Even without AI, Peter recognized Jesus as Lord, the annointed One of God and promised coming King. All of these descriptions are tied up in the Greek word for Christ (see ourrabbijesus.com July 6, 2012). In light of this recognition, Peter was called to live as Jesus did by taking up his cross daily in order to be a true follower. When we recognize the Savior (and He will reveal this personally to all who seek Him), we also have a choice to follow Him-in the narrow way. The only other other option is to continue in the broad way that leads to destruction. Unashamed, we are given opportunities to speak His name to a needy world -described as sheep without a shepherd. He is the the great shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20). Recognize Him with honor and trust Him for deeds representing His kingdom come. – Teresa #mylord
Luke 9:18-37 (ESV)
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
Jesus Foretells His Death
21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
I’ve been reading John Bunyan’s sequel to The Pilgrim’s Progress written in the late 17th century, puritan style. Shockingly, the lack of “self promotion” seems to be the theme of the day. Over and over, Christian’s wife repents of her vile and wicked ways, submitting herself and obeying the good instruction of the husband of her soul. Over and over she sings praise for the provision of the king, bursting forth with how glad she is to be kept from awful pitfalls. This Psalm of David also reflects such an attitude of heart. There is an abundance of rejoicing when our King delivers! We must seek to follow Him wholeheartedly. – Teresa #diligencepaysoff #ask #seek #knock #greatheartourguide #donotquenchtheHolySpirit
You may have thought that it would never disappoint and then you woke up one morning and realized you had been much too idealistic. After taking stock of your feelings and being a bit more realistic, you are now free to judge rightly (with God’s framework). He loves unconditionally and He understands our human frailty (we are but dust). Because He created us in the image of God, there is so much potential and each one has inmeasurable value. Yet the “sin nature” of our souls can turn some into ruthless bullies. What will never disappoint is His ability to make us whole. When we have been forgiven, we can also forgive others.- Teresa #sufferingservant
will act wisely
;
at him
–
beyond that of any human being
–
many nations,
will shut their mouths
because of him.
of the Lord been revealed?
out of dry ground.
that we should desire him.
and familiar with pain.
their faces
and we held him in low esteem.
for our transgressions,
for our iniquities;
that brought us peace
was on him,
we are healed.
of us all.
and afflicted,
to the slaughter,
and judgment
he was taken away.
of my people he was punished.
in his death,
to crush
him and cause him to suffer,
his life an offering for sin,
and prolong his days,
in his hand.
of life
and be satisfied
;
my righteous servant
will justify
many,
with the strong,
the sin of many,
for the transgressors.
When we sow righteousness and live with a steadfast pursuit of it, our lives will flourish for eternity (Matthew 6:33). If you consider who has earned your allegiance- then remember to offer it up to God alone! Waiting in silence, we will be shown His power and steadfast love. We are not under the thumb of earthly fear- unless we choose to live there voluntarily. Like David, we can choose to trust God’s protection and walk in a place of His secure acceptance.- Teresa#blessedbyHispresenceamidstdifficulty
We all need a small inner circle of friends to vent with. Beyond that, I hope to understand the power of the spoken/written word. We have the power to uphold the gentleness of our Savior. It is in this act of being gentle with those who don’t deserve it that we embrace Christ’s gentle humility and develop strength. – Teresa #biteurlip #journalurturmoil #theallureofgentlenessbyDallasWillard
In the midst of life’s heaviness, our best recourse is to cast our cares. God is capable to handle the weight of our burdens, we are not. There are people in our lives who build us up and bring about comfort as well. If your “love language” is quality time, you need to hang out with a friend. First, with the Lord and second, with those you love! 💕 – Teresa #Garychapman #thefivelovelanguages #unbitterbox
How are we made righteous? Truly, by refusing to walk in darkness we participate in the light of life (John 8:12). Without the light of the world, however, we are without hope. Jesus is the light of the world. Abraham was credited with righteousness when he believed God (James 2:23, Romans 4:3). We too have the opportunity to believe God’s word, Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and to be credited with His righteousness. The substitutionary atonement of our Savior for the sin of the world balances the sin debt against us (Romans 3:25). This spiritual transaction works in our favor, paying more than enough in God’s account (Is. 53:10). Have you trusted the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2)? “Today”may be the day of your salvation.- Teresa #cometoHim #repentandbebaptized #newidentity #freetoloveselfandothers
When Jesus foretold what his disciples would do (when His time had come to fulfill the plan of Scripture), they could not fathom this turn of events or the weakness of their own character when faced with loss. Those who were righteous and courageous turned devious and fearful. If you’ve been betrayed by someone close to you, I encourage you to look to our Savior’s example or that of Joan of Arc. Forgiving mankind and trusting God’s outcome becomes the ultimate goal (as He redeems everything for His glory). – Teresa #Godseesall #betrayalhurts #moldedbypain #keepitsteady #notalonebecauseHewasaloneforus
I’ve been compiling a memory album for Peter and came across so many old photos! I’m reminded of the tremendous influence moms of the world make in shaping our culture (read Katie Davis Majors new book, Daring To Hope). The Bible passage below highlights Jesus’ remarks about a woman who offered all she had to live on. This part of the temple had both the treasury and the women’s court (see The Bible Knowledge Commentary). It was where Jesus also declared himself to be the light of the world (John 8:12). He explained that his followers would not continue to walk in darkness but would have the light of life. Women are so important to the Savior. He is free to work when we are free to follow Him. – Teresa #EricMetaxes7Women #lightrules
Reconnection 