"You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all."
Thought:
The stories of our childhood typically begin, "Once upon a time," or maybe, "it
was a bright sunny day." These open the door for something to come, setting the time, the attitude, or the place. And it is
these same stories that command our attention, time and time again. These stories teach us something about who we are and who
we are to be. Fairy Tale or not, there is something to be learned from these literary masterpieces. Then, of course there
are the there are the historical stories, those stories that tell of who we are and who we have been. The primary purpose of
which is to offer us direction in making a decision as to who we will be. Stories, they are for more than bedtime, they are
for life, for living.
Hear the Good News, the story for us, is the story of the Word, Logos, of Christ. In a great statement of
faith, telling the story of Christ, we are reminded again of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. It is the ministry.
The Acts of the Apostles tell of the earliest church, the struggles and the victories. But more than that, it tells the
story of the Gospel, the Good News: "He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained
by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives
forgiveness of sins through his name." Simple huh? Well, like any story, any good lesson, it can all be broken down
into a simplistic statement. Share the story.
Gracious Father, Your voice is not only one hear, but read. Let me continue to find
solace and comfort in
the words of the Gospel. Allow me to understand my being in light of You. Pour out Your spirit upon me and let me share
this story with others. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this
through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.