April 27, 2010 by Worship Director.

Luke 5:5-7     “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”  And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!  A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish…

Working hard doesn’t always bring the prosperity we hope for.  This scripture reminds us that it is not how hard we work, but what we work for that can make all the difference.  When we see each day as an opportunity to labor for our Lord, to be obedient to His call, to share our blessings with others – abundance follows.

When we strive to gain more as a means to give more, our nets will always be full.

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April 26, 2010 by Worship Director.

John 6:18-21    The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.  But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

We live in a turbulent world – natural, man-made or self-made.  Some times, it seems like we’re paddling up stream.  When we row alone, rough waters toss our boat around and we cling, shaking, to the sides - being lost at sea, sinking, drowning – our deepest fears.  We all have storms in our lives ranging from gray skies and annoying showers to flash floods and hurricanes - you know what I mean - if you’re not there now, you have been before and likely will be there again.

You can jump over the side of the boat like Peter and try running on the water to Jesus, but that leap of faith can be hard to sustain (as Peter demonstrated) and may end in a watery grave. Failure, fear, loneliness, disappointment, broken relationships, can all drag us down under the waves even when we earnestly strive to reach for Him.

It may be hard to comprehend - but all that we really have to do is - let Jesus in our boat.  Not only does He calm the storm, He completely moves the ship to dry dock, safe and sound.  He’ll walk out to meet you – let Him in!

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April 25, 2010 by Worship Director.

Delivered by Charlie Schnabel at Austin First Church of God April 25, 2010

In 2006-2007, a guy name Jack Dorsey, sort of by accident, discovered and developed “Twitter”  as a networking tool. Although starting small, there are now over 1 billion hits a month on Twitter all over the world. You can set up a Twitter account and then communicate with your friends called followers.  A message that you might give on Twitter is called a “Tweet.”

There are millions of entities on Twitter– individuals, organizations, universities, political groups, military units, astronauts and just about anyone else that you can think of - and information can be passed quicker than on network television.  Do you know what they call two birds in love?  Tweet Hearts!

As you can imagine, not many preachers use Twitter because a Tweet is limited to 140 characters.  But it’s not too much of a stretch to say that the Apostle Paul might have used Twitter if he had the opportunity. How about a Tweet to the church at Galatia: BEWARE FALSE TEACHERS - JUSTIFIED BY FAITH IN CHRIST NOT RELIGIOUS PRACTICE.

Or the Tweet to the churches in Corinth:  GET UNIFIED! CLEAN UP, LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GET BACK TO BASICS.

Also, the Tweet to Ephesus: BELIEF AND BEHAVIOR.  IT ALL WORKS TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH GOD’S PLAN. BE LIKE CHRIST.

Well, a Tweet can only be 140 characters long, so I had better close. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if the billions of Tweets that are out there included God’s message to be scattered all over the world? Maybe there could be an application for a message to the millions who have never heard the message of salvation.  Tweet for Christ!

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April 22, 2010 by Worship Director.

Genesis 1:31    “And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.”

Today is the 40th Anniversary of “Earth Day.”  On Apr. 22, 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated nationwide in honor of the first Earth Day, making it the largest environmental rally of its time. Since then, Earth Day has served as an annual way to raise awareness for environmental issues, awareness that now transcends U.S. borders. This year, 190 countries around the world will participate in Earth Day celebrations.

Regardless of our feelings about the politicization of environmental issues,  we must recognize that God created this beautiful, unique planet for us.  He made us to be caretakers of this wondrous creation, “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15). He gave us dominion over it to sustain, not destroy it.

Do you remember the 1971 Keep American Beautiful commercial, where the Native American man, “Iron Eyes Cody,”  paddles his canoe through a badly polluted waterway, walks across the trash covered landscape, and finally turns to the camera revealing a tear rolling down his time hardened face?  That’s how I envision God feels when He looks down on His extraordinary gift to mankind.

Forty years later, the work of Earth Day still continues. While many engage in arguing policy and legislation - big things over which I have little control - I am responsible for the stewardship of my little piece of the earth that is completely within my control.  Here are some ideas:

- reusable shopping bags to use at every store

- reusable water bottles, get rid of the styrofoam

- low-flow shower heads

- energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs

- hybrid or fuel-efficient cars

- composting garbage and food waste

- buying local and organic products

- using natural cleaning products like lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda around the home

- Xeriscape the lawn with native plants to reduce the need to water and fertilize

Celebrate Earth Day by being grateful to God for the home He gave us, and caring for it in a way that will make Him smile.

