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Mid-Night in the Storm

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ Acts 27:23-24

When my sister and I were making too much noise, my Mom used to yell at us “Quiet! I can’t hear myself think!” That is exactly what both Paul and the sailors were experiencing in a fourteen day storm. One of the greatest difficulties during heavy storms is our inability to think or even communicate with others. But no matter what our circumstances we can continue to pray. When it seems most difficult we need to encourage ourselves with the reminder that God often sends His message at mid-night. In fact He not only sent a message to Saint Paul in the storm at mid-night but He chose a few other times in the Bible to do the same:

white and black moon with black skies and body of water photography during night time

Photo by GEORGE DESIPRIS on Pexels.com

It was at mid-night that the angels appeared to the shepherds – And at mid-night that Jesus came walking out over the waves – It was midnight when the call went out, “The bridegroom is coming.” – And at midnight God will send His message to us. At mid-night when we are least expecting God’s help He comes.  At mid-night He stands by our side and says, “Don’t be afraid.”

What are you facing today?  Is it mid-night in your storm? It is not too late! In fact mid-night is the perfect time for Jesus. He comes at mid-night with a message of Hope!

 

Being a Grandparent in Shutdown

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged parents are the pride of their children.  Proverbs 17:6

I have always believed that when grandparents and parents play on the same team kids win. But when our grandchildren can’t come to see us and it’s hard even having a backyard barbeque a how can we continue to be a part of their lives?

I love long slow walks with our grandkids but now with them being in a lockdown area our visiting is on hold. So I have begun a letter writing campaign to try and keep in touch. Granted that they don’t write back much but I know at least that they have something that they can keep forever; unlike a video call that ends with a tap of a finger. Nana can’t make sure that there are  chocolate chip cookies on their table; but she can send them small thoughtful gifts that no one else knows they will love.

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Maybe most of all our enforced separation has caused us on both ends of the phone calls, to value the relationships we have taken for granted. We are not just asking how they are doing but we are really listening to what they have to say. Sometimes Dad and Mom feel like the demands will never end but we Grandparents know that it all comes to an end too quickly and we treasure slow and ordinary moments. God bless all you Moms and Dads as you have shared your children with us. We only have them for a little while and we promise to give them back to you wrapped tightly in the love of a grandparent!

While I certainly don’t have all the answers these are a few things we have been doing so why not let us know what is working for you.

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Grace and Starfish

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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

 In the ocean there are more than 2,000 kinds of starfish, but each has its own unique place in the sea. They thrive at the bottom of the ocean under enormous pressure because that is where they belong.

starfish underwater

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com

When we are under pressure sometimes we try to pretend. We pretend we aren’t afraid when we face danger or we may pretend to know the answer when in fact we are confused. The problem with pretending to be someone else is that we forget who we really are.

The apostle Paul  chose to remember who he was (and wasn’t),. He even spent time reminding others of his weaknesses, problems and difficulties. Because Paul’s style of life was sincere others, like Luke and Timothy and thousands of  became willing to follow Jesus just as they were also.

God has designed each of us like different kinds of starfish and has put us exactly where we belong! We don’t need to pretend that we are a whale or a shark. When the pressure builds up just hold on to who God has planned you to be and He will hold onto you by His grace – which is the greatest power of all.