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EASTER SUNDAY!

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I hope you’re as excited about Resurrection Sunday as I am! It’s always one of my favorite—and busiest—times of the year, and it is definitely all about Jesus! As we gear up for our Easter celebration this Sunday, I want to remind you that we are having THREE services:

8:30 a.m. @ our Porter Ranch campus
10:30 a.m. @ our Porter Ranch campus
12:00 p.m. @ our Westside campus

If you are coming to the main campus, please, please, please make an effort to come to the 8:30 a.m. service. The 10:30 a.m. service will be PACKED; is the time that most visitors will come, and we want them to get a seat!

Also, if you have friends and/or loved ones that live on the Westside, please invite them, pick them up, and take them to our service at noon at the Wadsworth Theatre. There will be a free, continental breakfast starting at 11:00 a.m. For more information, you can visit http://www.mywestsidechurch.com/.

Be sure to invite everyone you know, since Easter is such a great opportunity to share the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ with those who do not yet know Him. There will be free shuttles running to and from the church and a free continental breakfast at both of our campuses. I hope you, along with your family and friends, will join us for an awesome time of worship and a powerful message from the Gospel this Sunday!

Dream of Destiny

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We are starting a new ministry in our church called Dream of Destiny. Byron Davis will be spearheading this endeavor as we strive to be a church that pleases the Lord in reaching people from all nationalities.

This week, I will be traveling to Florida to invite other pastors to come alongside our dream.

In the middle of Dr. King’s famous speech in Washington, D.C., he addressed those that were in the audience that day, who were NOT African American. There were many people at the mall that day who were of different nationalities, and Dr. King comments on WHY they (those who were NOT African American) were present. I don’t want to tell you now… but see if you can look up his speech and find it!!!

Byron is going to help us mentor and develop young men from different ethnic backgrounds and prepare them for ministry and preaching. We are also going to be attempting to raise monies for scholarships for those who would like to attend bible college and can’t afford it. We are going to ask churches to offer internships for those of Asian, Latino, and African American heritage.

In a few weeks, I will be mentioning this in church, but pray for me as I travel to Florida to talk about this challenging task of helping all churches to be racially diverse. It is sad that Sunday morning at 10:00 AM is still the most segregated hour of the week. Heaven will be anything but that….

Preamble…..

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Do you know the Preamble for your state? . . . interesting:

Alabama1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution…

Arkansas 1874, Preamble . We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form government…

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom…

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe…

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut , acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy .

Delaware1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences .

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution…

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution…

Hawaii1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance … Establish this Constitution.

Idaho1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the c ivil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government .

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties…

Louisiana 1921, Preamble . We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy .

Maine 1820, Preamble . We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Mary land 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Mary land, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty …

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We…the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution .

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings :

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution.. .

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this ConstitutionNebraska1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution…

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dep endence upon Him for the continuance of those…

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain…

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common…

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty…

Oregon1857, Billof Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance…

Rhode Island1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing…

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience…

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, PreambleSince through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God …

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility…

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution..

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out -of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be “Food for thought” copy and send to as many as you think will be enlightened as I hope you were.

(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)

“Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.” – William Penn
GOD BLESS AMERICA

A Great Story

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A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over & whispered to his wife, “I hope he doesn’t come over here.” But sure enough, the man did come over to their table. “Where are you folks from?” he asked in a friendly voice. “Oklahoma,” they answered. “Great to have you here in Tennessee,” the stranger said. “What do you do for a living?” “I teach at a seminary,” he replied. “Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I’ve got a really great story for you.” And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair & sat down at the table with the couple.

The professor groaned & thought to himself, “Great, just what I need, another preacher story!” The man started, “See that mountain over there? (pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, ‘Hey boy, Who’s your daddy?’ Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drugstore, people would ask the same question, ‘Who’s your daddy?’ He would hide at recess & lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so bad. “When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late & slip out early to avoid hearing the question, ‘Who’s your daddy?’ But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught & had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, Son, who’s your daddy? The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, ‘Who’s your daddy?’ “This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him & using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy. “Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God.”

With that he patted the boy on his shoulder & said, “Boy, you’ve got a great inheritance. Go & claim it.” “With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time & walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, ‘Who’s your Daddy?’ he’d just tell them, ‘I’m a Child of God.'” The distinguished gentleman got up from the table & said, “Isn’t that a great story? “The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, “You know, if that new preacher hadn’t told me that I was one of God’s children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!” And he walked away. The seminary professor & his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over & asked her, “Do you know who that man was — the one who just left that was sitting at our table?” The waitress grinned & said, “Of course. Everybody here knows him. That’s Ben Hooper. He’s the former governor of Tennessee!”

Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they’re one of God’s children!

“The grass withers & the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever.” Isaiah

YOU’RE ONE OF GOD’S CHILDREN!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

Fearless and Female

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Cindy Cushing and Julie Ladd dressed up on “Grandparents Day”
This will be quite the story for those of you patient enough to read it. I grew up in Wichita, Kansas and as usual, a group of us all went to the same elementary school, junior high school and then on to the same high school (Wichita Southeast High School).

The picture above is of two of my friends taken back in elementary school. The girl on the left is Cindy Cushing and the girl on the right is Julie Ladd. They were both very good friends of mine throughout my adolescent years. When college came around, we all went our different ways and it became very difficult to keep tabs on everyone.

Julie, the girl on the right, who happened to be one of the nicest and brightest girls in the entire school, was brutally murdered her freshman year at Wichita State University in her dorm room. She was 19 years old. They believe that she was in her dorm room preparing a Sunday School lesson for church, where she taught on weekends. She had gone to get something to eat out of the vending machines on the bottom floor of the dorm, when her attacker took her life and murdered her in cold blood.

Cindy, the girl on the left, now spends her time traveling the country training and teaching women how to protect themselves. She has a website called http://www.fearlessandfemale.com/ and a blog called http://www.fearlessandfemale.blogspot.com/ that is filled with information and pictures.

Words cannot express how saddened we all continue to be at the loss of Julie’s life all these years later, and words cannot express how thankful we are for the work and dedication of Cindy all these years to help prepare and equip women to protect themselves.

I want to encourage you to go to Cindy’s website and read the dedication page written on behalf of her dear friend, Julie.

I, personally, am blessed by Cindy’s desire to turn a tragedy into a triumph. She took a horrible event in the life of her dear friend, and she has used it as a catalyst to make a difference in our world.

We continue to pray for women who have suffered as a result of the violence in our world.

Thank you, Cindy, for helping all of us…

Dudley