Christmas Meaning

Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing will be impossible.
These wonderful words were spoken to Mary as the great and wonderful opportunity was given to her to become the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She didn't know how this would happen so the angel declared to her that "with God nothing will be impossible."
The wonderful season of the year brings with it the words spoken to Mary as reminders to each of us that with God "nothing is impossible."
Your sins will be forgiven, yes, all of them. God's love is high, deep and reaches far enough to take care of all your sins.'
Jesus became our Advocate in the courtrooms of the spiritual and eternal.
1 John 2:1 "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (2) And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Jesus declared that he would never leave us nor forsake us nor leave us lonely. He takes up the plight of the righteous and helps us in great and mighty ways that we at times don't even realize the magnitude of what has been done until later, sometimes much later.
He also declared in Rev 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Jesus came as the Terminator of all that would cause us pain and sorrow when this time comes. I believe it will be soon.
Stop and give thanks for all that God has done for you and yours this season. Then continue to be thankful every day from now till you reach heavens shore.

May God bless you this Christmas.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Christmas

We have a message on our sign that says, "without Christ there is no Christmas." There is a wonderul, heart warming feeling about this time of year. A time of gathering, giving and receiving. Plans are made sometimes months ahead while others plan with moments to spare.
Some pursue the sales after Christmas with the forethought of buying for friends and family with 12 months to go. Others such as myself have difficulty with purchasing the special gift for that special person. So...we go to the standard bearer of our times, "the gift card." Why do we give gift cards? First we are in a daze as to what to buy. Second we are on limited budgets and gift cards are easy to monitor spending and everyone gets the same thing in an effort to be fair to all.
There is another underlying reason that we are not in need of much so we don't want to buy something that will go on a shelf, in a drawer or be "re-gifted" next year. Yet there is another reason for our dilemma. We perhaps have lost the true meaning of Christmas and are so busy we are unable to give the attention to one and all.
God did not phrase our idea of Christmas yet He works within the confines of our own effort and futility. God sent forth His only begotten Son in the fullness of time so that each of us might receive the "gift" of salvation when we ask Him. The uniqueness of God and His ways are beyond our ability to comprehend therefore we must in faith believe Him and see Him through he eyes of faith. Yet God puts His glory all around us. The heavens declare His glory. The earth shows forth His handiwork for all to see and experience. The wonders we can see are only a part of the wonders yet to be seen.
Christmas brings those who celebrate the day seems to bring each of us to a time of giving and receiving just as it began in God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Take a little time and think about this great day, try to wade through and past the commercial aspects that man has built, bend down with Thanksgiving and look into an empty tomb then look up and see Jesus risen and victorious. This then will enable each to start the year anew and fresh in spirit and soul. May God bless each of you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

985-447-2101

Difficult Times Reveal Great Things

Difficult times are not what we usually and normally want; however in the midst of these times we have a chance to make adjustments in our lives.
Difficulty helps us determine priorities in our lives. It helps us make adjustments in many areas and bring in needed balance in living and thinking. It is not a time to withdraw into a corner but a time to pursue after the things of God with a greater fervency than before. Growing up in the country I always marveled with the before and after effects of storms. A small spring fed stream came across our farm. During the dry season it would become filled with leaves, branches, dirt, carcases of dead animals, etc. Prior to the heavy rain storm the definition of the stream was marred with trash. Sometimes the stench of moist, rotting leaves and other things would be less than appealing. During the heavy rain, the overflowing flood of water would sweep the stream bed clean. As the water subsided and became clear we could see the sparkling sand and rocks very clearly. The freshness of the water was appealing and something to be desired once again.
Our lives need a good cleansing from time to time to once again reveal the freshness and clarity of life that God desires each of us to live. We must allow God to come into our lives through seasons of prayer, bible reading and serious meditation on God's words and commands. It may seem difficult but readjusting our priorities and keeping our lives fresh in God are very important. Don't resist these times but embrace God in them and you will once again walk in clarity and freshness that God desires for you. "In all things give thanks." It will save your life.

