A Promise Kept by J. Smith Here we are at the beginning of 2025 - It has been an interesting month. Northwest Florida has endured snow the likes that haven't been seen in, no doubt, a hundred years. Our area received up to 10 inches - highly unexpected and unusual for the winter of our Florida town. The church office was closed for several days as roads were questionable for driving. The monthly business meeting was moved several times as initially many were sick in the church with the annual colds and flu bugs that come with the post-holiday season. This included our Bro. Chip. Then Wednesday, when it could have been held, well it was a snow day, so Business Meeting was held Sunday night January 26 at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. January 20 the United States received their 47th President - President Trump back in office. Since then all the news has reported on has been his executive orders being signed and his keeping campaign promises. He has worked at a dizzying pace. At the time of New Year's I was reading of some other promises and how they were kept. I was in I Kings 3-4. Solomon had just become King and was settling into the role, but he realized his inexperience and the responsibility of a kingdom. The Lord came to him asking Solomon to request what he wanted, and God would grant it. (Now, this is evidence of the heart of Solomon at that time and the burden he had for his people. Because the request was a blank check - how would you or I have responded?) All Solomon requested was wisdom to lead the people rightly. God, being very pleased with Solomon, granted him abundantly more. He was given wealth and abundance, peace and safety from his enemies. I wondered why this was that God would bless him so excessively - when I looked back in IKings 3 it read, "Solomon loved the Lord. " How abundantly God is ready to bless one who loves him. In Psalm 91:14-16 it says, "Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." And in looking up the Hebrew meaning of love in this context one commentator said it was clinging. To those who cling to the Lord lovingly, He makes 8 "I Will" promises and these apply to every believer. He will: deliver, protect, answer, stick with them in trials, deliver them through the trials and honor them for it, He will give them a satisfying life and then one day they will see Him face to face - the salvation of God. Six of the "I Wills" are stated and two are implied, but all come from the heart of our God and Savior. May we cling to our Lord this year and see Him faithfully keep His promises. Happy New Year! Business Meeting @ A Glance The January business meeting had... Old Business - The church is awaiting a bid and contract from FPL to change parking lot lights to LED. New Business - The Pastor Search Committee presented to the church the idea of raising the Interim Pastor's salary as he is actively working for Olivet. The Treasurer pointed out such a decision first needs to be given to the Financial Committee. So there was no vote, the next step is for the Pastor Search Committee and Financial Committee to meet. The next business meeting at this point is 2.5 weeks away. Church Clerk - Olivet received a letter that Sally W. has joined a neighbor church. As it is not another Southern Baptist Church, a response will be sent that we have removed her from our rolls. Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Ladies Morning Out - Feb. 18, 10:30am Deacon Meeting - Feb. 11, 6pm Business Meeting - Feb. 12, 6pm Food Pantry - Feb. 22, 9-11 am * Men's Breakfast - Men meet every Tuesday at McDonalds in Milton @ 8am. Prayer Items: * God would lead Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor.
*Israel and IDF - God's protection and victory over their enemies. *US Military in the Middle East - protection *God's Mercy on the USA. * Wisdom for our leaders.
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