Pastor's Blog

Read and Study The Scriptures

2012-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Time was when I had no love for the Holy Scriputres due to living an unholy life. The year was 1966, the month was January and the day the 19th. A beautiful day in my life dawned and set with my new life having begun that day and continues to this day. It is a joy to have the peace and knowledge of God in my life. A knowledge that salvation is to all who will receive it as a gift purchased by Jesus Christ for our sins. I remember the joy and fullness that entered my life as I prayed, asking God to forgive me of my sins.
Looking backward I wonder why I waited so long to ask Jesus into my heart. There certainly is nothing to be fearful of and new life to gain.
We look at the labor pains of this earth and know that our world is about to enter a very traumatic time such as has never been before. I believe that prior to the time of Great Tribulation we will be taken in the clouds with Jesus. At the end of the Tribulation we will come back with Jesus where the Battle of Armageddon will be fought. Immediately thereafter the millenial reign of Christ will be implemented upon this earth.
I find great solace in knowing that the smoke and turmoil will clear as Jesus comes back and sets up his everlasting kingdom. Its something to look forward to with great joy and expectation of a blissful eternity.
Make your plans to be on the side of Jesus. You won't regret it for a moment.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Salvation

2012-02-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

It has been said that all salvation costs is what everyone can afford: one's self.
Coming to the Lord costs a man nothing and, at the same time, costs him everything. The offer is free in that a man need not pay anything in exchange for his salvation. "Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). Yet receiving salvation costs man his life. He no longer has the freedom of self-determination. "Seek the Lord while He may be found...Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him" (vs 6-7). All that it costs is what everyone can give: one's self.
Give yourself and get all that heaven has to offer. Not a bad exchange.
I am a rich man due to my coming inheritance in heaven. WOW!

Walter Rose
Pastor

God is the same everyday

2012-02-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God has always wanted mankind to walk in faith and trust in Him. This faith is fueled by none other than God himself. We believe and He responds to our need. When we think about faith it normally and confidently states that God has met us in the past, He is meeting us in the present, and we know He will still meet us in the future. He has brought us out of sin to bring us in to righteousness and ultimately to the heavenly city.
The future and our future is all known to God. He tells us that the "steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord." (Psalms 37:33) For all times of need that arise God has given us faith and the "gift of faith" just for the occasion. It is the God-given ability to trust your situation into His hands and see Him work it out for your comfort and for His glory.
Hebrews 11 is known as the "faith chapter" in the Word of God. Its not the only place where the action of faith is recorded but it is the one most mentioned. Open your Bibles to chapter 11 of Hebrews and renew your faith in God and begin anew the walk of faith. It is truly wonderful what God will do for those who trust in Him.
Have a faith day and a faith life. It is exciting.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Rest For The Believer

2012-02-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Exodus 33:14 - My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
Moses needed encouragement before taking the responsibility of taking the children of Israel out of Egypt. God promised him rest. Rest in its fullness is abscence of stress, conflict, turmoil, tension and hassle. This is not rest from activity, but a rest in the midst of activity.
Some people have the epitome of composure and serenity while everyone around them is going to pieces or "coming unglued. What is it that allows these people to show such inner strength and continual tranquility? An old way of describing it is "the rest of faith."
When we neglect to do what is right and what we should be doing we find ourselves worn out. When we work diligently through obedience and completing the task required of us we find and enter into a rest. This almost sounds like a contradition of terms: resting while laboring...resting while exerting energy. Obstinate disobedience brings turmoil and unrest. Willful obedience to God bings peace and rest. We know that we can only do so much but God is unlimited to help us as we believe and follow after Him in sincerity and faith.
Rest is encased in the following terms: Intermission, Recreation, Remain (standing in the difficult day), To refresh. Do you want an intermission from the evil intent designed against you. Do you want a recreation (re-creation) of you life with an ability to stand firm and be refreshed. If you do then start today by repenting of your sins and living a life of following after Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. He keeps Hs WORD for those who follow Him.
What a promise to each of us.
God bless you.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

A Wonderful Awareness

2012-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Scripture tells us that if our heart does not condemn us then we have strength and peace with God. I have once again been made aware of this wonderful position we have in service to God. Yesterday Barb & I visited a wonderful saint of God who was making her exit to join the ranks of all the saints of God who have died in Christ. Gloria Cherry was a life long resident of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes and had served with her husband the late J. B. Cherry for many, many years of faithful service.
The last conversation I had with her was last Monday evening concerning a man she had brought to church the previous Wednesday in hopes of helping him. She lived her faith to the fullest and yesterday, the 27th of January 2012 at 5:55 p.m. slipped into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One of her blogs in recent days was "I'm homesick for heaven." She is now there comforted in the presence of God forever and ever.
The lady I have been acquainted with always had a smile and a desire to help others. In heaven the scripture tells us that we "shall be known as we are known." Heaven is enjoying the delightful spirit with added laughter, singing and praise. Heaven has gained a worthy servant.
Do you have a wonderful awareness that your hope is in "nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness?" You can. Ask Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of your sins and tell Him of your need for Godly direction. He will be happy to come and help you. Do it now.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Our Consistency is of Christ

2012-01-18T09:39:00.001-08:00

Read Colossians 1:15 and follow these following comments.
One word there - Consist - is defined as "held together."
See if you can get a lift from the following statements?
By Him all things consist.
By Him creation consists.
By Him redemption consists.
By Him the Church consist.
By Him doctrine consists.
By Him the resurrection consists.
By Him Christian fellowship consists.
By Him all Christian experience consists.
By Him overcoming consists.
By Him the resurrection consists.
By Him the furuter consists.
Therefore stay close to Jesus and you won't worry about the future.
You will be the answer for others and their future.

God bless

Walter Rose
Pastor

Past Present Future

2012-01-08T05:17:00.000-08:00

The celerations of this past season are quickly shrinking in the rear view mirror of life and living.
We have several days we remember such as New Years day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
THanksgiving and Christmas. We have several other days during the year that are memorialized for one reason or another and each has its own significance.
I have found one simple way of staying somewhat fresh in life. That is to not forget the past, live right in the present knowing that the future awaits us.
No place does this hold more significance than our life and service in and for Christ. Our rememberance of the past is important in that we resolve to be an overcomer of our spiritual failings and rejocie when we have spiritual victories. We must live a balanced life with the past by remembering those failures and victories and bring their remembrance into our present living.
The failures should be a springboard to project our lives toward those things that make for life in Christ therefore victory. Our victories should be cherished in order to be thankful to the Lord who gives us the victory.
In living the present successfully we then look with joy and expectation at our future because Jesus has purchased our lives on the cross, thereby giving us hope and promise of a new life here, now and eternal life when Jesus comes for all His saints from the past and present who have secured their future in Christ.
Your future is bright in the light of God's gift to all - Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

