Pastor's Blog

Sand Mountain Sermonettes 1

Matthew 28:20

The One You Can Know in Times Unknown

Today, with joy and remembrance in my heart, I begin a series of little messages centering on the life of my mother, Jeanine Mabrey, representative to my hometown of Albertville, Alabama, also known by many as “Sand Mountain.” My prayer for each one, is that God will use it to encourage you of His unfailing presence during these days of uncertainty in which we find ourselves.

Jeanine Floyd Mabrey lived on Papa Floyd’s farm in the woods with her parents and her five siblings. Her daddy, Grover, died of a heart attack at thirty-six years of age. My mom was thirteen at the time.

Over the years, I have often spoke of my “Papaw Grover,” who died young of a heart defect that is easily treatable today in most cases. But, although not having known my grandfather, I feel I know him richly through the many stories my mom told me of him over the years.

Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has launched us into a season of great uncertainty reminding us once again of death, loss, and the feelings of great anxiety and hopelessness as the death toll has accounted for not only the elderly, but the young as well. But through it all, the Bible tells us the sovereign God who is in control during these unknown times can be known and embraced at all times with the assurance of His presence. Jesus said, “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Pastor Louie