July 31, 2010 by Worship Director.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.             -Psalm 37:23-24

Our God cares about us – not just in a general way – but into the smallest concerns and details of our lives.  If we ask for direction, He gives it.  He not only watches our steps, but provides us with the tools to make the journey.

When we give to His kingdom, He gives us more. Even when we make mistakes, He sees us through.  And at the end of the path, the real treasure awaits.

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July 28, 2010 by Worship Director.

For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. 

- Isaiah 45:18

 UNFOLDING THE ROSEBUD
Author unknown

It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God’s design;
But I cannot unfold the petals, With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers, Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly, Then, in my hands, they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud, This flower of God’s design,
Then how can I have the wisdom, To unfold this life of mine?
So I’ll trust in Him for leading, Each moment of my day.
I will look to Him for His guidance, Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me, Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments- Just as He unfolds the rose.

Observe a seedling and explain how something dead will grow and produce food for us. The next time that it rains, explain how we know what rain smells like. Listen to the laughter of children and wonder why laughter is good to hear. Take a step farther and remember the people who were lost, hurt, misled, rebellious or sick and observe how healings came.

There is no other explanation but God Almighty. Come to Him, one and all, and let Him show you who He is and what He will do for you.

- Ann Reilley

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July 26, 2010 by Worship Director.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.    - Matthew 6:20

The US Consumer Expenditures Unit reports that we Americans spend 5.4 % of our incomes on entertainment and another 5.4% on food away from home.  Many of us are attracted to fulfilling our happiness in the fast lane of life.

However, sometimes God allows the brakes to be applied in our lives so that we will focus in on His desire to be the God of all comfort, your God Almighty.  Though these times are often a difficult ride, these are also the times we will begin to build treasures in heaven. The light of God shines in our hearts and we become effective witnesses.  There will be plenty of time for entertainment. Here is a smile for you:  Your heavenly treasures will not rust if you have applied, “Rust –Holy-Em’.”

- Ann Reilly

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July 25, 2010 by Worship Director.

One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, He saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then He touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!     - Luke 13:10-13

In the big budget movie “Avatar,” the fictional aliens voiced a core value of their culture when they spoke the words “I See you” (”See” was always capitalized in the screenplay).  It meant more than to just looking at a person at face value, knowing only that which their eyes could discover.  It meant understanding the other person in a deep and meaningful way.

Jesus always had time to really See people.  Wherever He was, whatever He was doing, He could see the needs of others – and nothing could keep Him from helping them; not laws, not customs, not disease, not evil.  He knows just how to touch that secret place deep within us that has us doubled over in pain, fear, confusion, doubt – and restore us to health, peace, and life abundant.

Can you See Him?  He Sees you!

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July 24, 2010 by Worship Director.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.   - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Disastrous events happen every day in our world. Many are natural occurrences; many come by man’s  poor decision making.  God allowed Paul to innocently fall into the paths of both. Though shipwrecked, Paul still had faith in God.  After swimming and floating on a plank to the island of Malta, the natives showed them unusual kindness.  While gathering wood for the fire, which the islanders benevolently built, a snake latched on to Paul’s hand.  The people expected Paul to fall and die, but God spared his life and Paul suffered no ill effects. The chief official of the island welcomed Paul into his home.  Paul prayed  for  the chief’s ill father, laying healing hands upon him, and he recovered.  Shortly after, many other islanders began to see the mightiness of God.  Many came to believe in our living God.  Acts 26, 27 and 28 tell many interesting stories of God‘s amazing greatness and of His working through hopeless situations to benefit His people.

Our daily sail with the Lord needs to be faith driven with the help and power of God.  We are in the boat together and we need to let Him guide. When God allows events to shipwreck us, He can use us in many ways.  In the midst of the storm, pray that you will be able to lend a helping hand and be that beacon to the people around you.  God will surely bless your course.

- Ann Reilley

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July 21, 2010 by Worship Director.

Our beautiful friend, Myrtie Palmer, was called to her heavenly home today, July 21, 2010 around 10:30 am.  She will be missed by so many - her smile, her spirit, her love and grace - always so vibrant among us.  We know that she has gone to a great reward for her love of God, of His Church, and for all who she inspired.

Just Sunday before last, she came to First Church to worship, this time in a wheelchair, but still in “her spot” in the sanctuary where we looked for her week after week.  Some of us specifically noted her presence this day saying, “If I ever think I am too tired or too ill to come to church, I will be put to shame by the faithfulness of Myrtie Palmer.”  While her hearing may have failed over the years, her wit and class never did.  Her style and carriage were always impeccable, and our Myrtie encouraged us all.  The angels must be rejoicing to have this one come home.

Please remember her family in your prayers.

The funeral will be at the Cook Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar Blvd on Saturday, July 24, at 1:00 pm.  Pastor Gilbert Davila will officiate.  She will be buried in Louisiana beside her beloved husband.