God bless you all
Walter Rose
Pastor

A unique way to look at Christmas

2011-12-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

When we think about Christmas there are many thoughts and avenues that lead us to the story of the Christ Child.
One such story is about the "Kinsman Redeemer". Under O.T. laws the land that was divided to the tribes of Israel was subdivided to each individual family. The land was to remain in the family as a perpetual ownership. It could be rented or leased to another but the title deed stayed in the family name. The leasor could use the land at his disgression for as long as he held the lease. In the case of death of the original owner and the widow being unable to redeem the land there was a way to get the land redeemed. It was by the act of a "Kinsman Redeemer." You can read a beautiful story in the book of Ruth about it. In order to redeem the land the widow had to request that a kinsman redeem it for her. A "Kinsman Redeemer" had to fulfill at least four things. 1) He had to be the closest kinsman (relative) 2) He had to be willing to redeem the land at the request of the widow. 3) He had to be able to redeem the land (pay the required price). 4) He had to pay the price.
Jesus was sent to a generation of people who had sold out to sin and were in debt. He came to a people who were unable to redeem themselves. As a kinsman redeemer. 1) Jesus came being called the son of man and is thereby a nearest of kin for our indebted soul. 2) Jesus not only came but he is willing to take on the debt of mankind and redeem them from their sins. 3) Jesus also having come, being willing to pay the debt was also able to pay the debt. He became the complete, eternal and holy sacrifice for each and every person who will allow their debt to be paid. 4) He transacted the contract for each of us by dying on Calvary's cross. He became the final and complete payment for that which was indebted due to mankinds sinful practices.
When you think of the Babe in a manger - think of the Christ who took on flesh, willing to pay our debt, able to pay our debt and upon the cross paid our debt in full by the sheding of His own blood for each of us.
Isn't this a wonderful, revealing story of the Christ Child? Go to the Old Testament and see the story for yourselves. it is powerful and brings more light on the day we call "Christmas."

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

A Living Vital Church

2011-12-14T08:17:00.001-08:00

I am quoting from an editorial in the Times Picayune of 1996. It has a few years on it but it is absolutely as true today as ever it was.
The question was asked if the amount of money expected to be given to the church was proper. Here is the answer: Is the Church costing too much? "Last Sunday another golfer sank the last putt on the 18th green and received a check for $50,000.00 for four runds of golf plus an automobile for himself and one for his wife. THis week, the papers reported that a certain popular singer will receive $100,000.00 per week for her current singing engagement. Americans spend annually more on dog food than on church contributions. It is not unusual for an individual to pay more for his country club membership than he gives to the church. Is the church costing too much?
Let me share an experience with you. On June 2, 1940, a little girl was born to us. She cost us money from the moment she was born. As she grew from babyhood to girlhood, she cost even more - her dresses and shoes to go to parties. When she went to college we discovered along with other parents, that all college expenses are not listed in the catalog. Then after graduation, she fell in love and married. She was married in a church wedding and that, too, cost a lot of money.
Then, five months after her marriage, she suddenly sickened and within a week she was dead. She hasn't cost us a penny since the day we walked away from her grave.
As long as the church is alive, she will cost money. And the more alive a church is, the more money she will cost. Only a dead church, like a dead child, is no longer expensive.
Think it over. Is the church costing too much?
Think about this and answer the comment section of this blog. I would like to hear your reply.
Remember...if it is alive then it needs your support. If it is dead then bury it and mourn its loss and find that which is alive and celebrate it.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Where's The Line For Jesus

2011-12-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

The title isn't original with me. It is something I read but it surely has peaked my interest in how we prioritize the events of our life and nation.
The story goes that a mother had taken her son to the mall. While there they saw several lines were formed. Some for those special release items meant to draw us into the reach of the retailer. Other lines for the food bar and even the restrooms. There was a line for Santa also. After some contemplation the young boy asked his mother.."Where's the line for Jesus?" WOW!
What a thought.
It leads me to this question; in the twist and turns of life what occupys our priorities and thought processes enough to thwart our pursuit of Jesus. There is nothing wrong with standing in line for special merchandise at whopping savings or to have the little one sit on Santa's knee and have a photo shoot. On the other hand how often have we ever stood in line to get to Jesus? Have we left a filled parking lot and refused to walk a block or two in order to get in line for Jesus? Have we become too busy standing in the "busy line" of life thereby taking away every notion of standing in line for a seat in church or a parking spot in the church parking lot?
My son told me of a special release on some "Jordan Tennis Shoes." The retailer required those wanting these few pairs of shoes to stand at the beginning of the mall entrance near their store. They had to stand exposed on a bridge over a water way and could only come across when someone from the store came and led them across in single file. One man was about 10th in line and he only began to stand at 2:00 am. He couldn't get into the store until 8:00 am.
We all have to take a good hard look at our priorities and see if we have left off drawing close to God and taken on the lack luster ease of this life.
Christmas can be a time of research and renewal in our lives.
God bless you in following close to the Lord.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Still Being Thankful

2011-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

I am back home after a week of travels to see my children and one precious grandchild. On our travels Barb and I took a side journey to see a dear friend I first met in 1966. Geneva is a woman of prayer and faith. She is now 84 and lives in a nursing home in Texas. She has lived a life of prayer and faith and I am very thankful for her.
Scripture tells us that once we have eaten (or partaken of food/goods/blessings) then we are to thank the Lord. It is important that we are thankful for the perceived gift however the true thanking comes after the partaking of the blessing. Such is the life of Geneva for which I am thankful. Her body is weak but her faith continues to be strong. Her remembering capacities are growing less except in one special area - that of remembering her Lord and Savior. She has seen many miracles in her life due to the road of her life which needed miracles. Nothing else would have done the work but the miracles of God. Miracles of healing of her 1st son of a major injury. Miracles of healing for her 3rd son of Brights Disease, a usually fatal disease of the kidneys. The misterious disappearance of goiters and tumors and her husbands hietal hernia. Her intercession for me over the years. On occasion she would write and ask what I was going through? We then determined that God spoke to her and her prayer intercepted that which was determined to undermine my progress in God.
I go on record today in being thankful after the fact. November 25, 2011 has passed into the records of yesterday and today is at hand. Lets continue to give thanks for the blessings received regardless of what they were and how they came. Let your life be maintained by a thankful heart and a joyous voice of thanksgiving for all God has done for and in our lives.
I take special pleasure in remembering Geneva who has sought God for the many. Take time to thank God for someone who has brought blessing into your life as well as what God has done for you.

Being thankful after the fact.

Walter Rose
Pastor

A Time For Family

2011-11-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

In the rat race of life we seldom slow down enough to really spend the time with our families we would like. Recently my brothers and sisters and I spent three days together. In my life time we have done this three times since we all dispersed into the family/work world. I will be 67 on Friday so what I am sharing with you is not a good record. About a year ago I began to share the notion with my siblings and they said set a date and lets do it. What I am sharing with us today is "set a date and make it happen." Holidays are a good time to do these things however you may want to set a time when we have less hectic pace in order to truly relax and have some good fun walking down memory lane. There is a time for all the family at large to gather and enjoy pandamonia. I find that the smaller setting can be more intimate for a special time of reafirming our love.
These gatherings don't have to be elaborate but they do need to be accomplished.
Barb and I are heading West after church today to do just that. Before the week is complete we will have enjoyed a bit of time with Phillip and Tiffany and Shanna and Michael and the bell of the ball "little Sophia" our first grandchild. There will be more, but for now, she gets all the attention. Next year, should our Lord tarry His return, we will enjoy two (or more) little ones.
Take time for your family. It's the one you have.

