salvation

See You Later Banjo

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2 KJV

Last Sunday was a sad day here, when the Vet told us that our little friend Banjo had to be put down. Though Banjo had only been with us for the last three and a half months, he had become a part of my daily routine. God gave a calling to each of us and Banjo’s was to teach people (especially me!) to slow down, cuddle up with friends and trust. Almost every morning since he arrived after his home was flooded in the hurricane, Banjo and I had gone for a walk. Now, I have always been an avid walker, but my walks were much changed since my little buddy came along. With Banjo’s pace somewhere between a meander and a browse, I didn’t get much of a cardio workout anymore, but I met more of our neighbors, and on our nighttime walks I began to pause long enough to notice the stars and feel the bite of the breeze.

I was also reminded to be thankful for both the people and the puppy dogs around me, because we never know how long they will be with us, and we rarely understand how precious they are until they are gone. It is often said that Jesus never hurried. He took time to consider sparrows and slowed his pace for a blind man begging by the roadside. He marveled at wildflowers, and He sat by a well waiting for a woman who no one else would speak with. Today, Jesus is in Heaven ruling the universe by His Father’s side. His suffering is over, and He is in a place of perfect peace and unspeakable joy. Yet, He still takes time for sinners like you and me. His calls us to follow Him at a pace slow enough to learn to love our neighbors and notice the glory of God in the world that He has made. But Jesus also tells us to pack our bags, because this world is not our home. He has prepared a place for us in our Father’s house, and I can’t but believe that Banjo is outside mine romping through the front yard there and waiting for me to go with Him on some amazing walks around the block!

Good Enough for Him!

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments 
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10a

Often we hear people say that this verse means that the beauties of Heaven are beyond our wildest imaginations. But if we read on, we see that the Apostle Paul is teaching that all of God’s promises are beyond our understanding, until He reveals them to us by faith. There are thousands of promises in the Bible, but today let’s just take a look at one

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 NKJV

Whether we realize it or not we all face challenges today. Our friends, neighbors, coworkers and even family members all have expectations that we try hard to meet. “What have you done for me lately?” is too often the measure of their acceptance and the sad reality of how they value us. Now their expectations are not all bad. After all, we who are fathers, ought to provide for our families, as good neighbors we need to keep our lawn mowed, and coworkers have a right to expect that we do our job. But when we apply that kind of thinking to our relationship with God, everything falls apart, because none of us has the ability to please Him. The Bible tells us that all of us have sinned and missed the mark (God’s reasonable expectations). Our total failure at pleasing God is why the gospel of Jesus Christ is more than just good news, it is better than anything we have imagined even in our wildest dreams! And it is only at the cross that we, through repentance and by faith discover His amazing gift of grace. It is finished forever and in Jesus Christ, God has given us all we will ever need to be good enough for Him!

One Unexpected Morning

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). John 20:15-16 ESV

Mary Magdalene had not come to the tomb of Jesus because she thought that Jesus was alive, but to show respect for the dead. But then the most unexpected thing in all of history happened. Jesus came to meet her! And Mary’s story is the story of everyone who has ever put their faith in Jesus Christ. We all have this one thing in common. He has come unexpectedly. Just like Mary, this Easter. you may be wondering where Jesus went in your life. Or, maybe like the disciples, you are hiding out behind locked doors. But when Jesus comes, everything changes, not just because of our faith, but because of His grace. The most wonderful news of the universe is standing right in front of us. Jesus is alive and is calling our name. How will you answer Him? The most important step of faith anyone could ever take is to fall at His feet, just as Mary did, and simply believe. Though we may not have been expecting Him, He has been expecting us and He is waiting for you today!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe that you have risen from the grave, just as You said. I ask that you forgive my sins and I thank you for all you have done and thank you for your gift of eternal life!