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April 21, 2010 by Worship Director.

John 17:18-19
Just as You sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth.

We are here with a purpose.  We are sent out into the world with all the resources we need to fulfill that purpose.  When the journey takes an unexpected turn, or presents an insurmountable obstacle, remember that the one who sent us, equipped us for the trip.  Off load the personal baggage of fear, regret and negative perspectives.  Travel lean and light, depending only on what He gives us to meet the needs of the day and discovering the gifts He grants us along the way to meet every new challenge.

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April 20, 2010 by Worship Director.

John 17:15-16
I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is truth.

The “meaning of life” – why are we here? This question has been asked by millions of people over thousands of years.  The innate need to know seems to be programmed into our very being.

Are we just bits of star dust, randomly collected together in some cosmic stew?  Maybe.  But if so, you can bet our God is the chef.  Whether completed in six days (as we know a day) or billions of years (which could certainly be a “day” on God calendar), we were wonderfully created in the image carefully planned for us; our physical body, our expanding mind, our seeking spirit.

Christians believe God created us with this desire to know, which then drives us to discover the purpose He has planned for us.  Perhaps finding “the answer” is not really the answer.  Could “meaning” come from the seeking; communing with God, connecting with others, living an abundant life through serving both in this world?

Seek the purpose God has for you and find joy in the journey!

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April 18, 2010 by Worship Director.

It is always exciting to learn something new - at any age.  Adult students at First Church are excited to take their basic musical knowledge and send it to a new level. Fae Jones’ improvisational piano classes are underway and the students are really enjoying the challenge.

A mind that learns leads to a healthy brain.  Music stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain, activating its creative and imaginative thinking.  In addition to exercising one’s mental health, playing the piano keeps fingers nimble and wrists flexible.

A student said, “Thank you sooo- much! I am attending this class and it is wonderful and fun. Fae, you are a great teacher and I am having a blast learning.”  Think about joining the fun, or inviting your friends.  Better yet, it’s always more fun to learn together.

This five week session runs through May 16.  Watch for a new session this summer.  Register at www.AustinFCOG.org on the “Contact Us” page.

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April 15, 2010 by Web Admin.

“AVAILABLE”…As of May 2010, classes are available on Wednesdays at our church from 6:00PM-7:00PM.“FREE”….to Church members and Community.

“BASIC ENGLISH” classes are free to everyone.  If you are originally from a “Non-English” speaking country and need a little help with the English language, this class is for you. If for whatever reason, you didn’t finish learning to write and read English, this class is for you. Please register on the Contact Us page or call 512-345-5285. We look forward to serving you.

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April 12, 2010 by Worship Director.

OK, so we celebrated the birth of the Savior, Jesus, at Christmas and just recently celebrated Christ’s return to the Father at Easter.  But don’t forget – that is not the end of the story!  So now, what about the “second coming?”  Rev. Davila spoke last Sunday about the doctrine of the “end times.” Yes, He is coming again - He said it in the scripture - you can count on it.

When will it be? Are the signs in prophecy all appearing? Will everyone go with Him? Is one churches’ doctrine “more right” than others?

All we can be sure of is this - all that is written in the Unchanging, Perfect, True, Inspired Word of God. Don’t be confused by conflicting doctrine. Read the Bible and take it to the bank.

Mark 13:32,33
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself…” (John 14:2-3).  He’s coming back!  Let’s be ready when He does!

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April 6, 2010 by Worship Director.

After a “mountain top” experience such as Easter - where worship is spectacular, families are gathered together, and everyone is on an emotional high - it can be a steep drop down the hill.  It’s natural, our lives are made of highs and lows - we couldn’t live in a constant adrenaline rush - our bodies were not created for that condition.  How could we truly appreciate beauty and excitement if it was the same everyday?

Jesus’ last week, as recorded in the Bible, clearly demonstrates the roller coaster of a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, clearing the temple of the money changers, intimate times with His friends,  sincere sorrow and prayer in Gethsemane, arrest, torture, humiliation, death, silence and glorious resurrection! What a ride in seven days.  And in all this, Jesus shows us He’s still there.  In every circumstance, both joyous and tragic, He is there.

And He is still here for us today, the days after Easter, through the long hot summer and every day.  Remember the mountain as you trek through the valley.  You’re never alone.

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