February 28, 2010 by Worship Director.

This is the story of a little girl born in the early eighteen hundreds. She was born with sight, but due to  improper medical care, she was blinded at six weeks of age.  Her father died when she was just one year old and the child was raised by only a mother and grand-mother.  As an adult, her only child died in infancy. Some would say this child should be bitter and would live a sad and difficult life –

But this is the story of Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), a blind girl, who became one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time, providing the lyrics for over 8,000 hymns.  She wrote under more than 100 pseudonyms because publishers were hesitant to have so many hymns from one person.  She learned to play the piano, guitar and sing.  She was the first woman to address the United States Congress, lobbying for education for the blind.  She was a teacher of English and History in New York and kept the company of several US Presidents, generals and dignitaries. Fanny played one of her hymns, Safe in the Arms of Jesus, at the funeral of President Ulysses S. Grant in 1885.

At eight years old, Fanny wrote this poem:

“Oh what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see;
I am resolved that in this world contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy, that other people don’t;
To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot, and I won’t”

This was Fanny’s attitude throughout her life.  A life more difficult than many, but more joyful than most.  Sing one of Fanny’s songs today and any day that you find that you’re feeling sorry for yourself.  A life dedicated to the glory of God, cannot go unblessed!

Blessed Assurance

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Praise Him, Praise Him

To God Be the Glory

Draw Me Nearer

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February 27, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s  Scripture:     Psalm 18:1

I will love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
so shall I be saved from my enemies.

Read Psalm 18

God is My Strength

There are days (more now than when I was younger) when I don’t feel strong.  I feel like I might buckle under my own expectations, responsibilities and pressures.   Why can’t I live up to my own standards as a mom, grandmother, church worker, homemaker, sister, friend?  I feel weak and out of control.  Then I remember – God is strong!  When I go to Him on my knees and ask for help, He is strong enough to save me from my ‘enemies’:  self-deprecation, depression and weakness.  He is my strength for combat, my shield, the declaration of my salvation, and the stronghold on my faith.  What would I do without God?  He is so worthy to be praised!

Prayer Starter

Dear God of Power and Strength –
Thank you for being strong when I am weak.

- Linda Wilkins

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February 26, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were born or
You brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting You are God. 

Read Psalms Chapter 90-91

The Big Question

In the eighth chapter of Mark we read about Jesus and His disciples. They are traveling to several villages around Caesarea and Jesus poses a question to them. “Who do people say that I am?” They collectively began to answer as to what others were saying about who He was.  Then Jesus redirects the question and asks them – “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus gets personal. Peter, the one who would later betray Him, answers- “You are the Christ.” Some biblical translations take it a step further- “You are the Son of the living God.” In that same chapter we read where Jesus predicts His death. He looks at His disciples and a crowd that has gathered and teaches them the way to the Father, the importance of having in mind the things of God, and knowing who He is. Who do we say Jesus is?

Prayer Starter

We are grateful Lord –
For the supreme sacrifice of Your Son Jesus.
It is an honor and a privilege
to know Him and whose we are.
To You Lord is the glory!

- Melba Davila

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February 25, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:  Luke 19:45-48

It is written, My house is the house of prayer,
but you have made it a den of thieves…

Read Luke Chapter 19

The Angry Master

While in Jerusalem, Jesus visited the temple where He saw the daily activity of trade being carried out as the merchants sold animals and other things needed for the sacrifice at inflated prices. This was very displeasing to Him.  He drove them out as He admonished the merchants and also those who bought from them. He then taught daily there, but the chief priests and scribes and the leaders of the people did not like this so they sought to kill Him, but were unsuccessful. But all the people listened to Him. Jesus is looking into the temple today and is still finding the same thing happening. He wants us to cleanse His temple and return to proper worship. The temple that He is looking at is the temple of our hearts. Is our heart clean enough for Him?

Prayer Starter

Merciful Master -
Make us clean for You, Lord, at this Easter time.

- Rev. Barry K. McFarlane

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February 24, 2010 by Worship Director.

A memorial service honoring George Whitener will be held at the Austin First Church of God on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 2:00 P.M.  Our congregation will host a  reception for the Whitener family immediately following the service.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the George Whitener Estate.  Please contact Shirley Blomquist or Louise Green through the “Contact Us” page of our website (www.AustinFCOG.org) for further information if you would like to contribute.

Please continue to pray for the Whitener Family during this difficult time.

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February 24, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:     Romans 1:17

But the righteous one –
by means of faith he will live.

Read Romans Chapter 1

He Lives!

