TITLE
JUST LIKE PETER
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 100:3
Jesus light never leaves you,
Every Christ follower knows the story of Simon Peter, and truthfully most of us can relate to him so well. His story of denying Jesus 3 times has turned into a staple in Christianity’s what not to do and how easily we are all swayed away by fear. It’s really easy for us to say in modern western Christianity that we wouldn’t have done the same, and although I too have said those words if we can remove the saw dust from our own eyes we can remember Peter was the only disciple who was married and expecting a child. I’d like to believe he didn’t have the fear of losing his life for himself but his kinship. Does this make this the right choice? No, but it is the humanly flawed choice. Following Christ today doesn’t take the same physical surrender as it did for the disciples of Jesus, yes we must take up our cross daily, yes we must preach the Gospel, love our neighbors, etc but majority of us are not leaving our homes to preach the good word in countries it is banned. Our life is not in threat over wearing our gold crosses around our necks, we can worship in our church’s safely. We sit in the comfort of our homes, holding our children knowing what our next meal is without rationing. And yet there are many Christians who are afraid to even post Jesus on our social media, let alone bring up their faith in conversations. God doesn't’ judge us harshly because we keep our faith more private than we should, so we shouldn’t judge those of us who stumble before the Lord. If your fear comes from being hated and misunderstood remember the world condemned him too “You will be hated by everyone because of me," and "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” Matthew 10:22. But remember Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". There’s going to be many moments where we are flawed and do not make decisions as Christ would, maybe even times we feel like decisions we make lead us away from God, but it’s never too late learn from our shame and walk back into HIS light. If you have ever walked in HIS light then you need to know it never left you, not even when you surrounded yourself with darkness. Everyone can still feel and see the light carried in you, just like the crowd recognized Peter as one of Jesus’s followers you are also recognized. Peter gave his sin time for shame but he didn't let it take him out. He stood on his teachings and the miracles he witnessed. He knew with whole heart he was and is the Son of God. Let us not try to blend in with the world when we are created to be set apart, even from those who believe Jesus is King. Let our actions, and our life be proof HE IS WITHIN US. We can’t outrun him, hide from him or undue his love for us. He is everywhere and everything, so if you’ve been waiting for the invitation to walk back into his hands this is it, and if you haven’t left his covering keep this as your promise to keep to his calling. He still called Peter, he still made plans for Peter and he still loved Peter, just as he loves you.
FAITH SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 11:32
Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by everyone because of me," and "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first”
PRAYER TO SPEAK
Lord I recgonize that I am flawed in more ways than few, so I surrender idolizing myself and my comfort. Move the Holy Spirit within me to the path of radical change and free from my shame. With no justifying but correction, conviction and discernment from the heavens. I want to walk closely to you and not be afraid of what others think of me when I speak of your greatness. Help my heart be bold and full of you. Search my heart and make it clean, free of specs and condemnation. I know you are willing, let my spirit and flesh align.
In Jesus name
Amen.
WORSHIP SONG
PRAYER OVER YOU
The light you once walked in is still inside of you, I believe you will rediscover it with a new fire for Yahweh, like never before. He is the lamp to your feet, the shame you feel will break off permanently and completely leaving you healed inside and out. Your flesh has no more hold on you but the spirit inside of you the guides you to green pastures, I declare that you will rise back from shame as Peter did and walk back into the hands of Jesus. May your mind, body and spirit be covered in HIS grace, mercy and goodness.
SOCIAL MEDIA
NAMES OF GOD
Elohim - “God”
Abba - “Father”
Yahweh - “The Lord
El Elyon - “God Most High”
El Roi - "God Who Sees”
El Shaddai - “God Almighty”
Yahweh Yireh - “The Lord Will Provide”
Yahweh Nissi - “The Lord Is My Banner”
Jehovah Rapha - "Healer" Yahweh Shalom - “The Lord Is Peace”