faith

Mary Believed

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments 
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. 
Luke 1:45 ESV

One quiet day in Nazareth, as Mary sat alone, her solitude was broken by an angel. Now, I don’t know about you, but if an angel, suddenly appeared in front of me I would be either terrified, or ready to fight. But this was no ordinary angel and though Mary appeared quite ordinary, she possessed the rare quality that only God knew about: she was ready to believe. Yes, she was from the right family (David’s) she lived at the right time, (the fulness of time) and was engaged to the right guy (Joseph), but God’s message did not find a home in her because of those things. God’s Final Word – His Son – was conceived in her because she believed. Though, Mary did have a question, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” which was certainly a valid point! How wonderful that God does not become angry when we ask honest questions, but He gives us answers that will require our belief to take a second step.

And Mary’s belief led her to the step of obedience, “Let it be to me according to your word.” To be like Mary, our belief must move beyond our correct theology. We may be on the right path, but if we don’t walk down it, we will never get to its destination. Nine months later, Mary gave birth on Christmas because she said “Yes,” every day from believing God’s message, till the first breath of Jesus in Bethlehem. Then after Mary carried her child those nine long months, amazing things began to happen. Shepherds came worshipping, wise men arrived with gifts, and Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Where are you in your journey with Jesus? Have you received and believed the good news? Have you walked a long quiet time while God’s promise grew large in your heart? Have you given birth in a stable when you hoped it would be a more proper home? Don’t ever give up. God keeps His promises, and miracles will happen, if we believe that we can treasure in our hearts forever!

An Opportunity to Learn

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 ESV

My fall came in the middle of the night, unexpected leaving behind an unwelcome scar. In a moment I can’t remember, my life changed, our plans altered, and my motives rearranged. But will I find this an opportunity to experience the gentleness and lowliness of Jesus? Will I accept from His hand this opportunity to learn, or let it slip away? Where we are when Jesus calls us to come, is different for each of us, but the rest He offers is the same, and the peace He gives is worth it all.

Just as He Had Done Before

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 NIV

In this hour, when there has been handwringing, frustration and anger among some conservative Christians about the recent election results we need to remember the story of Daniel. He certainly faced an election defeat far greater than ours. I doubt that any of us, at least here in the United States are worried we will be thrown into a den filed with hungry lions: but Daniel did. He knew the decree had been signed, he understood the gravity of the punishment, and yet we do not hear him complaining, making a public scene or running away. Instead, Daniel did exactly what he had always done before: He prayed! Daniel didn’t run to God in a panic, He got on his knees and asked for help, just as he had always done, and he did it three times a day. Maybe our trouble is that, when our ideas have won elections, been popularly trumpeted on social media and gained us acclaim, we have gotten to like being patted on the back. But if our courage is based on the world’s acceptance, we are building our house on a bed of sand. Today the rains are falling, the storms are rising and just as promised, they will beat on our houses of faith. Whether we stand or fall does not depend on the severity of the storm but on the strength of our foundation. Knowing that the world’s decrees are signed against us must not make us fearful but should inspire us to pray. We can trust always Him, because He has promised to be with us not only in a lion’s den, but in every situation, both today and forever!