God bless

Walter Rose
Pastor

Reflection on our Veterans

2011-11-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Friday) was Veterans Day and we see a small window on the price that men and women paid for the rights of all Americans to pursue religion of their choice, work where they will, puruse what they might and go freely from state to state without difficulty. These freedoms would be taken away if others had/have their way. So....lets remember them and remember that we have a part to play in these freedoms.
Remember with gratitude the men and women who suffer some visible and some invisible injury to their bodies and minds i.e post traumatic syndrom and physical injury.
Stop to thank a veteran when ever you recognize one. If you see a soldier in uniform buy them a cup of coffee or a meal. Do some act of kindness for them without need of repayment. The act is payment enough. Do something for a separated family this holiday season and after the holiday season.
There are other veterans of the great army called of God. There are many who have sacrificed to see that we have a place to worship and equipment to use in sharing the word of God with those under our care.
In both cases of veterans may we be counted upon to share our lives as well.

God bless

Walter Rose
Pastor

Ageing

2011-11-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

On monday of this week my wife and I traveled to her mom and dad's home in North Louisiana.
Her parents have served the Lord for over 50 years and are strong in Him to this day. However life and time have their way of drawing attention to the fact that life is unceratain and death is sure. Loss of physical strength and mobility are great indicators of ageing. Physical health needs are needed more than in their younger days. In the ageing process we try to hold back the tide of life and live longer.
However allow me to share this with us today. We cannot hold back the tide of living and dying. At some place (and it doesn't have to be in old age) physical death knocks at our door. In many cases unwanted and uninvited death comes. The great fear of it all is in our preparation for this momentous event. Our soul and spirit do not have to grow weak like the body. In fact my observation is that faith grows stronger in those who have made the Lord their stength. Dying isn't nearly so fearful if we have a great place to go. If we have not preapred for this event we then will have a deal of fear to contend with and rightly so. The saved i.e. born again ascend into the presence of God where we will remain forever and ever. The unsaved i.e. those who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord will descend into the pit of despair and agony forever and ever. Two drastic differences and destinations which we control by our acceptance or rejection of Christ.

While you have the opportunity and time make the right choice. The choice to follow Christ and one day ascend into the eternal presence of God. He is no reaspector of persons therefore receive Him today. He who forgives of sin will forgive your sins and give you the wonderful hope and assurance of eternal life. Do this today.

God bless you
Walter Rose, Pastor

The Hope We Have

2011-11-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Looking around us and across the expanse known as the world we see a troubled landscape. We see earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, heat waves and cold waves. Prices escalating and the power to purchase growing weaker. Into the mix of this there is trouble on every hand - nation against nation and people groups against people groups. There is a lot of hatred and prejudice that permeate our presence. Nastiness of character and perversion on every hand.
These things were not to be but sin has wrought a great tragedy upon human kind and has trickled down into everything else.
Good news! Jesus came to bring peace and forgiveness to everyone who will call upon him to be saved our personal sins. The real joy is in knowing that Christ has come to set us free. Having been set free from these things we are free to be/become salt and light unto our present, darkened world. This is what Jesus called "the good news." The good news is that it is for you and all others who will call upon Him to be saved.
Call upon Jesus today, He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. He alone can save you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Little things matter

2011-10-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Scripture tells us about small things. We are not despise small beginnings. Little matters find their way into our lives and produce the result of its influence. Small foxes spoil the vine. Like the fox small matters may creep into our hearts and begin the spoilage. Envy and unforgiveness are two things that do not do their dirty deeds overnight. If left to do their thing they will cause many troubles and most of them are over a life time. The problem with envy and unforgiveness occurs when we make them at home and welcome their presence in our lives. Usually the excuse is that we are not the guilty person - they are - whoever they are. Actually we do more damage to ourselves because we allow the rotting principles of envy and unforgiveness to stay. It is something like moisture in the walls of ur homes. Sooner or later mold begins to show on the outside while greater damage is done within.
Years ago Jesus came into my life and with him came His cleansing power to release and rid me of envy and unforgiveness. In my case the release did not occur in one session with the master. It came as I having been with the master and understanding of scripture began to make choices to forgive and be content in the state/position I was in. As I forgave peace and contentment came back into my life and has helped me to have a fruitful life. I was able to release those who offended me and make them a friend rather than an enemy.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Seasons of our lives

2011-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Summer has ended and fall is all around us. The growth of most plants has come to an end or slowed dramatically, animals are preparing for winter, birds are migrating to far away places, and the human species looks at the beautiful foilage and longs for even cooler days. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and then the seeming slow, dark, dreary days of deep winter surround us. Then like magic the first green of spring soon to be followed by that last green shoot to spring forth. All are within their season. Summer is a display of production and preparation for harvest.
Our lives are in many ways the same. Spring is a time when new life begins and summer shows its toil under the noon day sun. All in preparation for the harvest and finally enough to get everyone through winter till a new birth begins over again.
Lets think about the productive measure of our lives. Life begins, then that which is the driving force within each of us grows a harvest. The only difference between plants, animals and humans is this - Man can spiritually change the course of the harvest coming from within. If we deny the right of Christ to come into our lives then we are going to grow a harvest that does not nourish nor bring life. It will bring death. The harvest is intended to be many fold more than the seed planted in our hearts. We are to bring forth a harvest that gives life not only to the bearer but to the recipient also. Our lives are to be spent for the betterment of others.
Let the seasons teach us of two things: We are to be givers while we live as the night comes when no one can work and each of us will be judged for the works done in our body while alive on earth.

Get Ready

2011-09-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Jesus is coming soon. We must be ready.
Scripture tells us when Israel is surrounded by armies we are to get ready for the coming of Christ is drawing very near.
We know from scripture and from the declarations of the terrorists groups in the middle east that their full plan is to remove every Jew from the face of the earth. They have a devious plan in place as you read this to form a Palestinian State in the land of Israel. This will open the door for economic, media, the mind and proxy wars to neuteralize Israel with hopes of its anihilation.
HAMAs sits in Gaza with bated breath waiting for the moment they can exact terror and death upon all in Israel.
Scripture declares that Israel will be in Israel and not be removed from the land. How will this happen? God will fight for Israel by drawing the armies of haters of Israel into the near region and finally into the Valley of Megido where the Battle of Armageddon will be fought. There God will severely rebuke every nation that has risen against Israel. Not all will be killed for 1/5 of the nation from the north will go back to their land.
Scripture tells us "when we see these things begin to happen" we must look up for our redemption draws nigh.
You will look at these statements in one of two ways. With joy knowing that Jesus will come again (perhaps soon) or with dread because you have not made your hope in Christ. I invite you to stop now and pray - Jesus forgive me of my sin, come into my life, save me from my sin. I will serve you for the rest of my life.
In doing so I pray that hope shall rise in your heart and faith will carry to forward on this wonderful journey in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God bless you today.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Extraordinary Times

2011-08-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. During these times when hope is tested we have a rock unto which we can run and be safe. C.H. Spurgeon says, "Happy storm that wrecks a man on the rock Christ Jesus." In other words if the strom drives us to Jesus and we find peace and faith there we are the better even for the loses (physical) we may have incurred.
I don't necessarily enjoy or like difficult times however we have a savior to whom we can run for help and we will be helped. When we walk away from that time we are more aware of the divine presence of God and have a greater peace than before. In so doing we are made richer and wiser due to our forced encounter with our God. Spurgeon also said, "happy trouble that drives thee to thy Father."
Yes. Look to God our father in trouble and don't slack when things get better. Find a true experience in God that will bring balance to your life for every situation both good and bad.

