I am overwhelmed.
No, this is not a statement with regard to time. It is not agreeing with the numbers in the throng who believe there is always more work at the end of their day, or more month at the end of their budget, or more need at the end of their ability to meet needs. Many people feel that way all the time, and I certainly feel that way some of the time, but that is not what motivates this statement.
I am overwhelmed.
Read more…
Posted on May 1st, 2012 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
The church of Thessalonica caused Paul the least distress of the many other churches he commenced during his missionary endeavors. Thessalonica was a sound Christ-abiding church that conducted itself ideally, even though they were a relatively young church. Amazingly, Paul preached only three consecutive Sabbaths in their Jewish synagogue, and many were persuaded to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 17:2). Read more…
Posted on May 1st, 2012 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
Many trials, struggles and situations have occurred in our lives in which we have had absolutely no clue as to why God orchestrated them into our lives. Furthermore, we are unable to foresee things of the future, but God does. Like the prophet Habakkuk, there are times when we question God’s decisions. We wonder why He ordains things the way He does, especially when they are contrary to our desires. Read more…
Posted on March 1st, 2012 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
Facts are clear regarding the case of Jesus’ resurrection. The chief priests and the Pharisees were determined that Jesus was going to stay in his grave. According to Matthew 27:64, they told Pilate of their concern that Christ’s disciples would “go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” So they used every resource and power available to their sin-soaked minds to see that not take place! They secured the tomb by placing a seal on the great stone once it had been rolled in front of the tomb’s entrance to close it off. Further, once the seal was in place they posted a team of guards granted from Pilate (Matthew 27:66). Interestingly, the term used for the guard indicates that they were of the same elite unit used to provide Temple security. In other words, they were a “crack” team of soldiers! Read more…
Posted on March 1st, 2012 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
As I reflected on the recent holiday season, I meditated on the person of Jesus Christ—God’s gift to us. I thought about His birth; His death and resurrection; and how God, by His merciful and loving grace, bestowed upon me the faith to believe in Him for salvation (Ephesians 2:8). And, that efficacious belief in Jesus Christ is guaranteed to lead me to a blissful eternity—amazing! Yes, Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us, and no other earthly gift we will ever receive can remotely compare to Him (Matthew 8:36-37). Read more…
Posted on January 5th, 2012 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
2012. Wow, in some ways it is hard to believe we are all still around to see this change of the calendar! But, God’s grace has been sufficient with his mercies that never come to an end (Lamentations 3:22), and we are still pushing on.
However, many seemed to be already feeling “behind” as the page turned from December to January. Literally, I have had the question asked of me, “How am I ever going to get it all done this year?” Read more…
Posted on January 5th, 2012 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
As finite human beings we are only comfortable or satisfied with answers to all our questions. If we receive an answer, we will accept it, even if the answer is unfavorable to our liking. At least we have an answer! Read more…
Posted on November 5th, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
When I look over past issues of the Refresher, I become amused at the number of occurrences that refer to how quickly the year is passing or some reference to quickly turning calendar pages! Read more…
Posted on November 5th, 2011 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
Two caterpillars were crawling across the grass when a butterfly flew over them. They looked up, and one nudged the other and said, “You couldn’t get me up in one of those things for a million dollars.”
That’s how some people are about change, too. Granted, if we see change for the sake of change or some other hastily put together reason (or no reason at all!) the idea of change can be less than encouraging. In fact, most people with any maturity about them at all understand the wisdom behind the axiom, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Read more…
Posted on September 1st, 2011 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
In the last few months health issues have prohibited me from attending the worship service on a consistent basis. In fact, my attendance at all church functions has been sparse; and this has greatly saddened me. But, during this trial, God has mercifully lavished upon me bountiful grace, and for this reason, I consider myself truly blessed! Typically, my articles for the Elim Refresher stem from Pastor Pauley’s Sunday messages. However, because of my inconsistent attendance, I have been unable to perform these duties accordingly. But, because of the Lord’s bountiful grace, I am able to serve Him in a limited capacity. Also, and as difficult as these times are, I am learning to be content and thankful in all situations. Read more…
Posted on September 1st, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew