Christian Living

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Three times the Lord asked Peter
“Simon, son of John lovest thou Me?”
Three times Peter replied
“Yes, Lord Thou knowest all things,
Thou know I lovest Thee."

Can you imagine how Peter must have felt at that moment on the sandy beach that morning? I can almost see him in my mind, looking at his feet, not meeting the Lord’s penetrating gaze, his shame still washing over his soul. But Jesus’ eyes held only tenderness and love. Jesus was not rebuking Peter for denying Him three times. He never once said “What a friend you turned out to be!“ No, He was assuring him that He still loved him and He forgave Him for his denials. Total forgiveness - that’s what He gives us all. How many times have I denied Him just like Peter? Or failed to profess Him out of my fear of others? Many times. Yet, He forgives me every time.

Thank you, Lord for always forgiving me, no matter what - Thou know I lovest Thee…..

“Feed my sheep” told Peter ‘I still have confidence in you. I know You will do My work.’ What a Friend! I can still feel the total disgrace Peter must have felt at his betrayal of the Lord, the insecurities washing over him. Then the awesome responsibility of feeding the flock comes from the Lord‘s mouth - and the restoration of his soul at Jesus’ confidence in him to accomplish the task given him. After I have fallen at His feet in repentance, He always restores me, just like He did Peter. He gives me the task to go back out there and feed His sheep. Can I do it Lord, I ask? My confidence not near as great as His. “With help from My Spirit living in you, yes you can!” He replies.

Thank you Lord Jesus, for never condemning me but always restoring me from my weakness and giving me Your power in my life. Thou know I lovest Thee…..

“Follow Me” must have reminded Peter of the first time Jesus had spoken those words to him some three and a half years earlier….‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ Peter remembers the phrase. And now, after all he had done, the Lord was again saying “Follow Me.” Oh, I can only imagine the joy and renewed strength those words gave to that Galilean fisherman. Jesus was again teaching him to “Keep your eyes on Me, walk as I walked, never let your eyes stray from Me, stay close enough that you always know that I am with you, helping you, empowering you, loving you. Unconditional love from The God of second chances. Wow…how awesome is that?

Thank you Lord Jesus - Thou knowest all things - Help me in this journey to always look to You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thou know how very much I lovest Thee…..

Forgiveness, Restoration and Love. He is all that and so much more.

Do you know Him today?

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