Myrtie L Palmer
October 11, 1919 - July 21,2010 

Myrtie was born in Coushatta, Louisiana to Jesse James Coody and Mary Roshto Coody. As a youth the family moved to different towns and states where her father worked as a roughneck and also fulfilled his call to start churches. In the early years, she enjoyed climbing trees and playing with her brothers, James and Arnold. Fond memories of youth include living in Smackover, Arkansas and enjoying the forested beauty of that area.

In high school she followed athletic pursuits with a special passion for basketball. After graduating from high school, she worked at Goldrings in Shreveport, LA, a fashion store for women. She also played in a women’s semi-professional basketball league. When World War II began, she worked for the Civil Service in Panama City, Panama. There she met her future husband, Robert Palmer, who was a naval officer tasked with procuring many of the materials needed by the Navy. After the war, they married on July 17, 1947. They enjoyed traveling, playing golf and other pursuits.

Their first apartment had a garden plot with irises and lilacs. She and Bob planted more things and Myrtie began to love gardening. They moved to Bronxville, NY where she transformed their yard into lovely grounds. While in Bronxville, she and Bob had two children, James Robert and Mary Elizabeth.

Her mother-in-law, Ella Palmer, introduced Myrtie to garden clubbing. Myrtie joined the Pierremont Hills Garden Club when they moved from Bronxville, NY to Shreveport, LA in the 1960’s and was an active member until she moved from Shreveport, LA to Austin, TX in 2001. She participated at many levels including state. She received over a hundred awards for her flower arrangements and was also a judge at flower shows. Special yearly events included the flower shows for Holiday in Dixie and Christmas Trees at the Barnwell Center. She and Bob also assisted with the formation of the National Rose Center near Shreveport, LA. She was a member of the local Orchid Society and the Rose Society.

In 1980 Myrtie and Bob took up residence in Shalimar, Florida spending time between Florida and Louisiana. She enjoyed exploring sea life and gardening in a semi-tropical climate.

In Austin, she joined Austin First Church of God where she immediately felt at home with this community of believers. She also joined the Newcomers Club and participated in their Garden Club and Bridge Club. She joined the Violet Crown Garden Club and the Judges Council. She enjoyed life to the fullest and leaves a legacy of kindness, warmth, and zest for life with all who knew her. She especially enjoyed her pets and had a special fondness for boxers - owning five during her lifetime.

Myrtie is preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Palmer and brother, James Coody. Her brother, Arnold Coody, lives in West Monroe, LA with his wife Vivian. Her son, James Robert Palmer lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Annette and sons Louis and Colin. Her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Graber lives in Loveland, OH with husband John Graber and son, Will.

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July 20, 2010 by Worship Director.

Isaiah 40: 28-31

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

“Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, the eagle sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us-and all of us will experience them-we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God’s power to lift us above them.

God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. “  - Author Unknown

This author is unknown.  Do you know the great Author of promises?

- Ann Reilley

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July 19, 2010 by Worship Director.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.          - Matthew 5:9

Peace does not just happen.  It is, unfortunately, not natural to our human nature.  Peace takes work.

Christians are called to be peacemakers in a world at war: war between nations, among families, within hurting souls.  God needs people who will actively seek collaboration over competition, build bridges instead of barriers, bring healing instead of hate.

Those that take on His characteristics are not just followers, but family.

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July 18, 2010 by Worship Director.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.     - Matthew 5:10

Persecution results from holding an opinion or belief. Oh, not just from holding the belief, but from acting on it.

Beliefs held in secret have no consequences and no reward.  Followers of Jesus must act, live out their faith, and be counted on the side of “right.”  Christians cannot avoid persecution by the very nature of our source.  Jesus knew the price His followers would pay, then and now.  For this great price, He promised the highest reward - for them and us.

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July 16, 2010 by Worship Director.

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.     - Ephesians 4:7

Guess that these little guys are hoping for a bucket full of grace from their parents!  Perhaps they were trying to make themselves, “whiter than snow!” (Psalm 51:7)

There are two simple lessons that we can apply to our lives by studying this photo.  We often fall into a sinful path with full knowledge that we will not have a good outcome.  We are attracted to fun and trouble.  If these two little guys were your children, would you like them to repent?  Maybe “demand” would be the agenda!

Though we often do not think simple sins are harmful, God knows better. Repentance and conforming to the likeness of Christ need to be a part of our daily lives.   It is a good life; it is a fun and interesting life.  However, we cannot paint this path.  We must be obedient and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. This takes a simple willingness to let God rule.  A daily reading of the Bible will help each of us tremendously in many areas. As a bonus, you will be very blessed.

Do not try to paint your own path; it may deteriorate.  If you let God paint your way, you will have a lifetime guarantee of successful Christian living.  In case you fall into a similar mess, may the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. (1 Corinthians 16:23)

- Ann Reilley

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