The Future is Looking Up by J. Smith Easter came too soon, and Bro. Wendell Stokes has retired. Olivet is now in the efforts of acquiring an interim pastor for the church body. Meanwhile, during the month of April, we have had several men stand in on Sunday mornings and evenings: Jim Waters, SRBA; Shannon Skidmore; and Chip Fox. Please be in prayer that the Lord would quickly provide His men to be interim and then a full-time pastor. The Lord’s choice is the best choice. As it is April, spring has arrived in Northwest Florida. The azaleas have already bloomed. Now the jasmine and daylilies are beginning to show their radiance, and the weather is reaching the 80s on certain days. The spring and summer gardens have been planted, and the fruit trees are beginning to show signs of promise for the summer produce. Spring, it usually causes a sense of hope for the future. (As long as one doesn’t spend too much time watching the evening news.) As this is an election year, only the Lord knows what the future holds. We should be praying about that too. But beyond the hope of elections and summer vacations, there is the wonderful hope the Lord has given all who believe in Christ – eternity with Him. And then our Blessed Hope – Titus 2:13 – the appearing of our Lord Jesus when He calls His church out in the rapture (harpazo). Do you know that there is a crown for all those who look for His appearing? 2 Timothy 4:8. I don’t know about you, but I wonder what it will be like to be raptured out of this earth. The movies have been made where people vanish and clothes are left in a heap. And then some don’t leave clothes but other accessories that may have been worn like jewelry or bags. But however it occurs, the Bible says it will be “speed of light” fast. 1Corinthians 15:52 kjv says, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” I have heard that a twinkling of an eye is faster than a blink. It is the time it takes for light to reflect off the eye – in other words the speed of light. That will be fast. And then…well, then we will always be with our Lord and Savior. That is the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 kjv says, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Do you wonder what it shall be like to look in the face of our Savior whose eyes are glowing like flames of fire and his head and hair are white like snow? (Revelation 1) He who loved you before you were born and created you for His delight and purpose. To be with Him forever – heavenly.  Business Meeting @ a Glance The April business meeting had… Pulpit Search Committee – Tim T. reported that they met twice. Bro Chip Fox will be preaching again April 21. The committee is in the process of discussing the mechanics of what is needed to be done. They are desperately working on looking for an interim and then once that is filled they can focus on the full time pastor. Old Business – None New Business – Carolyn H. – announced she was resigning from being church pianist due to health and struggles to get around. Recommended Irene T. take her place and Ms. Carolyn H. would be willing to be her back up. Judy G.commented how when a need arises, people arise. God provides. Clerk Correspondence – Jennifer S.announced that the church had received a transfer of letter request to move said letter to a sister Church. Motion made by Shirley P. to grant the letter. 2nd made by Carolyn H. Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Motion made to adjourn by Shirley P. and 2nd by Terry H. Prayer was given by Mike W. at 6:55p.m.. Announcements: Deacon Meeting: May 14, 6 pm Business Meeting: May 15, 6pm Food Pantry: May 25, 9-11am Prayer Needs: *Olivet would select God’s next leader for the church.
*Israel and IDF – God’s protection and victory over their enemies. *US Military in the Middle East *God’s Mercy on the USA
0 Comments
|
RSS Feed