faith

Jesus in the Storm

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Matthew 8:23-27 ESV

One blessing about ministering at nursing homes is that it is easy to find out if people are listening. The feedback is immediate and often I get interrupted with a question in the middle of a message or in between songs. That is a great incentive to keep things short, sweet and to the point. This almost nine-minute message was pushing the limits of my dear friends’ ability to focus, but it felt as if God was stirring at Life Care Center. Please continue to pray for us as there is a special sense of His moving and purpose this year. Have a blessed Sunday all. I hope you will be challenged and encouraged by hearing once again about Jesus in the storm!

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.