FROM THE PASTOR
February 19, 2017
Every spring my daughter orders Monarch Butterfly larva (caterpillar stage) so the children at the Center can see them develop through the chrysalis (pupa stage) and finally on to the butterfly stage. Once the mature butterflies are ready to be released she gently takes each one out of the tent, places them on the open hand of a child where the butterfly rests until it spreads its wings and fly’s away. Those Monarchs look so majestic in the hands of those children. What an amazing experience for these children as they have opportunity to interact with one of God’s creations.
As I thought of that this week, I couldn’t help but be so appreciative that God is always in a state of developing me. I have to admit that it’s a good thing the Lord is patient and never gives up because sometimes I find myself resisting His moving me onto the next stage. It’s really comfortable being in a place that is familiar. Yet, like the butterfly, where would all the beauty be if the butterfly resisted moving from an egg to a larva, to the chrysalis and finally on to the beautiful mature butterfly?
When we finally accept that free gift of salvation made available to us we are at the most infant stage in our spiritual growth. Oh, we may have grown up in church, we may even have memorized verses and went on mission trips but salvation brings a new beginning. Like the butterfly that begins as an egg, at salvation we too need to develop in our relationship with God toward maturity. How else can we become effective at proclaiming to the entire world the beauty that results from God’s hand being on us?
Paul wrote the Church at Philippi…
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
God will never give up on us. God will never pass us by. God will never leave us “just as we are”. His desire is that we reach full spiritual maturity, spread our metaphorical wings and share with the world the beauty of His LOVE.
As He proclaimed to Zion, as I believe He proclaims to all who are His…
Isaiah 62:3 (NASB)
3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Thank You for your faithfulness! Pastor Larry
