Challenging would be the optimum word for the agricultural community
especially the farmers over the past five to six months. However, in a
few weeks those farmers will be busy bringing in the yields that were
planted in the spring. Whether it be bountiful, average or below they*ll
go about the harvest. It*s a part of life.
*Challenges confront all of us in different forms and various degrees;
family relationships, economic, financial, health issues, urban,
suburban or rural, education, political, social and cultural and moral
issues; every one of these areas present challenging responses to and in
our lives.
*As the people of God spiritual challenges await us we confront the
challenges of living in this world. Jesus states, *That we are to be
the salt of the earth and the light of the world.* How do we shine as
the world seemingly becomes darker and darker in despair, hopelessness,
violence, and moral decay?
*Yet the challenge is *to shine.* We as God*s children are *Blessed,*
blessed with a hope, faith and trust that is grounded in the promise of
God*s word. Scripture proclaims; *I will never leave you or forsake
you,* *our strength is to be in the Lord,* and that *Surely goodness and
mercy will follow me all the days of my life, *till I dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.
*Yes, the challenges of life do press upon each and every one of us, but
let us not grow weary or stressful or anxious. But let our *light shine:
that it will illuminate the goodness of God, glorify the Savior, and
show the *Blessed Assurance* that Jesus is mine.
Shine! Shine! Shine!
Pastor Blaine
Monday, August 31, 2015
Pastor’s Thoughts
Monday, August 10, 2015
Sunday, August 9th
Everyone who was present in church Sunday was blessed to hear the beautiful voice of Haley Kessinger. She played the piano and sang, “I Will Rise.” I had never heard that song before and it is absolutely beautiful. I wish I would have taken a picture but I was so in awe of her beautiful voice and wonderful piano playing that it just escaped me. She is truly blessed with a wonderful talent.
After church we were all invited to fellowship at the beautiful home of Lynn and Barb Handy. It was very gracious of the Handy’s to open their home to us all. We had some very nice refreshments and everyone enjoyed visiting. A big thank you to Lynn and Barb.
Remember the Birthday Gathering this month will be at Cubby’s Thursday, August 20th at 11:30 am.
Click on the following link to listen to the song, “I Will Rise”
Monday, August 3, 2015
Pastor’s Thoughts
Summer has arrived. Hot and Hotter!
I grew up in the desert of East Washington, Richland to be exact where
95 to 105 was a common temperature for July, August and maybe September,
but with little humidity. Deserts are forbidding places for shade,
food, and is a hostile environment for most people. Yet when the Lord
God got angry with his people following the modeling of a gold calf He
sent them on a journey in the wilderness for forty years until all who
had participated died. Jesus went to be tempted of Satan in the
wilderness, John the Baptist preached and roamed in deserts and many a
prophet found solace and sanctuary there.
*Desert environments in reality put us to the test of fully trusting in
the Lord for everything. Need water? I’ll lead you to an oasis or speak
to a rock. Need food? I’ll supply it. Need shade for cooling down? I’ll
provide a tree or bush now and then for you to rest under. Wilderness
experiences will test our depending on the Lord for the essentials of
survival.
If you*re like me once in a while I feel like the Israelites wandering
in this dry and thirsty desert of life. I’m thirsty, hungry, tired, and
needing to find an oasis with a spring.
It’s at that moment that the Lord Jesus Christ furnishes His living
water, a hungering for the word, and a place of shade and rest under the
shadow of the Almighty. If you’re experiencing a desert time in your
spiritual life cry out unto the Lord and He will supply and provide all
the refreshment you need.
Pastor Blaine