship stops stress and even in your most intense moments it decreases the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50%. Wow!

I'm so happy that I have a stock of Vitamin F!

We should value our “real friends” and keep in touch with them. We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh together, pray for each other, and encourage one another in the tough moments.

Thanks for being my Vitamin F!!!

Knife

The blade is fierce

It will cut deep

While you are awake

Or even in your sleep

It loves to shed blood

It desires to kill

Just the very thought of it

Can give you a chill

But a knife can be more

Than just a point

A serrated edge

Or a sharpened joint

It can be your tongue

Which cuts like a sword

It can even make

Your greatest enemies ward

But have caution using it

Because knives split in two

And even the most dependable knife

Can slip and cut you

by Joshua F. Deckard

© All Rights Reserved.

Just When You Thought You Knew

"Getting to know people can be a wonderful thing; knowing them can be disappointing" 

Why am I sharing this statement with you this morning?  Because I want you to be warned.  Look out for wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:15) 

The people we encounter in our lives seem to mean well.  You enjoy their company.  Discuss long-term partnerships and friendships.  Laughter is in the atmosphere.  Joy seems to be all around you until...the real YOU unfolds.  Sometimes NOT knowing a person helps you like them a little better but knowing them forces you to love them as Jesus loved us.  No one is perfect of course but -- we can strive for excellence and achieve it with the right people in our corner because -- no one becomes successful on their own....

On this side of heaven, I have come to discover many things.  I have been known to embrace reality a bit to closely for most people I've encountered.  But, that's what keeps me grounded and rooted in the Lord -- reality.  The sad part about my reality is: some view me as too difficult to understand.  I have been Used for my gifts and ideas.  Pimped for prayers.  Misused for my anointing...and the list goes on...

Now I truly have a more profound understanding of how Jesus must have felt...WOW!  You want my crown but you don't want to carry my cross...
In this world, there are 3 types of creatures: (1) people who want you to succeed (2) others that do not want you to succeed, and (3) those who do not care one way or the other, as long as THEY are succeeding.  I find this to be very disheartening because we should care enough about another person to WANT them to do well.  Unfortunately, in this day and age and in this harsh reality, this is NOT the case.  It's like -- people speak ill of you, hoping that you fall on your face so that they can laugh and feel superior and say 'I told you so'...'see, they are just like the rest of THEM'...who ever THEY are???

Here's my challenge for you today: Just think -- every time you meet a person on the road to success and encouraged them to keep up the good work, when it's your turn to succeed, you too can receive encouragement to remain successful from another.  Pray that someone is blessed then, YOU just might get a Double portion of the blessing you prayered for someone else...MY -- what a concept!!!

Here lately, it seems as though everyone is fighting for another person's failure instead of their success.  I say, find an unselfish way to celebrate someone else's success then maybe you'll be inspired to succeed and excel as well.  Just when you thought you knew a person...you come to discover -- you really don't know someone until they die.  Then all the "dirt" is revealed.  Remain an open book so no one can speak ill of you after you expire.  Live the life you preach about and stop blowing smoke!

Live your dash (-) in a way that people will smile when they think of you or feel good because of your encouragement or remember how they started that business with your encouragement...

It is very important to get to know the people in your life then you can determine if you want them to remain a part of your sphere.  This practice is not to slight anyone or make them feel less than but, if they are not helping you to grow then --- you don't need them in your life.

Examine this point of view very carefully -- I do all the time: Assess your assets!  Know the people in your corner.  Examine their real motives.  Get to know them [well enough] before you engage in a convenant relationship or a business venture.  Really understand WHO they are and not who you WANT them to be.  Who knows, the people in your circle of influence can either become a part of your success or lead you to failure.  Something to ponder...

Be blessed saints and have a wonderful day in Him!

- Pastor D