By: Bro. Bob Alderman

Pastor, First Baptist Church

We had a little “different” type of entertainment at our home Monday night. Instead of watching “The Weakest Link” on television we watched the thunderstorm as it rolled through Rio Grande City.

When our power went out we spent a nice evening watching the rain and the lightning.

The storm brought 2.7 inches of much needed rain to our dry and thirsty land. This was very exciting for us because it was the most rain we had seen since we moved to this great city last September.

Tuesday morning I went into our back yard to check the rain gauge and made a wonderful discovery - our back yard was smoothed out and “washed” by the rains that had fallen.

Prior to the rain the sandy soil in our yard had been scarred and marked by bicycle tires, scooters, roller blades, shovels, and anything else our daughters, Kristen and Kelli, could carry out there to play with. The heavy rains had washed all evidence of this activity away.

I believe that God wants to speak to us through everything in His creation, even the stormy times in our lives.

Our lives are much like that backyard scene. We have had many troubles in our lives and have very often done things that we are not proud of. Many times we know that we are damaging ourselves, we leave scars on our body, our mind and on our very soul.

We look back on our life and wonder how we let it fall into the shape it is in and doubt that there is any hope for the restoration of our joy and peace.

Is there any hope for me? YES! There is a path way that leads to the comfort and understanding you are looking for.

The Bible teaches us this in chapter 6, verse 11 of the Book of 1 Corinthians: “There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you.” (NLT).

Through Jesus Christ our sins and our “scars” can be washed away, never to be held against you again.

Are you ready to have your hope and joy restored to you? Are you looking for hope and joy in your life? Jesus Christ is calling you to Himself right now and is waiting for you to answer Him.

King David wrote this about God, “You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28 (NLT)

God desires to bring you a renewed life, full of joy, love and peace. He has done everything possible for you to obtain this abundant life for yourself.

Only one thing remains undone for you to receive the full promise of everlasting life and all encompassing love: You have to accept this gift God is offering you.

Ephesians 2:8-10 states plainly that it by receiving God’s Grace through our faith in Christ that brings us eternal life and restoration.

Will you allow the Jesus Christ to wash over your life, removing all the sins and scars that have marred your life for so long and bring you peace?

Remember that Jesus loves you…and so do I.