Grace

Grace and Starfish

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

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.

Meeting Dad

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

As a father  shows compassion to His children so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 ESV

Back in 1966 when I was 15 I met my dad outside a family courtroom. That day he came to contest my mom’s plan for my adoption by my step father. I really had no idea what was happening as mom went into the judge’s chambers and I was left standing in the hall. Seated by the doorway was a vaguely familiar looking man with his wife and I wondered what he was doing there. Then mom came out looking a bit grim and it was my turn to talk to the judge. I went in alone more curious than afraid wondering what he wanted with me.

“Do you like your father?” The judge asked.

“I don’t know. ” I answered truthfully. I don’t know who my father is.

“Then how would you like the chance to find out ” the judge asked. “How would you like to visit with him one weekend a month?”

This morning as I was reading this verse, I remembered that one day God had also shown up to claim me as His own. I had done nothing to deserve His love forgiveness and compassion but He chose me. Because of the precious blood of Jesus He granted me and anyone in this world who is willing the amazing wonderful and unearned privilege to meet our Heavenly Father and to be included in His family forever!

Jacob’s Ladder

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

And he dreamed and behold there was a ladder set up on the earth and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 29:12 ESV

While running from his brother Jacob was so tired that he lay down to sleep with his head on a rock. That night God sent Jacob an intriguing dream. In spite of being totally undeserving of mercy God chose to show Himself to Jacob standing at the top of a staircase or ladder to Heaven. I always thought this was a pretty neat story but never got the part about what it had to do with me.

Then one day as I was reading my Bible I realized that in my hands was Jacob’s staircase. It is an amazing book able to reach all the way from Heaven to earth. He is standing at the top to tell us of His loving plan and assuring us of His grace towards us through Jesus Christ our Lord!