Walter Rose
Pastor

The Afermath of Thanksgiving

I love the holidays. As I mentioned in my last blog that these days are not happy occasions for some. There was a time when the holidays were difficult for me. We were never short on food during the holidays but we were short on finance. It was difficult to listen to some who shared what they had received during the holidays when we had received nothing beyond the food. I felt lonely and left out and sorry that I was born into the situation I was. Since that time I have come to know something that has changed all my perspectives about the holidays. The greatest thing that has ever happened in my life is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ of my sins. After walking with and for Him for several years I have begun to see the great wealth that truly makes the holidays special. Our Thanksgiving is a quality of life that does not come nor go with the day set aside to commemorate it. I appreciate the day and I appreciate the deep well of God's great love and forgiveness which makes me thankful every day. You see, everyone of us has a great resource of wealth for which to be thankful. The wealth of being free from our sins. The wealth of having peace with God. The wealth of truly experiencing love as it was originally given, not the glitzy sham of perverted desire. The great love of God never fails and will fill the voids in our lives. Perhaps you are struggling with these words today. I know what you are feeling as I have felt that God didn't really care and that He was ready to cut me off at any time I didn't measure up to His standard of holiness. The truth is - none of us can meet those standards on our own merits and abilities. Jesus paid the cost and penalty of our sins. When we make Jesus savior and lord we then are acceptable to God. Not by our merit or works but by the sacrifice of His own Son. Making Jesus your lord and savior carries with it the great resources of causing us to be THANKFUL every day. I strongly encourage you to call out to Jesus today.
May this be the greatest day of your life.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Thanksgiving

The statistics commonly know about holidays are not the most positive. To those who face the holidays alone the face of depression and despair are relentless. Due to this many use certain means to numb their feelings of pain and loneliness. Drugs, alcohol, and even suicide are the result of the most desperate.
Allow me to give you hope today. Jesus came and declared that "He was acquainted with grief and sorrows. He has faced every emotion you and I will ever face. In the process of His earthly ministry He did so without sin and sits today to enterceed for you and me. What a joy to know that the touch of the masters hand will sooth the ache of your loneliness and calm the nerves of insecurity. Call out to Jesus today and say with me "Jesus I need you today. Please come and help me." He will come and be an everpresent help in your time of need. He has proven Himself in my life over and over. He will do no less for you. Call out to him today, now!
May God bless your time of thanksgiving.

Walter Rose
Pastor

The Reward of Working Together

I have not written for several days due to a pretty heavy work load.

On Saturday I was priviliged to be a part of an outreach called "Convoy of Hope." My thanks go to Andre Badeaux for heading this great ministry opportunity for our southern region.

When the gates opened Saturday AM at the site behind the Civic Center in Thibodaux a large group of people were ready and waiting. By the time we closed at approximately 3:00 pm 1,430 people had gone through the program of fun, games, food, health checks, personal information and hair cuts. The final event before each could receive two bags of food was the "prayer tent". We did not force anyone to pray however by count approximately 800 persons asked for and received prayer as they came through the tent. What a privilege to see the hungry souls reach out for prayer and help. Etched on the faces of many was pain and hardship due to hardships in life. These 800 recognized that God would be able to lift their load as they asked Him to help. I can't think of a greater reward in this life than helping others get a toe hold in order to get out of the pit they find themselves and God is always faithful.

The scripture says that "love never fails." This was the theme that every person was able to receive. Greater than food, festivities and music the love displayed and given has generated much good will among brothers and sisters in this community.

To the 243 persons who volunteered their day I say thanks. To the 1,430 who came to the invitation of Convoy of Hope I say thanks for making the day a success. We are already thinking of more outreach to our community. May God bless each and everyone of you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

What truly is the strength of a nation?

On Tuesday many hundreds and thousands of men and women went to their polling place to cast their choice for the man or woman they thought would help to cure the ills of a nation that has drifted away from the mooring priciples of its beginning. We may have hope that by changing our Representatives and Senators our nation will be made better. From time to time good changes as well as bad changes are brought forth by the elected officials in office.
I made a statement last evening that no man made government left to its own recognisance is capable of curing the ills of a nation. I firmly believe that a nation following the principles of God's ordained path for man is the only true hope for all mankind. I also believe that the foundation of these principles are founded in each of us, one by one, until there is enough strength to send the proper person to stand for that which is right. Another thing I believe is that the church (that body of believers in Christ) must not veer from HIS path lest we find ourselves as poor examples and lacking strenth to change anything. What am I saying? I am saying that this nation will either rise or fall on our faith, trust and action in Jesus Christ. You make a difference when you actively profess and live for Christ every day of your life. As far as Christianity is concerned - BE ONE!

