Pastor's Page
Devotional Thought
I Found Grace In A Bee Sting
One of my earliest recollections as a child happened when I was probably 4 years old. It was summer, and I was outside with my dad, who was doing yard work. In the yard I noticed something buzzing from plant to plant, so I reached down to pick it up, only to be introduced to instant pain. When dad heard me crying, he dropped everything and came to my rescue. Trusting dad, I let him do what was necessary. His presence gave me peace as he calmly removed the stinger, and then carried me to my mom. She continued bringing comfort and healing through soft, loving words and the application of baking soda on the area, stung. Soon, I was back to my playful, happy self, but to this day I have never attempted to pick up a bee, again. I’m grateful for the grace my parents showed me.
God’s grace works in a similar way. We sin, either intentionally or ignorantly, and it hurts. Recognizing our mistake, we cry out and God rescues us, and seeing our pain, hurts with us. If we don’t resist, He removes the sin, comforts us, restores us, and reminds us we are still loved. Hopefully, we learn that we don’t like the pain of our sin and turn from it. But if we get stung by sin again, He is still there to repeat the process, reminding us His grace is enough. That’s where the beauty of the gospel comes in. As we understand and accept it, may God’s grace cause us to proclaim His goodness like Isaiah…,
“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things He has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so He became their Savior. In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:7-9 NIV
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