Dr. William Chegwin, Senior Minister

Just two lines of a hymn we know so well "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
    The devastation brought upon Central Florida by the wild fires of this summer has brought suffering and pain to the lives of many who lost their homes,pets, and the many business suffer as a result of this tragedy.
     Nothing can really replace the losses caused by fires like these, and yet, somehow there"s always a hidden blessing even in the worst of times.
     Just the other day I was going past an area that had been devastated just two weeks ago, when something caught my eye. In the midst of the dark expanse of a field covered with burned out trees and blackened nature,I could see the fresh and lively green of new growth. Can you imagine!
    God's wonderful nature offers us an example that no matter how dark our world may seem at the time, no matter how painful the situation is, there is always new hope! How often have you wondered "How much longer do I have to put up with this or that?" Or in a time of depression " I know that God is always there, but this time he doesn't seem to be around." You might even say (which is OK to say) "God when are you going to give me a break?"
    I like to refer to Psalm 37:3-5 in times like these:
         "Trust in the Lord and do good.... Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."
    I also like Proverbs 3:5-6:
          "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

      Yours in Christ;

                                BILL