August 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.   - James 1:14

“Your mission failed,” the cartoon character told his son.

“But great father, I’ve returned with the goods you’ve required. I am here before you now,” he pleaded.

“You chose to travel off the roads I built,” his father stood firmly.

“I’ve only detoured to gain a greater understanding. The gold, the beauty, the love called to me and I only meant to stay awhile,” the son sobbed.

“You had all you needed on the great road. Your path choices were not part of the great kingdom and now they lie with you. While you were on the road, the great guide was there before you. You turned away, slipped past the road blocks and chose to follow the enticer instead. Though pain lies before you, it must be as it is written. By your own choice, you may not enter the great kingdom,” the father ruled.

From the time we are old enough to reason, we have tried to blame others, genetics or numerous other excuses for our shortcomings. We have used crutches such as, “this is just the way that I am,” or “tragic upbringing” to circumvent responsibility for our actions,. When we are face-to-face with God, there are no crutches. He has given us the authority and awesome power to overcome, today, tomorrow and forever.  Though the enticer pulls us away, we must hold fast to God and His path of promises. It is our choice that must rule.  By God’s grace given to us through Christ, we can say “no” to what God deems as sin. When you truly pray, “Lead me not into temptation,” He will guide your way.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  - James 1:12

- Ann Reilley

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August 16, 2010 by Worship Director.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”  When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.  Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.  But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”  “Here I am,” he replied.  “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”   -Genesis 22:8-10

Could you be as obedient as Abraham? Many parents have seen their dreams interrupted when their children chose dangerous mission fields. Other parents have chosen to remain obedient to God when their children chose the sinful world. Friends have been lost when one stood “souly” (solely) obedient to God.

Watching your children and your friends open a door that you cannot enter is very difficult.  God is standing by and watching as well; however, free will and accountability walk hand in hand. If we are steadfast in our trust in God, if we are a shining light in the world of darkness, He will bless us with more than what the world or friends can offer.

- Ann Reilley

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August 15, 2010 by Worship Director.

The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.   - John 10:13

Money is a poor motivator.  Working for the kingdom is a labor of love.  We give, because it is our family who needs our gifts. We give of ourselves, because it comes from our heart.  The Shepherd is committed to His flock and we are held together by the love we share.  Everything we give – including our very lives - is safe in the Shepherd’s hands.

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August 13, 2010 by Worship Director.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.   - Psalm 23:4-6

The Shepherd is “hands on.”  He stands between us and trouble. He is the bridge that spans the pain of broken relationships.  He holds us when we’re feeling beat up by the world and pours Himself into our wounds.  While we walk with the Shepherd, we are safe and, even when we stumble, He is there to pick us up.

Flocks are nomadic, being lead from pasture to pasture; some are green, some are rocky. But where the Shepherd is – there is home.

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August 12, 2010 by Worship Director.

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  

- Matthew 7:14

Safety First
During the depression, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge provided  many well-paying jobs.  Since unemployment was high,  desperate men claimed to be experienced in construction just to get the jobs. Due to the wet, slippery conditions, bridge builders expected many fatalities on the job.  Joseph Strauss saved many lives when he designed a safety net that was suspended beneath the bridge. With the net ten feet wider and fifteen feet longer than  the  bridge surface, workers were able to safely increase their work production. Today, an average of forty-one million commuters cross the bridge yearly.

As we  observe many people traveling different directions each day,  it makes one wonder  where each separate person is headed.  After reading today’s bible verse, how many of our fellow travelers have accepted Jesus as their Savior?  How many of these bustling lives have taken time in their day for the Lord?  Look around your busied world and ask the Lord to expand your vision. Jesus is the bridge that transports us from a life of self-seeking to one of God-seeking, and, ultimately, completes the path to everlasting life. The entrance fee has been paid and the safety net secured. He will catch you when you fall; however, it is a one-way bridge with a different catch.  It contains a wonderful promise from the bridge builder, Jesus.  He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:6

Are you on the one-way Alpha Omega Golden Gate Bridge?

For more interesting life facts go to : John 10:1 , John 10:10, John 12:46

For more interesting Golden Gate bridge facts, go to http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/sanfrancisco/a/ggbridge_3.htm

- Ann Reilley

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August 11, 2010 by Worship Director.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.
Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

The very first line of the 23rd Psalm says it all; “The Lord is MY Shepherd.”  It is the key to Christian living, comfort and confidence.  The Shepherd is:

• Permanently responsible,
• Powerfully responsive, and
• committed to a Personal relationship with us

Listen to Reverend Gilbert Davila’s first message in a series on the 23rd Psalm by clicking here and finding “Listen to Worship” on the left navigation bar and selecting “August 8, 2010.” It will inspire you to have confidence in Christ Jesus as your Shepherd.

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August 10, 2010 by Web Admin.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at First Church on 5209 Duval Road- 6:45 P.M., Ann Reilly will bring a very special study on  Native Americans and their rich culture and traditions. We look forward to a great time of learning  and fellowship.

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August 9, 2010 by Worship Director.

Save the date!

Event Information and Online Registration

at www.helpaustinsam.com

Third Annual 4 Player Golf Scramble

Forest Creek Golf Club

Monday, September 20, 2010 – 1:30 pm Shotgun Start

$150/player

Event proceeds directly benefit the

Nicaraguan ministries of Austin Samaritans

www.austinsamaritans.org

*Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Austin Samaritans’ Office:  512/465

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August 9, 2010 by Web Admin.

John 6:28-29

” They replied, What does God want us to do?”  Jesus told them, “This is what God wants you to do:  Believe in the one He has sent.”

Many of us live by a list of Do’s and Don’ts  in an effort to earn God’s acceptance. We can all receive God’s help and forgiveness if we repent and receive Him by faith. Now, that’s  Good News! Our growth begins as we respond to God’s love for us.

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August 8, 2010 by Worship Director.

He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…      - Psalm 23:2

Our Shepherd is in the “restoration” business.   He returns to us all that we give, all that we lose, all that we have damaged or destroyed.  He can restore our fortune, renovate a relationship, renew our spirit when we feel it’s beyond repair.

Give up whatever you’re holding back and the Shepherd will restore you – better than new.

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