Walter Rose
Pastor

The Saints Win

I have just gotten back from visiting a beautiful, happy grand daughter. Since she is our first we are a bit giddy overall. While there for a few days I had time to read so my choice was to read once again the Book of Daniel. Actually I read through it three times. I have read through it in total and in partial several times before however I feel the need to once again look into the pages of histories future events. It is amazing the little things that come back as I read through these pages of scripture. Many things are not readily understood by simple observation and there are many who explain the events differently. Into the mix I see something that is refreshing to each of us.
First I see the reason that Israel had gone into servitude. They had over time gone away from God and become untenable.
Second I see that there are those who are serving God in full going into servitude but for a reason other than their sins. The three Hebrew children - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were exemplified by their refusal to bow their knees to man made Gods. They were cast into the very hot, fiery furnace. The fire did not harm them because the fourth man in the fire was the Son of God. Their experience exalted God and they were promoted.
Third I see another man who exemplified God. Jealousies of othes brought about a plot to destroy him. Daniel refused to allow an edict of the King to cause him to fear praying as he normally did. His test was the den of lions where he was kept safe through the dark night of testing. His experience did not destroy him - only his enemies - and he was promoted.
The reason for the great day of trial upon the earth is to bring about cleansing and to purify the nations. I encourage you to be encouraged that regardless of the trial of your faith the "saints win." Therefore be steadfast, unmouvable unto the coming of the Lord and you will receive a crown of life that fades not away."
May God richly bless your courage to stand for Him. You will be rewarded.

Pastor Rose

God gives us strength

We live in a world that is in distress. Due to the distress in the world; its effects roll onto its occupants. If we look only at the distress of nations and individuals we can become obsessed with fear and lose hope.
Into a distressed world Jesus came "as a root out of dry ground." To me this simply means he came at what we would think was the most improbable time with the "good news" of God's Kingdom. Into this Kingdom we are invited to find rest, peace and forgiveness. With the rest God gives in our soul thereby giving hope, we then have peace with God due to having our sins forgiven. When God fills the void in our lives other things are not quite as important as they once were. As a matter of fact our priorities of life change for the better and not the worse. We have all observed individuals who have great peace during great difficulty. Upon closer observation we may find that they have a strong faith in God and His Word. Having this assurance helps us face many things with hope and sureness that the outcome is totally up to God. We don't have to wring our hands and lament our position. We can clap our hands and praise God who does all thigns well.
I trust that this word will encouarage you as you face this new week. Put your trust in Christ and your days will be filled with peace. God bless you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Resting yet awake

Matthews gospel chapter 25 vs 1-5 tells the story of ten virgins. They all took their lamps and were waiting for the bridegroom. It goes on to say that five were wise and five were foolish. Five took no oil with them while the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delayed they all slumbered and slept.
One thing that Jesus taught over and again was the need to remain careful and alert in the things of God.
The Word of God tells that dangerous times will accompany the end times. Someone said: "To be forewarned is to be forearmed."
How is it possible to be resting yet awake?
The flesh grows weary while waiting and the flesh was exhausted.
Several factors contribute to the same state of drowsiness which grips many Christians today.
1. The delay of the 2nd Coming causes some believers to grow weary and lose patinece.
2. The increase in violence and ungodliness in the universe makes it easier to stay locked away in one's own little world of survival.
3. A general disinterest in spiritual matters makes it seem less and less worthwhile to continue to confront the increasing cynicism, pessimism, and unbelief that permeats our surroundings.
4. Continuous opposition from demonic forces takes its toll on the human frame.
WE ALL ARE SUBJECT TO BECOMING FATIGUED
Along with fatigue our temptation is to just give up the struggle and take it easy.
THere is an ANTIDOTE to this sense of apathy.
"A FRESH OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Read the following scripture passages, then pray to our Heavenly Father for HIS renewal in our lives.
Isaiah 28:11-12
Luke 24:49
Acts 1:7-8
Acts 2:1-4
Acts 10:44-46
Let the Word of God bring faith to your life. Ask God to fill and renew your spirit thereby finding rest and being awake. Most likely you will rest better and be more awake than you have been for a while. Do it today!