Look to Him and He will save you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Mountains

2011-08-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been privileged to spend time in and around mountains. My wife lived in the Rockies at a very high altitude. Having visited there I appreciate the thicker air at lower levels. We also lived in Alaska at the foothills of a mountain range. These mountains are very pristine from a distance but very formidable when we were trying to traverse them on foot.
Mountains are compared to events in our lives that cause us hardship and difficulty. They really don't bother us when they are at a distance but getting into the rugged slopes cause pain, and sometimes death.
Jesus said that faith can move mountains. Even though we read scripture and know that prayer changes things we are called upon to pray without doubting. Sometimes the mountain must be traversed or we may be called upon to climb carefully down from the site we find ourselves.
The ever present Spirit is our guide in such times as we listen to the voice telling us "this is the way, walk in it."
All of us are weak in our own right therefore we need the help of our Lord to keep us safe and on the pathway of purity and righteousness.
I thank God, the creator of all things good, for "guiding us with His eye." He mounts the heights and plunges into the depths to help us. As He does these things we must "sanctify" Him i.e. give Him the honor due. Our testimony should be of God's wonderful grace and help in time of trouble.
Call upon Him; He is near!

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Sanctify The Lord

2011-08-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

As we read the scripture we find message and principle interwoven together. God said "He was the same yesterday, today, and forever. He changes not."
I see a principle that is unchanging. God has spoken and He will complete it. The children of Israel were given the blessing of becoming a holy people to be used for the evangelisation of the masses. They became self obsorbed in their pursuits and wealth and turned from God to their own devises. In doing so they were dispersed into the four corners of the earth and to distant lands. Even there God watched over them through their difficulties because He loved them but would not tolerate their self will.
God will do no more or less with us. If we are not serving Him with our whole heart he will be longsuffering with us but will require of us because of our waywardness. Lets read the record of God's dealings with Israel and take a lesson from their lemon tree. They faced many bitter days because of their rebellion. When they turned once again to the Lord He returned to them and healed their backslidings. He will do the same for us. He is no respector of persons. What He has done for others He will do for you.
Come to Him today and let Him heal you and revive you in your spirit and soul. It will be a good day that will turn into a good life in Christ.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Prayer Needed

2011-08-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Scripture declares: "If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive heir sin and heal their land."
One of the things God thrusts upon his people is prayer. We are to pray for one another, for governments, for nations and out of these nations God asks us to pray for the peace of Israel. Prayer is one way of keeping selfishness at bay from our lives. God asks us to intercede for others and the cause of Christ. The fight for the betterment of peoples and nations is ever before us.
On September 22, 2011, New York will host the delegates of the United Nations where an effort to legitimize a Palestinian government with its capital in East Jerusalem will be sought. (You can google the words "Durban III" and read about it.) Also an effort to stop the blockade of guns into Gaza is being sought. They will never tell us that life saving items, foods and goods of usefulness will not be denied the Palestinians in Gaza. However Hamas is endeavoring the have the blockade broken in order to resupply themselves with rockets and guns in order to kill Israelies. WE must pray for a peaceful solution if possible. War is declared in the heavens and the time of the return of Christ draws near. Lets do what we can to win the lost and be found working for the cause of Christ.
God bless you.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

God Is at work

2011-08-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

I just arrived back home last night around nine oclock tired and ready for a good nights rest.
I look back to the week Barb and I spent in Phoenix at our General Council and share a few thoughts with you.
I marvel at the way God orchestrates His Church around the world. In America there are around 3 million persons who attend or are members of a Assemblies of God Church. Due to the commitment that our forefathers made in 1914 (to be a group of men and women who would take the gospel to the ends of the earth) there are 60 million believers around the globe. Around the globe there is 1 person every 7 seconds accepting Jesus Christ as their personal savior. This is being accomplished by over 2,000 men and women who have given their lives to share the wonderful news that Jesus died for all mankind. What a legacy we have. We must not only carry on this commitment but intensify its effect as the days draw near to the return of Jesus Christ.
Committment: Dr. John Bueno just retired (age 74) from the World Missions Directorship. He gave a great illustration of the committment of those who went into El Salvador and surrounding areas: He said, "Many of those going into that difficult land took their own caskets with them" because they would most likely die there.
Jesus said: "Unless a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abides along, but if that corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it brings forth much fruit." I think the question before us is this, "Have we fallen into the ground of God's work and died?" If so then we can expect much fruit. If we haven't died then we "abide alone without fruit." Take time to pray and ask God what will it take for you to "die" and fall into the spiritual ground of Christ and produce fruit.

God bless each of you.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Today

2011-07-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day to do the things we have wanted to do. Yesterday is a history of our dreams and disasters, our hopes and our successes. However today is the only day available that we can right our wrongs, recover from defeat, renew our hope and survey our success.
Someone said that "today is the first day of the rest of our lives."
Perhaps your yesterday was not the greatest and your tomorrow is yet to come. Use today to help ease yourself into tomorrow which then becomes today. A day to straighten our back and shoulders, to lift our eyes and look upon the possibilities that lay before us. God gives each of us the same amount of time. How we use it will determine success or failure, victory of defeat.
The day I chose to accept God's offer of salvation started a lifestyle of having His guidance to keep me on the pathway that He has prepared for us. God wants to see you successful and without defeat in your life. Work hard, believe God. When your work doesn't get the job done look to God who is more than able to work things out for you. He may just do something for you that is better than you had planned.

Have a great day. I will post again at the end of next week as I will be gone for eight days to General Council.

God bless

Walter L. Rose
Pastor

Thoughts for the day

2011-07-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Fight for yourself and you get what you can win. Let God fight for us and we get what God can win.
Only one thing cost you more than your consecration to God. It's what you lose by not consecrating yourself to God.
Faith is a steadfast confidence in the trustworthiness of God that does not rest upon physical evidence.
God's gifts are never loans, they are deposits and He expects a return from His deposit.
You cannot permanently help someone by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves...Abraham Lincoln
Today is the only time you have to make changes in your life. Yesterday is finished and tomorrow isn't here. To put something off that needs attention only brings dread.
For whom and what are we called? Settle it therefore to work where we are...until the Lord of Harvest shall say differently.

Rev. J. B. Cherry

2011-07-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 23rd of July 2011 I had the privilege of participating in the funeral celebration of a great man. Bro. Cherry was 88 years of age and had a cumulative 60 years of pastoral work and ministry. There were nine ministers as well as singers for this great celebration. Yes. A celebration. When someone dies we commonly hear "think of what we have lost." If we know where someone has gone then they are not lost. They are just departed from this life and entered the great eternal life prepared for everyone who loves God. Bro. Cherry was a stalwart of the faith. When he came to Raceland and requested water be hooked up to his church it was denied. So he hauled water by the bucket, barrel, whatever he had, to flush toilets, etc. Later water was finally hooked up but it leaves us with a great picture of his life and attitude. He served without complaining and hauled water. Water is also pictured in scripture as the life coming from God that refreshes, sustains and cleanses. Bro. Cherry hauled water for his needs, the needs of the church and in a spiritual sense he hauled water for all who would come and drink. He leaves a legacy of bringing the refreshing water to any who would drink of its source. He leaves a church in Raceland dedicated to supplying "refreshing water" to all who see their need and drink of its fountain.
Thank you Bro. Cherry for such an inspiration to us all and for a life that keeps on giving even though you have ceased your labors on this earth. We will see you on the side where you have gone for eternal joy and rest. May God bless your family in this time of mourning and adjustment.

