Sunday Reflections - April 28, 2016

COME AND MEET THE STOOPS

Hey Deer Flat,

I am so thrilled to have Ryan, Katy, Eli and Lilly-Pearl with us for the weekend. We introduced them a few weeks ago on the big screen, but they will be with us in person beginning this evening.

Ryan’s responsibilities will be overseeing a large age group from College age through 40, which catches all of our Young Families. He will also be doing all of the usual pastoral duties that go along with Shepherding people. He and Katy bring many wonderful pluses to the table. They will be joining us full time by mid-June.

There is a “DROP BY AND SAY HI” event for all Young Families and College age this evening in the LOBBY at Deer Flat from 6:30-8:30 pm. I hope you can take advantage of this chance to welcome them and let them meet you. They will also be with us through Sunday. I am excited about them having a chance to meet you and experience what a great flock God is building at His church. 

All of us on Staff at Deer Flat feel so fortunate to serve here. We find so much fulfillment and joy being a part of such a great congregation. We are of all people most blessed! God is doing so many great things among us and we are enjoying some of the most significant days in the history of our church. Each of you are helping make that happen. Your heart, spirit, faithfulness, generosity, encouragement and prayers all combine to make Deer Flat a true New Testament Church, where God is at work among us, transforming and growing us to be more like Jesus. THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF SUCH AN OUTSTANDING FLOCK!

We begin a NEW SERIES this Sunday. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “GRAFTED IN”?  This is a fascinating look at God’s plan to include us in His Kingdom. I think your heart will be very touched, your mind will be very challenged, and your soul will be well fed. Get ready to be exposed to one of the greatest mysteries of the Bible.

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday. It’s a perfect time to invite a friend!

I LOVE MY CHURCH.

Pastor D

PS: There is a group of us who meet for prayer each Sunday morning before the services in Room 13. I’d like to invite you to join us any time from 8-9 am. Your prayers make a HUGE difference!

Sunday Reflections - April 21, 2016

YOU JUST HAVE TO BE AT DEER FLAT THIS SUNDAY!

Hello Deer Flat Family!

We’ve been having such great Sundays week after week, that I just feel spoiled!  This Sunday will be no exception. The ingredients of the services this week are so inspiring and full of encouragement. Each week, I read through the prayer requests submitted by our church family. I’m always impacted by them. It reminds me of how important our prayers are for one another. This week was no exception. I found so many of them to be heavy.

I’m also reminded of the incredible difference that a word of encouragement makes in our lives. Hebrews 3:12-23 says, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

ALL of us know what it's like to battle with sin.  

ALL of us know what it's like to feel like we are losing.  

ALL of us know what it’s like to wonder if I’m going to survive what’s happening.

ALL of us know what it's like to want to give up on following God.  

The Hebrews writer nails it with these words! So, with that in mind, WHO can you call, 

e-mail or text right now just to encourage them? I can promise you, there are not many people I know of that don’t need a good dose of encouragement right now.  So--let's do this!  Contact one person ASAP for the purpose of encouraging them.  It will make a real difference in their life...and yours as well.

We will be celebrating with a group of people at the end of SECOND HOUR as they go public with their faith. These people are taking the bold step of BAPTISM. Let’s come expecting a tremendous encounter with the LIVING GOD, and encourage one another between now and then. I can’t wait to see you!  

I LOVE MY CHURCH!

Pastor D

PS.  We’re approaching the last Sunday of April and it would be HUGE to finish the month right on track financially. THANK YOU FOR STANDING BY THE CHURCH WITH YOUR AMAZING GENEROSITY. We fell a bit short for March, but I’m confident we can make up the difference this Sunday. May the LORD bless you for your obedience to HIM!

Sunday Reflections - April 13, 2016

Hello Deer Flat Family!

