Daily Bread

A Light in the Valley

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

There’s a light in the valley

of death now for me

Since Jesus came into my heart!

Rufus McDaniel 1914

Are you passing through what feels like the longest and darkest valley in your life today? David tells us in Psalm 23 that He won’t fear in that darkness because he knows that his shepherd is always with him. Jesus goes even further when be says that if we are following Him we will never walk in darkness!

Oh but does it feel like a dark and confusing time? Yes for me too brother. Today dark clouds sit on my horizon also sister. But in this valley God’s promise is more true than ever. He Himself is the light. We must confront our fear and refuse to run! The light is shining only on the path ahead and that light is our Lord Jesus Christ. He longs to not only be the light of the world; He offers to be the light of yours and my world. Only He knows the way to the other side of our valley. Take a deep breath, calm your racing heart and in faith just keep taking one step at a time behind your Savior. He is more than only the light if the world – He is also the light of life!

The color of the Flower

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
John 5:47

This Mother’s day Azalea was planted at our friend’s house almost 50 years ago. While it is amazing both in it’s beauty and size, what is also curious is the azalea on the neighbor’s side of the fence. It has seen the same sunshine and rain and while also pretty it is only about half the size. The difference is not about its circumstances but about its connection to the soil.

In the same way we who are tested by storms, droughts and harsh winters can bloom at our Father’s doorstep. Our living relationship with Him means both believing what He has spoken in the past along with listening to what He is saying today. God’s written word is a signpost pointing to Christ. The Pharisees were intent on learning all about the post but were not ready to follow it to Jesus. Staying in a living connection to God’s word means more than just knowing every line. A relationship with Him also means listening to what He is saying today. That connection is what makes us grow and gives beauty to the color of the flower!

Letting Go – Taking Hold

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

.. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13

As our grandson wrestled with learning to paddle board last summer we were all treated to a comedy of errors. One moment he was up smiling triumphantly, the next tumbling off to the peals of laughter from his cousin and his older brother. But no matter how funny he looked to us AJ showed that he was serious about mastering the challenge. He was willing to temporarily let go of his pride in order to show everyone that he could be a winner.

Are you and I half as dedicated to the goals God has put in front of us? The apostle Paul was in many ways just like our grandson A.J. . He refused to let the past hold him back. No nostalgic memory was worth clinging on to if it meant missing out on what lay ahead. Also, just like our grandson, the opinions of others held little value compared to what God had in store. Finally, just like A.J.- Paul learned that victory was sure as long as he kept things in balance in life. Paul reached his goal at the moment when he took hold of the prize and stood straight and strong in the presence of Jesus Christ!