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever foes may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart!
(Words & Music by Alfred H. Ackley)

He lives within my heart.  That song plays in my head over and over again.  He walks with me and talks with me – and He really is in my heart and mind.

Prayer Starter

Dear Risen Lord –
Because You arose, I am never alone
on my journey through this world.

- Anna Fox

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February 23, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:   Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.

Read Jeremiah Chapter 29

God’s Plans

High school is over, two years of college have flown by, and the last two have already been booked full of classes. While school is just the beginning of my twenties, I have a myriad of plans that I can only hope to accomplish in my entire lifetime. I want to go on a road trip across the country, buy a boat, begin a career in teaching, have a fairytale wedding, travel to Europe, buy my first house with a picket fence, and eventually raise a kid or two. These are my plans, but the ones that will lead me to a life in Heaven are going to be God’s plans. He is the only one who actually knows what my future will be - what kind of struggles I will face and the opportunities I will be given to overcome them; what kind of chances will come my way to preach His Word; and what kind of family I will have and the kind of life I will lead as a Christian wife and mother. Although I am still young and constantly filling my life with more and more plans of my own, I have to remember that relying on God’s plans for my future is the most important plan of all.

Prayer Starter

Dear Lord –
Please help me to rely on You as my Creator and Life Planner.
Use my life to serve you as a student, not only learning about the world, but also about the Word.

- Elizabeth Wilkins, College Student

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February 22, 2010 by Worship Director.

Our dear friend, George Whitener, left this temporary life on Sunday, February 21, for an eternal one with his Savior.  How we will miss his presence at the church door, his warm smile and cheerful greeting to everyone that entered Sunday mornings. George had struggled over the past year with health issues, but never stopped longing to be at his post in the church he loved.

In his last visit with Pastor Gil and Melba, he said he had “fought the good fight,” quoting 2 Timothy 4:7. Indeed he had persevered through many trials and tribulations throughout a life of faith.  We especially remember George as a man of prayer and he testified many times to its power.

We offer our condolences to the Whitener family and prayers that God’s comfort and our love would surround them at this time.  Funeral services are being arranged for Friday at the church.  More information will be provided here as it becomes available.

As Pastor Gil, Melbal and Shirley Blomquist left his hospital room last week, he assured them that “I’ll see you in Glory” - and I have no doubt that we will indeed find George at that door, with a broad smile and heaven’s program in his hand, welcoming us to come on in and join him!

If you are registered on our site, you may want to leave your remembrances of George here by clicking on “comments” or leaving a reply below.  If you would like to register, please contact sue@austinfcog.org.

OBITUARY

George H. Whitener, Jr., 87, of Bastrop passed away Sunday Feb. 21, 2010.

He was born April 17, 1922 in Hickory, NC.  George was an Alcoa employee for 20-plus years, and had worked for American National Insurance. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First Church of God in Austin over 50 years, and a bowler.

George is survived by his wife, Madlean Whitener of Bastrop; children Russell Whitener and wife Judy of West Virginia, Allen Whitener and wife Diane, Anita Arthur and Randy Whitener and wife Julie all of Texas; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

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February 22, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another —
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Read Psalm 50

Dad’s House

Jim Hanks could hardly wait to see his fifteen-year-old daughter, Stacey.  It had been two long weeks since he had seen his baby girl. Pulling into her mother’s driveway, his excitement dissipated when he saw the resentment on her face. Stacey threw her suitcase into the backseat and silently buckled herself in. Life was not fair and she hated the transition.  Her father’s large muscular hands, brushed her hair back from her eyes. “I love you,” he whispered. Tears streamed from her eyes as she remember that he did love her! She knew she didn’t want to lose that fellowship. She wanted him with her every minute. She vowed to make every effort to spend as much time as she could with her father.

How about you? Our Heavenly Father waits for us with far more love! How excited He must be to see His children gathered together in His name!

Prayer Starter

Dear Father -
Thank you for the time You spend with me.
Help me make time to spend with You.

- Ann Reilley

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February 21, 2010 by Worship Director.

The True Measure of Success

To be able to carry money without spending it;

To be able to bear an injustice without retaliating;

To be able to do one’s duty when critical eyes watch;

To be able to keep at a job until it is finished;

To be able to do the work and let others receive the recognition;

To be able to accept criticism without letting it whip you;

To like those who push you down;

To love when hate is all about you;

To follow God when others put detour signs in your path;

To have peace of heart and mind because you have given God your best;

This is the true measure of success.

- Author Unknown

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