I hope you had as great a time as I did last Sunday.  Our special guest, Bob Cornuke, was truly a large part of a great morning.  More than anything else, Bob’s heart is to help people discover the Bible.  Traveling to these places in our world, taking pictures and videos, explaining the background and then holding out possibilities is not only fascinating, but causes many of us to go back to the scriptures and read the account and see what it says, then lay it alongside what we saw.  Bob loved being with the people of Deer Flat and would so very much like to come back again.  You guys always do that for new people who come through our doors!  THANK YOU!

As I mentioned last Sunday, you can see the project underway back at our Sound Booth.  It’s getting quite the overhaul.  We are endeavoring to upgrade some of our current system and add a whole new level to the area that will enable us to video our services.  If you’ve ever listened to one of the podcasts or grabbed a CD, you probably have wished you could also have had a chance to see the slides or videos on the screens, because they play such a key role in what I’m teaching about most weeks.

Once we start capturing the services on DVD, you’ll be able to watch the podcast or pick up a DVD, and there you’ll see whatever is being referenced on the screen.  I know that you are going to value and appreciate this new option, as I’ve heard from so many of you that you “wish we had a video of that service.”  It’s going to happen soon.

These projects are a part of keeping our facilities maintained, remodeled as needed, or repaired when broken or worn out.  We do many projects throughout the year that are behind the scenes, or behind the walls, and people have no idea what improvement just happened.  Thanks to many capable people in the church and great volunteers, much of what we do, we do ourselves – in house.   When needed, we hire it done.

This current project is going to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000.  Electronics and tech equipment isn’t cheap.  Cameras, computers, wiring, sound equipment, and more adds up quickly.  We have endeavored to spend the money to buy quality, so that it lasts a long time. And we never do this without doing lots of homework to know what is wise and what is best.

Thank you for standing by the church financially!  There’s no way we can do much without generous people like you.  The more the church grows, the more needs we have, and the more it costs to care for the congregation and the facilities.  We not only have been experiencing growth, but we expect that to continue.  Your partnership is critical.  Because of the faithful giving happening at Deer Flat, we take some bold steps, confident that the finances will come in to cover the need. 

For any who can give a bit extra during this season, we would be most grateful, and the whole church will benefit.  You can mark your cash or check gift “sound”, or if you give online simply choose the “equipment” line.  I wish I could tell you that this is the last project we’ll ever have, but you know better than that.   So, we’ll rise to the challenge as it comes and do what we’ve always done… step up and “eat that elephant.”

As for this Sunday, I’ve got one of the greatest and least known stories of the Bible that we’ll be looking at.  If you’ve ever had brokenness in your life or family, if the issue of forgiveness has been difficult, if there has been distance and frustration happen in your family, you’ll be very interested to see what God has included in His Word!  I can’t wait to see you this coming Lord’s Day!

A couple of quick items: 

         1)   If you’re interested in the latest things Israel, don’t miss this Sunday evening at 5 pm.  We will be talking about a variety of things, including the next Israel trip, Christians United For Israel Summit, Standing with Israel Sunday, and a very special class being launched that targets the Foundations of our Faith – a look at the Jewish Roots of Christianity, and much more.

         2)   There’s room for you in the upcoming Baptism.  An information class happens this Sunday.  Why not check it out and go public with your faith.

Loving You and Him,

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - April 5, 2016

AN IMPORTANT WEEK AT DEER FLAT

Hello Deer Flat Family!

We got off to a great start last night with our week of Prayer and Fasting! People showed up between 6 and 8 pm and got very serious about praying and interceding for themselves and others. The prayer requests we have received over the past two weeks have been heavy. Your prayers carry far more weight with God than you can imagine. Thank you for taking the time to pray! Like you, I’m believing God for some incredible answers.

Here are some thoughts that I think are worth your consideration.

Power Of Prayer - How powerful is it?

The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.

Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 2 Cor. 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" Eph. 6:18

Power Of Prayer - How do I tap into it?

The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is listening to you. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!