Walter Rose
Pastor

Walking In Righteousness

The word "righteousness" is a word that seems to indicate achievement and recognition for spiritual grandeur. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that with the mouth one confesses the Lord Jesus Christ and with the heart we believe unto righteousness.
Abraham was recognized for being a righteous man. God's Word speaks of standing in the congregation of the righteous. So what is righteousness?
Again I have studied scripture for more that 40 years and not until just a few years ago did I begin to understand what righteousness truly means.
The state of righteousness really speaks of "continuous, faithful acts of obedience to and toward God." With this in mind you and everyone else has the same ability to achieve righteousness as you simply and faithfull walk in the statutes of God and obey God's voice or promptings. God does not withhold access to anyone who truly searches after Him. This should give each of us hope and courage as we seek God.
Have a great week.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Living

Living seems to be an all inclusive word that can be subscribed to just about anything. This morning I picked up a small lizard that was barely alive. It had made a long journey across the parking lot and he was small. I picked it up and placed it into the foilage of a plant hopeing to give it a chance to live.

Many individuals under the guise of living have traveled over a long strenuous path somewhat like the parking lot. Hard, dry and long and you are just about to die. This may describe you today. Just as I picked up the small lizard and gave it a chance to live so Jesus comes by us in our state of despair and picks us up (in our case if we are willing) and gives us "true life." Not just a supposed life but one that truly enables and satisfies each of us in our walk of "life." When Jesus reaches down to you today don't try to evade Him as the lizard tried to evade me but accept His hand of healing and help for your need.

Jesus encouraged the "woman at the well" to drink of the living water which truly quenches the thirst and gives us energy to complete the race.

May God bless your day and may you remember the "Lord's Day".

Pastor Rose

We Must Keep Trying

A startling statement was made to me several years ago by a person who refused to keep trying and improving themselvs in order to reach the lost.
As we all know (or should know) the Word of God does not change however the world we live in is changing its outlook and methods. Into this volatile mix the Word of God still is the antidote for every person. Each of us should try to be aware, at least in part, what will reach the lost for Christ.
I am told that the world changes approximately every three to four years while the church changes its "sacred methods" every thirty years. We again cannot mishandle the Word of God but we must try to be relevant enough to at least get others to listen to us.
Jesus said that love never fails. With this in mind we ought to check out our love for God and our love for those who are steeped in the effects of sin. This love is not necessarily a gushy type of love but is one that recognizes the God given possibilities in the lost soul and works to bring His love to them. Hopefully they will accept. Jesus said that one of the churches listed in Revelation had left their first love. This is something to contemplate. What about our first love?
Jesus knows that we are weak and prone to slide or back away from our first fervency. It is up to us to recognize from whence we have backed away ever so slowly and make our way back to a love that will infuse us with new strength and vigor.
Satan's job is to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Seek the abundant life in Christ and see His mercies as they arise in newness with the sun rise of every new day.
May God bless your life with freshness. Its worth keeping on trying.

Pastor Rose

Change Is Not Just An Event

I have shared about change in previous blogs and once again I approach the subject. Change can be a very welcome or very unwelcome event in our lives. It depends on our perspective. Change is an event that continues in an ever growing series of events that will take us to a destination. Hopefully the change we make is the change we want. I read yesterdays news today and was not surprised to see that change took place at the polling place this past Saturday. Now it is up to the newly elected persons to be a driving force in making positive change that will not be just a quick fix but a long term solution.
I talked with an individual this morning and they have a feeling of expectancy of good things that will come as a result of the voice of the people. I truly hope that the aspirations of those elected will be a great force in our community and society at large.
There is one change that is necessary for us to make long term successes in our walk of life. A voice from the past and presently with us is the voice of Jesus Christ who said "you must be born again." Some resent the message while others embrace and live the message. Salvation is not just an event. It is a life long pursuit having been saved from our sins and being continusously saved from making the same sinful mistakes over and over. What a relief to know that our past no longer drives us into futile effort; but our present in Christ leads us to beneficial and peaceful paths of righteousness. This can be your gift from God. Just reach out and receive Jesus into your heart and His promise to forgive you will be a welcome event in your life. Your life then will be lead with greater purpose and the fulfillment of sharing your faith by life and word.
May God bless your day(s).

