Saturday, October 5, 2019

Rocking the Parade of Life

Communion is about remembering we are sinners, confessing our sins, and praising God for forgiveness and our new life in Him.  But, if God is all knowing and is in control of everything- in other words, He knows everything about the past, present, and future, are we like puppets?  Are we predestined to live a certain life?  Why ask for forgiveness?  Why ask for forgiveness if He already knows we are going to sin?   Good question right?  Let’s talk about something else!

The Louisville Constitution Parade was awesome!

We had our golden oldies hanging out in back of a sweet Toyota truck (we have the coolest experienced wise people around).  We need to hang with them more often!  We had our youth carrying an awesome banner leading the way.  We had an awesome float tribute to religious freedom with Tony and Carly singing.  We had representatives from all different missions with over 60 people.   I mean, when you have 10 ft tall Brannon at the front of the parade walking with a viking hat (hat with horns) and a motorcycle in the middle, who wouldn’t want to go to this church right? Other than McKenna getting sick from breathing in car exhaust, and the struggle to have enough candy saved for the end (you wouldn’t believe the number of older people fighting the younger people for candy), it was fun.  We won third place! 

God sees our lives like a parade.  He sees the beginning.  He sees the end.  He sees the main path, but He gives us free will to do what we want in between.  He also gives us freewill whether or not we want to finish the parade.  He knows we may stop and talk, give too much candy here or there and not enough elsewhere.  He knows we may tear the flag while marching.  He knows accidents might happen.  He forgives us when we make mistakes and aren’t perfect.  This allows us to forgive others.  Speaking of forgiveness, how much should we forgive?  “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

He gives us power through his Holy Spirit to walk and run in the parade. He gives us His word and each other to help us have an awesome float and to help us find the best path to the end. He wants us to finish the parade and to finish strong. 

Communion reminds us to forget the past and start new.  It reminds us to press on toward the goal. Philippians 3:13-14  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  

Prayer: Thank you for the exciting parade of life.  Thank you for forgiving us.  Please forgive us of our sins and help us forgive others.  Help us to grow as a church.  Help us be strategic as a church and use our talents to best represent you in the parade of life.   Amen