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