Regroup - Be Still - Start Again.
I woke up this morning weighted by those around me feeling sad and downcast because of choices they have made. I thought about those who are angry, bitter, and unforgiving because of people they trusted failed them. I thought of those who followed the enticement of the fruit in the garden of another because it looked so much better than the fruit in their own garden with blaming hearts and again unforgiveness. So many regrets. So many disappointments. So much loss of time living the life of love, joy, and peace Father created in and for His children. Without realizing it Satan has engulfed a lifetime practically with so many by keeping many imprisoned with negative emotions of the flesh. The consequences of choices have been so overwhelmingly destructive that many seem to just exist.
The peace of heart is gone and sorrow has diseased the whole body. Satan entices more with different manners or habits of coping; alcohol, drugs, carefree living, gambling, pornography, and the list goes on. Jesus offers complete restoration, but one has to believe, accept it, receive it, and live in the freedom He gives.
That is not just something one speaks with the tongue… “Yes!!! Lord Jesus I want You to come into my life and be my Life Savior!” That is only the beginning! A life of love, joy, and peace that Father has designed for us is to be like the caterpillar that just feasts on the bountiful pleasures from the Master’s table. Eat like the caterpillar the Word of God and outgrow your skin; metamorphism at His best in the creation He claimed “very good!”
Look at the life of Peter. God gave him over all the disciples following Jesus the word of knowledge understanding who He was. Jesus asked, “Who do the people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”Matthew 16:13-18
Great! Jesus recognized Peter as the leader God created him to be. And I hope you realize Jesus has recognized you also as a powerful leader.
Follow Peter through the events in scripture and you find he was inquisitive, hungry to learn and understand what Jesus was teaching, quick to respond in action and in tongue, even making himself be the one chastised in front of his peers because of his prideful and “certain” attitudes!
Peter was one who jumped in with “all fours” not always thinking before he spoke or acted. He was the one who walked on water towards Jesus after commanding that Jesus call him out to prove it was He who was walking on the water. So quickly did he resort to the flesh, taking his eyes and trust off Jesus, giving into fear he began to sink. Matthew 14:22-33
If you have not placed yourself in any of those situations, perhaps this is the one that speaks more powerful to you. Jesus told the disciples, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me.” Peter being very sure of himself protests, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I NEVER will!”Matthew 26:31-35
As we may sadly have to admit, we have also said such words with the heart and desire not to do, but regrettably do. Jesus rebukes Peter, “I tell you the truth, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”Matthew 26:34 The shock, the remorse of such accusations from the one you love so much!!
Unfortunately, Peter does just what Jesus said he would do, but later he is given opportunity to redeem himself. This is where we need to “be still and learn.”
After Jesus was crucified and resurrected, He took time to continue to teach before ascending to the Father in heaven. While the disciples were fishing Jesus came to them and prepared a meal using the fish they caught. “Peter,” He said, “Do you truly love me more than these?”
Peter responds, “Yes, Lord. You know I love You.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” It is not just once that Jesus asks Peter this question but three times. And three times Peter responds with “Yes, You know that I love You. John 21:15-19
Jesus was elevating him to the leadership position he was created for by telling him stop looking at yourself; your mistakes or failures. Look to Me. Gain from me truth, forgiveness, wisdom, provision, protection and the list goes on, to be the person I designed you to be and then care for those around you with the love you have received from Me. And then the reminder… “I will be with you always!”Matthew 28:20
Something Beautiful Bill Gaither
Something beautiful…something good…all my confusion He understood!!
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife! But He made something beautiful of my life.
Father, I praise You and worship You for You are so worthy of our time, energy, heart. Thank You for making something beautiful and good out of our lives! May we take time right now to be still, regroup our thoughts, and start again with actions of Jesus in our hearts. Forgive us for allowing Satan to keep us from the life You created for us. May we be adamant to care for Your sheep as You have cared for us. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen