Love, Pray & Keep Looking Up by J. Smith The month of January – the beginning of a new year- at Olivet has been quieter. But, it has provided a chance to plan for the coming year. Around property the wait for the LED lights is over, as they are now installed and greatly illumine the parking lots at night. (However, it is affecting a neighbor behind us, so pray that we can find a remedy that will work.) Like last January, we awoke Sunday, Jan. 18 with a dusting of snow in Florida on the day the service emphasized the Sanctity of Life – both are miracles of God. Moving forward, the Pastor Search Committee has several candidates they are evaluating and hoping to speak with one. Please be in prayer for this that the Lord would have His way. As we are taking things day by day, it seems the world around us is growing more and more chaotic. By the looks of things 2 Tim. 3:13web is coming to pass, “But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse deceiving and being deceived.” Since I was a little girl, I have seen an exponential increase in lawlessness, but especially it has become visible and shameless in the last five years. For instance, I can sit at a stop light and see multiple cars blatantly run a red light – not scraping by on the tail end of a yellow but the light is red before their tires hit the intersection. There is no thought of other drivers just selfishness. It reminds me of what Jesus said in Matt. 24:12web, “Because iniquity (sin, wickedness, etc.) will be multiplied the love of many will grow cold.” I believe we are seeing this begin to play out in our days. All one has to do is watch the evening or national news. Even Isaiah 5:20web is on full display too and God will deal with such people as He warns, “WOE to those who call evil good and good evil…” So with all this uncertainty and evil, what should our mindset be for 2026? According to scripture the Lord would have us loving, praying and looking up. Matt. 5:44web –Jesus commands, “But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.” - You may wonder how do we love such hateful people? Because we know the bigger picture – eternity, and apart from Christ all men are doomed. So, we love knowing they don’t know who they belong to, and we pray that the Lord will remove the blinders. Why look up? Because Jesus is coming soon. Titus 2:13web – “We wait for our blessed hope- the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” And you know, if you are looking for Him, there is even a reward – 2 Tim. 4:8, but I’ll let you look that up for yourself. As we begin 2026, may we shine as lights in our dark world and love, pray and keep looking up. Business Meeting @ a Glance The January business meeting ... Reports were received. Old Business - None New Business - None Being no other business the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Ladies Morning Out - Feb. 10 at 10:30 am Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Feb. 9, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Feb. 10, 6PM Business Meeting: Feb. 11, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Feb. 26 at 9:30AM & Distribution Feb 28, 9- 11AM PRAYER REQUESTS: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military and law enforcement. * Awakening in USA for need of repentance and God *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries.
0 Comments
|
Archives
January 2026
|
RSS Feed