Pastor's Page
Devotional Thought
Not Me, I Don’t Like Snakes!
Certainly, that was how I felt when recently watching a program with magician
and risk taker, David Blaine. In this particular episode he met with a King Cobra
snake charmer in Asia. This charmer was so familiar with handling King Cobra’s,
that he would mesmerize the snake then slowly lean over and kiss it
on top of the head. Obviously, David Blaine wanted to learn how to do the
same thing. So he spent time watching, asking questions, and practicing
everything he was taught until he was finally successful. Did David have fear?
Of course, but he trusted his life with the trainer who had the knowledge and
experience until David too, could take the risk with confidence.
So, what did I learn? Well certainly, it didn’t change my feelings toward snakes.
And kissing one that can kill me isn’t on my bucket list. What I found fascinating
was that David Blaine didn’t have the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve
his goal, so he sought out the one who did, and placed his trust in him. That hit
home. How much do I trust God with my life and all I’m confronted with?
God doesn’t need more snake handlers, but He does want us to trust Him so He
can teach us how to live for Him with confidence.
The show reminded me of a familiar Bible passage, Proverbs 3:5-6.
It reads; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your
paths.” (NKJV). The more I understand that God is trustworthy, the more I
place my faith in Him and His word. The more I trust Him, the more I can
move forward in faith to do the things I can’t do without Him.
What about you? What is God impressing you to do for Him that you’re not sure
of? Trust Him. Where is He leading that you struggle to follow? Let Him direct
your paths. In so doing, He will give you His wisdom, His confidence, and His peace.
Remember, God loves you and so do I, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Pastor Jim Bollin
Jim and his wife Sherri have four grown children and one grandchild. You’ll find that they are family oriented, kid friendly, enjoy good food, relish their time with family and friends, and the simple blessings of life.
Growing up as a Christian, Pastor Jim joined the Adventist church in 1989, and entered the pastoral ministry in 1995. Since graduating from Andrews Seminary in 1999, he has pastored in both the Oregon and Idaho Conferences.
Jim’s role here at Castle Rock Church is all about serving our community as a whole, because he believes that Jesus’ teachings are meant to be lived out in our daily lives. He believes our faith grows best when we get involved in loving and serving others as Jesus did, with the unique gifts He has given us all.
Pastor Jim looks forward to helping you discover where and how God has called you to love others in Jesus’ name.
Contact him at pastorjim@meadowglade.com