We cannot access powerful prayer by using "magic formulas." Our prayers being answered is not based on the eloquence of our words. We don't have to use certain words or phrases to get God to answer our prayers. In fact, Jesus rebukes those who pray using repetitions, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" Mt. 6:7-8. Prayer is communicating with God. All you have to do is ask God for His help. Psalms 107:28-30 reminds us, "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." There is power in prayer!

I’ll close with one of my favorite prayers from one of my favorite books:

The Valley of Vision

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley.

Thanks for being serious about praying and fasting. The needs are great, and we serve a God who is more than able to care for them!

Can’t wait to see you Sunday!  Remember…

   1. Bob Cornuke this Sunday morning at 9:30 am, 11 am & again at 5 pm.    Bring someone!

   2.   Leadership Development Class – Begins Sunday at 3 pm at City Pointe.    If you would like to attend, please call the church office prior to      

       Thursday afternoon at 459-3845.

   3.   Men’s trap shooting event – Saturday morning at 10 am at Carson’s   

       Ranch. For more info, call Dick at 459-1753 or Matt at 501-6306

Loving You and Him!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - March 30, 2016

AND A GREAT RESURRECTION DAY WAS HAD

AT DEER FLAT…

My Dear Friends,

I have two really important things to share with you, so I’ll get right to it…

#1. WE HAD AN OUTSTANDING EASTER WEEKEND AT DEER FLAT – Between Good Friday and the end of the morning Sunday, we had over 2300 people attend events!  I think you know that I’m not a big numbers guy, but you guys OUT DID YOURSELVES inviting friends!  Saturday at the Kids Egg-stravaganza we had a HUGE turnout of children, parents and grandparents – well over 500!  I had a ball with your kids!  The musical presentation was FABULOUS! Julie and her team knocked it out of the park! The place rocked and the kids heard the story of Jesus like never before. Then, Sunday – WOW!  The Lord’s House was filled twice. Over 1400 people showed up!  And, we had

·         First Time Commitments to Christ

·         Renewed Commitments to Christ

·         Significant Spiritual Business transacted

·         A tremendous amount of prayer requests shared

·         And many new families and friends   - YEA GOD!

None of this would have been possible WITHOUT OUR AMAZING, UNBEATABLE, TREMENDOUS VOLUNTEERS!  You guys are the BEST! We have so much to thank God for.  He’s AWESOME!

#2. A CALL TO PRAY AND FAST – APRIL 4^th-8^th, 6-8 pm

I’m asking ALL DEER FLAT PEOPLE to commit to pray and fast next week.  We need some miracles to happen for a number of our people. The prayer requests from this past Sunday alone are heavy with impossibilities, but as I read through all of them, I found nothing that God can’t do! So, it’s simple:

·         Attend a prayer time any evening between 6-8 pm in the Sanctuary

·         Bring a friend or neighbor who needs prayer

·         One of our Staff will be there each evening facilitating our prayer time

·         If you love to pray, come and pray for those who need prayer

·         If you need a miracle, come believing and we’ll join you in prayer

·         Let’s “go without” (fast) as a way of saying, “Lord, I want to see an answer to prayer more than I want to eat, more than I want anything else.”

·         Why not bring your Life Group/Small Group for an evening as prayer support?

·         Need prayer for healing? Come and let us pray over you

Let’s believe God for breakthroughs, answers to prayer like we only read about in the Bible, and allow God’s Spirit to refresh our spirits!

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday. You already know we’ve got a great day in store. A brand new series: “Little Known Stories In The Bible.” Come expecting!

Loving You and Him,

Pastor D

By The Way – Let me encourage any of you who are serving or are interested in serving in a Leadership position at Deer Flat - whether it be as a LIFE Group Leader, Sunday Class Teacher/Leader, Board Member, Support Group Leader, etc. – I encourage you to attend the Leadership Development Classes coming up on April 10, 17 & 24 from 3-5 pm at City Pointe. This is a wonderful program that will help you obtain a better understanding of who we are as Deer Flat and will also give you great tools to use in your ministry.