Pastor Rose

Fulfillment

Fulfillment is a word that describes fullness in process and completion. Around this word there seems to be a slippery slope. Slippery because many try to become fulfilled in many ways and some ways lead to severe pain and disappointment.
I, like so many have tried to find fulfillment in several ways yet true fulfillment came when the one who truly fulfills came into my life. His name of course is none other than Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Alcohol, parties, sports and personal pursuits did not satisfy except on a temporary basis.
Jesus admonished the woman at the well to drink from the well that satisfies.
The true need in everyone of us is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we recognize our sinful state and the need to be redeemed Jesus fills the need. Someone said: Money can't cure our ills as it can only helps us to have finer things in our misery.
Jesus came to give us hope. As He has given to us we then can give to others thereby helping bring fulfillment into our lives. God made us to be receivers and givers. Receiving without
giving brings frustration and a false concept of what life is all about.
Jesus gave His life that we might have life. Each of us are to take up our cross and pass on what we are in Christ. I trust that you will seek and find fulfillment in your life.
Doctors say that every depressed person needs hours of sunlight per day. If you are spiritually depressed get into the SON LIGHT for hours every day and watch your life change.
God bless you today and I hope to see you in church tomorrow.

Pastor Rose

More than likely most people have heard of Iran and the Nuclear threats being levied from their leadership. I have a friend who knows quite a lot about Middle Eastern affairs and especially that which concerns Israel. The talk for a while was that Israel would be sanctioned to go in with their Jet Fighters and blow up the nuclear reactor. The Saudi's are just as afraid of a nuclear Iran as anyone because of the imminent threat of take-over by the Iranian Regiem. They had (behind the scenes) made provision to allow Israel to fly across their airspace and destroy Iran's Nuclear capabilites.
This week a news report came that a mean virus had been loosed into the infrastructure of Iran and especially against the control systems for their nuclear capabilities. This virus only seeks out and disables (to what extent I do not know) the controls made by Siemen Corp which supplied the technology to Iran. My reports are that this virus seeks out special parts and either destroys or badly disables the controls thus disabeling their capablilites.
I am pretty sure that a joint effort by the US and Israel are probably at the forefront in protecting other nations and people from a nuclear holocost. When I saw the report I said to myself "what a bomb and nobody got hurt".
Iran will not stop their efforts to destroy Israel because scripture tells us that the day will come when they go up on the Pleasant Land to take a spoil and destroy the nation of Israel. It won't happen because God says it won't happen. Israel is home but not without great sacrifice and suffering. When Iran goes in mass to destroy Israel God will stand up and say this is enough. At that time He will come with the saints of God and fight the "battle of Armageddon" which will then usher in peace for 1,000 years at which time the battle God and Magog will be fought and all evil will be put down forever. Hallalujah!
When you see these things come to pass "look up."

God bless you today

Pastor Rose

Hope

Hope is a wonderful thing especially when we are assured that the answer is certified. We have hope in Christ Jesus and he has certified His intent by dying upon the cross after being rejected and crucified by mankind. In Him we have hope because He did everything necessary for each of us to reach the eternal state where godliness prevails for eternity. Have we taken the time to think about the eternal perfect state of all those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Upon our death (physical) life (spiritual) is secured in completion of the life that reigns in the heart of those who have asked Jesus to forgive their sins and come and abide in us. What a hope we have as we live in what seems to be a hopeless world. Into this chaos Jesus came to insure the hope for all who believe and call upon His name. Arm yourselves with hope in Christ and you will do great things while here on earth and receive great things when you reach heaven.
See you in church tomorrow.

