Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin

“Suitcases packed, swimsuits on, beach towels loaded, picnic lunch prepared - we’re on our way! Next stop: the California coast!”

The summer season often brings with it the thrill of happy vacations: trips to the lake, the beach, Yosemite, the Redwoods, Disneyland, Tahoe, Monterey, or other favorite locations. Vacations are wonderful! 

When we manage to get away, leave our normal life, and head out on adventures together, we often find a side of ourselves we haven’t seen in awhile. Maybe we are happier, stronger, more relaxed, more at peace. Or maybe not? Sometimes unpredicted vacation challenges bring out the worst in us: irritabiity, impatience, and unwillingness to compromise. Good or bad, happy or sad - vacations tend to reveal what’s waiting under the surface. They show us who we are, teach us who we could be, and challenge us to keep growing in grace. 

The Bible is kind of like a summer vacation. It offers sweet retreat, strengthens connections, increases joy, and brings out our best. But sometimes it also shows us things we’d rather not see…that character flaw, the rough edge, the sin we’re hiding, that person we haven’t forgiven yet (who is sometimes ourselves). 

How can we have the courage to embrace both the happy comfort and the hard conviction which the Bible offers? Encouraging texts are wonderful, but what if the texts which challenge our protected perceptions matter the most? 

Join us this Sabbath as we look into the broad scope of the potency and the power available to all who spend time in God’s word.

- Pastor Melissa