Peace Be With You

This past week, two friends, brother in Christ, went on to Glory leaving behind a huge hole in many lives. At the one funeral, Pastor Mike said that Big Larry went to close the gate to the pasture one morning but ended up walking through the gates to Glory. What a wonderful image for myself and many others gathered. I could see the smile on numerous faces when this was communicated and a peace fell over the gathered.

John writes in Chapter 14 verse 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” At the time, the disciples probably did not understand the enormity of this claim as they could not know that Jesus was going to be leaving them fairly soon. Christ was proclaiming that even though He was there with them at that moment, a time was coming when He would be leaving them but Holy Spirit would come to be with them. Christ was going to prepare a place and could not do so while still on earth but His peace would rest upon them all. Holy Spirit, He represents the peace and love that is God always with each of us.

Our friends have gone and now know the glory of God but we who are left behind still feel the loss. My Lord has granted us a peace however. Peace, the peace that is found by the power and presence of Holy Spirit is with us, given for all of us by our Father in Heaven. Do not left the sorrow of loss burden your hearts and do not fear the future. The Son has gone before to prepare a place but until then, the Peace of God beacons us to live life to the fullest in the warmth of His blessing.

This Sunday, we celebrate mothers and give thanks for the blessing they have been for us. As is tradition, Natalie MacDonald will bring us a message of joy and encouragement. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd