Pastor's Note

A word from Pastor, Larry Carnes

"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."
- 2 Samuel 22:33

The time for "April showers" is upon us children of God!! I recall a day last Spring that I had been preparing the flower gardens in our back yard. I did not notice the skies darkening quickly until I heard a clap of thunder! It only took less than a minute until the heavens broke loose with a healthy downpour of rain. I quickly sought shelter in the garage where I found a comfy lawn chair to wait out the storm, Rainstorms were all around, I could hear the booming thunder and feel the strong winds. But my little spot in the garage was secure, safe, undisturbed, though all around me it was stormy.

God's reminder came: "You are secure in Me. You are held strong by My protection overhead though the storms of life may surround you. The winds can blow, the rains can beat down hard, the times may look dark, but My Presence surrounds and I am greater than the storm."

Just because I was in the protection of the garage, it didn't stop the storm! But it did provide protection during the storm!! Just because we are under God's care, it doesn't stop the storms from happening around us! But it does provide incredible strength and protection for every battle we face in this life!!

Many of you might find yourselves facing huge storms in life right now. Maybe your storm is caused by circumstances that are out of your control. Maybe your storm is caused by people, broken relationships, and betrayal or hurt that has wounded you deeply. Maybe the biggest storm you face is caused by the enemy himself whose main goal is simply to bring you down, stop you in your tracks from being a light in this world. God reminds us in His word, that the enemy's intent is always to steal, kill, and destroy. He will do all he can to prevent truth from being shared, and he is ruthless and cruel!!

But the storms never have full reign, for right in the midst He reminds us: You are held secure by a Mighty God. You may feel some wind, you may hear the loud thunder, and see darkness or rain all around. But His covering of protection and love surround, you don't face it alone! And in just a short time the storms will pass, the light will shine again, and you will be strengthened for a greater work ahead.

Press on brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing hard times! He knows your way and has a plan!!  You are held, and He is with you!!!

In His grip, 
Larry