Spring is around the corner

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

So far it has been a pretty mild winter. Still it will be nice to see spring arrive.  Ah, warm sunshine, balmy breezes, and new life  budding everywhere.  But not quite yet, we still have to get through the rest of winter with its snow, cold rains, windy days, and gray overcast weather.  Gloomy in many respects isnt it?  Some folks actually like winter.  I do as long as it is snowy.  I reallly despise windy and cold rainy days.  We need good winters with deep freezes to kill off some of the insects so we are not overrun in the summer with them., and we need some good snowfalls that will water the ground and carry nutrients deep into our soil. It is, after all, the cycle of life with the four seasons.  It is a lot like the cycle of life with us too.

There are times in our lives when trials and tribulations come a knocking at our doors.  For example a loved one dies, we get a bad report from the doctor, the car breaks down, we lose a job, get a divorce,  or perhaps we are injured.  There are many ways that 'winter' enters our lives and we have to deal with it.  God has promised to" meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19).   Although we do not want this type of gloomy weather in our lives there are many ways that we may benefit from those difficult times.  James 1 says to count it pure joy when facing trials of many kinds. Romans 8:28 says, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose".  Sure, we may not understand how some things can possibly be for our good and we may never understand it, but God never breaks His promises to us.  Winter may be upon us but Spring is just around the corner.  Psalm 23 is a great source of hope for our winter journey.  Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us and also, that He would be with us forever no matter what we are going through.  Hold on to those promises, batten down the hatches, dig in, and ride out those winter storms with faith in the One who can calm the storm and who loves you very much.  Tulips, green grass, baby birds, leafy trees, windows open, and warm afternoons. 

God loves you and so do I,

Pastor Bruce

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