Thank you.

Walter L. Rose
Passtor

Strength of Decision

2011-07-16T13:35:00.001-07:00

The power of a made up mind is almost beyond explanation. A made up mind will help you stand, go, do, be the thing you need to do or be.
Today - July 16, 2011 is my wife and I's 40th anniversary. It was put into full motion on July 16, 1971. We have spent the last 40 years together as mates, lovers, workers together in God's Kingdom. Has it always been easy? No! There are great rewards of living and working together for these years. It seems like yesterday when we said "I DO" and rode off together as husband and wife. We had no real knowledge of what it took to bend without breaking and to give on occasion without taking. With God's supernatural help and guidance we have walked together through some circumstances that should have taken us down but on the contrary they helped us stand straighter and taller because God helped us. Have we always seen eye to eye? No. On some occasions we never saw eye to eye but God is the common denominator of our lives and helps us get through these times. I don't think it is always necessary to see eye to eye because we are different. The win is in the give and take of marriage. The times of seeing our mates point of view can be very rewarding. On the other hand our stuborness brought some trying moments but again God helped melt us with the heat of His Holy Spirit and bring us to a new dimension in Him. What do people do without the help of our Lord and Savior?
With 40 years behind us I can truly say that my "Heart has always trusted in my wife". She never gave me any reason to doubt or cause me to suspect anything other than her devotion to our God and our union as husband and wife. In like manner I kept myself for her only. It keeps peace in the home.
I pray that you also have or will have such a life.

God bless each of you.

Pastor Walter L. Rose
On my 40th wedding anniversary

Standing for our next generation

2011-07-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this post you are either a christian or an inquirer of the faith or inquisitive as to what someone other than yourself might think. These are all attributes that God has allowed to work freely in our lives.
There is another group of inquisitive inquirers and they are children and young adults. These young minds and hearts are still pliable therefore the need for each of us to stand with and for them. It is very important what our children and youth learn. The schools will partially educate them however they still have much room impartation of other things. This is where we come in as we stand for our next generation in prayer and spiritual training, as we give of our finances to see that opportunities for spiritual learning exist and are readily available.
We have a few short months or years to give them an opportunity. Lets not let our opportunity to help them pass. Become involved in the capacity God has given you and that will be sufficient for efforts in this life.

May God richly reward you for your prayerful consideration of helping this next generation. You will make a difference.

Walter Rose
Pastor

God's Church - What Does It Look Like

2011-06-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

There is a general feeling that the church consist of a building and its rituals and trappings. Jesus made a statement that "He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it." So the question remains: "What does God's Church Look Like?"
My answer to this is as following:
1) God's church looks an awful lot just like you.
2) God's church is seen through the eyes of those who have asked Jesus to forgive their sins
therefore it looks a lot like a person who has been forgiven now forgiving others.
3) God's church is a commanded church as Jesus said "go into all the world and preach the
gospel."
4) God's church looks a lot like those who are obedient to the commands of Christ therefore
fulfilling the requirements of righteousness.
5) God's church is obedient because it is a loving church.
6) God's church is a caring church because of the love given to us through Christ.
7) God's church is a commissioned church given authority and power to do the task as assigned
by the Lord of the Harvest.

So what does God's Church look like?

It looks just like you living in a forgiven state having accepted the command to go into all the world and preaching the gospel where the righteousness of obedience is credited to your account.
It looks a lot like you going with a heart filled with carring love for the lost because Christ has forgiven you and placed His love in your heart. It looks a lot like you going forth with authority and power being obedient to the assigned task. So what does God's Church look like? It looks a lot like you. Are you satisfied with what God's church looks like?

God bless you

Walter Rose
Pasator

Being Secure In Christ

2011-06-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned the unrest in the world on occasion and today I alude to it again. To look upon the issues and unrest in the world without the Word of God can be quite disconcerting. I have encouraged you to find the answers in God's Word. Many of the answers may not be found with a causual, unconcerned glance. The truths of God's Word are many and they are sure to the one who searches - not for a moment - but a daily reading of scripture and a careful study of those things that come to us as we read.
We are concerned with food and water the most with other cares such as family, home and security coming close behind. Jesus said that we should be satisfied with what we have today and the morrow will provide situations and sustenance as the need occurs. Psalm 55:22 says "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you." In another scripture God declares to us, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because we trust in Him."
There are many scriptures of promise to the one who trust in God.

Be a student of God's Word. It will never fail you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Planting, Sowing, Reaping

2011-06-11T11:49:00.001-07:00

John 4:38 - I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.
Working for and with God is quite different than working for ourselves. God's work is a continuous work in progress. Until He returns and all things are finished we are called to work. Some plow and prepare, others sow seed, sometimes never seeing the result of their labors. Planters have to believe that their contribution is going to terminate in a good harvest. Jesus has told his disciples that he has called them to reap a harvest planted by someone who preceded them.
Think for a moment - the Old Testament and the New Testament share with us the labors of those faithful men and women who broke the ground, sowed the seed and on many occasions gave their lives in that cause. It is harvest time and dare we ignore the labor and cost of this great harvest? God has given us a great opportunity to go into the harvest locally, regionally and nationally and around the earth. Our part is to enter their labors and gather in the harvest they have made possible. The fields are white unto harvest. The time is now!
The way to secure your future is in giving our life for HIS. This will bring great reward.
The beauty of it all is that the plower, preparer, sower and harvester all will rejoice together when the results of the efforts is revealed.
May God give insight to each of us for the harvest.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Faithfulness

2011-06-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have read the account of Joseph in Genesis today. I have read this account many times and I never cease to marvel at the accountability that Joseph displayed in 12 years of alienation from family and friends. His early dreams and visions of leadership seemed to be mainstays in his life.
Hatred from his brothers, slavery in Potiphar's house, running from Potiphar's wife. His subsiquent accusation and incarceration in prison for an extended time would break most people. The marvel of it all was his sensitivity to the presence of God, his spirit that did not wane with disappointment. He did a great job in Potiphar's house, in prison, and finally in the land of Egypt. He was tested and found true. His assignment to secure the food of the land for 7 years and finally his forgiveness to his brothes is a most wonderful and rewarding testament to a young man who was true in faith while imprisoned.
Each of us can take another lesson from this story of faith and accountability without someone standing over his sholder. If your dream is delayed maintain faith. God may come today with the answer.

