Involvement In Ministry

I share with you today a dilemma that many go through while finding their way on the journey of life. The nature of life is built around the facts in getting and giving. Some naturally find it easy to pass on what they are and have while others struggle deeply in these areas. This is not uncommon. The great example of getting and giving is in our Lord Jesus Christ. He is God and yet He is man. He gave up His heavenly status for the express purpose of giving His everything for you and me. The nature of man struggles in the giving aspects of life. Mainly we do this because we struggle so much in getting. No matter what you are or have we largely were required to develop or allow God to develop many things in our lives. He calls on us to take but not to keep strictly for ourselves. In doing what God ask us to do we then do not become stricly self centered. As we learn the act and art of giving it frees our lives in areas that give us joy and peace in life. The truly satisfied are those who have given and made a difference in the lives of one or many. Jesus said that even a cup of water will be remembered when we come into His presence on the great day of the Lord. Involvement in ministry has a way of releasing selfishness from our lives. On the other hand the call of ministry may reveal the selfishness of our lives if we keep self for ourselves. How do we involve ourselves in ministry? Follow the steps of Jesus and decide that life is too short to waste it entirely upon ourselves.

David Ibrahaim Coming To 1st A/G

On September 11 (Saturday) at 8:00 AM David will be with us for breakfast and to share his message as recorded in his book "Mirage". This is the story of Islam endeavoring to take the world and everyone will then be required to become Muslim. I know this is a controversial subject, however, we must not ignore the storm clouds of an evil overthrow of all mankind. Allow me to give my thoughts along this line.
There has always been battle between God's forces and Satan's forces. In Genesis God declared to Abraham that in Isaac would His seed be called. The seed of faith is that which God works in and from in the heart of man. There was great animosity between Isaac and Ishmael. There is still great animosity between Isaac and Ishmael. Israel is slated for anniliation by those opposing forces in the Muslim world. Not all Muslims hate Israel only about 25 million do which is a small portion of their world.
When Jesus was being tempted after his forty days of fasting and prayer the final temptation thrown at him by Satan was "all these kingdoms will I give you." That same carrot is being dangled in front of anyone who will take it. History shows us that many have tried without success to control the world. God always steps in. He will once again step in, however, the world as we know it is going to go through great consternation and tribulation and Jesus shall come and bring in everlasting righteousness. No man or group of men are able to bring in everlasting righteousness but God can and will.
Each of us have a job to do in our life time and span. Are we standing up for righteousness and the godly way which is righteousness, peace and joy or will we seek to destroy eveyrthing and anything that stands between us and our goal? Jesus told Peter to put his sword away because His kingdom will not be found nor won by the sword but in the heart of mankind who seeks after Him and find Him. Isn't it amazing the way God works?
Let each of us determine to stay turned toward God regardless of the issues in this world and remain true to Him thereby being salt and light in our present world.

The Joy Of The Lord

We have a great promise in the Word of God that helps us during the issues of life. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Joy is the result of a deep, ongoing commitment to God. It also encompasses the area of knowing. When we make it our life to follow after and know the workings of God as revealed in His Word we then will enter the great arena of God where He reveals Himself to each of us individually and personally. Knowing God gives us great confidence in our heart, even though outward circumstances may give a different indication of a matter. Joy then is a deep settled peace knowing that God has our life in His hands and our best in His heart. I have experienced occasions where outward circumstances didn't look so good but just knowing that God has my best in mind I was helped to stand firm and courageous regardless of the appearance of these outward circumstances. God has never let me down and neither will He let you down. Our faith is tested and grows stronger with each occasion therefore the joy of the Lord is or becomes our strength.
The Psalmst David said: "I have been young and now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread." God provided water and food in the desert, clothes and protection for His people.
Follow close to God. He will cause you to walk with joy and strength.

Change # 2

It has been a while since I posted my former blog. I have been in West Texas with my wife and daughter. I have just had a major change in my life. My daughter gave us a great gift. A beautiful infant daughter was born. You talk about change! Something happens when you hold that little bundle of dependancy in your arms knowing that a little of your flesh and blood accompanies this child born to my daughter and son-in-law. She, of course, is beautiful.
Every change that comes to us has a little of our forefathers blood, sweat and tears that mingles with that of our own and what God shall give us. It sure makes for some very interesting and exciting presentations that until seen remain indescribable. Even when viewed with our eyes and felt with our hands and heart we still have a great responsibility to nurture this change and make it into the image and likeness of God. What a challenge and awesome responsibility we take when we say yes to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we embrace change it is somewhat like birthing children; a bit scarry, lots of discomfort, and painful contractions that cause us to be exhausted and then joyful as the initial phase of this change is completed. Now we take the baby home and feed, cleanse and nurture it until it can complete this great cycle from its own choice and personal commitment. If change is to be practical, useful and joyful we must take the baby home and live with it and nurture it into maturity for the next generation. You see, we don't live this life wholly unto ourselves but unto all those who need what we have been given - the joy and strength of new life that will in turn bring joy and strength to the next receipient.
Change can be embraced and accepted or denied and refused, however, change has occurred. The question is: "Are we making positive decisions or negative decisions?" "Are we making our world and neighborhood better or allowing it to become worse by our neglect?" Since change is all around us let's do what we can to make it a change for the good of all.

Change

Change is a difficult thing for many people. One old gentelman was asked how he had dealt with change in his one hundred years of life. His reply was, "I was against everyone of them."

Today I am experiencing a new thing. This is my first blog and the possibilites are great for some great dialogue. I have pastored for thirty-nine years and have typed for almost all my life so this isn't new. Venues grow and change in life and we can make the best use of them or resist them as intrusions in our lives. The newness (which really isn't new) to me is that I have not been down this path before, but here I am.

I am not against change and never have been however I am somewhat reluctant to change just because someone expects me to change. Change can be a great thing when we do what we can to share the gospel with others and times may demand a new approach or venue from whence to work from. Yes, change can be considered an intrusion but lets make them an opportunity to do something greater than we have previously done. I believe it will take less energy to work out new solutions than to fight against the things we haven't taken the time to look at and use it for an opportunity to grow and help others.

Lets make the best of our lives by using the God given talents and giftings for His use and that of our fellow man.

God bless you

Walter L. Rose
Pastor