Sunday Reflections - March 22, 2016

FIVE THINGS TO GET YOU READY FOR THIS WEEKEND

AT DEER FLAT

This WEEKEND is going to be AMAZING as we celebrate the RESURRECTION of our Savior. We’re going to take a look at the GREATEST STORY ever told. Here are five things you can do to get ready for what is going to be one of our best weekends Deer Flat has ever had.  

#1 – Get here a little early on Sunday. We’re expecting a great turn out!

#2 – Bring somebody. Don’t ask them…bring them. Risk it!

#3 – GET YOUR KIDS HERE SATURDAY MORNING at 10:30 am. Julie and her team are going to fire your kids up with the Easter Story of Jesus in a way like they have never seen it. Bring your kids, the neighbor kids, your grandkids and the neighbor grandkids - they will have an outstanding time. Then, they will enjoy a great morning again on Sunday.

#4 - Pray specifically that Jesus will do something in my heart, your heart...and in the heart of our church.

#5 – Remember Good Friday evening at 7. We’ll be done in 1 hour and it will set you up for a meaningful weekend! 

I Can’t wait!

THEN…

I’m calling the Deer Flat Family to a week of PRAYER AND FASTING

April 4^th-8^th

Here’s what you can do to make this week a breakthrough week like never before:

·         Over the next 2 weeks submit a prayer request for you, your family, your situation, a friend, a relative, a neighbor. Share something that we can join you in prayer for.

·         The Church will be open each evening from 6-8 pm for anyone to come and pray, or to be prayed over, to be anointed, or perhaps just to have someone join you in prayer. You can come any evening, any time during those 2 hours

·         If you’d like to be a part of a prayer team, which we would so appreciate, just be there any evening you’d like from 6-8pm. Your participation and faith will encourage those who are in need of prayer.

·         Each evening, our Staff will be leading the prayer time. Please feel free to invite someone to come with you that may need prayer and we will be glad to pray with them.

·         Plan now for these special days. Let’s pray, let’s fast, let’s expect God to meet us. Let’s believe God for some miracles! The needs are great, so don’t leave it up to someone else to pray. Let’s seize the moment!

I love being the pastor at Deer Flat! I love doing life with you. See you this weekend!

Pastor D

PS - Don't forget The Lizard Butte Easter Sunrise Service at 7:20 am. 

Be sure to dress warm!

Sunday Reflections - March 10, 2016

WHO ARE YOU  vs. WHO YOU ARE

Hello Deer Flat Family!      

Across my years I have encountered so many people and, as you would expect, so many different conversations. One of the most common topics is this very issue – “Who am I?”  So many times our identity is connected to who we are trying to be, who we think we might be, who our culture tells us we are, and perhaps even who our parents want us to be.

If our identity is wrapped up in our talents, skills and abilities, and that’s how we define ourselves, once any of those are lost or dropped, it creates confusion and takes us back to square one. Achievements, talents and purpose are all good. But with or without them, our identity is bigger than our purpose, mission and achievements. Because we already have infinite value and worth.

It is God and His Word that really defines who we are. It’s God who declares our worth and value. He says that, “one soul/person is worth more than all the world.” Wow, that’s an amazing statement. And, it’s true!

I’m inviting you to join me over the next couple of weeks to discover our true identity in Christ. We’ll have a chance to really see who God says you and I are. Because so many don’t know who they are as Followers of Christ, we live way below our privileges and capabilities. I can promise you, we’re going to have a meaningful time as we consult the Bible for clarification on perhaps the biggest issue of our lives. I can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

By the way… don’t forget:

1. Time Change – spring an hour forward this Sunday morning

2.  Men’s Breakfast this Saturday at 8 am at Deer Flat - no charge

3. Woodlawn Movie this Saturday at 6 pm at Deer Flat - free family event

Loving You and Him,

Pastor D