God bless you

Walter Rose
Pastor

Three Indespensable Needs in Our Lives

2011-06-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Eveyone of us has an ongoing need to do what is right and real. Scripture tells us that "the heart is deceitful and who can know it?" Along with everything else God speaks to us this is a knowledge that each of us should take an indepth look into our hearts and then lean heavily upon God to help us in our need.
God has called each of us to fulfill the task He assigns to us. These callings - of course - cannot be fulfilled by man's strength alone. We have need from God, therefore we cooperate with God in relational, educational and ministerial action. The actions we take are indespensable to our lives and efforts.
God did not give us an unreachable height or unattainable assignment. As I have already said these things must be reached in cooperation with God through the following three things. 1) Prayer. Prayer is a two way street. It is speaking and listening. If we want answers to our prayers then we need to be good listerners. The idea of listening is that we may know how to respond. 2) Reading. Reading first of all must include the Word of God, the Holy Bible. The Psalmist said: "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." The Word of God leads us in principle and practice. Principle being the foundation built upon the Word of God and practice being the obedience and trust in God's Word. 3) Ministry. Minsitry is our everyday walk with our lights shining and our mouths speaking from the great resivoir of the word of God. Ministry is speaking or doing good deeds with the opportunities we have today. Ministry is that of seizing the moments we have "NOW" and using them to produce a godly effect in the lives of others by the way we speak to and treat them.
Love is the overall and overwhelming force that drives us to pray, read and minsiter, otherwise these things will be a heavy burden that will wear us out. Done through the avenus of love we will be able to shoulder the burden with joy knowing the eventual and eternal outcome of our efforts with Christ.
May God bless these thoughts to your heart today.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Memorial Day - A Day of Remembrance

2011-05-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day is set aside for all Americans to honor the memory and sacrifice of those who have given the ultimate gift - the sacrifice of their life - that we might live freely in the places of our own choosing. It is a tribute to those who gave that we might have. In our having we also must remember that in our receiving we are also called upon to give. We may never give our personal and only lifes blood however we can give in many ways. The gift of your thanks to God and to every survivor of that one who has given their lives is without measure. As we give honor on Memorial Day we also are called upon to give our intellect, spiritual and physical strength and personal involvement to insure that those who sacrificed so great a sacrifice will not have died in vain. Perhaps there is a widow and orphaned children who endure harship gather our community to help ease their burdens. Each of us must not become dull of remembering. May this Memorial Day bring us to a place of humility and lifting of our eyes to heaven in thanksgiving and submission to service.

May God bless each of you who have ones from your family who have given the ultimate gift.

Thank you..

Walter Rose
Pastor

The End of The World

2011-05-21T11:17:00.001-07:00

Many of you may have heard of Harold Camping of Family Radio and his (mathematical) prediction that the world will come to an end Saturday, May 21st, "give or take a few hours."
His previous record is that of predicting that the second coming would come in September of 1994.
There have been many through the centuries who have predicted the coming of Christ and all their predictions have failed to be true. Let me name others who have failed. Pope Innocent III predicted the end would come in 1284; in the 16th century Mother Shipton declared "...the world to an end shall come; in eighteen hundred and eighty-one." A 17th Century Baptist precher named Benjamin Keach predicted it would be in 1689. More recently, Jehovah Witnesses have predicted the end numerous times most notably in 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1941, 1975 and 1994.
To those who do not know scripture (or choose to ignore it) a lot of embarrasment is placed upon individuals and the church at large. Those who do not believe are made even more staunch in their belief that they do not need to serve God.
Do I believe that Jesus is coming again? Absolutely! Mark 13:32 tells us: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
Scripture does point to signs that point to a generation of people that events are lining up toward the day that Jesus breaks the eastern skies and comes to take all those who have served him and are in the grave along with all those who are serving Him at that time. This great event will hold two great emotions. The elation of those who are translated into heavens glory and the great fear of those who are left and consigned to the Lake of Fire.
The key to all our lives is to serve God daily and truthfully. This gives us the assuracnce that we need to live for God whether he comes today or tomorrow or sometime in the near or distant future. Strengthen yourselves with the hope in Christ. It will make you sleep better and rise more refreshed.
Go tell someone about Jesus. They too can have the hope of Christ in their lives.

God bless you
Walter Rose
Pastor

My computer was down

2011-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

As we use and study the mechanical and electrical components of the computer they teach us a few things about life. My computer e-mail server was down for three or four days and someone with more experience than myself got to working on it. First of all in the process of fixing another computer the line to the internet was unplugged. Due to being unplugged it wasn't as simple as plugging it back in. We had to visit the web page provider in order to re-set the commands and get things straightened out again. Once all this was done my e-mail account still wouldn't work until I remembered that from time to time we need to turn off the computer and reboot by starting it again. When this action was accomplished; well to my surprise here came my mail before my eyes.
Isn't this somewhat like our walk with God. There are times that we need spiritual attention and for some reason or other we try to unplug from God without thinking of the consequence. There is a commonality here that teaches us to stop what we are doing that is not bringing results and shut everything off. Just like the computer we have to go to our command central and get reconnected. At times they want to identify who we are and what is the password to our account. When we have been unplugged spiritually we need to once again identify our relationship to our account holder (Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior). SO I leave you with this thought. If we are not connected to the source of strength and salvation we work and labor in vain. Isn't it more fulfilling to have something that works rather than say: Transaction incomplete.
Think about this and strengthen your connection in Christ. It will benefit you greately.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Desciphering the News

2011-05-09T10:03:00.001-07:00

We have a lot of events occuring worldwide. Earthquakes, floods, famines, pestilence, people and people groups very unstable and upset and on edge. My friend Mike Evans has written many books concerning the events of the Middle East. He made this statement: The battle today is about two books and two Gods. The Bible and the Quaran and Jehovah God and Allah. As we read God's Holy Word - The Bible - we read many passages which indicate many events which are or will happen today.
Getting back to Middle East information there are three main groups which seek to take control by taking over every nation in the area which is being pushed to throw out their present leadership. THese groups are the "Brotherhood", Hezbolah, and Al Queda. The overall purpose is to openly and defiantly proclaim their effort to form a cohesive group to soon go up on the "pleasant land" (Israel), kill every last person of Jewish ancestory and anyone who helps the Jewish State. Their long-term goal is to insert a Shira' state of religious government throughout the entire world.
I encourage you to read the books of Ezekiel and REvelation with this in mind; God has fortold the events of this last day and has declared his ultimate overthrow of evil and installation of that which is righteous. He has told us to lift up our heads and look up as we see these things begin to happen because HIS REDEMPTION draws near.
What a joy to be on God - Jehovah's side in all this. Look at the last pages of the Holy Bible and see who wins. Until then don't get in a panic, get into a church and get into the things of God and become a winner. If not then we becoem a loser. I prefer winning every time.
Read the Bible and it will help you to descipher the news more clearly.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Mom

