West Texas Assemblies of God
Transcription
West Texas Assemblies of God
Tidings Wes t Texas Assemblies of God M i n i s t r y ...Upward in Worship • Inward in Discipleship • Outward in Evangelism Official Organ of the West Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God October, 2010 PUBLISHED MONTHLY Volume LXIV Number 10 From the Heart of the Superintendent by Glenn R. Beaver Matters of the Heart As ministers of the gospel it is of utmost importance to keep our hearts filled with good things and void of bad things. Jesus was well aware of the condition of the heart and how it relates to our actions. He knew what was in a person’s heart even before that person realized it himself. On one occasion the disciples were arguing among themselves as to whom was the greatest. Jesus knew what was in their hearts and used a child to teach them a basic principle. We must be diligent to keep our hearts in perfect condition before God. Michael Clarensau in writing the textbook for Advanced Ministerial Internship sets forth some important things for us to consider regarding the heart. First of all, we must Develop the Right Heart. In Luke 6:45 Jesus sets forth the parameters of the development of the heart. “The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” By this passage we understand that it is vitally important to take good things into our heart and keep good things in our heart. The development of a good heart is accomplished as we fast and pray, study God’s Word, and guard our attitudes toward others. Develop the Right Heart Turn from the Wrong Heart God’s Tests for Leaders (Michael Clarensau) Luke’s gospel then records how Jesus also speaks to the matter of wrong speech and actions coming out of a heart full of evil. Clarensau points out how as ministers we must Turn from the Wrong Heart. He then makes this observation, “Most of the time, we see only what is in plain sight, the outward appearance that scripture mentions (I Samuel 16:7). We may have suspicions about what lies beneath someone’s persona, and we may even be able to make a strong case for our views. But the fact is, we cannot know for sure.” Paul told the Philippians that God’s peace would set a guard about our hearts. This peace will keep our hearts from turning to things that are wrong. May we allow peace to be the guard around our hearts. Finally, Michael Clarensau suggests that God Tests Leaders hearts. The test of leaders comes in various ways. The Test of: Right Attitude Compassion Integrity In order to keep a Right Attitude we must avoid allowing ourselves to submit to selfishness. Clarensau says, “Selfishness is at the core of a negative attitude.” He also says, “While the test of attitude comes in many forms, typically it can be recognized as a test that identifies self-interest. A healthy perception of ministry is important in maintaining a good attitude.” The test of compassion is often one of the most difficult. It seems that people who are in need of compassion come into our lives at the most inconvenient times. Our test is how we respond to these interruptions. The next time you are interrupted, note whether you react or respond. Too often our reaction is not in a true Christ-like spirit. But if we will allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us we will respond with the compassion which will gain the approval of Christ. The last test is in regard to our integrity. Richard Dortch in his book Integrity/How I lost it, and My Journey Back says, “Integrity involves everything about the wholeness of our inner person, our heart, mind, and will. Integrity simply means singleness: singleness of purpose, singleness of our will, singleness of our hearts.” Scripture warns against being double minded. It is said of David in Psalms 78:72 that he was a shepherd with an upright heart. May the Lord help us to guard the Matters of the Heart! 