Newsletters - The Community Church of Pine Run EMC

Greetings in the Grace and Peace of our Heavenly Father, whom, through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, has brought us together.

The Ladies Tea on March 19, 2022, was a treat. The lunch was delicious, and we appreciated the volunteers and their work to make the day enjoyable. Alyssa Strunk was the guest speaker, and she shared a personal story of trusting God and having faith. She touched our hearts with her message of keeping God’s promises foremost in our lives and looking for the opportunities He sends us especially when circumstances can be overwhelming.

To hear how the Strunk’s came to Pastor at Pine Run is a story that gives praise to God’s ways. How many of us at Pine Run recognize the blessing God has given this small country church in the middle of nowhere. A Doctoral Pastor and wife as well as an Associate Pastor and wife guided by God’s Will. And better still that they do not puff themselves up with titles or lord their knowledge over us but speak the truth from God’s word to us. They share their lives and encourage us to grow in faith and the truth of God.

Her story of ‘Faith -to Hope -to Joy’ had my daughter and I talking the whole way home. My daughter shared how she looked for an answer to her prayer and missed the opportunities God had set before her. I realize I do the same thing. I ask God to wave His magic wand and give me faith or joy. How many times have I asked God to magically make life easier, get me a job, increase my faith or give me joy? What a fantastic perspective to purposefully look for God’s opportunities in the midst of this world. To step out in faith by trusting God’s promises.

Sharing one of her favorite passages, Romans 8: 31-39; Paul wants us to have the right perspective in our daily lives. Hard times or good times are not related to God’s absolute love for us. Life’s struggles are an opportunity for God to see us through the hardships. He wants us to be ready for trouble in this world, not to be surprised, conflicted, or caught off guard. He wants us to be subversive, to take a stand, to draw a line, even to be ready to be killed like sheep for His sake. At which point our faith is in motion, no longer a noun but a verb. And He promises to reward us as He did for Daniel. After Daniel took a stand for Him

“God brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the Eunuchs”

Daniel 1:9

He blesses us with “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, (and) will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

"And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

God shows each of us His love for us by gifting us with this loving family and giving us the opportunity to partner together, share our talents and reach a hurting world.

Love from your sister in Christ,

Colleen Morris