2011-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday is set aside as "Mother's Day". We probably don't give the overall recognition we should to those lovely ladies who have made such a difference in our lives. I look back to my mom who has taken her heaveny journey 31 years ago this month. She was a quiet woman of faith and stability. She worked especially hard taking care of her five children plus all the things that go into feeding and clothing her children. Along with those things she was our protector in her own quiet, even secretive way. Sho took care of some things without a whisper to any of us and we did not know about it until we were grown. She loved God and family. It really doesn't get much better than that.
I also married a young lady who now has stood by my side since July of 1971 (39+ years). She is also a quiet, faithful, hard working woman who loves God and her family with deep devotion. Our children are beginning to truly realize the haven she provided for them along with deep nurturing of their lives. What she has done for them has been "caught" as well as "taught." I am a truly blessed man considering the faithfulness and dependability my wife has displayed faithfully for these 39+ years. A man and a family that has faith and dependability as their mainstay has the greatest gift that can possibly be given to anyone.
Husbands and children; take some special time this Sunday to recognize the great gift that God has given to each of you. Your special efforts will make your wife or mother a blessed mother. We need more of these special moments in our homes as an example to one and all.
May God bless each of you not only this Sunday but every day of the year.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Storm Clouds

2011-04-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Jesus gave us explicit instructions to lift up our heads and look to heaven as we see the clouds of unrest and chaos around the world. The main view is that of the Middle East. Israel is the center piece because of the hatred of their Arab brothers who have vowed to exterminate them into total obliteration. Scripture shares with us that when Israel's enemies come up against her onto the "pleasant land" God will step into the frey and destroy their enemies in the valley of Megido. What do we do as we see these things coming to pass? Lift up our heads and look to heaven. A word of promise from the gospels. Our promise is everlasting life due to our anchor "Christ". Put your hope and ask for help from Christ and you will have what you need to stand with strength during these last days. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. Lift up your head and look unto Christ. You are safe in Him. Walter Rose Pastor

Getting and Giving Comfort

2011-04-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 1:4 - "Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble.. Scripture tells us: "Freely you have received, freely give." Each of us has received something from the Lord (in stressful situations) that we may pass on to others. This makes us a channel of blessing. In this verse the Apostle Paul says that not only do we receive comfort from the Lord, but that we can also pass that comfort on to others. Comfort is that special "something" the Lord imparts to us to sustain us, undergird us, and reinforce us in times of trial and tribulation. The word paints a picture of the Lord leaning over the portals of heaven and calling out to us words of encouragement and reassurance. He does more than that. He comes along side us to speak words of comfort to us in our time of greatest need. Then he tells us to do the same for others. Be a comforter, a consoler, an encourager to those who have needs like your own. Some feel that no one understands what they are going through. Furthermore they feel that no one cares. When we have been comforted by the Lord we can say "look" I understand and know that God will bring you through. When we pass the test of stress and have been comforted by the Lord it is now our joy to pass the comfort on. God bless you today Walter Rose Pastpr

Remember The Resurrection

2011-04-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

The memorial to Christ freedom from death and the grave is commonly referred to as "Easter". It is more meaningful when referred to by the proper event which is the "Resurrection." Easter conjures up fables such as rabbits and easter eggs. The all have a part in the American way but lose the ability to bring mankind up to a position of hope. Resurrection brings forth truthfully and properly the story of our redemption. The resurrection brings with it power over death and hell. It brings the hope of each and everyone of us to that which is truly worthwhile and has the power to change us and make us anew. Easter is a tradition. Resurrection is a promise. Easter is a passing event. Resurrection is an eternal hope. From my childhood I have been trained to think ahead. I find that ministry and serving Christ is intended to secure our todays and give great hope for our tomorrows. Let the memory of the resurrection of Christ be made fresh in your life. If you haven't been born again then let God, through his Son, save your soul. God bless you Walter Rose Pastor

Be Still

2011-04-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Psalms 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! What a wonderful promise God gives to us when we are in places where our strength and abilities cannot make the difference. This scripture in no way tells us to have a i-dont-care attitude. It does tell us that we must have faith in God and allowing God to make the difference. Some things demand that we allow God to exert His wisdom and we cease from anxious activity and leave the matter in God's hands. We will then see a work that only God can affect. When we leave these overwhelming matters in God's hands it soothes our restless spirit and brings a peace that defies understanding instead of our anxiety. Our heart is encouraged to know that God is at work and His hands accomplish the impossible. Put yourself at the feet of our Lord and Master and trust Him to work. Is there a situation with work, home, son/daughter/spouse? Some things only God can fix. Put yourself at Christ's feet and trust Him today. One evidence of your trust will be your willingness to sit still and let Him have His way. Ask Him today to take your heavy burndens and He will do it. Walter Rose Pastor

Strenth of the Family

2011-03-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday the topic for the morning service was "Will the family make it?" The answer is a firm yes. Of course the strength needed to make the family strong is in none other source than God our Father who has given us His word coupled with the Holy Spirit who helps us make the application that will work. Into this scenario God has caused a unique order to be placed. I call it "parents" and "children." Children learn more from what they see and experience than what they are taught. There are many examples in God's word that are for our learning. Noah was in a spiritually destitute time when God caused him to make an Ark. He and his family were the only persons alive who were saved from destruction. Noah influenced his family.
Abraham and Sarah inluenced Isaac who carried on the line of faith.
Jochebed - the mother of Moses - influenced her son who later came and lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.
Timothy, a young man who worked with Paul was influenced by his Grandmother Lois and mother Eunice who instilled faith in him that stood the test of ministry .
Phillip the evangelist had four daughters who were strong in faith who also prophesied.
Mary and Joseph set the example for our Lord and Savior. In this setting Jesus was said to have increased in wisdom, stature and grew in favor with God and man.
We have these great examples and more from scripture. Take heart. You have these examples to encourage you in your life and hope for your children that they will be godly examples to their generation.
Stop and pray for God's help. He will hear you and help you.

Walter Rose
Pastor

Bringing up the rear

2011-03-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

To some this will be a negative conotation refering to dragging by or being lethargical in action and mind. However I want to entice you to think of "bringing up the rear" in a little different way.
The tribe of Dan were assigned to bring up the rear when the armies of Israel were on the march. The Danites occupied the hindmost place, but what matters the position since they were as truly part of the host as were the foremost tribes. They followed the same fiery cloud, they ate the same manna, drank the same water and journeyed to the same inheritance.
Let me put it this way for us today; those who bring up the rear are charged with as great or greater responsibility as those in the front. The rear of the column is where the stragglers show up sooner or later. The rear is where the hurting and the tired tend to gravitate and just one step from stopping and giving up. So I think those charged with bringing up the rear may well play a most important role in saving the lives of those unable to keep the pace. They may be charged with the ministry of resuscitating the tired and hurting. They may be charged with standing in the way of those ready to give up.
Those in the rear are undoubtly required to supply their own strength for the journey as well as helping those who have lost their strength.
Your ministry that is not out front is just as important as any other. In the rear is where the enemy tries to sneak in and snatch a few stragglers. In doing so they cause doubt and fear to enter the marching army thereby imparing their will to continue and fight the good fight of faith.
Take heart and rejoice if you are bring up the rear. It may well be a place where your gifting is best suited.
God bless you today.

Pastor Rose

Need Help?

2011-03-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
This is a good verse when we seek guidance and direction from the Lord. Monday is a day most of us get things going for the week. Take this promise from God and couple it with your preparations and see how good things will go for you. God has made three direct promises in this verse: 1) I will instruct you. God's instruction makes us more intelligent, skillful and circumspect in our dealings and decisions. 2) ...and teach you in the way you should go;... God will point you in the way you need to go so as to hit the mark. God wants to harness your aimless wanderings into a definite direction and a clear goal to aim for. 3) ...I will guide you with my eye. God will keep His eye on you to see how you are doing. God always has your benefit in mind when he guides or adjust our direction.
Make Monday a great day of alignment both for your work and for you walk with God.

