Change Springs Forth

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By Gregg Zimmerman

Over the last few weeks, I have really been enjoying the weather and the changes in nature that it brings. Spring is definitely here!

Spring has always been one of my favorite of the four temperate seasons. The constant gray of the Pacific Northwest winter shifts to sunny skies mixed with life-giving rain. Leaves emerge and flowers sprout. Birds return and mammals give birth to their young.

Just a few sentences into God’s Word, we see mention of the seasons: “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years’” (Genesis 1:14). Literally from the very beginning God denoted the separate seasons. The changing seasons are a reminder, something to help set a rhythm and pace.

Springtime often symbolizes new birth, fresh starts, renewal, and growth. At times that all sounds very cliché, but there definitely is something about spring that brings forth the excitement of what is ahead. The natural changes that spring brings is always something I love seeing, and as God’s creation it is a small reminder of part of His character. Hosea says, “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth” (Hosea 6:3). Even in the midst of Israel’s unfaithfulness, God’s faithfulness is as sure as the spring rains that water the earth.

As with all of God’s creation, springtime is a beautiful masterpiece, but the Creator Himself is even better! “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). The psalmist writes, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:10).

Hebrews declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change with the seasons. We give God thanks during all seasons, but the changes around us are a reminder. Just as we move into the new spring season, we also move into this next season of Elim’s history. Let us pause to look around and enjoy the beauty of the changes God is doing all around us.

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Don’t Lose Heart

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By Gregg Zimmerman

The senior high youth group has been going through the book of Ephesians. During our Bible study, one verse recently stood out to me: “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13., ESV).Paul was in prison for his faith in Jesus, and in turn, the church of Ephesus was struggling because their pastor was locked up. What was his message to them?

Don’t lose heart.

Many of us feel the struggles of the world around us right now. COVID-19, political divisions, racial injustice, protests in the streets, economic loss, personal struggles—the list goes on and on. People are hurting and struggling around the world, around the country, and right here at Elim. What was Paul’s message?

Don’t lose heart.

At Elim, we are grateful to have Pastor Steve helping us find and transition to our new full-time pastor. Right now we are waiting. Waiting for the man God is calling to be our pastor. What was Paul’s message to his church who was waiting for their pastor?

Don’t lose heart.

Paul had lost his freedom. His health was not secure. His future was unknown. What was his message to his church?

Don’t lose heart.

During these times it can be easy to be discouraged. But we must not lose heart. We must continue fighting the good fight. God is at work, and we are on mission for Him. Paul used his suffering in prison to continue to spread the news about Jesus. How does this time allow us to appreciate Jesus more? How are you using the current situation to minister to others?

My prayer for our church—and I hope your prayer as well—echoes Paul’s end to Ephesians 3:

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV)

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