WLR

Faith

Hebrews 11 gives us the awe inspiring effects of faith as well as the dread effects of faith. Regardless of the outcome God declares that He rewards faith. There is a whole litany of adjectives that describe the faith of our predecessors. I encourage you to take a long look into Hebrews Eleven and look for these descriptions of faith. Subdued, worked, obtained, stopped, quenched, escaped, out of weakness made strong, valiant, turned, received, tortured, not accepting, that they might, mockings and scourgings, chains and imprisonment, stoned sawn, tempted, slain, wandered, destitute, afflicted, tormented -- of whom the world was not worthy.
They wandered in deserts, mountains, dens and caves. And all these obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise (in their lifetime).
The foundation of faith means to me that we stand in and for God regardless of the circumstances of life. We should not get caught up in the faith that the only thing it does for us is relieve us from any pain. Faith does bring great and wonderful things from God. Faith also stands when we don't know everything that God is doing through our lives. "In" all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
Having spent a little less than 40 years in ministry my faith is valuable in the good times and equally valuable in times when this faith is tested. The Apostle Paul declared that his fullness and his lack didn't make any difference to his faith. He said these famous words: "None of these things move me nor do I count my life dear unto myself."
Let us serve God and try not to complain therefore God who sees in secret may come and bless you in openness.
God bless your day.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Living With Purpose

Jesus has put each of us into the world and given us purpose. This purpose must be pursued and developed in our lives. The only way we can truly find God's purpose is of course through God. He has declared that the things of the spirit are spiritually discerned. Therefore we must follow in the Word and Spirit of God thereby finding and developing our purpose. Look around! Many have lost their way and have made shipwreck of their lives. Some have denied God's purpose all the while seeking their own purpose and have fleeting success. Others have seemingly lost their lives for Christ and have found it through purpose and the success of helping others along the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. The things of this world may be nice and allurign however the things of God are found and guarded sometimes with peril to our lives. The reason is the battle for good and evil, life and death. Life is from Christ; death is from Satan. Therefore the battle for primacy rages until at last evil shall be put down and finally completely done away.
Keep your purpose and hold on to the restraint of God and purpose and you will find yourselves in great shape and increasingly so.
God bless your day and may you find your purpose.

Walter Rose
Pastor

When Life Gets Tough

Most of you will identify with having or having had tough times or situations. I think this is something that is common to all humanity. Into this scene of difficulty Jesus came as a "root out of dry ground" to minister to everyone who will allow Him into their lives. I struggled with this theme for some years until I finally found the answer to this "root out of dry ground."

What it means to me is that Jesus came into a very dry, desperate world where spiritual growth and life was in a very dry, almost untenable state. Into this dry world where there had been no prophet to speak for God for some three to four hundred years Jesus came. In other words God sent Him into the most unlikely place and time because hard times seems to waken many to the reality that there must be more than what they are seeing, feeling or experiencing. Jesus then brought life into this dry situation where he left the message and task to the twelve plus the many disciples who would follow and grow in places that were dry where life would then spring forth with vigor despite the situation.

Do you see where We are going today? You may be in a most desperate, dry and seeming hopeless situation yet God is not hindered by these situations as He has no hindrance other than our own refusal to believe and submit to Him. God came into my life in a most desperate time and has done nothing less than a miracle for these last fourty-four years. Our dry, desperate situation is no hindrance to the living God who will be glorified as your needs are met.

Put your faith and trust in God and He will meet your need.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Personal Giftings from God

I have been doing a little study concerning Gift-Oriented Ministry in the church. I am looking at the fact that God gives gifts to men and women. When used and infused by the power of the Holy Spirit these gifts then are able to produce the desired effect God wants. If you have any thoughts please make comments and I will take note of them. It is important that the church be a cohesive, working unit as described by the human body in Romans 12. Paul declares that each of us differ according to the grace God gives us and we are to use these gifts for His glory. I am convinced that the body is just that a body i.e a complete body, not just a hand or foot of the body. Pray that there will be active participation by all members thereby fulfilling the plan and purpose of God. God bless each of you.

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.

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