Give Birth!

Here we are at the close of another year. When I look back over 2007, I cannot help but ask myself, what have I accomplished, and also, what have I neglected. Many of us have had inspirational ideas and dreams that are nothing short of God planted visions for our lives. The question is, how many of you have actually given birth to those dreams?

It's easy for us to give up because life always seems to find a way of hindering our plans. The odds never seem to be in our favor. Well, I want to tell you something today...it's all in God's design. If everything was always 'just right', there would be no room for the miraculous in your life. We would also fall into the trap of thinking we made it all happen. God wants to do things that will prove to the world that it was no one but Him that made it happen. He just needs a willing vessel.

This is what the young, obedient, virgin Mary found out. When it was time to bring our Savior into this world, she had no place to stay, no nurses or doctors, and nothing to stop the pain. And the promise she received from God had to be wrapped in rags and placed in a feeding trough. Now I know your odds of success are nowhere near as bad as that. So as you look forward to 2008, I want to encourage you to take hold of your dreams, don't look back, look toward the Father, and GIVE BIRTH!

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

~Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

Happy Holidays!

We at Chosen Ministries would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very blessed Christmas and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being a loyal reader of our weekly messages. I look forward to our continued relationship in the coming year.

All the best to you and your family,

Pastor AJ Golden
Chosen Ministries, Inc.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'"

~ Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)

Let Him INN

Do you recall the story of Jesus' birth? A young virgin and her soon to be husband were searching for a place to rest from their journey to Bethlehem, when they had to give birth to our Savior in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. It is an amazing story of obedience, perseverance, and sacrifice. And it parallels how we should live our lives today.

In a world filled with instant messaging, video on demand, and iPods, it is often difficult for us to make room for Jesus in our inns. But as children of God we need to be the first to slow down and allow God to impregnate us with His divine purpose for our lives. Just like young Mary, you may not understand how anthing so great can happen to you, but I want to assure you that it can and will, if you INNvite Jesus into your everyday life.

We have to stop making fellowship, worship, and giving something we do just on special occasions, and INNcorporate them into our daily walk with God. And finally, when you have those times when you feel like things aren't going to work out, learn to INNvestigate God's Word. There you'll see that all things work together for your good, when you Let God INN.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

~Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Reach Out

As the year draws to a close, I thought it fitting to go over some of the many highlights Chosen has experienced. Our Celebration Services started on January 7th of this year and we have had the pleasure of worshipping with over 100 guests, many of which have made Chosen their church home.

In addition to our Sunday morning services, we have also dedicated ourselves to reaching out to the community with various mission events. These events have given us the opportunity to bless over 3000 people in the North Hollywood area by handing out free fruit, juice, hotdogs, donuts, smiles, hugs, and God's love. We have also been able to send toys and toiletries to children in the Sudan and other parts of the world through our collaboration with Samaritan's Purse.

Our benevolence has provided our members with free clothing, shelter, and assistance with addiction recovery and counseling. And our prayers are to do much more. For the holidays, we have set a goal of giving an amount equal to what we have spent in benevolence and missions over the whole year. Next year we plan to have a worship facility of our own so we can start our recovery program, children's ministry and career development training.

With your help, this dream will come true! Please consider helping us reach out to those in need by planting a seed in this ministry. Your gift will help Chosen Ministries reach people who are desperately seeking relief from the pressures of their everyday life, and give them a place where they can connect with God and His children.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

~Matthew 25:40 (NIV)