Pastor Rose

Words

2011-03-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Words seem so insignificant at times however they are really the evidence of much, much more.
Matthews gospel chapter 12:37 tells us - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
There are 568 occurrences of "Words" in scripture. These words are heard and spoken. They are spoken with meaning and with randomness. Words will instruct or deceive.
Words carry truth, lies, anger, hope, happiness, faith, distrust, etc.
We find in scripture that God is either for or against our words. The words of God were discredited by Lucifer in the garden and as a result Adam and Eve plunged the world into sin.
Our bodies may be destroyed but it is words that make the greatest improvement or the deepest plunge into the abyss. Words are very important because by them we either believe in Christ or deny Him. Words spoken and driven by the heart are the declaration of our having received the Lord Jesus as savior. Because words are so important we must have a true foundation with which to receive or resist words depending upon their intent and purpose. Each of us have been hurt and have hurt with words.
Proverbs declares that words fitly spoken are like pictures of silver and apples of gold. Lets work at directing the issue of our mouths - words - so that they may bring life and not death to the hearers. Troubles have begun and ended depending upon the words and their usage by each of us. Make it a prayer that the words of my mouth will be right and give life.
May God bless your words

Pastor Rose

Keeping Our Eyes Adjusted

2011-02-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

As of recent days we have watched as planned chaos is occuring in Egypt. To the casual observer this may not mean a lot however the underlying issues are very important. Many who haven't read the Word of God have little or no clue as to the significance of the build up of al-Qeda and Hamas as well as others of kindred minds. Scripture tells us that a lot of issues will occur in the end time. All these events point to the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. Upheaval, pestilence, drought, nations and peoples against each other. Many points in scripture indicate that one of the things that will signal the approaching return of Jesus is the hatred of and against Israel along with the marshalling of armies from various nations who will then come down to "the pleasant land" to take a spoil and to rid the world of Jews. When we see these things beginning to occur we are to not become filled with dread and terror but rather look up toward heaven with the knowledge that God has it all worked out.
Your passport to victory is the Lord Jesus Christ. Any and everyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior are assured safe and eternal passage into His realm we refer to as "Heaven." At this time - beginning today if you haven't already begun - lift up your eyes and heart toward the Lord. He will save you through living and dying. Neither will prevent Jesus from gathering you to himself at the prescribed day and hour as set by God.
Keep your spirits high and your hopes in Christ and you will be safe, secure and of great use in these last days.
God bless you.

Walter l. Rose
Pastor

Values & Vision

2011-01-30T07:32:00.000-08:00

Much is being said about vision today. Vision sees, decides and committs to a certain pathway of service or hindrance.

Vision is of no use unless there are values that drive vision forward to a continuing success. What do you value? If you value your personal life then your vision will drive you to fulfill your personal dreams and desires. If you value entertainment it will cause you to pursue and spend for that cause. If you value historical artifacts then you will fill your rooms with history and artifacts of that era. I think you get the idea.

God ask us to value the eternal word and work of God. When we value our eternal life we will seek after and spend to make sure our eternal destination. When we value the eternal life of our fellow man we will pursue, seek and spend to help others find true value in their lives. When we value true freedom that comes through Christ forgiveness then we will pursue, seek and spend that others may know about this also.

Do you see that our lives must not only have vision but they must have purpose that is driven by true values that are gleaned through the Word of God and the infilling of the Holy Spirit of God.

Is your vision driven by pure values? Or is your vision driven by impure values? Bow yourselves before the Lord God and ask Him for clarity and direction today. I may be one of the best things you do today. I can change your life.

May God bless these thoughts to your heart.

Pastor Walter Rose

Partaking of Godly Things

2011-01-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

Peter the Apostle shared many things with his followers and subsequent readers in his old age. I see the man of youth who was strong, spontaneous and ready to take the sword to that which opposed them. In 2 Peter 1:1 Peter shares of the united precious faith given by the Lord Jesus Christ. vs. 2 he shares the grace and peace that he prays will be added to the believer along with the divine knowledge of Holy and Spiritual things. He encourages each of us to press forward to the exceeding great and precious promises of God that help us to partake of the divine nature because of and helping us to escape the corruption in this world. What a change that took place in Peter's life from the day Jesus called the fisherman to become a follower until the day he would follow Christ in death. In his latter years he was still strong but he had changed quite a lot. He now walked in humility and great concern for the believer thus he encouraged each to grow in faith and partake of the great and precious promises of God.
Likewise we are encourage to pursue after these great and precious promises of God thereby we are enabled to escape the corruption of this world. If we will work half as hard in following after Christ as we do in trying to do things right we will get farther, quicker because God helps us and strengthens us to do what we need to do in and for Him.
Pursue after Christ and the Word. Pray for a fresh infilling of His Spirit who helps us accomplish what God wants in our lives. You will be blessed beyond your greates dreams.
God bless and may it happen for you.

Walter Rose
Passtor

Strength

2011-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

The message of God for mankind is about the Holy and Perfect God changing unholy and imperfect men until we walk as the righteous members of His family He has destined and created us to be.

Divine love hung between heaven and earth for our redemption. In fact He died for all mankind in their sins thereby opening the way for our redemption.

2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV

God did not just save us and walk away He has sent His Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day of our lives.

John 16:13 - However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authroity, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

I thank GOd for saving me and filling me with the power of His Holy Spirit. When you are born again and walk in God's promised Spirit your life will truly be a joy to live and share with others.
Pursue after God today and He will be found.

Walter Rose
Pastor

God's Word Is New Everyday

2011-01-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

DO you remember when you purchased that new something? It was shiny, fresh, free from dents, dirt and scratches.
Remember when you said that "we will never eat in this auto." THen you were on a road trip and time was of the essence and guess what..."we ate in the auto." Now the car is older and has a few scratches, dents and dirt marks. We aren't quite so emphatic with housekeeping the auto any longer. Just check under the seats for lost things. How did that get there?
Such is the way of life to the casual, unobserving, don't really care attitude. In life everything sooner or later may loose its shine, no longer smell fresh, has dents and scratches. Every so often we see a well kept auto that is a pleasure to observe. Likewise we look upon certain individuals who have traveled many dusty roads but their lives are still shiny, they still have proper perspective and are dependable due to preventitive maintenance. If you're life is filled with dirt, scratches and has lost its luster there is a repair shop where you can be refurbished. The church (as designed by God) is a place where you can take your dents, dirt and scratches with reassurance that in time the luster will return to your eyes, your life will be cleansed from the inside out. Oh, your wrinkles and scars may not go away but your heart is mended and you have become dependable. You readily start your day without groaning and you don't miss a beat as you run through your day. Your fuel is the Word of God. God's fuel (the word) never gets trash in it nor has water that makes us spit and sputter. As you run your life with a fresh fill of God's Word each day you will find you life running smoothly each time you fill-er-up. Take God's Word. It is new everyday. It takes care of contamination and deposits that sludge up your life.

God bless your reading of God's Word

Pastor Rose
First Assembly of God

Christmas Meaning

2010-12-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

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