Dearly Beloved,
“Come what may!” Do you know where that saying came from? A version of it was known in France as early as 1375, however it was popularized by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, 1605. The Spanish had their own version, “whatever will be, will be.”
The phrase basically means, “Whatever comes to pass will come to pass. We have no control over it. It’s out of my hands.” Some mistakenly have used it as it as a way of absolving blame or guilt!
We start chapter 2 in the book of 1 Peter this Sunday, and the 1st verse says, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” We cannot pass the buck and say, “it is out of my hands. I have no control over the way I am and what I do.” No, we are responsible for our attitudes and actions. Peter is exhorting us to live loving and blameless lives with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as before a watching world. It is possible because every Christian has been born again and has a new nature. The Holy Spirit enables a Christ follower to live a holy life.
We are not totally perfected but are involved in a process of becoming like our Savior. Therefore, since we have been born again, like newborn babes we are to long for the pure milk of the Word of God so that we can grow in respect to salvation – literally to grow up and treat one another like our Father treats us.
There is another phrase that perhaps you are familiar with called, “Stay the course.” It is a phrase used in the context of a war or battle, meaning to pursue a goal regardless of any obstacles or criticism. Two of recent late presidents used it! Friends, planet earth is not a friendly place, and we are at war against the world, our flesh, and the devil. We need supernatural help; we need one another, and we need to “stay the course” until the Lord Jesus returns! Remember Peter was writing to God’s people who were being persecuted, plus he was preparing them for more intense suffering.
What will come to pass in 2021 for us? I do not know but I know Someone who does! I trust that you will join us online this Sunday or come to our 10:45 am service on the grass. Take some time and meditate on 1 Peter 2:1-9 before Sunday.
Because God’s Word will never pass away,
Glen
Church on the Grass – Outdoor worship service this Sunday, February 14, at 10:45 am. Bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket. Register ASAP with this LINK. Please read through the instructions on safety before you attend. If you are unable to join the outdoor service, please attend one of our two online options. Just visit valleychurch.org and click on the colorful Join us online banner.
Calling all men! – Valley Church will be having a Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, March 6 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am on the church lawn. Cost is $10. Speaker is Glen Miller. We will serve individual breakfasts (Panera Breakfast Wraps and Breakfast Sandwiches, Danish, Yogurt, and Juice). Bring your own coffee. Register online HERE. Covid-19 protocol will be observed. Please bring your own mask and chair. For more information about Men’s Ministries, contact: Thomas Sorrentino.