forgivenss

Being a Peacemaker

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

In the New Testament Jesus tells us that God blesses peace making people but Jesus never said it was easy. “Mom he’s picking on me!” Is one of the most common phrases around every family, (including ours) because it is easier to blame someone for our problems than to make peace with them. Sadly, jumping on the band wagon of pointing an accusing finger at people who are different than us at school or work ( or church) just feels so right. But today’s scripture warns us that God takes quite a different view. God says He loves it when we work to make peace and He offers us His friendship.

Instead of accusing others even if they are truly guilty, Jesus chose to begin the peace process by taking our guilt on Calvary. He died to bridge the friendship chasm between us and the Father, and He offers us His friendship whenever we are ready to make peace with Him.

Whiter than Snow

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

Many year back I heard this ending of a long poem that an evangelist read at the close of his service It has always stayed with me. When I stand in the midst of a farm field filled with snow it feels for the moment like a barren place, forsaken by all life and hope. Winter in all its harshness has covered everything that was once green and growing. But God in His goodness and wonderful love knows exactly where we are. He has not lost track of our whereabouts. He is close by calling us to the warm fire of His home. There He will gently welcome us, wrap us in the covering of His love and comfort our hearts. There we will not be white like the snow -we will be washed and by made His blood…even whiter than snow

KIMG0600

Filthy and black as the old trampled snow,
Sinner, despair not! for Christ has stooped low
To rescue the soul that is lost in its sin,
And raise it to life and enjoyment again;
Groaning—
Bleeding—
Dying for thee,
The Crucified hung on th’ accursed tree!
His voice full of mercy falls now on your ear:
“There is mercy for you”—He will hear your weak prayer:
“O God, in the blood that for sinners did flow,
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”                                   Anonymous

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7