Connecting Our Stories

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that God works everything together for good for those of us who love Him. But often my life feels more like a field filled with half-told stories. Yes, many are happy memories, but there are also ones of pain, misunderstanding and even anger. How can I make sense of such contradictions to the love of God in the face of tragedy and grief? The answer came on that first Christmas, in a Bethlehem stable. There, God began a story that connected all of our stories to His. There He was born as Emmanuel, God with us, through every twist and turn, every sorrow and smile. Then He published that story on a cross for everyone to see. But the best part is that His story wasn’t over! He wrote another surprising chapter at an open tomb. There He promises to meet us and weave everyone of our stories into His amazing conclusion!

God Remembered

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments 
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. Luke 1:52-54

As Mary begins her song, she gives us an insight into the heart of God and sings of God remembering His mercy. Now this remembering is not the same as when we suddenly recall something long forgotten, slap ourselves on the knee and say, “O yeah! I forgot about that!” No, our God, who knows the number of hairs on our heads and has written all our days in His book before we live them, never forgets mercy for a while and then suddenly remembers again. As Mary was inspired by the Holy Spirit in her song, she was speaking of a remembrance which is more like a locket that we hang around our necks with the photo of a loved one on the inside. When Jesus was conceived in Mary, God gave Him to be that locket, and beginning with His birth in Bethlehem, He placed the photographs of everyone who believed in Him inside it. But Bethlehem was only the beginning, and God has a greater day in mind. One day God’s locket of mercy will be opened, and everyone whose name is inscribed inside will be given a place at His table and will be able to joyfully and gratefully worship Him forever in remembrance of His mercy!