John 21:15-19

Peter denied Jesus, just as we often do.
Jesus forgave Peter, just as He does for us.
How fortunate to have a loving and forgiving God. If we did not, we would be doomed!

Some of the things we humans do, one would think might amaze God. How can he not think, "Wow, she's doing that again?" or "How many times does he have to engage in that and then beg for forgiveness before he learns?" Seven times seventy times I guess, and that's the good news for us!

As we stumble through this world aren't there times you feel like things couldn't be better, and you are able to follow God's commandments with ease, and then bam, you're off the wagon again! I guess He knew it would be like that, so He afforded us the grace of forgiveness. Have you ever been frightened though, that your sin might be too big for God to forgive? I have, and that's a scary place to be. At the beginning of the book of John, our Lord is referred to as "full of grace and truth." Jesus is not like anyone else. He will not, he cannot, let you down. If you put your trust in Him, you will not be disappointed.

Want Some Salt With That? Matthew 16:13-28

Have you ever looked at the disciples and wondered which one you were most like? Perhaps you are like Thomas, a bit prone to doubting God when the pressure is on, but willing to repent and get on your knees when God reassures you.

Or are you more like James or John, Sons of thunder, you’d be eager stike anyone down with lightning if they disrespects your Lord, but often stub your toe trying to get a good seat in heaven.

Me, I’m like Peter. I bet Peter was a strong willed child. I not only was a strong willed child but I turned into a strong willed adult. I will be the first to proclaim Christ as Lord but could also buy stock in salt, for all the times I could use it to flavor my foot before it goes in my mouth.

Our scripture passage today highlights one of Peter’s brightest moments and one of his darkest. I feel bad for Peter because I can totally get him. I am encouraged though as I see myself in the text, because I know Jesus also gets Peter. That is why he called him to be his disciple. Jesus knows that despite his foot-in-mouth disease, Peter will be a huge asset for the kingdom.

God has called us too. He knows our flaws and still sees someone who he can use to build his church. Wow, that is amazing. Take some time today and thank God for seeing your potential and loving you through the rough edges.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway.com matthew 16:13-28

Unashamed Love John 18:19-27

I remember growing up being one who would defend those in need. If a friend was lied about I would go to bat for them. If a bully picked on my friend I would take a stand. I wonder how far I would have gone as one of Jesus' disiples. Truth has always been an important thing to me, but would I risk my life for the truth?


In today’s passage Jesus says, “If I spoke the truth, why did you strike me? These are powerful words spoken by Jesus after a high priest struck him for defending himself. No one else is coming to his defense so Jesus is standing up alone. We see later in the passage that Peter is in the processes of denying Jesus three times.


I don’t know how I would have acted back in the day when Jesus was on trial, but I can make the choice to stand up for him today. After all He has done for me, I chose today to testify of his love and sacrifice.

Read the entire passage on Biblegateway John 18:19-27