June 14, 2010 by Web Admin.

Exodus 23:30

“ I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.”

THE PLAN

Here we have a promise of deliverance by God in small increments, little by little. Have you ever felt that you are at the edge of a precipice, just hanging on, and you cry out to God for immediate help then become disappointed when He appears to be working little by little, rather than all at once?

THE PURPOSE

Our God is working for our eternal good. He is accomplishing His purpose in our lives in His own way, and in His own time. He knows that in some situations, little by little is the best way to go. He knows that we could easily be overtaken by adversity, if we experience victory too quickly.Even though there are no simple answers to lives perplex problems, this verse provides an important clue as to how God sometimes work on our behalf. Every now and then, we need to be reminded that He is going by His timetable, not ours, and His will for us is determined by what is ultimately best for us. One thing is sure, that is, the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness, and He is just being patient with us. Like Paul with his thorn, perhaps you have a lifestyle that you know is unhealthy and you have asked God’s help, but the progress seem slow and insignificant, don’t throw away your project, be patient and work with God, so that He can work with you.Be encouraged when your prayer request reveal little by little progress, because while God is at work in your life, He is also at work in the lives of those around you, and when he ties-it-all-up, little by little will add up to major change.

Rev. Barbara McFarlane

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May 13, 2010 by Web Admin.

“The woman left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone, Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?” John 4:28-29

The woman’s encounter with Jesus Christ-the Messiah births within her a joy, excitement, and hope that cannot be contained. Jesus tells her everything about her.  She runs toward the town as fast as she can go because she wants others to know about this man called “Jesus”. He is the Messiah, the Savior, the Living water and the giver of good gifts.

God’s desire is to dispatch us as His witnesses so others can experience the same abundant life He has given us. When we simply tell someone about our encounter and relationship with the Lord, that is telling our story.  Share your story with family, friends, and co-workers today. What you share may powerfully impact and make a difference in  someone’s life for eternity!

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May 11, 2010 by Web Admin.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.  think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”. Philippians 4:8 NLT

Our thoughts definitely influence what we do. Our focus will be negative if we constantly think about worries and troubles in the world, but if we allow ourselves to experience the joy of knowing that we are God’s children, we will live as children of God and our thoughts will be fixed on Him.  It is important that we think about the good things and spend time praising God for those things that make our life good.  Let’s thank Him for family, work, friends, and the many great commodities we enjoy daily.  He is True and honorable and right.  He is pure and lovely and admirable, and He is excellent and worthy of praise.  Fix your thoughts on Him today.

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February 15, 2010 by Web Admin.

We celebrate the love that God puts in our heart and find ways to share that love with others. Saturday,February 13th. was a fun time for all who attended our Annual Valentine Party. A walk-on, couples games, give-a-ways,  love-songs sing-a-long, food, and so many goodies allowed us to have a wonderful  and fun time. Please see our calendar on the About Us page to stay in tune with all the fun and exciting things happening at First Church. Come join us anytime.

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January 20, 2010 by Web Admin.

“Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to Him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” ” Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” Luke 18:40-43

  What do you want God to do for you today?  He waits to hear from you. His word tells us that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we will see great things happen in our life and the life of others.

Have a blessed week! Tune in next week for a reading of God’s inspiring word.                                           

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January 12, 2010 by Web Admin.

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father. The Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide,how long, how high, and how deep His love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it it so great you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen!  Ephesians 3:14-21

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December 26, 2009 by Web Admin.

The Christian Women Connection hosted their annual Christmas party on December 19th.

It was an enjoyable evening of fun and fellowship with an International meal, games, Christmas carols, skits and drama and an exchange of gifts.  What a great way to celebrate this special and happy holiday.

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December 10, 2009 by Worship Director.

 This years’ Ladies Christmas Brunch on December 5, 2009 was a success in many ways:

• Nearly 30 people attended,
• Many guests were welcomed into God’s house,
• Hundreds of dollars in gifts were provided for the teens at the Austin Childrens Shelter, and
• We started the season by focusing our hearts on the gift of Christ to the world and how we are blessed by giving to others in return.

Thank you to Melba and Theresa for helping cook on the morning of the brunch and to Fae and Louise for bringing their special holiday goodies to share.  Janis Gernert from the Austin Childrens Shelter told us about the facility, the great needs - both physical and emotional - of the children that come there, and how we can help change their lives.

The Christ Birthday Offering, in which we participate each year as a ministry of the National Christian Women Connection, provides education, economic development and hope for women and families all around the world.  Our local fellowship is happy to share our resources and reach out with God’s love both at home and internationally during this special time of year

.

“I remain very grateful to attend and meet the caring people at Austin’s First Church of God, thank you for the invitation and gifts for the children.  ACS will share a brighter Christmas because of the thoughtfulness of you and members there.  Blessings - Janis Gernert, The Austin Childrens Shelter

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