God Remembers by J. Smith A new year has begun. Winter has officially arrived. It's a Leap Year, and to top it all off - it's an election year too. After the busyness of December, it seems this month has been slower and quieter. (Perhaps that is just my impression.) At Olivet, the doors, I believe, are one of the final additions to the renovated Fellowship Hall, that and a switch for the warmer in the kitchen. Otherwise, it is a project close to completion. Be in prayer as it is also the flu bug season, and Sunday mornings have reflected the effects on our congregation with fewer folks in attendance than usual. Also, be in prayer that the Lord will accomplish His plans in this church body for the year. This month I have been studying Zechariah. Zechariah's name means "the Lord remembers." And one of the key verses, to me, has been Zechariah 4:6b kjv, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD of hosts." Israel had returned to the land although still under Persian rule. They had begun to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. It wasn't elaborate, rich or grand as Solomon's had been, but God was pleased with their efforts. (Zech. 4:10). And in verse 6 God is letting them know that the temple was not going to be completed merely by man's cleverness, capabilities, muscle or will, but by "My Spirit". The Holy Spirit of God would see it be completed and correct worship would be renewed. Now, much like today's world, Israel faced opposition on every side. Nations around them didn't want them to rebuild. Disinformation tactics were used, and discouragement could easily follow. Such methods had already delayed things once (go back and read Ezra and Nehemiah). But with this verse God let them know Zerubbabel, Israel's civic leader, who started the building, would also finish it. However, the ability - the sustaining to completion would rest with God. I don't know about you, but when I stop to reflect on that, there is relief. By God's Spirit history is moving in the direction it is because Christ has to come back to reclaim and reign. In the church universal, God is personally involved by directing and disciplining; blessing and building (Rev. 2-3). Then, on the individual level, as long as I have accepted Christ, God's only Son, as my Savior and Lord and am striving to live obediently for Him, the Holy Spirit is accomplishing God's will for my life. It doesn't rest on me but on Him. He remembers the plans He has for me; let me just be obedient. So for the year of 2024, may the church of Olivet draw near to God, live obediently and let His Spirit accomplish His desire for this year. Business Meeting @ a Glance The January business meeting had... Old Business - None New Business - Facilities team leader Paul Wilson present several ideas and motions. a) Made motion for the amount for the team to present before the church be moved up from $500 to $1000 for expenditures. Motion passed. b) Made a motion that the cap on the facilities credit card be moved up from $2000 to $4000. Motion passed. The business meeting came to a close by Bro. Wendell with prayer at 6:34pm. Announcements: Food Pantry: Feb. 24, 9-11am North parking lot. Deacon Meeting: Feb. 13 at 6pm Business Meeting: Feb. 14 at 6pm Ladies Morning out @ Aces - 9am Prayer Items: Israel and IDF
US Military God's Mercy on the USA Restoration of health to those sick
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