Devotion / Family Stories

Family stories

We all have them. Those stories that keep getting told whenever the family gets together. The time you caught that really big fish, made that hole-in-one, the trip you took, how Grandpa always made that crazy face...

Even though you may have heard them a hundred times, those stories hold a special place in your heart. Especially after the people in those stories no longer are here.

The Apostle Peter’s stories

Think of what it must have been like when the Apostle Peter's family got together...

• Tell us about that wedding where they ran out of wine.

• Did you really get to meet Father Moses and Elijah?

• You cut off a guy's ear with a sword!

• What did you say about the rooster crowing?

• What were you thinking when you got to the tomb and it was empty?

• How many fish did you catch that morning Jesus cooked breakfast?

• How did it look when Jesus was taken up into heaven?

Amazing stories! Firsthand accounts of what it was like to walk with Jesus, the Savior of the world. To be sure, they were Peter's stories. But they are also our stories to tell and retell.

God’s family stories

We have God's great "family story" book in the Bible. Just like Peter, we have been adopted into God's family. I like how J.B. Phillips translates Romans 3:15, You have been adopted into the very family circle of God and you can say with a full heart, “Father, my Father.”

Peter tells us to always be ready to tell the story of our lives in Christ. In 1 Peter 3:15, he writes, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, grant that we always be ready to share your story with our families, friends, and others you bring into our lives as we look forward to the ultimate family reunion in our heavenly home. Amen!

By Dave Payne

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The ministry of 316NOW exists to share the "family stories" of Jesus and his love. We do so that more and more people can become—through the work of God's Spirit—treasured children of the Lord. You can help us. We have suggestions here.