2010 FALL CONVENTIONS Banquets 7:00 p.m. For Ministers & Church Leadership Rick DuBose – Speaker North Texas District Superintendent North Plains Section Monday, November 1 Amarillo, First AG, Banquet $9.50 El Paso Section Friday, November 5 El Paso, Sun City CC, Banquet $9.50 East Plains Section Tuesday, November 2 Floydada, Trinity AG, Banquet $8.50 South Plains Section Monday, November 8 Lamesa, First AG, Banquet $7.50 Pecos Section Thursday, November 4 Midland, Calvary, Banquet $8.50 West Plains Section Tuesday, November 9 Lubbock, Christian Life, Banquet $8.00 After defining faith in Hebrews 11:1, the writer then goes on to say in verse six, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (KJV) Having served the Lord for the better part of fifty‑eight years, I never cease to be amazed at the importance of this God‑given commodity which is non‑negotiable for successful Christian living. I have read that the African impala can jump over ten feet high and cover a distance of thirty feet. Ironically, that magnificent creature can also be held in captivity behind a wall that is only three feet high because the impala will not jump if it cannot see where it's feet will land, and beyond the wall it cannot see. D. L. Moody once said, “Trust in yourself and you are doomed to disappointment; trust in money and you may have it taken from you; but trust in God, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity.” Life is a series of choices that require the exercise of faith which seldom show where our feet will Billy & Bettye Nickell land. Each day brings reminders from the world, the flesh, and the devil that it can’t be done because Secretary-Treasurer of age, education, abilities, background, finances or location, yet Jesus says in Mark 9:23, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” I am told that the mighty Niagara River plummets some 180 feet at the Horseshoe Falls. Before the falls there are violent, turbulent rapids. Farther upstream, however, where the river’s current flows more gently, boats are able to navigate. Just before the Welland River empties into the Niagara, a pedestrian walkway spans the river. Posted on this bridge’s pylons is a warning sign for all boaters, “Do you have an anchor?” followed by “Do you know how to use it?” Faith, like an anchor, is something we must possess and know how to use to successfully navigate through life for without faith it is impossible to please God. MINISTER UPDATE Transferred In: Dale Griswold (L) New Mexico CHURCH UPDATE New Pastor: First A/G, Kermit - Jackie Redmon BIBLE INSTITUTE OF WEST TEXAS Courses for October 30, 2010 Certified Minister Level Beginning Ministerial Internship Robert Burns, Facilitator License Level Conflict Management for Church Leaders Tracy McWilliams, Facilitator Course for November 20, 2010 License Level Intermediate Ministerial Internship Glenn R. Beaver, Facilitator AVAILABLE FOR MINISTRY Gene Benningfield Simon Beteta Kelly Breckenridge Terry Callis Harry Coons Paul DeWolfe Larry Elder Dale Griswold Jack Hargrave Bob & Doris McCutchen Rick & Tori Mitchell Z.A. Myers J.C. Owen Forest Srader Todd & Angela Starnes Marcus Tanner Kevin Vander-Plas 806.456.2029 432.889.2179 806.787.0355 806.418.3861 432.955.0697 806.934.2082 432.853.9591 806.946.8037 806.747.6715 806.341.4351 806.241.1259 806.216.0252 432.550.5804 505.628.8650 806.771.8887 903.330.1560 806.797.5972 Tracy & Cara Lynn McWilliams Director of Church Ministries ASSEMBLIES OF GOD TIDINGS Tracy McWilliams, Editor West Texas Assemblies of God 5504 Wayne Avenue P.O. Box 64778, Lubbock, Texas 79464 Phone: 806.792.5835 Please notify editor of any change of address. Third class postage paid at Lubbock, Texas. Published monthly. DISTRICT OFFICIARY Glenn R. Beaver Superintendent Tom Lakey Assistant Superintendent Billy D. Nickell Secretary/Treasurer SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS Cliff Houghton, Danny Williams, Neil Unwin, John Murdoch, Randall McDonald, Ben Hodge, III Web site: wtaog.org Email: [email protected] Chris and Carey Murdoch District Youth & CE Director Becky Nenstiel Women’s Ministries Director Giving the Gift Mini Conference Friday, October 22 – 10:00 am –District Auditorium Women’s Ministries Fall Connection Thirsty for His Purpose October 22 – 23 District Auditorium Kerry Clarensau Leadership Development Coordinator. National Women’s Department, Author, Pastor’s Wife MEN’S MINISTRIES Rosie Gilbert Christmas in October October 1 October 4 October 5 October 7 October 8 October 15 North Plains, First Assembly, Amarillo East Plains, First Assembly, Crosbyton South Plains, Lighthouse Assembly, Snyder Pecos, First Assembly, Midland West Plains, District Auditorium, Lubbock El Paso, Harvest Christian Center El Paso Rally begins at 6:30 p.m. and all other rallies begin at 10:00 a.m. Budget: $16,000 You