The Garlow Perspective News From Ambassador

Let's Celebrate!

2012-03-29T00:00:00-06:00

There's something about history that invariably makes the present day sweeter.

The launch of a new product, participants in the process knowing just what it took to achieve the accomplishment.

The retirement of a teacher, everyone mindful of the students impacted over years of service.

Parents watching their daughter walk down the aisle, reflecting on the speedy journey from infant to young woman.

Recently, it was my joy to sit in the new auditorium at Skyline Church (San Diego) where Jim Garlow pastors. It was a day to be celebrant … but made far more meaningful because everyone knew that the history--the road to the moment of completion--had been a long one. In that setting, there were markers at every turn that will be reminders for future generations of the legacy of those years. That was bound to be the end result with a pastor who cherishes history … but it is also certainly a very biblical outlook, ensuring we never fail to recall God's grace and goodness over the course of time.

How encouraging to hear representatives from every aspect of church life express gratitude to God -- from a 97-year old usher to a teenage greeter, from state and county leaders to fellow area pastors such as David Jeremiah and Miles McPherson, from builder and architect to pastoral staff.

And … like many celebratory events … there were twinges of life reality. Most significantly, Jim's wife Carol was not present--she had been admitted yet again to the hospital three days prior and would remain several days after the dedication. A place she's frequented too often over her three-year battle with Stage 4 cancer.

So … together we rejoiced in what God had allowed to be completed. A place where men and women and children will be grounded in the Word--and a place that will launch them into the community they are intent on serving. And … together we prayed -- for Carol's healing, for strength for Jim, for God's continued hand on the outreach he leads.

What a privilege to have these "freeze frame" days when the clarity of life's pendulum is so evident, the juxtaposition of gift and challenge so clearly visible. And when we are reminded afresh that no good thing does He withhold. Amen and amen.

Rejoicing with Jim & Carol Garlow and all those touched by their faithfulness in service to Christ,

Peggy Campbell

The Gift of Prayer

2011-12-20T00:00:00-06:00

Merry Christmas! Can I be so bold as to ask you for a Christmas gift?

For several months now, it's been my privilege to communicate to you on behalf of The Garlow Perspective. It's a joy to work with Jim and his team. The more I get to know the man and his work, the more thankful I am for the evidences of God's grace in his life.

One thing you should know about Jim is that he loves his wife Carol very much. He holds her dear in his heart. I think over the years as her battle with cancer has progressed, his love for her has grown deeper as well.

Could I ask you, as we are in the midst of the season in which we celebrate the Savior who was born to make all things new, to take a moment right now to pray for Carol - asking that God would renew her strength, and her health?

Thank you, and Merry Christmas

Robert Jacobsen

P.S. Most of you are keenly aware of Jim's passion of addressing our culture. Part of that passion has overflowed into engagement in the political arena. On Sunday, Jim sent this letter to over 25,000 pastors, as well as the LA Times & Chicago Tribune explaining his reasoning for endorsing Newt Gingrich for the presidency of the United States of America.

Miracles are for Real

2011-11-10T00:00:00-06:00

Jim Garlow is a “Renaissance Man.” I’m not saying that simply because he has a doctorate in church history and knows the ins and outs of what went on in the Church during the renaissance.

I say that because there is no one else who I know that has such an overarching thirst for knowledge in so many areas of life. Bible…History…Politics…He knows how to look back at history and learn lessons most have forgotten. At the same time, he is able to look forward into the future at what cultural peril awaits if our nation continues down the path we have started to go.

He was written books on Gnostic Gospels, Islam, Discipleship, Heaven, “the Secret”, Leadership, and the Church.

Jim just released a new book - “Miracles are for Real.” It not only examines how God intervenes in our lives today but also encourages faith. I’d love to give you a copy. Just email me with your address and I’ll get one to you.

Robert Jacobsen

Rejoicing with the Garlows

2011-10-03T00:00:00-06:00

Rejoicing!

I don't know if you are one of Jim Garlow's friends on Facebook … but in case you are not, I wanted to let you know what happened today.

"Carol and I are in Houston's MD Anderson Cancer Center where she is about to go into surgery - around 7:15am - for liver survey- a left hepatectomy. Dr. will remove 40% of liver in our soon-to-be victorious battle with cancer."

"Many have recommend Ps 91 for Carol during this time. Just read it to her. Loved the end of the chapter. "with long life I(God) will satisfy (Carol). YES!"

"Carol has now been taken into surgery. Anticipating 90 min to 2 hr surgery."

"Carol came thru surgery great. Dr. removed 35% of the liver- which had two tumors. Rest of liver and remainder of chest cavity looked great. Thank you for your prayers."

If you spend any amount of time with Jim Garlow - two things are readily apparent...He is passionate about Jesus, and he loves His wife and family.

When you see someone devoted to the Kingdom like he is we are often tempted to ask those "why" questions.

"Why would God allow this to happen to them?"

"Why is this such a long battle?"

"Wouldn't God be more glorified if He instantly healed her?"

I don't know the answer to all those questions. What I do know is this. We serve a gracious and loving God. Each day is a gift. His ways are not our ways.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite hymns by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Rejoicing with the Garlows...and thankful to God for his Mercy and Grace!

Robert Jacobsen

Foolishness

2011-09-13T00:00:00-06:00

Is there someone in your life that is still resisting the Lord? One of my greatest joys in life is to see men and women, boys and girls come to saving faith in Christ…but one of my greatest pains is when those I know and love continue to reject the Savior who has laid down His life for them. I am sure there is someone who falls into that category in your life.

We try to love them…we try to be patient with them….we try to reason with them, and still they are obstinate or apathetic or just downright rebellious.

I was listening to Jim Garlow’s The Garlow Perspective and was so encouraged when he reminded me of Paul’s words from 1^st Corinthians 1:17-18

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The cross which we treasure makes no sense to those who are perishing. Yet to us, it's the only thing that makes sense of the world in which we live.

Will you take just a moment right now out of your busy day…and pray for someone perishing ... pray that they eyes of their hearts might be enlightened ... pray that they would come to faith, turn from their sin, and follow Jesus?

I pray that while it may be foolishness to the rest of the world, the cross would be a treasure to you.

Grace, Peace, and Joy

Robert Jacobsen