8.20.2024 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
This Sunday, we wrap up our journey through 1 + 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. What have you learned? Any stories or texts that have stuck with you? What has God taught you over the last three months?
For me, I've been struck by how complex, complicated, and (sometimes) unlikeable Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, and other figures in the Bible can be and at the same time, God loved and used them for God's redemptive purposes. I find great hope in this - I am complex, complicated and (sometimes) unlikeable and those are not barriers to God's presence or activity in my life. The same goes for you.
If God were an artist, God doesn't purchase the highest quality ingredients, order the finest instruments handmade by artisans in Sicily, or meticulously examine each pigment to ensure it is absolutely pure when crafting a masterpiece. God (in this poorly thought out metaphor) goes to garage sales and thrift stores, grabs what is on hand and says, "This will do - I've got just the idea for this!" Where others see junk and trash, God sees possibility and opportunity!
Praise be to God that you and I are much more than trash in God's eyes! We are marked with His image, and no matter how hypocritcal we may be, there is hope for us still!
What has God been stirring in you? If you haven't had time to reflect over the last few months of Scripture readings, I invite you to take some time and invite God to remember with you.
Looking forward to worshipping with you all on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
1 Kings 8
Asolia Zharmenova