will make your own hotel reservations [email protected] ROYAL RANGERS WORKDAY AT THE YOUTH CAMP Royal Rangers, FCF members, and Ranger leaders will have a workday at the Roaring Springs Camp on Friday night and Saturday, October 15-16. If you cannot arrive on Friday night, plan to join us on Saturday bright and early. FCF member can earn credits for your Trappers Brigade. Contact Ranger Director Clois Burgess at [email protected] by October 8 to let him know you plan to participate. If you are able to donate towards needed materials, please contact camp director Raymond Mizelle at [email protected]. We especially encourage leaders to attend for a brainstorming session on Friday night. Missions Trip to Leon, Mexico Mark Stripling Men’s Ministries Director National Royal Rangers Week Oct. 3 – 10 A number of West Texans participated in a missions trip to Leon in August. We helped in a tent crusade with Missionary Evangelist David Godwin, did some work and ministry at Templo Christiano de Agua Vida, and participated in a Convoy of Hope outreach, where over 900 received groceries, medical, dental, and chiropractic care, haircuts, spiritual counseling and prayer, and children's ministry. I first went to Leon in 2002. Following that trip, the Men’s Department sent $1500 to put a roof on Templo Estrella de Belen in San Francisco del Rincon, a suburb of Leon. That church is now packed on Sundays and in need of expansion. They are ready to build a second floor for Sunday School rooms at a cost of $5,000 for materials. I hope to raise and send this amount to them before next summer. We will be making a second trip to Leon in June of 2011 if Jesus tarries. . . . People to People . . . Prayer Updates: Mary Beggs – Mary has been diagnosed as having contracted a fungus sometime during her life possibly in her travels abroad or while living in Florida. This is treatable with medication. The doctor has also removed a benign tumor from her throat. Rosie Gilbert – Rosie has been diagnosed as having nodules on her thyroid. The test on the nodules has shown they are benign and can be treated with medication. Mary and Rosie wish to thank you for having prayed for them during this uncertain time in their lives. West of 50’s Camp: The camp will be held at the Roaring Springs Camp & Retreat Center during October 12-15. Former North Texas Superintendent Derwood Dubose will be the evening speaker with Tracy McWilliams, West Texas District Director of Church Ministries, speaking on Wednesday morning and Glenn Beaver, West Texas Superintendent, speaking on Thursday morning. Registration forms have been mailed but they can also be downloaded at wtcause.com. Executive Director needed for Teen Challenge of the Permian Basin. If you are interested in this position contact Randall McDonald at 432.559.9354. WEST TEXAS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 5504 WAYNE AVENUE P.O. BOX 64778 LUBBOCK, TX 79464-4778 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Prayer Requests: Please pray for Hannah McMorris, 4 month old daughter of Tim and Brehanna McMorris (youth pastors at First AG, Pampa). Tests show that she possibly had a seizure and has been referred to a pediatric neurologist for further testing. Also remember Bethany Garcia, 12 year old daughter of Bobby and Lupe Garcia (pastors at Grace Christian Center AG, El Paso). She has begun the series of surgeries in Dallas to straighten her back. She has had the first surgery to place a halo, secured with eight screws, on her head for traction 23 hours a day to make her ready for the main surgery which will be a 12 hour operation on October 26. Her parents also need prayer as they rotate providing care for her. 75th Anniversary of First Assembly of God, Odessa: First AG, Odessa, celebrated its 75th anniversary during the weekend of August 27th – 29th. The church hosted a weekend reunion including a jam session, golf tournament, ladies tea, plenty of food and fellowship and a Sunday rededication reunion service. Many in attendance were those called into the ministry at the altars of First Assembly of God. The church began in 1935 when the Rev. W.C. Collins arrived in Odessa wanting to begin an AG Church. Former pastors in attendance were Rev. James Uselton, Rev. Paul Thompson and Rev. Tracy McWilliams. NON PROFIT ORG. 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