Sunday Reflections - September 23, 2016

IT’S JUST TWO DAYS AWAY!

Hey Deer Flat Family,

I’ve got to tell you, I’m still celebrating the fact that we have over 2 million dollars and counting committed for our Children’s Ministry Center - Vision 20/20! God has certainly been at work helping us with such an overwhelming togetherness as we undertake this next phase in the life of DF.  Plans are being drawn and the pieces are being put in place to be able to get a “green light” from the County so we can pull permits and break some ground in early 2017.

A number of you have asked me, “Pastor Dave, how soon should we start giving towards the project with what we committed?”  Great question!  You can start giving any time.  If it helps, you can start at the beginning of the year.  Remember, our goal is to pay for the building within 36 months.  Please mark your pledge “Building Project.” You guys are amazing!

Speaking of amazing, 3 out of the last 5 weeks we have had over 900 in Sunday attendance.  Even better, we’ve got a group of people being BAPTIZED THIS SUNDAY!  Now, that’s something to celebrate!  We are going to rejoice with those who rejoice at the end of 2^nd Hour.

Each of these people are taking a great step of obedience.  Once you step into the Kingdom of God, the next step is to go public with your faith – AKA Baptism.  We value this greatly at Deer Flat.  If you haven’t taken this step yet, please sign up for the next Baptism class and “jump in.”  It’s one of the greatest things you’ll ever do as a follower of Christ.

Whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday.  In just two days we’ll be continuing working our way through THE BOOK OF JAMES.  You’re going to be amazed at what James has to say about one of the most important issues in everyone’s life.  God is up to so many great things at Deer Flat and the lives of so many who make up the church family.  This is a great time to include a friend.  I LOVE MY CHURCH!  Can’t wait to see you in just TWO DAYS!

Loving You and Loving Him,

Pastor D

A CHANCE TO LOVE OUR CITY

In just two days, on Saturday September 10, Caldwell will be blessed with an outpouring of love for the third year in a row.  The event is called COMPASSION CALDWELL.  This is an intentional effort to serve a segment of our city who needs medical and dental assistance but typically can’t afford it.

Through the vision of some of our gifted professionals, along with a group of churches, it combines to provide many outstanding services that are very important and meaningful to many individuals and families in Caldwell who need a boost.  Services include medical screenings, dental care, immunizations, and a whole host of resources that are made available right on sight through the many vendors.

Doctors and Dentists, Physician Assistants, Hygienists, nurses and various other professionals give generously of their time and talents to touch people’s lives at no cost to the recipients.  Beyond this, there are many other volunteers who avail themselves to serve and help make a difference in people’s lives.  Over the past couple of years HUNDREDS of people have been blessed and helped.

A big SHOUT OUT to all of the Deer Flat people who give and serve with such great hearts.  If you have an interest in volunteering and would like to serve many of our friends and neighbors, check out www.compassioncaldwell.org and you’ll be amazed at the variety of teams that you can be a part of.  The combined effort of people of faith, and people of good will combine to “DO GOOD AND LOVE CALDWELL.”

We are so blessed to have so many great volunteers that serve at Deer Flat church and beyond.  People who serve as volunteers at schools, the hospital, various organizations, care centers, and many other venues.  Thank you for your servant hearted life.  We are all recipients of your heart for God and your heart for people!

There is another amazing Sunday awaiting you at Deer Flat.  There’s something special for you and your whole family planned with you in mind.  I can’t wait to see you!  I LOVE MY CHURCH!

Pastor D

What’s So Important About Labor Day Weekend?

The first Monday of September means that summer clothes are headed out, sales are in, holidays are over for a while and classes begin. It means one more chance to BBQ, a day off, a last weekend away for fun and relaxation. Americans have celebrated Labor Day weekend since 1882. From picnics and parades, to fireworks and friends, thousands of people every year take time to relax and recreate.

But what is Labor Day about anyway?  Great question.

It’s a day set aside to honor the working men, women and children who were the industrial foundation of America. Through the efforts of the Central Labor Union, and other trade unions throughout the states, the labor movement successfully established regulations that governed the working world, such as eight-hour days, two-day weekends, minimum wage and the abolishment of child labor. This movement eventually introduced an annual 'day off' for the working man, a day to pay tribute to those who contributed to the social and economic success of the nation. But the concept of an official day off of work began long before Congress voted it into existence.

For the Christian, a day of rest goes back to Creation: "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work." (Genesis 2:2, 3) This day of rest was of such importance to God, that He established it as part of His law: "Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant -- for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed." (Exodus 31:15-17)

God created the heavens and the earth, birds of the air and beasts of the field. Every living thing seen today originally was created by God. But the scriptures teach that God does not sleep nor does He need rest, yet He chose to set aside a day to rest from His work. He did so as an example for all of mankind to follow. This day of rest is meant to be a time of refreshing, of looking over the week’s accomplishments and either enjoying the results or seeking ways for improvement. But it was also time to allow God to prepare us for what is coming in the next week. God, upon His day of rest, looked over everything He created and said it was good. His work was complete. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most of us today. There will always be more work to finish. But the concept of assessment and refreshment is still valid.

So many times we tend to see work as both a curse and a blessing: The mandate to toil the earth came with our expulsion from the Garden of Eden; but it also represents a high and noble calling of stewardship over God’s good creation.

So, here’s my encouragement to you:  Relax while you can.  Sleep in a bit even this Sunday, because there is ONLY ONE FAMILY SERVICE AT 10:30 A.M.  The coffee will be waiting for you upon your arrival, and so will an unforgettable time of worship as well as a great time in the Book of James.  This is one of those great times to invite a friend.  I can’t wait to see you!  Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Loving You and Him,

Pastor D