Memorials and legacies

Memorial Day is in one week. For the most part it is a holiday that most people get a day off and they may have a cook-out. By definition a memorial is something that we are to pause and remember something of significance. The children of Israel set up memorials after a significant event in their lives. When they crossed the river Jordon at flood stage they took 12 stones from the middle of the river and set up a memorial so that they would remember the miracle that God granted to them. The river's flow stopped so they could pass through on dry land. So this Memorial Day what are you going to remember? A legacy is similar in that it is something a person or organization does that they are remembered for. The point that I want to make in this short blog is that we have an opportunity to impact the next generation by our actions now. This can happen when naturally for us if we are just willing to live our lives for a cause that is greater then ourselves. If I live for myself or if all I am doing is trying to survive I will live and die and not very many people will ever notice. For a believer in Jesus Christ the cause is real simple. I live for the cause of Christ and His kingdom. It does not matter if I leave a legacy that is remembered on earth but I can be assured that my work, a legacy, will be remembered in heaven. I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brother, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." May we remember this Memorial Day to live our lives for something greater then ourselves. Let us live our lives for the cause of Christ.

Pastor John Backes

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all moms. The love and care that my mom showed me will never be forgotten. There were times that mom tempored my dad's reactions when I did something that was not acceptable. I know my mom was praying for me when I was in my very rebellious stage of my life. I know my mom loved me regardless of what I was doing. The lesson to learn in this is that my mom was showing forth in a human way the character of God. God is neither male or female though God is often referred in a masculine tense. God clearly shows forth both masculine and feminine characteristics. During this season that we remember our moms let us also remember that our God loves us when we do unlovable things, that God through Jesus Christ is praying for us, that God love, mercy and grace is present so that we will not be judged immediately (Jesus thank You for going to the cross to secure my forgiveness), that God is present to hug me when I fall, that God is going to wipe away my tears, that God will speak softly to me when I want to give up and say My child you can make it with my help, that God is preparing a meal for me to insure that I will be well fed, that God is present to assure me that my tomorrow will be better when I trust Him. This and much more God shows forth how He loves and cares for us similar to how our moms have loved and cared for us.
Happy Mother's Day
Pastor John Backes