April 7Sometimes in our cultural hustle, we lose sight of the call to “come and see” where God is calling us. The reality remains that Jesus actively and purposely invites us still, today. In this journey through the encounters of Peter and Jesus, let us turn our attention toward the practical faith which we have inherited: we must emulate this invitation and welcome all, just as Jesus did. Be bold. Be ready for the call. Come and see!
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April 14Being a Christian is risk free only so long as we don’t take it too seriously, don’t let our faith truly shape our priorities and agendas. Once we step forward to admit and to proclaim that Jesus is Lord of all creation--much less our own lives--we embark on a journey that is all about taking risks, about stepping out of the boat ourselves.
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April 21Peter being unable to comprehend a crucified Messiah- How can they not understand? God does not have to make sense to them … nobody understood this coming. This is the humility and pride of all of us.
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April 28We quickly see that Jesus cares much more about our focus on the concerns of God, rather than human concerns. This is namely why the Church is important. It helps with this mission that Jesus has set before us and calls us toward. The church is the Holy Spirit-filled community of people who find a key priority in the concerns of God, regardless of what the world offers.
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May 5We often focus on Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, arranging for his arrest by the priests and the temple guards. But I wonder if Peter’s denial of Jesus hurt him even more. Peter had been at Jesus’ right hand from the beginning and now he, in the time of Jesus’ greatest need, Peter denied even knowing him. Peter’s failure seems the end of the road for him, as the cross seems to be for Jesus. But God is a gracious God, abounding in faithfulness. Jesus will be resurrected and Peter will be redeemed.
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May 12We cannot do it alone. And even when we fail, we aren’t hung out to dry. Our relationship with Jesus is the key, just as we see with Peter and Jesus.
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